What Certifications Are A Must For A Qualified Auto Technician?

By Rand Stuck

This is a question plenty of people ask, probably in the belief that it makes monetary sense to get their vehicles checked and repaired by an uncertified technician because he costs less. Therefore, why pay more for a qualified auto repair expert? Well, you have only to look at the test lineup and mission statements of ASE (The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) and I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) to find an answer. These are the two pre-eminent organizations in the area of issuing certificates to auto service technicians, thanks to the tests and programs they conduct. This article intends to supply a brief background on each, list their mission statements, and enumerate the test line-up for each.

ASE (The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence)

Even 30-odd years ago, there was no way to tell whether an auto technician was competent. That is, there was no professional standard that auto technicians could adhere to. To fill in this vacuum, the autonomous, non-profit body known as National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was set up in 1972. As of today, nearly 420,000 professionals can boast that they possess current ASE certifications. They work in all areas of the automotive service industry such as vehicle dealerships, single garages, fleets, and service stations.

How does the ASE go about awarding a certification? All aspirants sign up for one or more of the ASEs 40-odd exams. The tests are classified under such specialty areas as automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, and collision repair technicians and engine machinists, alternate fuels technicians, parts specialists, and collision damage estimators. When an applicant has passed at least one exam and has supplied proof of at least two years of relevant job experience, he is officially ASE certified. However, he must take a re-test every five years in order to remain ASE certified. ACT, which runs several academic and occupational testing programs, oversees the tests, held twice a year at over 800 venues around the country. And just in case you thought everyone passes them with flying colors, think again, because roughly one out of three candidates fails the tests, which emphasize job-related skills.

How does the consumer benefit from ASE certification? One, it is a valuable benchmark that indicates the measure of knowledge and skills of individual technicians; and two, it helps a consumer gauge whether a repair facility is high-quality (because it employs ASE-certified technicians). Therefore, watch out for facilities bearing the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence logo on any of their advertisements, including Yellow Pages, or on their exteriors.

ASEs mission: To improve the quality of automobile repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals in the automotive industry.

In order to understand the process of ASE certification and testing, have a look at the tests as outlined on the organizations website (www.ase.com):

Auto/Light Truck: A1 Engine Repair; A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle; A3 Manual Drive Train and Axles; A4 Suspension and Steering; A5 Brakes; A6 Electrical/Electronics Systems; A7 Heating and Air Conditioning; A8 Engine Performance

Alternate Fuels: F1 Light Vehicles-Compressed Natural Gas

Medium Heavy Duty Truck: T1 Gasoline Engines; T2 Diesel Engines; T3 Drive Train; T4 Brakes; T5 Suspension and Steering; T6 Electrical/Electronic Systems; T7 Heating, Ventilation, & A/C; T8 Preventive Maintenance Inspection

Parts Specialist: P1 Med/Hvy Truck Dealership Parts Specialist; P2 Automobile Parts Specialist; P3B Med/Hvy Truck Aftermarket Parts Specialist (Brakes); P3S Med/Hvy Truck Aftermarket Parts Specialist (Suspension and Steering); P4 General Motors Parts Consultant

Advanced Series: L1 Automobile Adv'd Engine Performance Specialist; L2 Truck Adv'd Elec. Diesel Engine Diagnosis

Collision Repair and Refinishing: B2 Painting and Refinishing; B3 Non-Structural Analysis and Damage Repair; B4 Structural Analysis and Damage Repair; B5 Mechanical and Electrical Components; B6 Damage Analysis and Estimating

School Bus: S1 Body Systems and Special Equipment; S2 Diesel Engines; S3 Drive Train; S4 Brakes; S5 Suspension and Steering; S6 Electrical/Electronic Systems; S7 Air Conditioning Systems and Controls

Engine Machinist: M1 Cylinder Head Specialist (Gas or Diesel); M2 Cylinder Block Specialist (Gas or Diesel); M3 Assembly Specialist (Gas or Diesel)

Truck Equipment: E1 Installation and Repair Specialist; E2 Electrical/Electronic Systems; E3 Auxiliary Power Systems

Specialty Test: X1 Exhaust Systems

Now for a look at I-CAR

Created in 1979, I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) is also an international, non-profit training organization dedicated to improving the standard, safety, and efficacy of auto collision repair.

I-CAR has put in place a concept best described as Outward Vision, which embodies the organizations intention to define the Ideal State of the collision repair industry with respect to technical training. Heres how I-CAR defines the industrys Ideal State:

That every person in the collision industry has the necessary technical knowledge and skills relevant to their position to ensure a complete and safe repair. I-CAR continues to develop and deliver technical training programs to professionals in all areas of the collision industry. Furthermore, I-CAR provides a communication forum for anyone interested in proper collision repair. Finally, that I-CAR's primary funding is derived from student tuition and services, insuring that I-CAR can remain unbiased in developing courses and services on an industry-wide basis.

The I-CAR Mission Statement:

To research, develop, and deliver quality technical educational programs related to collision repair; to raise the level of available knowledge and recognize professional achievement; thereby improving communication throughout the Collision Repair, Insurance, and related Industries for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.

The following are some of the training courses offered through I-CAR for collision repair technicians:

Identification and Repair Decisions; Adhesive Repair; Welding Repair; Repair of Padded Dashes; Refinishing of Plastics; Analyzing Damage; Creating a Damage Report Manually; Creating a Computerized Damage Report; Safety & Environmental Practices

Understanding Automotive Finishes; Preparing the Surface for Refinishing; Preparing the Equipment, Paint Area & Refinish Materials; Tinting; Applying the Finish; Blending;

Solving Paint Application Problems; Finish Defects, Causes & Cures; Detailing; MIG (GMAW) Welding Cutting & Heating Processes Advanced Welding Methods; Damage Analysis; Straightening Structural Parts; Full & Partial Panel Replacement; Stationary Glass Replacement; Restoring Corrosion Protection; Preparation Panel Replacement and Alignment; Working with Trim and Hardware; Metal Straightening; Using Body Fillers; Door Skin & Intrusion Beam Replacement; Quarter Panel Placement; Moveable Glass and Hardware.

You ought to be convinced by now, surely? If all that has been said here does not convince you that you need a skilled technician to work on your car, nothing will. As in every profession, there is a need for qualified, trained experts in the auto repair industry as well. And when you go to an ASE certified technician, you can be sure you are dealing with an individual who has kept himself updated on the latest happenings in the industry. Therefore, dont scrounge when it comes to taking care of your vehicle. Settle only for the best, and those few dollars more wont seem like a lot. - 21396

About the Author:

Rand Stuck is a master technician with over 13 years experience working on BMWs and currently manages the BMW parts department for an online parts retailer. You can find additional Repair and Maintenance information at AutoWerks Parts & Accessories