Which Certifications Are A Must For A Qualified Auto Mechanic?

This question apparently occurs to a lot of people who believe its a waste of money to consult a certified technician when it comes to their vehicles. Why not simply call in the neighborhood quack, who has always proved useful with a set of tools, instead? Well, there are various arguments against, but the strongest come in the form of the test lineup and mission statements of ASE (The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) and I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair). These are the two most reputable organizations that certify auto service technicians after conducting tests. Go through the brief backgrounds of each organization, their respective mission statements, and finally their test line-ups.

ASE (The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence)

Until a little over three decades ago, there was no way of making a distinction between professionals and amateurs when it came to auto technicians. Obviously, a solution had to be found. And so was born, in 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent, non-profit body. Today, the ASE counts almost 420,000 professionals as its certificate holders, working in every possible sector of the automotive industry, including car and truck dealerships, individual garages, fleets, service stations, and more.

In order to obtain ASE certification, applicants must sit for one or more of the ASEs 40-plus tests, which are sorted into different areas of expertise for automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, and collision repair technicians as well as engine machinists, alternate fuels technicians, parts specialists, and collision damage estimators. A successful candidate needs to pass at least one exam and make available proof of at least two years of relevant work experience, whereupon he becomes ASE certified. This is not a one-time certificate, though. In order to remain certified, technicians with ASE certification must take a retest every five years. The ACT, which operates various academic and occupational testing programs, is in charge of the tests, and they are organized twice a year in over 800 locations nationwide. The exams impose strict quality control by testing candidates mastery over job-related skills and are not easy to pass. In fact, something like one in three candidates fails.

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.

Why does an ASE certification mean so much? Well, the ASE's aim is to improve the standard of automotive repair and service by testing and certifying repair and service technicians in the automotive industry.

To gain a clearer understanding of the methodology of ASE certification and testing, have a look at the tests as outlined on the ASE 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 lets take a look at I-CAR

Set up in 1979, I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) is, once again, an international, non-profit training organization that seeks to better the quality, safety, and success rate of auto collision repair.

I-CAR also offers the concept described as Outward Vision. This is essentially an attempt to define the Ideal State of the collision industry as far as technical training goes. I-CAR's definition of the Industry's Ideal State is:

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.

These 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.

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