ASE Professional Certification Program Turns Thirty
Independent Program Benefits Consumers, Technicians, Industry Alike
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What started as a dream thirty years ago has become the largest occupational testing and certification program in the world. The non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive repair and service through the voluntary testing and certification of repair technicians.
The Turbulent '60s
ASE was born in a time of turmoil. Consumer complaints were high; Congressional hearings were called to investigate "automotive rip-offs." In the course of investigations, however, it was revealed that the problem was one of incompetence rather than outright fraud. Faulty repairs and comebacks were more indicative of ineptitude than any systemic dishonesty.
Every Problem Presents an Opportunity
When government licensing of mechanics was proposed, the industry countered with some tough questions of its own: What good would licensing do if mechanics were not properly trained? No matter how well intentioned, how would mandatory licensing solve the problem of ineptitude? From the industry's point of view, the challenge was to develop a process that would: 1) Help technicians become more competent, 2) Weed out the incompetent, and 3) Allow consumers to identify competent technicians. Voluntary testing and certification was proposed as a solution. The time spent on study and test preparation would help technicians upgrade their skills. Because the program would be voluntary, many marginal shade-tree mechanics wouldn't even try and would likely leave the profession over the course of time. A standardized credential could be issued and employers of certified technicians could market their technicians' repair expertise to consumers.
ASE is Founded
After a feasibility study determined that mechanics' skills could be measured accurately through written exams, an ASE office was opened and a series of conferences was held across the nation to alert industry leaders about what was to come. ASE was incorporated as a nonprofit organization on June 12, 1972, with representatives from the industry, consumer groups, education and government. The first testing administration was conducted in the late fall of 1972. Almost 15,000 mechanics from across the country signed up to take tests at 163 test centers; of that total, 8,567 earned certification. Ever since then, ASE has been proudly self-sufficient, generating its income from registration and testing fees. Today, ASE boasts approximately 430,000 currently certified professionals.
Industry-Driven Tests
Technicians were willing to put their skills on the line because they saw value in the program. ASE tests have always been designed with the needs of the working technician and the industry in mind. ASE's ultimate success boils down to one simple fact. The tests provide relevant, real-world measurement of technicians' skills and knowledge. All ASE test questions are written by technical experts representing a cross-section of the service industry, including working technicians, technical training representatives from manufacturers and the aftermarket, as well as vocational educators. The tests are updated and revised at regular intervals, and new exams are introduced as technician and industry demand warrants. Rather than a hollow license, the ASE credential provides value to technicians, their employers, and consumers alike.
Afterword
Without the support of the industry as a whole, ASE might have been another failed experiment. But ASE's best ambassadors have always been the men and women in the service bays and behind the parts counters who wear the ASE insignia proudly. The men and women who live and breathe by one simple ethic: Do the job right, the first time for the customer. Without technicians' willingness to put their skills on the line, the program would have failed. And for this reason, ASE's 30th Anniversary is really a Celebration of the Automotive Professional.
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