The world of modern vehicles is complex. With advanced electronics, computer systems, and diagnostic tools, today’s vehicles are smarter than ever before. Anyone in the automotive industry needs to have the right skills to work on these complicated vehicles, and the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications can prove you have them.
There are plenty of reasons why ASE certification matters for students entering the automotive industry.
Here are a few to start:
ASE Certification Validates Your Technical Knowledge
The ASE certification includes exams that assess your knowledge of automotive repair and service. Passing these tests demonstrates that, after years of study, you understand the concepts required for real-world automotive repair. Proving your technical knowledge isn’t just great for you, though.
Customers and employees want their automotive technicians to be knowledgeable, so earning an ASE certification is a win for everyone. Car owners can get the best care for their vehicles, businesses can get qualified employees, and technicians can get the respect and recognition they deserve.
ASE Certifications Help You Transition into the Workforce
At many other universities, students take ASE exams at the end of their degree, helping them transition from school to the workforce. The ASE-accredited program at your school counts for about half of the work experience you need to take the exam. The other half can come from internships and mentorships, which give you valuable industry experience. Or you can take and pass at least three of the Entry-Level ASE Certification Program Tests. Learn more about this entry-level testing.
With your ASE certification, you can start building your credentials. You’ll jump into the workforce already knowing that you have the skills and technical knowledge it takes to succeed in the automotive industry. But your certification doesn’t stop there; you’ll have the chance to keep learning and earning higher certifications.
ASE Certification Encourages Continuous Learning
With new hybrid and electric vehicles and increasingly computerized designs, automotive technology is rapidly evolving. To keep your certification up to date with these advancements, you will need to renew it every five years. This ensures you’re on top of industry trends and that your technical knowledge applies to every kind of car.
The good news is that the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence provides several ways to renew your certification. You can choose to take an in-person test at a Prometric test center, use the ASE renewal app to keep your certification up-to-date, or even take a proctored test remotely. You have plenty of options, so you don’t have to worry about your continuing certification and education.
ASE Certification Can Increase Your Career Opportunities and Pay
Certifications make technicians more competitive in the job market, and it opens doors to more opportunities on your path. ASE-certified technicians are needed in dealerships, independent shops, fleet services, and specialty repair centers. With a strong résumé and your certifications, you’ll have no shortage of options for work.
An ASE certification can also increase your pay. According to the Advanced Technology Institute, it can make you eligible for promotions and salary increases. Combined with your on-the-job experience, your certifications can help you advance through the automotive industry to find the position and salary you love.
Putting Your Certifications to Work
ASE certifications play an important role in preparing automotive technology majors for professional careers. Whether you’re focusing on the management aspect of the industry with an automotive technology management degree or designing the cars of the future with the automotive engineering technology, your ASE certifications are valuable. They’ll validate your technical knowledge, build trust with customers and employers, and advance through the industry.
At the end of the day, your ASE certification shows everyone, including yourself, that you’re ready to do good work.
Sources
ASE Certification Pathway ASE
ASE Certification BYU-Idaho
Instructions for Completing the ASE Work Experience Form ASE
Entry-Level Testing ASE
News ASE
How ASE Certification Can Help Your Career NYADI
ASE Certification Program ASE