DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A BMW TECHNICIAN?

Successful BMW Technicians are passionate about BMWs and enjoy the challenge of working on cutting-edge vehicles. If this describes you, then you could be on the fast track to success as a BMW technician. If you have experience as an automotive technician, search our open positions at www.bmwdealercareers.com.

BMW TRAINING TEST INFORMATION

BMW offers six tests. These tests are available to anyone.

• BMW Associate Test
• BMW Member Test
• Master Level Assessment – Drivetrain
• Master Level Assessment - Body and Chassis
• Master Elite Level Assessment – Drivetrain
• Master Elite Level Assessment – Body and Chassis.

Below is the content included in these six tests.

BMW of North America has developed these tests for internal use to evaluate technicians' training needs and does not recognize the completion or passing of these tests unless you are employed at a BMW dealership. BMW and ASE expressly disclaim the use of these non-certification tests for any other purpose.

INTERESTED IN WORKING FOR A BMW DEALER?

Technicians interested in a career at a BMW Center can proactively take these tests and prove their commitment to the profession and brand. By presenting a copy of your completion report to a hiring BMW Center, you are showing your desire to work for the brand as well as your familiarity with The Ultimate Driving Machine.

Three PATHS for new Technicians Joining BMW:

1. Entry-level Path: All new technicians seeking employment at a BMW dealer will be required to take the BMW Associate Test at a Prometric Test Center. Registration will be done on the ASE website and tests will be delivered at proctored Prometric test centers. Once you have successfully completed this test and are hired by a BMW dealer, you will be eligible to take BMW Member Level courses. If you are not successful in completing the Associate Test, you can still apply at a BMW Center and, if you are hired, you will be able to enroll in the entry-level path called the Associate Level.

The Associate Level concentrates on basic automotive technology and consists of four courses:

The Associate Level can be challenged at any time by taking the BMW Associate Test regardless of completion of the courses in this level. You must consult your dealer management before registering for this test. Upon successful completion of this test, you have achieved Associate Level Certification and can enroll in Member Level courses.

The target of the Associate Test is to qualify Technicians on basic automotive knowledge, not BMW knowledge. The target candidate for this level is:

• Internal promotions – Lube technician, Drivers etc.
• Personnel looking for a career change
  
  

2. Intermediate Path: If you pass the BMW Associate Test and are employed at a BMW dealer, you will skip the entire Associate Level and start taking courses in the next level called Member Level. The Member Level curriculum consists of basic BMW Technology.

In this level, you will begin training in basic BMW-specific technology. Like the Associate Level, when you have completed all courses in the Member Level, you can take the BMW Member Test. This test will be administered by ASE and taken at a Prometric test center. Upon successful completion of this test, you can enroll in the Member Level Hands-on Assessment (HoA). Once the BMW Member Test and Member Level HoA have been passed, Member Level certification is awarded and you can enroll in Certified Level courses.

The target candidate for this level:

• Tire, Lube or Entry-level technicians
• Postsecondary graduates with two to three year’s experience
• Independent repair facility technicians

3. Advanced Path: If you are an exceptional technician and complete the prerequisites listed below, you can challenge the Member level.
Prerequisites include:

• Employed at a BMW dealer for a minimum of 6 months
• Pass the BMW Associate and BMW Member Tests and Member HoA
• Complete the BMW Electrical Technology II course
• Complete Warranty for the Service Technician course
• Dealer management approval

Once successful, you can enroll in Certified Level courses. This is a challenging path that should only be considered by very experienced technicians skilled in luxury car technology. An exceptional electrical background is required.
The target candidate for this path:

• 5+ years of experience as a Master technician at another OEM brand
• ASE Certified Master Automobile with appropriate experience
  

BMW is a leader in the automotive industry and needs qualified technicians with the skills and knowledge to advance with BMW.

Please visit the links below to view exciting opportunities with a company that is searching for the best technicians in the industry.

BMW STEP
BMW STEP Connections
BMW Dealer Careers
BMWUSA.com

ARE YOU ALREADY WORKING FOR A BMW DEALER?

1. New Hire Technicians: If you are a New Hire technician and have completed all courses in the Associate level, you may take the BMW Associate Test.

Upon successful completion, you will achieve Associate Level certification. You can now enroll in Member Level courses.

2. Associate Level Technicians: When you have completed all courses in the Member Level curriculum, you can register to take the BMW Member Test.

Upon successful completion, you can enroll in the Member Hands-on Assessment (HoA). Once you have successfully completed this HoA, you can enroll in Certified Level courses.

Associate Level technicians can challenge the Member Level courses at any time when all prerequisites below have been met. Member Level challenge requirements include:

• Employed at a BMW center for a minimum of 6 months
• Pass the BMW Associate and BMW Member Tests and Member HoA
• Complete the BMW Electrical Technology II course
• Dealer management approval

Please see TMSI and consult your Service Manager for details.

3. Member Level Technicians: The Certified Level does not require a written test but still requires completing all courses in the Certified Level and passing the Certified Hands-on Assessment (HoA) at a BMW Technical Training Center.

Once you have completed all courses and the HoA successfully, you will be eligible to enroll in Master Level courses.

4. Certified Level Technicians: When you have completed all courses in the Master Level, you enroll in the Master Hands-on Assessment (HoA) at a BMW Technical Training Center.

In addition to successfully completing the Master HoA, ASE Certified Master Automobile Status (A1-A8) or BMW Master Level Assessment – Drivetrain and BMW Master Level Assessment – Body and Chassis is also required. Upon completion, Master Level certification is granted.

5. Master Level Technicians: To maintain Master Level Certification, you must successfully pass the Master Hands-on Assessment (HoA) at a BMW Training Center every three years along with maintaining your BMW Master Level Assessment – Drivetrain and BMW Master Level Assessment – Body and Chassis or ASE Certified Master Automobile Status (A1-A8).

Once you have completed your Master Hands-on Assessment (HoA) and have attained ASE Certified Master Automobile Status (A1-A8), you are eligible to enroll in Master Elite level courses. Please note that only having the BMW Master Level Assessment – Drivetrain and BMW Master Level Assessment – Body and Chassis does not qualify you to be eligible for the Master Elite level.

In addition to successfully completing the Master Elite HoA, ASE Certified Master Automobile Status (A1-A8) and BMW Master Elite Level Assessment – Drivetrain and BMW Master Elite Level Assessment – Body and Chassis is also required. Upon completion, Master Elite Level certification is granted. If you are a Foreman with a ST101/105 job code in DEMS you are eligible for Elite Foreman by taking the three (3) additional courses.

6. Master Elite Level Technicians: To maintain Master Elite Level Certification, you must successfully pass the Master Elite Hands-on Assessment (HoA) at a BMW Training Center every three years along with maintaining your BMW Master Level Assessment – Drivetrain and BMW Master Level Assessment – Body and Chassis and ASE Certified Master Automobile Status (A1-A8).

7. Elite Foreman Level Technicians: To maintain Elite Foreman Level Certification, you must maintain your BMW Master Level Assessment - Drivetrain and BMW Master Level Assessment - Body and Chassis and ASE Certified Master Automobile Status (A1-A8). The Master Elite Hands-on Assessment is waived for Shop Foremen.

Listed below are the ASE certifications required for BMW Master status:

• A1 – Engine Repair
• A2 – Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
• A3 – Manual Drive Train & Axles
• A4 – Suspension & Steering
• A5 – Brakes
• A6 – Electrical/Electronic Systems
• A7 – Heating & Air Conditioning
• A8 – Engine Performance
• BMW6 – Master Elite Level Assessment – Drivetrain
• BMW7 – Master Elite Level Assessment – Body and Chassis

If you are unsuccessful in passing any of the tests and/or Hands on Assessments, please examine the options below.

• Examine your test results to identify areas of difficulty
• Re-enroll in BMW course(s) you are having difficulties in
• Log on to the ASE website www.ASE.com to investigate ASE resources, such as test demos and test taking tips
• Investigate online training courses
• Enroll in community college automotive courses
• In-dealer training by a mentor

If you are currently employed at a BMW Center, please have your Shop Foreman or Training Coordinator contact your Regional Technical Training Manager on your behalf for remediation guidance.

BMW COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

BMW currently offers one test. The BMW Collision Repair Technician Assessment Test. This test is available to anyone. Below is the content included in this test.

INTERESTED OR ALREADY WORKING FOR A BMW CERTIFIED COLLISION REPAIR CENTER?

Two paths for Collision Repair Technicians:

As a BMW Collision Repair Technician, you will have to opportunity to achieve one or all levels of BMW Collision Repair Certification. Below you will find the various certifications offered by BMW.

The pre-requisites to start you on your journey to achieve any or all of the above levels is the same. The initial requirements are:

Option 1:

• I-CAR Technician Fundamental Training consisting of the following online courses

Option 2:

• 3 years of experience

• Pass BMW Collision Repair Technician Assessment Test

BMW NON-STRUCTURAL TECHNICIAN PATH

Certified Non-Structural Level: Upon completion of the requirements, you will be able to enroll in BMW Certified training. To achieve the Certified Non-Structural Certification, you must first attend all of the courses in this level.

Upon completion of the level courses, you will be able to enroll in the Certified Non-Structural Level Certification Hands-on Assessment (HoA) at a BMW training center. To be awarded the Certified Non-Structural Level Certification you must:

• Pass the Certified Non-Structural Hands-on Assessment (HoA)

• Pass the ASE-B3 Non-Structural Analysis and Damage Repair

Master Non-Structural Level: Once you have achieved the Certified Non-Structural Certification you can enroll in the Master Non-Structural Level course. As with the Certified Non-Structural Level, a HoA must be successfully passed to achieve the Master Non-Structural Certification.

To retain your Master Non-Structural Certification, you must recertify the BMW Master Non-Structural HoA every 3 years and keep your ASE certifications current.

BMW STRUCTURAL TECHNICIAN PATH

Certified Structural Level: Upon completion of the initial requirements, you will be able to enroll in BMW Certified training. To achieve the Certified Structural Certification, you must first attend all of the courses in this level.

Upon completion of the level courses, you will be able to enroll in the Certified Structural Level Certification HoA at a BMW training center. To be awarded the Certified Structural Level Certification you must:

• Pass the Certified Structural Hands-on Assessment (HoA)

• Pass the ASE-B4 Structural Analysis and Damage Repair

Master Structural Level: Once you have achieved the Certified Structural Certification you can enroll in the Master Structural Level courses.

Upon completion of the level courses, you will be able to enroll in the Certified Structural Level Certification HoA at a BMW training center. To be awarded the Certified Structural Level Certification you must:

• Pass the Master Structural Hands-on Assessment (HoA)

• Pass the ASE-B5 Mechanical and Electrical Components

To retain your Master Structural Certification, you must recertify the BMW Master Structural HoA every 3 years and keep your ASE certifications current.

If you are unsuccessful in passing any of the tests and/or Hands on Assessments, please examine the options below.

• Examine your test results to identify areas of difficulty
• Re-enroll in BMW course(s) you are having difficulties in
• Log on to the ASE website www.ASE.com to investigate ASE resources, such as test demos and test taking tips
• Investigate online training courses
• Enroll in community college automotive courses
• In-dealer training by a mentor

WHY ASE?

• ASE is recognized by the automotive service and repair industry in the United States.
• ASE is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals.
• ASE Certification is a valuable way in which to measure the knowledge and skills of individual employees as well as the commitment to quality of the repair facility employing ASE Certified professionals.

ASE SECTION 609 REFRIGERANT RECOVERY AND RECYCLING PROGRAM

BMW technicians can now obtain their Section 609 Credential through ASE.
In order to enroll in ST1813, you must take and pass the test on the ASE website and complete WB618 in TMSi.

Please log into www.asecampus.com/bmw to register for the test. Once you have successfully passed the test, BMW will automatically award credit for ASE609 (formerly MC618) in TMSi. You will not need to submit your certificate if you obtain your Section 609 credential through the ASE link above. Enrollment into ST1813 Instructor led course will now be possible.