LEESBURG, Va. — The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has launched a certification test for technicians primarily involved with vehicle maintenance and light repair services.
The Auto Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) test is available as part of the ASE certification program. The new test was developed in response to requests from the industry for a certification category aimed at technicians performing scheduled maintenance and common bumper-to-bumper repairs of engine systems, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical, and heating and air conditioning, the ASE said.
Registration for the G1 certification test is now open with testing in July and August. There are 55 scored questions on the 90-minute test, plus 10 unscored research questions.
"Since about 70 percent of all work being performed in repair shops across the nation is maintenance-based, this new test category will focus on the knowledge necessary to successfully perform the most common maintenance and light repair tasks," said Tim Zilke, ASE president and CEO.
ASE said the new certification is "somewhat different" from the other ASE certifications. The new test will have a one-year requirement of hands-on work experience in maintenance and light repair to qualify, with the option that half of that requirement can be met by appropriate vocational training.
The certification is denoted with a unique, smaller shoulder patch.
As with other ASE certifications, the credential will be valid for five years and will be available through the more than 400 ASE testing locations across the country. Upon passing the G1 test, a technician will receive the shoulder insignia, display certificate and wallet card.
To download a free copy of the Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) Study Guide or to register for the test, visit www.ase.com.
ASE was established in 1972 as a non-profit organization to help improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians and parts specialists. There are more than 360,000 ASE-certified professionals working in dealerships, independent shops, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country, according to the ASE.