ASE automotive certification comes from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), not a government agency. ASE states: "To become ASE certified, you must pass an ASE test and have relevant hands-on work experience." Our earlier explainer, How long is ASE certification valid?, covers renewal. This one answers a narrower question from ASE's own work experience pages: how much experience each test needs, and whether school or training can count toward it.
How much experience does each test need?
ASE's work experience form instructions list the requirement by job and test series:
| Job | Experience required | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Repair Technician | "1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent)" | G1 |
| Repair Technician | "2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)" | A1-A9, B2-B5, E1-E3, F1, H1-H8, MIL2-MIL8, S1-S7, T1-T8, and X1 |
| Repair Technician | "3 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)" | L1, L2, L3, and L4 |
| Service Consultant | "2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)" | C1 |
| Parts Specialist | "2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)" | P1, P2, and P4 |
| Collision Damage Estimator | "2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)" | B6 |
The same instructions add: "Repair Technicians who have 2 years of experience will also automatically receive credit for the 1-year requirement."
ASE's Work Experience Requirements page also notes that experience must match the certification type: Repair Technician experience does not count toward the B6, C1, or P1, P2 and P4 tests.
Can training replace part of it?
Yes, for Repair Technicians. ASE states: "You may receive credit for some of the work experience requirement by substituting relevant formal training." The form instructions say: "You can substitute high school, trade school, or community college education for part of the Repair Technician" requirement.
The instructions list four substitutes, with the credit each gives toward the 1-year, 2-year and 3-year requirements:
| Substitute | 1-year | 2-year | 3-year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete any ASE-Accredited Program – Auto, M/H Truck or Collision-Refinish | 6 months | 1 year | 1 year |
| Complete an ASE-Accredited OEM-Sponsored Co-op Program | 1 year | 2 years | 2 years |
| Pass 3 or more different ASE Entry-Level Certification Program Tests | 6 months | 1 year | 1 year |
| All other training | Up to 6 months | Up to 1 year | Up to 1 year |
For "All other training," the rate is: "2 months of full-time training (or 200 program hours) equals 1 month credit".
Can you add the substitutes together?
No. The instructions state: "These substitutes cannot be combined, and do not apply to the Service Consultant, Parts Specialist, or Collision Damage Estimator work experience categories." So the training credits apply only to the Repair Technician requirements.
The instructions also note a separate rule for Canadian technicians: "A valid provincial automotive trade certificate is acceptable evidence" of enough experience for the Repair Technician 1-year and 2-year requirements.
Can you test before you have the experience?
Mostly, yes. ASE's Work Experience Requirements page states: "You may register and take tests (except for the X1 test) before you have the necessary experience." If you pass, "you will receive a score report, but you will not earn certification or receive certificates until you fulfill the experience requirement."
On timing, ASE says the form "does not have to be submitted before you take your test," and that "ASE recommends submitting the form after you've registered to take an ASE certification test." Its FAQ adds that "your certificate for a passed test will be delayed until your work experience information is reviewed and approved." Neither page states a deadline for sending the form.
What this post does not cover
ASE's pages are the authority on its program and can change; check them before you plan around these numbers. ASE certification is not the same as the federal EPA Section 609 certification for motor vehicle air conditioning work, which has its own rules; see our EPA 609 hub. Other trade certifications are listed on our certifications page.