World Class Wednesday: Jason Elliot: From admiring the honor to earning it

Earning the title of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) World Class Technician is no small accomplishment. To be recognized as World Class, these individuals have obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas: A1-A8 (automotive), T1-T8 (medium/heavy truck), B2-B5 (collision repair), and L1-L2 (advanced).

Not only is achieving certification in these areas impressive, but becoming World Class is no small feat. As of 2025, only 2,000 technicians have achieved World Class status.

In this Q&A, Motor Age sat down with Jason Elliot — an ASE World Class Technician at Tom's Auto Center in McFarland, Wisconsin — to learn more about his journey in the automotive industry and how gaining World Class status has helped advance his career.

Motor Age: Please introduce yourself and tell us about your experience in the automotive industry.

Jason Elliot: I landed my first job at an independent shop, where a wall displayed employees' ASE certificates. I remember being especially drawn to the certificates with the Gold Master Technician stamp. That image stuck with me, and it ignited a drive to learn as much as I could and begin taking ASE certification exams.

I have spent over 29 years in the automotive repair industry, specializing in electrical diagnostics, network diagnostics, and the maintenance of domestic and import cars and light trucks. I achieved World Class Technician status at the age of 46 in 2025.

Motor Age: What's the most memorable repair you've ever completed?

Elliot: Throughout my career, I've encountered many unusual and seemingly illogical issues that eventually led to those satisfying "aha" moments once the root cause was uncovered. One of the more recent and interesting diagnostics I performed was on a newer Jeep that would intermittently shut down its internal high-speed CAN (IHS-CAN) system.

The IHS-CAN controls many of the vehicle's interior functions, such as the radio, HVAC, body control module (BCM), seat heaters, and more. When the fault occurred, the system would begin shutting down components one by one—first the radio sound, then the blower motor, and so on.

After many hours spent analyzing the network using a scope, I discovered that the malfunction occurred most consistently when the brake was applied. Replacing the brake switch resolved the issue entirely.

Motor Age: Tell us one thing about you that we can't guess from your certifications.

Elliot: Growing up, I was deeply interested in stock car circle track racing, particularly the suspension setup. That fascination drove my desire to apply what I learned in racing to passenger cars and light trucks.

Motor Age: What automotive technology trend are you most excited about/most concerned about?

Elliot: The technology in today's vehicles is incredibly exciting. Having been in the industry for nearly three decades, I've had a front-row seat to the evolution of automotive systems.

Each new advancement has served as a building block for the next, and now we're seeing those foundational systems power advanced safety features and even partially autonomous vehicles.

One concern I have — especially here in the Rust Belt — is the durability of some of these high-tech components. Many sensors and wiring harnesses, some using extremely thin 24-gauge wires, are mounted externally on the vehicle. I worry about how well these systems will hold up to harsh weather, road salt, and general wear over time, particularly here in Wisconsin.

Motor Age: How has ASE certification helped advance your career?

Elliot: To me, ASE certification represents pride. Pride in your career, pride in taking care of customers' vehicles, and pride in yourself. Even though ASE testing is voluntary, I believe it demonstrates a technician's commitment to mastering the procedures required to diagnose and repair faults with accuracy and professionalism.

Earning the ASE World Class Technician designation has helped me stay relevant in a fast-changing industry. It secures my future, strengthens my career, and allows me to provide for my family while doing the work I'm passionate about.