(Nov. 2, 2007) ASE was formed in 1972 to improve the quality of auto service and repair professionals through voluntary testing and certification. It was founded as an alternative to mandatory testing and was supported and endorsed by original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket industry.

The non-profit organization has been sustained since 1973 by test fees, according to Chuck Roberts, executive director, industry relations for ASE, who presented the seminar "ASE Certification: What's in it for me" at AAPEX on Thursday.

"We enjoy widespread support in the auto service repair industry and have evolved into the defacto standard for technical knowledge of service and repair," Roberts says.

ASE offers 51 different certification tests offering all types of vehicles. To achieve certification, technicians must pass one of the tests and have at least two years of industry experience. Certification is good for five years. Written tests are offered in the spring and fall at more than 750 locations nationwide, and computer-based tests are offered in the winter and summer at 225 locations. About 250,000 technicians take one or more ASE tests each year.

"The No. 1 reason technicians take ASE tests is for the pride of the accomplishment, and they wear that accomplishment on their sleeves," Roberts says referring to the ASE certified patches technician wear. "Those who pass the tests enjoy career enhancement opportunities and recognition from their peers. It also is a challenging goal because only 40 percent of all technicians are ASE certified."

ASE certification has improved the image of the industry by offering a nationally recognized credential, he said.

"Many organization use ASE certifications as a screening tool to hire new technicians or will improve employee morale by offering to pay for the tests for existing employees," he says. "Companies can promote ASE certified technicians to gain a marketing advantage."

In fact, companies that employ 75 percent if its technicians who have at least one ASE certification and have at least one individual certified in each area can earn ASE's Blue Seal of Recognition.

"This helps build public trust and recognition," Robert says. "It is a mark of professionalism for the shop and offers technicians opportunities for increased earning potential."

A recent survey indicated that 91 percent of consumers feel that ASE certification is a "very or somewhat important" factor in deciding where to have their cars serviced, he said. Only 2 percent said it was not at all important in selecting a shop.

Shops that employ ASE-certified technicians will have measurable differences in effectiveness, he said. Shops with no ASE-certified technicians get repairs done right the first time 76 percent of the time, Roberts said, while those with ASE technicians holding 10 or more certifications get repairs done right the first time 90 percent of the time.