Top 11 Tire Technician Certifications

Certifications for tire technicians are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, experience and skill in the field. A certification can give employers assurance that a technician is qualified to safely and effectively perform their duties. Furthermore, certifications can make a technician more attractive to potential employers and may lead to higher wages or better job opportunities. Additionally, having a certification can indicate that a technician is up-to-date with the latest industry standards and practices.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Tire Technicians and explains how they can help to advance a tire technician's career.

What are Tire Technician Certifications?

Tire technician certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and experience in the field of tire maintenance and repair. Tire technicians are responsible for inspecting, replacing, and repairing tires on cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Certification requires individuals to pass an exam that covers topics such as tire construction, inflation pressure, balancing techniques, tread design, wheel alignment, and more.

Having a tire technician certification can help to increase an individual’s job prospects in the automotive industry. Employers often prefer to hire certified technicians since they have demonstrated their expertise in the field through the completion of a comprehensive exam. This certification also helps employers save time since it eliminates the need for additional training or orientation. Furthermore, certified technicians may be eligible for higher pay rates than those without a certification since they have proven their competence in their chosen field. Finally, having a tire technician certification can open up opportunities for advancement within an organization since employers tend to value those with specialized knowledge and skills.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a tire technician certification, make sure to research the requirements for certification in your state. Each state may have different requirements and it is important to be aware of them in order to ensure you meet all necessary qualifications.

Related: What does a Tire Technician do?

Top 11 Tire Technician Certifications

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

1. Automotive Tire Service (ATS) Certification

Automotive Tire Service (ATS) Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide automotive technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to properly install, repair, and maintain tires. This certification is offered through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is a two-part program that consists of a written exam and a hands-on practical exam.

The written exam covers topics such as tire installation, tire inspection, wheel alignment, tire repairs, and other related topics. The practical exam requires candidates to demonstrate their proficiency in performing various tire service tasks such as mounting and balancing tires, inspecting tires for wear, repairing punctures or damage to tires, and more.

It typically takes about four hours to complete the ATS certification process. Candidates must first register with ASE in order to take the exams. Once registered, they will receive an online registration form which they must fill out in order to be eligible for the exams. After registering with ASE, candidates can then choose when they would like to take the exams.

The cost of taking the ATS certification exams varies depending on where you are taking them. Generally speaking, it costs around $100-$150 per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees. It is important to note that this fee does not include any study materials or textbooks which may be necessary for success on the exams.

2. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Tire Technician Certification

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Tire Technician Certification is a certification that recognizes the knowledge and skill of automotive technicians in the maintenance, repair, and service of tires. It is a voluntary certification program offered by ASE, an independent organization that tests and certifies automotive professionals. The ASE Tire Technician Certification covers topics such as tire selection, installation, balancing, rotation, repair, and inspection.

The ASE Tire Technician Certification exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience working with tires or have completed an approved training program. The exam fee is $50 per attempt.

To get certified as an ASE Tire Technician, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once certified, technicians will receive an official certificate from ASE recognizing their achievement. This certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by retaking the exam or completing approved continuing education courses.

3. National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Tire Technician Certification

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Tire Technician Certification is a certification program that recognizes the highest level of expertise in tire service. This certification is designed to demonstrate a technician's knowledge and proficiency in all areas of tire service, including mounting and dismounting, balancing, repair, inspection, and maintenance.

To become an ASE Master Tire Technician, technicians must have at least two years of experience working as a tire technician or service advisor. They must also pass the ASE Master Tire Technician Certification Exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as wheel and tire installation, wheel alignment principles, tire construction/maintenance/repair/inspection/balancing procedures, wheel bearing adjustment procedures, and more.

It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam. Once the exam is completed successfully, technicians will receive their ASE Master Tire Technician Certification. This certification is valid for five years from the date of issue and can be renewed by re-taking the exam or completing continuing education requirements every five years.

The cost to take the ASE Master Tire Technician Certification Exam is $70 USD for members of ASE or $90 USD for non-members.

4. Michelin Certified Tire Technician Program

The Michelin Certified Tire Technician Program is an industry-recognized program designed to provide technicians with the skills and knowledge necessary to properly install, maintain, and repair Michelin tires. The program consists of a series of online courses that cover topics such as tire inspection, installation, maintenance, and repair. Upon successful completion of all course requirements, participants will receive a certificate of completion from Michelin.

The program takes approximately 10 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace. Participants must register on the Michelin website in order to access the course materials and exams. Once registered, participants will have access to the course material for up to one year after purchase.

The cost for the program is $99 USD per participant. This fee includes access to all course materials and exams as well as a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

5. Bridgestone/Firestone Certified Tire Technician Program

The Bridgestone/Firestone Certified Tire Technician Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to properly install, maintain, and repair tires. The program consists of both classroom and hands-on instruction, covering topics such as tire construction, maintenance, balancing, alignment, and more.

The program typically takes two days to complete. During the first day of training, technicians learn about tire construction and maintenance in a classroom setting. On the second day, they practice their skills through hands-on activities in a lab setting.

To become certified as a Bridgestone/Firestone Tire Technician, individuals must successfully complete the two-day course and pass an exam at the end of the program. The cost of the program varies depending on location but can range from $100 - $200 per person.

6. Goodyear Certified Tire Technician Program

The Goodyear Certified Tire Technician Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly install, maintain, and repair Goodyear tires. The program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.

The Basic level includes an introduction to Goodyear tires, tire construction and performance characteristics, wheel installation and balancing procedures, tire maintenance tips, and safety practices. The Intermediate level covers more advanced topics such as tire repair techniques, wheel alignment procedures, tire rotation methods, and other related topics. The Advanced level focuses on specialized topics such as winter tire installation and maintenance procedures.

The program typically takes between four to six months to complete depending on the level of certification being pursued. To get certified in the program technicians must attend classroom sessions conducted by Goodyear-certified instructors at an authorized training center or through an online course.

The cost for the Goodyear Certified Tire Technician Program varies depending on the type of certification being sought but typically ranges from $200-$600 USD.

7. Yokohama Certified Tire Technician Program

The Yokohama Certified Tire Technician Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly install, maintain, and service Yokohama tires. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and an exam.

The program takes approximately 8 hours to complete and can be completed in one day or split up over multiple days. Participants are required to attend all sessions and pass the final exam in order to become certified.

To get started on the program, participants must contact their local Yokohama tire dealer or distributor for information on upcoming classes. The cost of the program varies by location but typically ranges from $150-$200.

8. Continental Certified Tire Technician Program

The Continental Certified Tire Technician Program is a comprehensive training program designed to educate tire technicians on the proper installation and maintenance of Continental tires. This program is offered by Continental, one of the world’s leading tire manufacturers. The program is divided into two levels: Level 1 and Level 2.

Level 1 consists of a four-hour online course that covers topics such as tire anatomy, tire selection, mounting and balancing, wheel alignment, and other related topics. Upon completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from Continental.

Level 2 consists of an eight-hour in-person training session at an approved Continental training facility. This hands-on course covers topics such as tire repair, wheel mounting, wheel alignment, and other related topics. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate from Continental that certifies them as a Continental Certified Tire Technician.

The cost for the program varies depending on the level you are enrolling in and the location where you take the class. Generally speaking, Level 1 costs around $100 USD while Level 2 costs around $200 USD.

To get started with the program you must first register for either Level 1 or Level 2 through the official website (www.continentaltiresusca.com). Once registered you will be given access to all necessary materials to complete your training including videos, manuals, quizzes and exams. After successfully completing each level you will receive your certification from Continental which can be used to demonstrate your expertise in tire installation and maintenance to potential employers or customers alike.

9. Pirelli Certified Tire Technician Program

The Pirelli Certified Tire Technician Program is a comprehensive training program designed to provide tire technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform safe and effective tire service. The program consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on training, which covers topics such as tire construction, tire inspection, mounting and dismounting tires, balancing, wheel alignment, and more.

The program takes approximately five days to complete, depending on the student’s prior experience. During this time, students will attend lectures and participate in hands-on activities led by experienced instructors. At the end of the course, students must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

To get certified as a Pirelli Tire Technician, you must first attend an approved Pirelli training center. These centers are located throughout the United States and offer courses at various times throughout the year. You can find a list of approved centers on the Pirelli website.

The cost of the Pirelli Certified Tire Technician Program varies depending on the location and duration of the course. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 for five days of instruction.

10. Hankook Certified Tire Technician Program

The Hankook Certified Tire Technician Program is a certification program designed to ensure that technicians are properly trained and knowledgeable in the installation, maintenance, and repair of Hankook tires. It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of tire service from mounting and balancing to tire rotation and alignment. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and an online exam.

The program takes approximately 8 hours to complete, depending on the number of participants in the class. The cost for the program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $75-$100 USD per person. To get certified, individuals must attend an authorized Hankook training center or participate in an online course.

Once enrolled in the program, participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course. This certificate will serve as proof of their expertise and knowledge in servicing Hankook tires and can be used to demonstrate their professionalism when applying for jobs or seeking promotions within the automotive industry.

11. Kumho Certified Tire Technician Program

The Kumho Certified Tire Technician Program is a comprehensive training program designed to equip tire technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively service Kumho tires. The program consists of both classroom and hands-on instruction, which includes topics such as tire installation, tire repair, wheel alignment, and more.

The program takes approximately two days to complete. It is offered at select Kumho dealerships across the United States and Canada. To get certified, individuals must attend an in-person training session at one of these locations.

The cost of the program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD per person. This fee covers the cost of materials, instruction, and certification upon successful completion of the program.

Do You Really Need a Tire Technician Certificate?

Whether or not you need a tire technician certificate is ultimately up to you. It depends on your current level of knowledge and experience, as well as what type of job you’re looking for.

If you already have some knowledge and experience in the field, then a tire technician certificate may not be necessary. However, it could still be beneficial if the company you’re applying for requires such certification. In addition, having a tire technician certificate can make your resume stand out from other applicants, and give you an advantage when competing for jobs.

On the other hand, if you’re just starting out in the field and don’t have any experience or knowledge yet, then getting a tire technician certificate may be essential. This will show employers that you have some basic understanding of the industry and are willing to commit yourself to learning more about it. Plus, having a tire technician certificate can help open up more career opportunities in the future.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a tire technician certificate depends on your current situation and what type of job you’re looking for. If you already have some knowledge and experience in the field, then it may not be necessary; however, if you’re just starting out then it could be essential to get certified in order to increase your chances of success.

Related: Tire Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Tire Technician Certifications

1. What is a Tire Technician Certification?

Answer: A Tire Technician Certification is a certification that demonstrates mastery of tire repair, installation and maintenance procedures. The certification provides individuals with a basic knowledge of the tire industry, as well as important safety procedures when working with tires.

2. How do I get certified as a Tire Technician?

Answer: To become certified as a Tire Technician, you must complete a training program approved by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). After completing the program and passing an ASE-approved examination, you will be awarded your official ASE Tire Technician Certification.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Tire Technician?

Answer: It depends on the individual's level of experience and commitment to learning the material. Generally speaking, most people can complete their certification within 6-12 months if they are committed to studying and attending classes regularly.

4. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Tire Technician?

Answer: Being certified as a Tire Technician gives you an edge in the job market and allows you to demonstrate your expertise in tire repair, installation and maintenance procedures. Additionally, having this certification may give you access to better job opportunities with higher pay or more responsibility in the tire industry.

5. Is there continuing education required for maintaining my Tire Technician Certification?

Answer: Yes, continuing education is required for maintaining your certification status with ASE. You must attend at least one approved training course every five years in order to keep your certification current and valid.