In response to requests from the industry for a certification category aimed at entry-level technicians and those doing routine maintenance, ASE will debut a new Auto Maintenance and Light Repair certification test in June 2013. Designated as G1, this new specialty certification measures a technician’s knowledge over a wide range of automotive systems as it relates to maintenance and light repair. To earn certification in this new specialty, candidates must achieve a passing score on the exam and have at least one year of full-time work experience.
“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 & CEO. “If you are a technician performing maintenance and light repair services, the new ASE Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) certification is for you.”
Developed by industry experts and the certification professionals at ASE, the Auto Maintenance & Light Repair is slightly different from the regular ASE certifications. The new test will have a one year requirement of hands-on work experience in auto maintenance and light repair to qualify, and half of that requirement may be met by appropriate vocational training. However, like all 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. The cost will be the same as well. Upon passing the G1 test, a technician will receive a shoulder insignia, wall certificate and wallet card.
The new G1 certification provides an assessment of an individual’s technical knowledge for performing bumper-to-bumper maintenance and light repairs in the critical areas of engine systems, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical and heating and air conditioning.
“The Maintenance and Light Repair test is a new specialty category for ASE,” Zilke continued. “It was developed in response to requests from the automotive service industry for a credential specifically geared toward those engaged in vehicle maintenance and routine repair procedures. We have held several workshops over the past few years, working with industry experts to identify and define a wide range of tasks with which to measure a technician’s knowledge in this area.”
Approximately 1,000 technicians participated in the pilot test held during the winter testing session to complete the development process prior to launching the G1 test in June. The first general testing will be available in the 2013 July-August test window.
The G1 test contains 55 scored questions, plus 10 unscored research questions, and those taking it will have an hour and a half (90 minutes) to complete it. The questions, written by service industry experts familiar with all aspects of maintenance and light repair, are entirely job-related. Like any other ASE certification, the G1 tests the skills you need to know to do the job; theoretical knowledge is not covered.
You can download a free copy of the Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) Study Guide on the ASE website at www.ase.com. The Study Guide contains the Test Specifications and the Task List, to provide you with a map of the topics that will be covered on the test.
You can find more information on study guides with a pass or don't pay guarantee from Motor Age Training at www.passthease.com.
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