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.
Needless to say, a consumer stands to gain much from ASE certification. For one, it can become a measure of the knowledge and skills of a technician; second, it tells you a lot about a repair facilitys quality if it displays the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence logo on its signs and advertisements.
ASEs mission: To improve the quality of automobile repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals in the automotive industry.
In order to understand the process of ASE certification and testing, have a look at the tests as outlined on the organizations 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
Created in 1979, I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) is also an international, non-profit training organization dedicated to improving the standard, safety, and efficacy of auto collision repair.
To that end, I-CAR promotes the concept of Outward Vision, which is a concept that aims to define the Ideal State of the collision industry as far as technical training is concerned. In this regard, I-CARs definition of the industrys 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-CARs 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.
The following 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.
If, after all this, you still think it worthwhile to have an unskilled and unqualified amateur have a look at your car, just to save a few dollars in the short run, the call is yours. However, it is obvious that the importance of a certified and professional technician is immense when it comes to protecting and maintaining your precious vehicle. And whats more, such a technician will always keep himself updated on the latest happenings in the automotive industry, which means even the newest makes and models are safe in his hands. So do not leave your car vulnerable to undue risks. Consult a professionally certified technician today.
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.
Needless to say, a consumer stands to gain much from ASE certification. For one, it can become a measure of the knowledge and skills of a technician; second, it tells you a lot about a repair facilitys quality if it displays the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence logo on its signs and advertisements.
ASEs mission: To improve the quality of automobile repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals in the automotive industry.
In order to understand the process of ASE certification and testing, have a look at the tests as outlined on the organizations 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
Created in 1979, I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) is also an international, non-profit training organization dedicated to improving the standard, safety, and efficacy of auto collision repair.
To that end, I-CAR promotes the concept of Outward Vision, which is a concept that aims to define the Ideal State of the collision industry as far as technical training is concerned. In this regard, I-CARs definition of the industrys 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-CARs 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.
The following 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.
If, after all this, you still think it worthwhile to have an unskilled and unqualified amateur have a look at your car, just to save a few dollars in the short run, the call is yours. However, it is obvious that the importance of a certified and professional technician is immense when it comes to protecting and maintaining your precious vehicle. And whats more, such a technician will always keep himself updated on the latest happenings in the automotive industry, which means even the newest makes and models are safe in his hands. So do not leave your car vulnerable to undue risks. Consult a professionally certified technician today.
About the Author:
Rand Stuck is a master mechanic with over 13 years experience working on BMWs and currently manages the BMW parts department for an online parts retailer. You can find more Repair and Maintenance information at AutoWerks Parts & Accessories
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