Which Certifications Are A Must For A Qualified Auto Technician?
This is a question plenty of people ask, probably in the belief that it makes monetary sense to get their vehicles checked and repaired by an uncertified technician because he costs less. Therefore, why pay more for a qualified auto repair expert? Well, you have only to look at the test lineup and mission statements of ASE (The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) and I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) to find an answer. These are the two pre-eminent organizations in the area of issuing certificates to auto service technicians, thanks to the tests and programs they conduct. This article intends to supply a brief background on each, list their mission statements, and enumerate the test line-up for each.
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.
How does a technician obtain an ASE certification? Well, applicants must register for and clear one or more of the ASEs 40-plus exams. The tests are segregated into specialty areas such as automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, and collision repair technicians, engine machinists, alternate fuels technicians, parts specialists, and collision damage estimators. When an applicant passes at least one exam and can provide proof of two years of relevant work experience, he can obtain an ASE certificate. However, this is not a one-time affair, because an ASE certified technician has to renew his ASE credentials every five years, which means he needs to prove that he is constantly eligible and has to be retested. These tests are conducted by ACT, which runs various academic and occupational testing programs. The ASE certification tests are conducted twice a year at over 800 locations in the USA. The exams focus largely on knowledge of relevant job-related skills and are not easy to pass. In fact, approximately one in three applicants fails.
A consumer benefits from ASE certification in two ways: a) It is a reliable measure of the professionalism and skill of an individual technician; b) It indicates the standards that a repair facility adheres to since it employs ASE certified technicians. Therefore, look for the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence logo on anything associated with a repair facility before you decide to patronize it.
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.
You can gain a better idea of the ASE certification and testing by studying the tests as outlined on 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
Established in 1979, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair or I-CAR is an international, non-profit training organization committed to improving the quality, safety, and effectiveness of vehicle collision repair.
I-CAR also offers the concept described as Outward Vision. This is essentially an attempt to define the Ideal State of the collision industry as far as technical training goes. I-CAR's definition of the Industry's 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.
Some of the training courses offered through I-CAR for collision repair technicians are:
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.
As is obvious from the above, it is impossible to overstate the importance of a certification when it comes to choosing a technician for your car. As in all professional fields, the value of proper training and up-to-date knowledge is immense. So instead of pinching pennies in the short run, you should look to save in the long run. Take your valuable automobile to a properly certified technician.