Top 10 Automotive Manager Certifications

Certifications for an automotive manager are important because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Automotive managers must have a thorough understanding of the industry and the technical aspects of running a dealership or service center. With certifications, employers can be sure that their hire understands the complexities of managing an automotive business and is capable of making sound decisions that will benefit their company. Additionally, certifications act as a form of validation to potential customers, letting them know that the manager is knowledgeable and qualified to handle their needs. Certifications also help automotive managers stand out from other job applicants, giving them an edge in a competitive market.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how some of the top certifications for Automotive Managers can contribute to an automotive manager's career.

What are Automotive Manager Certifications?

Automotive manager certification is a professional certification program that prepares automotive professionals for the duties and responsibilities of managing an auto repair shop or dealership. The certification is designed to ensure that automotive managers have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage their staff, operations, and customer service. It covers topics such as customer service, sales techniques, financial management, human resources, and shop safety.

Having automotive manager certification can help in many ways. It shows employers that you are knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of automotive management. It can also give you access to specialized resources and support from certified industry organizations. Additionally, it gives you an edge when competing for jobs or promotions within the industry. Finally, it can provide valuable networking opportunities that may lead to further career advancement opportunities.

Pro Tip: To get the most out of your automotive manager certification, make sure to take advantage of any continuing education opportunities offered by your employer or certification provider. This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the automotive industry.

Related: What does an Automotive Manager do?

Top 10 Automotive Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Automotive Managers today.

1. Automotive Service Manager Certification (ASMC)

Automotive Service Manager Certification (ASMC) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the automotive service industry. It is offered by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), an organization that represents the interests of automotive service professionals.

The ASMC program consists of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires a certain number of credits, which must be earned through approved courses or activities. The Basic level requires 20 credits, the Advanced level requires 40 credits, and the Master level requires 60 credits. Credits can be earned through attending seminars or workshops, taking classes at accredited institutions, or completing online courses.

The certification process takes about two years to complete for each level. To get certified at any level, you must pass an exam administered by ASA. The exams are based on topics such as customer service skills, business operations, and management principles.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the number of credits required for each level and whether you take online courses or attend seminars/workshops. Generally speaking, it will cost around $500-$2,000 for all three levels combined.

In addition to demonstrating your commitment to professional excellence in the automotive service industry, ASMC certification can also help you advance your career opportunities and increase your earning potential.

2. Automotive Parts Manager Certification (APMC)

Automotive Parts Manager Certification (APMC) is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The APMC certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the management and operation of automotive parts departments.

The APMC certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory control, customer service, and parts pricing. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the automotive parts industry.

To get certified, applicants must first register with ASE and pay a fee of $50. After registering, applicants will receive study materials that cover the topics on the APMC exam. Once they have studied these materials, they can then schedule an appointment to take the exam at an approved testing center.

Once applicants successfully pass the APMC exam, they will receive their certification card in the mail within four weeks. The cost for taking the APMC exam is $90 plus any applicable taxes or fees charged by the testing center.

3. Automotive Service Consultant Certification (ASCC)

Automotive Service Consultant Certification (ASCC) is a certification program that provides automotive service consultants with the knowledge and skills to effectively advise customers on the maintenance and repair of their vehicles. The program is designed to help automotive service consultants better understand the technical aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair, as well as customer service principles.

The ASCC certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as vehicle systems, diagnosis and repair methods, customer service principles, and shop management. It takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete the course. After completing the course, students are eligible to take the final exam which must be passed in order to receive certification.

To get certified through ASCC, you must first register for the program by visiting their website or contacting them directly. Once registered, you will be provided with access to the online course materials which can be completed at your own pace. Upon completion of the online course, you can then schedule your final exam either online or in person at an approved testing center.

The cost for ASCC certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the exam in person or online. For those taking it in person, there is a fee of $95 USD for registration plus test fees which vary by location. For those taking it online, there is a fee of $75 USD for registration plus test fees which range from $50-$100 USD depending on where you live.

4. Automotive Technician Certification (ATC)

Automotive Technician Certification (ATC) is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is designed to ensure that automotive technicians possess the knowledge and skills necessary to properly diagnose and repair vehicles. The ATC certification program consists of eight tests, covering topics such as engine repair, electrical/electronic systems, brakes, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, manual drive train and axles, automatic transmissions and transaxles, engine performance, light vehicle diesel engines and alternative fuels.

The ATC certification process typically takes about four months to complete. To become certified as an automotive technician, you must first register with ASE and pay an application fee. After registering with ASE, you will be given access to study materials that can help you prepare for the exams. You will then need to take all eight tests within a two-year period in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the ATC certification varies depending on how many tests you are taking at once. Generally speaking, it costs around $50 per test or $400 for all eight tests taken at once.

5. Automotive Body Repair and Refinishing Manager Certification (ABRRM)

Automotive Body Repair and Refinishing Manager Certification (ABRRM) is a certification program offered by the Automotive Service Councils of Canada (ASCC). The program is designed to provide automotive body repair and refinishing professionals with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to manage a successful business in this industry.

The ABRRM program consists of three levels of certification: Level 1, 2, and 3. Level 1 focuses on basic management principles such as customer service, estimating, personnel management, financial management, and operations. Level 2 covers more advanced topics such as marketing strategies, legal issues, environmental regulations, and quality control. Level 3 provides an in-depth look at advanced topics such as shop layout design and safety practices.

The program requires a minimum of 12 months to complete all three levels. During this time you will need to attend classes or seminars that cover the various topics included in each level. You will also need to pass exams for each level in order to receive your certification.

In order to get started with the ABRRM program you will need to contact an ASCC approved training provider for information about their courses and fees. The cost of the program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 per level.

Once you have completed all three levels you will be eligible for ABRRM certification which is valid for five years from the date of completion. After five years you must renew your certification by completing any required refresher courses or exams that may be offered by your training provider.

6. Automotive Fleet Management Professional Certification (AFMP)

The Automotive Fleet Management Professional Certification (AFMP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of automotive fleet management. The AFMP was developed by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), in partnership with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

The AFMP is a two-part program that consists of an online course and an exam. The online course provides an overview of the principles, practices, and tools used in automotive fleet management. It covers topics such as vehicle selection and acquisition, maintenance and repair, fuel management, driver safety, and more. The exam tests your knowledge of these topics.

To become certified as an AFMP professional, you must complete both parts of the program within 18 months. Once you have completed both parts successfully, you will receive a certificate from ASE that recognizes your accomplishment.

The cost of the AFMP program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online course or attend a live seminar. The cost for the online course is $695 USD; for a live seminar it is $1,095 USD. Both include access to practice exams and other study materials to help prepare for the exam.

7. Automotive Quality Assurance Manager Certification (AQAMC)

Automotive Quality Assurance Manager Certification (AQAMC) is a certification program designed to provide automotive professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage quality assurance in the automotive industry. The program is offered by the Automotive Quality Assurance Association (AQAA), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting quality assurance in the automotive industry.

The AQAMC program consists of three parts: a written exam, a practical exam, and a case study. The written exam covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement methods, problem solving techniques, and customer service. The practical exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. Finally, the case study requires candidates to analyze an existing automotive quality assurance system and recommend improvements.

The AQAMC certification typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the candidate’s prior experience and commitment level. To get certified, candidates must first register for the program through the AQAA website and pay a registration fee of $450 USD. Candidates then have up to one year from registration date to complete all three parts of the certification program. Upon successful completion of all three parts, candidates will receive their official AQAMC certification from AQAA.

8. Automotive Financial Services Manager Certification (AFSMC)

The Automotive Financial Services Manager Certification (AFSMC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of automotive financial services professionals. This certification is offered through the National Automotive Finance Association (NAFA).

It typically takes about six months to complete the AFSMC program. The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Automotive Financial Services, Advanced Automotive Financial Services, and Professional Practices in Automotive Financial Services. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time and includes online learning modules, case studies, and assessments. Upon successful completion of all three courses, students will receive their AFSMC certification.

To get the AFSMC certification, individuals must first register for the program through NAFA’s website. After registration is complete, they can begin studying for the courses right away. They will need to pass each course exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive their certificate.

The cost for the AFSMC program varies depending on whether you are an NAFA member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,495; for non-members it costs $2,195.

9. Automotive Sales and Marketing Professional Certification (ASMPC)

The Automotive Sales and Marketing Professional Certification (ASMPC) is a credential offered by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in automotive sales and marketing. The certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field, as well as their commitment to continuing education and professional development.

It typically takes about six months to complete the ASMPC program. To get started, applicants must submit an application form, which includes a resume, transcripts from any relevant courses taken, and three letters of recommendation from industry professionals. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete a series of online courses covering topics such as customer service, sales strategies, digital marketing, product knowledge, finance and insurance products, and more. After completing all required courses successfully, applicants must pass an exam to receive their certification.

The cost of the ASMPC program varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 USD.

10. Automotive Warranty Administrator Certification (AWAC).

Automotive Warranty Administrator Certification (AWAC) is a certification program that provides automotive warranty administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively administer automotive warranties. The program is designed to ensure that warranty administrators have the necessary understanding of the industry, its regulations, and best practices for administering warranties.

The AWAC certification program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and a final exam. The online self-study course covers topics such as product liability, customer service, legal issues, claims processing, and more. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the course. Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to take the final exam which tests their knowledge of the material covered in the course.

To get certified, students must first register for the AWAC program on their website. Once registered, they will be able to access all materials related to the certification process including study guides and practice exams. After completing the self-study course and passing the final exam with a score of 80 percent or higher, students will receive their AWAC certification certificate.

The cost for registering for and taking the AWAC certification program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, most programs cost between $500-$1,000 USD depending on how many courses you need to take and what type of support you need while studying for your exam.

Do You Really Need a Automotive Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need an Automotive Manager Certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking to work in an automotive sales, service, or management position, then having a certification may be beneficial. Certification can demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the job at a high level. It can also give you an edge over other applicants who do not have the same certification.

On the other hand, if you are already working in an automotive role and want to advance your career, then it may not be necessary for you to get certified. Many employers will look more favorably upon experience and proven performance rather than certifications. In addition, some employers may require additional training and/or education beyond what is offered by a certificate program.

Overall, whether or not you need an Automotive Manager Certificate really depends on your specific situation and goals. It may be worth researching different certificate programs available to see if they offer any valuable information or skills that could help further your career in the automotive industry.

Related: Automotive Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Automotive Manager Certifications

1. What is Automotive Manager Certification?

A: Automotive Manager Certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual's knowledge and expertise in the automotive industry. It is offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and demonstrates a mastery of automotive management skills, including customer service, marketing, sales, finance, and operations.

2. Who should pursue Automotive Manager Certification?

A: Automotive Managers looking to increase their job opportunities or demonstrate their commitment to career advancement should consider pursuing this certification. Additionally, employers may prefer hiring individuals with this certification as it shows a commitment to excellence in the field of automotive management.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining Automotive Manager Certification?

A: To obtain ASE's Automotive Manager Certification, applicants must pass two tests and have at least two years of work experience in an automotive management role. The two tests cover topics such as financial management, customer service, human resources management, marketing and sales strategies, and operational procedures.

4. How long does it take to earn Automotive Manager Certification?

A: Earning ASE's Automotive Manager certification usually takes around three months from start to finish. This includes studying for the exams and scheduling time for the exams themselves. The actual length of time may vary depending on each individual's study habits and availability for testing dates.

5. How much does it cost to obtain Automotive Manager Certification?

A: The cost of obtaining ASE's Automotive Manager certification typically ranges from $400-$500 USD depending on where you take the exams and whether or not study materials are included in the fee structure.