Top 11 Automotive Service Technician Certifications

Certifications for automotive service technicians are important in the job market because they demonstrate a technician’s level of knowledge and experience. Employers look for technicians who have certifications from major organizations such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation), or I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair). These certifications show that a technician has achieved a certain level of expertise in their chosen field, which can help them stand out from other applicants and give employers confidence that they possess the skills necessary to complete repairs safely and correctly. Additionally, some states may require technicians to have certain certifications in order to practice legally.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Automotive Service Technicians, and explains how they can help to enhance an automotive service technician's career.

What are Automotive Service Technician Certifications?

Automotive service technician certification is a type of certification that recognizes the qualifications and knowledge of those who work in the automotive service industry. Automotive service technicians are responsible for diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, and other issues with vehicles. Having a certification demonstrates a level of expertise and experience that can help automotive service technicians stand out from others in the field.

Being certified can help technicians secure better job opportunities, higher pay rates, and access to more specialized training. It also helps demonstrate their commitment to the profession, as well as their dedication to providing quality services to customers. Additionally, having an automotive service technician certification may be required by some employers or insurance companies when working on certain types of vehicles or in certain areas. Finally, having a certification can help technicians stay up-to-date with current industry standards and trends, which can be beneficial both professionally and personally.

Pro Tip: Automotive service technician certification can be a great way to boost your career and increase your earning potential. To ensure you get the most from your certification, make sure to stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments, as well as continuing education opportunities that can help you further hone your skills.

Related: What does an Automotive Service Technician do?

Top 11 Automotive Service Technician Certifications

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

1. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification is a professional certification program for automotive technicians and mechanics. It is designed to recognize the competency of automotive service professionals in the areas of engine repair, electrical/electronic systems, brakes, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, manual drive train and axles, automatic transmission/transaxle, engine performance, light vehicle diesel engines, and other specialty areas.

To become ASE certified, technicians must pass at least one exam from each of the eight ASE test series. Each test series consists of several exams that cover different topics related to that area of expertise. The tests are offered twice a year in April and October at more than 400 testing centers throughout the United States.

To get an ASE certification, you must first register for the exam(s) you wish to take through an approved testing center or online via the ASE website. You will then need to pay a fee for each exam you take; this fee varies depending on which test series you choose to take. Once your registration is complete and payment has been received, you can schedule your exam date with the testing center or online.

The length of time it takes to get an ASE certification depends on how many exams you need to take in order to achieve it. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two months up to a year or more depending on how quickly you are able to study for and pass all required exams.

The cost of getting an ASE certification also varies depending on how many tests you need to take; however, typically each exam costs around $50-$60 USD per test series. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exams and scheduling them at a testing center if applicable.

2. National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE) Certification

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a non-profit organization that certifies automotive professionals in the United States. It was founded in 1972 to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. ASE certification is a voluntary program designed to recognize those who have demonstrated knowledge and skill in various areas of automotive repair and service.

To become ASE certified, an individual must pass one or more of the ASE tests administered by the institute. The tests cover a range of topics related to automotive repair, including engine performance, brakes, electrical systems, suspension and steering, heating and air conditioning, manual drive train and axles, automatic transmissions/transaxles, engine repair, light vehicle diesel engines, collision repair/refinish technician, parts specialist and truck equipment technician.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for the ASE exam depending on how much experience you have in the field. The best way to get ready for the test is to study from an ASE study guide or practice test book which can be purchased online or at most auto parts stores. Additionally there are online courses available through many schools that offer classes specifically tailored towards passing the ASE exam.

The cost of taking an ASE exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $30-$50 per test. If you pass all 8 tests required for certification then you will receive your official ASE certificate as well as a wallet card with your name and certification number on it.

3. Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair (AMLR) Certification

Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair (AMLR) Certification is a certification program for automotive technicians. It is designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform basic maintenance and light repair services on vehicles.

The AMLR program consists of two parts: the Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Technician Certificate Program, which is an online course, and the Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Technician Certification Exam, which is a proctored exam. The online course covers topics such as engine systems, brakes, suspension systems, electrical systems, and more. It takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete the coursework.

In order to become certified in AMLR, you must pass both the online course and the certification exam. The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of automotive maintenance and light repair services. You must score at least 70% on the exam in order to be certified.

The cost of the AMLR program varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD for both the online course and certification exam.

4. Automotive Technology Accreditation Program (ATAP) Certification

The Automotive Technology Accreditation Program (ATAP) is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is designed to recognize automotive technicians who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in servicing and repairing vehicles.

To get ATAP certification, an applicant must have at least two years of experience as an automotive technician, pass all eight ASE tests related to automotive technology, and complete a two-day ATAP course. The course covers topics such as vehicle systems, diagnostic procedures, service information resources, and customer service.

It typically takes about four months to complete the ATAP certification process. The cost varies depending on the number of tests taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$500.

5. National Institute of Automotive Service Professionals (NIASP) Certification

The National Institute of Automotive Service Professionals (NIASP) Certification is a professional designation that recognizes automotive service professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field. It is designed to validate an individual’s commitment to their profession, as well as their ability to provide quality service.

In order to receive NIASP certification, individuals must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. The criteria include having at least two years of experience in the automotive industry and completing at least 24 hours of approved training courses. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in areas such as customer service, safety practices, and diagnostic procedures.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as engine repair, electrical systems, brakes, suspension and steering systems, heating and cooling systems, fuel systems, emissions control systems, and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and is administered by accredited testing centers throughout the United States.

The cost for taking the NIASP certification exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $100-$200. Once an individual has successfully passed the exam they will receive a certificate recognizing their achievement which is valid for five years. After five years they will need to retake the exam in order to maintain their certification status.

6. International Automotive Technicians Network (IATN) Certification

The International Automotive Technicians Network (IATN) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the skills and knowledge of automotive technicians. It is an industry-recognized credential that validates the expertise of automotive service professionals.

The IATN Certification process consists of three levels: Technician, Master Technician, and Senior Master Technician. To qualify for each level, applicants must meet certain criteria related to experience, training, education, and/or testing. The certification process typically takes 12-18 months to complete.

To get started with the IATN Certification process, applicants must first register online at the IATN website. After registering, applicants will be required to submit documentation verifying their qualifications for each level of certification they are applying for. This may include transcripts from technical schools or colleges attended, proof of employment in the automotive field, or results from ASE tests taken.

Once all documentation has been submitted and approved by IATN staff members, applicants will be required to pass a written examination specific to their chosen level of certification. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official IATN Certification certificate in the mail.

The cost for IATN Certification varies depending on which level you are applying for; however it generally ranges between $150-$300 USD per level.

7. National Automobile Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) Certification

The National Automobile Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for automotive technicians. This certification is recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is designed to provide employers with an assurance that a technician has achieved a certain level of competency in their field.

NATEF certification requires completion of an ASE-approved program, which typically takes two years to complete. The program consists of classroom instruction and hands-on experience in the areas of engine repair, electrical/electronic systems, brakes, suspension and steering, heating and air conditioning, and manual drivetrain and axles. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the NATEF exam.

The cost of obtaining NATEF certification varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on the length of the course and other factors. In addition to tuition costs, there may also be additional fees associated with taking the NATEF exam such as registration fees or proctoring fees.

To obtain NATEF certification, individuals must first complete an ASE-approved program at an accredited institution. Once they have completed this program successfully they can then register for the NATEF exam which is administered by ASE at designated testing centers around the country. After passing this exam they will receive their official NATEF certificate from ASE which will certify them as a qualified automotive technician.

8. Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship Program (ASTAP) Certification

The Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship Program (ASTAP) is a certification program designed to provide apprentices with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful automotive service technicians. The program is administered by provincial governments in Canada and is available to those who are interested in becoming certified as an automotive service technician. It typically takes four years to complete the ASTAP program, including both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

To get ASTAP certification, you must first apply for an apprenticeship with a qualified employer. You will then need to complete the required hours of on-the-job training, which can vary depending on the province you live in. Once your apprenticeship is completed, you will be eligible to write the ASTAP exam. Upon passing the exam, you will receive your ASTAP certification.

The cost of getting ASTAP certification varies depending on the province and employer that you are working with. Generally speaking, there is an application fee that must be paid when applying for an apprenticeship and there may also be fees associated with writing the exam or attending any additional courses that are required for certification.

9. Master Certified Technician Program (MCTP) Certification

The Master Certified Technician Program (MCTP) Certification is a professional certification program offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This program is designed to recognize and reward technicians who have achieved a high level of technical knowledge and skill in the automotive repair industry.

To become an MCTP certified technician, you must pass five ASE certification tests: Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, and Electrical/Electronic Systems. Each test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. The cost of each test is $44.

In addition to passing the five tests mentioned above, applicants must also have at least two years of work experience as an automotive technician or mechanic in order to qualify for MCTP certification. The total cost for all five tests is approximately $220 plus any applicable fees.

Once you have successfully passed all five tests, you will receive your MCTP certification card from ASE. This card will serve as proof that you are officially a Master Certified Technician and will be valid for up to five years from the date it was issued. After five years, you will need to retake the tests in order to maintain your certification status.

10. Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (AEPS) Certification

Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (AEPS) Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of automotive technicians who specialize in engine performance diagnosis, repair, and service. This certification is offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

To obtain AEPS certification, applicants must pass two exams: the ASE Advanced Engine Performance (A8) exam and the ASE Electrical/Electronic Systems (E1) exam. The A8 exam covers topics such as diagnosing and repairing engine performance problems, fuel systems, ignition systems, emission control systems, computerized engine controls, and driveability issues. The E1 exam covers topics such as electrical/electronic system diagnosis and repair.

The cost of both exams is $50 each. It typically takes between four to six weeks to receive results from the exams. To maintain AEPS certification, technicians must retake the exams every five years or demonstrate their continued competence through a combination of continuing education activities and work experience.

11. Automotive Air Conditioning System Specialist (AACSS) Certification

Automotive Air Conditioning System Specialist (AACSS) Certification is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the installation, maintenance, and repair of automotive air conditioning systems.

The ASE AACSS Certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as air conditioning system components, refrigerant types and applications, system diagnosis and repair procedures, safety practices, environmental regulations, and customer service. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

In order to become certified as an AACSS specialist, applicants must have at least two years of hands-on experience working with automotive air conditioning systems. Additionally, applicants must also provide proof of their experience in the form of a letter from their employer or other relevant documentation.

The cost of the ASE AACSS Certification exam is $60. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate in the mail within four to six weeks.

Overall, obtaining your ASE AACSS Certification can help demonstrate your expertise in automotive air conditioning systems and may even help increase your earning potential in this field.

Do You Really Need a Automotive Service Technician Certificate?

When it comes to pursuing a career as an Automotive Service Technician, having the proper credentials can make all the difference. A certificate in Automotive Service Technology is one such credential that can help you stand out from the competition and prove your commitment to the field.

Having a certification in Automotive Service Technology demonstrates to employers that you have achieved a certain level of competency in the knowledge and skills necessary for working on cars and other vehicles. It also shows that you have taken the initiative to become educated on the subject matter, which is highly valued by employers. Additionally, many employers offer incentives or bonuses to certified technicians, making it an even more attractive option for those looking to advance their career.

In addition to its value as a professional credential, an Automotive Service Technician Certificate provides you with access to industry-specific resources and support networks. This can be invaluable when it comes time to seeking employment or advancing within your chosen field. You will also find that having this certification gives you a better understanding of automotive technology which can be extremely beneficial when diagnosing and repairing vehicles.

At the end of the day, whether or not you need an Automotive Service Technician Certificate depends on your individual goals and objectives. If you are serious about pursuing a career as an automotive service technician, then having this credential is certainly recommended; however, if you are just looking for a basic job in auto repair then it may not be necessary. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine what’s best for your particular situation and goals.

Related: Automotive Service Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Automotive Service Technician Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become an Automotive Service Technician?

Answer: You will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a valid driver's license and a good driving record. You may also need to complete an apprenticeship program or specialized automotive service technician certification program in order to become certified.

2. How long does it take to become certified as an Automotive Service Technician?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification program you choose and the amount of experience you have. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years to complete the necessary requirements for certification.

3. Are there any special requirements for Automotive Service Technician certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are several requirements that must be met in order to obtain certification. These include passing a written exam, completing an approved training program, and having at least 1 year of experience working as an automotive service technician in a garage or dealership setting.

4. Is there any ongoing education required for Automotive Service Technicians after they receive their initial certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require that Automotive Service Technicians participate in ongoing professional development courses and workshops throughout their careers in order to maintain their certifications. This helps ensure that technicians stay up-to-date on new technologies and industry standards so they can continue providing quality service to their customers.

5. What is the cost associated with obtaining an Automotive Service Technician certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a certification varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking and which certifying body is offering it. Generally, you can expect fees ranging from $50-$200 for registration and other administrative costs associated with taking the exam, plus additional costs for course materials or other training programs if needed.