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By now you've heard about the ASE certification tests. Depending on who you talked to, you may have heard everything from "they're a breeze" to "they're impossible." It doesn't surprise anyone that confusion can result because of what people say who have taken the test. That's what this program is all about; getting rid of the confusion and helping you to get ready to pass the tests.
The main things you will need to pass the ASE test you already have—"know-how." You know how to diagnose automotive problems and how to repair them. Along with this know-how you will need confidence in yourself and in knowing you're prepared to take the tests. This comes from having the right information, practice, and review.
ASE AND THE TECHNICIAN
ASE conducts tests for automotive, heavy-duty truck and body repair technicians. Before getting into "how to take the tests," we thought it would be a good idea to answer your questions on ASE and ASE certification.
What questions? The questions technicians like you ask. We talked with technicians:
· Some who are already certified?
· Some who took the tests but did not score high enough to get their certification.
· And some like yourself who are planning to take the tests.
WHAT IS ASE?
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) is an organization located in Washington, D.C., that has been testing and certifying technicians since 1972. It is made up of people from the automotive field, including technicians like you, who want to see that all technicians provide quality diagnostic and repair service. They also want to see professional technicians get the credit they deserve for giving quality customer service.
You can work as an automotive technician without becoming ASE certified. Today, in fact, you can work without even having your state license as long as you have a licensed technician check your work and sign for you. But, this is changing. Many states are putting new laws into effect that require technicians to be licensed. Chrysler, like many other automotive organizations, has stated that since passing the ASE certification tests and paying the required fee is accepted in place of taking the state licensing exams, they would prefer that their technicians obtain this type of certification.
Why? Because the idea behind ASE is an important one—testing for the expert technician. There is a need to sort out the experienced technician like you from the inexperienced technician. This will ensure your customers that when they take their cars to you for repairs they will receive quality service. You wouldn't want an inexperienced plumber or electrician to make a household repair for you; a bad job could be a costly mistake! The same principle applies here . . . automotive maintenance and repair is the work of "professional," certified auto technicians.
What is ASE Certification?
ASE certification is not the same as state licensing. The difference is that ASE certification tests for a high level of automotive diagnostic and repair skills while licensing tests for only the very basic skills. Many inexperienced technicians have been able to obtain state licensing, while few have obtained ASE certification.
The number of states requiring licensing for technicians is fast growing. For you this means that if you presently work under a state license in one state, and wish to move and work in another state, you may have to become licensed all over again. However, in many states, once you have become certified by ASE, you can submit your certification and a fee to obtain your license in that state. You do not have to be retested. In other words, there will not be a waiting period where you are not working.
Therefore, an ASE certified technician has not only demonstrated more automotive knowledge than a state licensed technician, but also has more freedom to work in any state. This makes the ASE certified technician highly competitive in the job market.
What Kinds Of Certification Does ASE Offer?
ASE offers eight different certification automobile tests, six different heavy-duty truck tests and two tests in body repair. We will cover:
· Engine Repair
· Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
· Manual Drive Train and Axle
· Steering and Suspension
· Brakes
.Electrical Systems
· Heating and Air Conditioning
· Engine Performance
It will be up to you to decide which of these exams you will take and what type of certification you will receive. Here are your choices:CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN—you do not have to take all of the tests to become ASE certified. If you will only be working in certain areas of automotive repair, then you only need to take the tests required for that area. You will then be a CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN.
· MASTER AUTOMOBILE TECHNICIAN—if you want to work in all areas of automotive repair, then you will have to take all eight tests. Then you will be certified as a MASTER AUTOMOBILE TECHNICIAN.
Along with passing the tests, ASE requires that you have at least two years of work experience before you actually receive your certification. There are exceptions to this rule which ASE personnel will explain when you contact them.
Why Are You Taking The ASE Certification Exams?
Now that you know what ASE is trying to do and what is offered, the next question to be answered is why you are taking the exams. So before reading this section, stop and think about your own reason.
Take a look at the reasons other technicians have given for taking the exams and see if yours is similar to any of theirs.
· "So I can change jobs easier if I decide to move."
· "My manager says I take them if I want to keep my job."
· "To see how much I know."
· "To get it over with."
· "Because I know my job and want certification to prove it."
Yours was probably similar to at least one of those listed above. Before starting anything, know why you are doing it. If you feel taking the exams will get you something, then you'll try to do well. It could be so you can keep on working as a technician or just because you don't think you have a choice. That's still a reason. You'll probably work hard in that case just to make sure you don't have to retake them. Being honest with yourself about why you're taking the exams can help you pass them.
What Does ASE Certification Mean For Your Future?
What can become certified give you in the future?
· JOB SECURITY—you can be sure that when being licensed by your state becomes mandatory; you will not be left out in the cold. You know you will have a job, and that as a certified technician, rather than a licensed technician, you will be in demand. You will be able to change jobs or move to any state without all the hassle of waiting for and taking licensing tests.
· PERSONAL SATISFACTION—you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are a professional in your field and feel confident about the work you can do.
· RECOGNITION—you will have the recognition of others, including your manager and customers. Your manager will consider you to be one of the experts, and your customers will feel confident when they leave their cars with you for servicing. You've always known you are good. Now others will know it too. Then we also talked to ASE to find the information you'll need to pass the tests.
· PROFESSIONALISM—once standards are set for automotive technicians, it will automatically become a more professional field in which to work. Only those technicians who are qualified will be hired, and anyone wanting to get into the field will have to meet those standards.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE ASE TESTS
Now it's time to talk about the test itself. Is it just luck if you pass, or is there a skill involved? The second section of this booklet will help answer those questions by giving you time to become familiar with the type of test you will be taking. The technicians we talked to had formed many different opinions about the ASE tests, and again said they weren't sure what to expect. The answers to these questions will tell you exactly what the ASE tests will be like and let you form your own opinion based on facts instead of rumors.
How Do The Tests Work?
The ASE tests are all multiple choice. This means you will be asked a question and given four answers to choose from. It will be up to you to choose the right answer from the four and mark it on the answer sheet. Since the right answer will be in front of you, it will just be a matter or recognizing it. You will not have to fill in any blanks or think of the right answer on your own. This also means you automatically have a 25% chance of getting it right even if you aren't sure of the answer.
you may register for as many as 4 regular tests on one day. the time allotted on each test date is 4 hours, enough time to take more than one test.
ASE uses diagrams, charts and illustrations to help explain some of the questions. You will find similar ones used with the questions in the practice tests you will be taking.
Your tests will be scored on the right answers only. Wrong answers will not be counted against you. So, even if you aren't sure of an answer, do not leave it blank. This will give you at least a 25% chance of getting it right. If you leave it blank, your chances will be 0%.
You should also know that if you do not pass a test, ASE will allow you to retake it as many times as you need to pass. There have been times when technicians were not prepared, or for some reason, were nervous or unable to concentrate that day. So, if you need more review, get it and try again. ASE wants to certify technicians.
Why Use This Type Of Test?
ASE uses this type of test because it's the fairest. Sure, it would be better if they could actually come and watch you work, but because of the number of technicians now applying for certification, it can't be done.
A written test is the second best choice, and, of the written tests, a multiple choice is the fairest to you. You are not asked to come up with your own answers, or write anything down, just recognize the right answers from the ones given. This gives you that automatic 25% chance we already mentioned.
A multiple choice test can be taken by someone who has poor reading and writing skills. There is no writing required on this type of test, and ASE has made special provisions for those who have a hard time reading, which we'll discuss later.
Is it fair or is it Tricky?
This is the question asked most often. Since your personal view of the tests will play a large part in how well you do, we did some careful checking. Some of the technicians who have taken ASE tests felt they were fair; others felt they were tricky. It seems to be a matter of opinion.
We found there were a few common factors that had an effect on the type of opinion formed. Those who felt the tests were fair were generally people who were used to taking tests and do well on tests. They were generally technicians who had just completed some type of training program or who had only been out of school a short time. So, reading and taking tests were familiar to them.
Those that felt they were "tricky" were generally people who had completed their training a number of years ago or had never been in a training program at all. They were- the ones who learned to be technicians through working. Reading and taking tests was not familiar to them, so it became more difficult.
The other factor that came up quite often with technicians was that most of those stating the tests were "tricky" also had not prepared ahead of time.
These are the facts. You can't change them. What you can do about them is prepare ahead, as you are doing now. By knowing what the tests will be like, and practicing on ones similar, some of the questions may still seem hard to you but they will no longer seem "tricky." You will know what to expect.
What if You Can't Take A Written Test?
Not everyone can take a written test for one reason or another. We asked ASE what happens to the technician who knows his job but, for example, speaks a different language or has a hard time reading. How does he become certified if he cannot read the test? ASE thought of this and made provisions so that anyone who feels he cannot take this type of test can contact ASE and request a reader or translator for the tests. However, the technician should contact ASE for full details concerning this help. Certificates and other documents awarded on the basis of reader or translator assistance will be noted to show that such help was given.
ANSWERING MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
As we said earlier, ASE uses a multiple choice test. In this section you will begin becoming familiar with answering multiple choice questions. In addition, you will find all the practice you need in the remaining booklets.
There are four types of multiple choice questions used on the ASE tests. They are:
SIMPLE CHOICE
BEST CHOICE
EXCEPT QUESTIONS
COMPARATIVE STATEMENTS
How do you answer these four types of questions? To begin with, you develop good test taking skills. These are the basic skills that will help you avoid making mistakes that come from not reading carefully or not understanding what a question is asking. One or two careless mistakes probably wouldn't hurt your final score but a number of them could mean the difference between passing and failing. Each test question deals with a specific diagnostic or repair problem and has only one best answer.
So before going any further here are some important reminders.
· READ EACH QUESTION CAREFULLY—in fact, read it more than once. Be sure you know what is being asked. Many wrong answers are a result of not knowing what was really asked, rather than not having the knowledge.
· Look for cue words such as always, never, except, all, most or best. These are a few of the words that tend to confuse people on tests. Whenever you see one of these words, read the question again just to be sure you know what is being asked.
· If a question seems difficult to you, go on with the test and come back to it later. Complete the entire test and when you return to the harder questions, you will find that it is often easier to select an answer. A similar question elsewhere in the test may jog your memory, or sometimes a question makes more sense the second time you read it.
- · Use a process of elimination for figuring out the answers of which you aren't sure. In other words, read the question and eliminate all the choices you're sure are wrong. Then, try to picture the problem, situation or part in your mind as clearly as you can. Once you have done this, logically reason out which of the remaining choices is correct. It may not work all the time, but it will save you some wrong answers.
Simple Choice
A simple choice question is the easiest of the multiple choice questions. You will be asked a question and then given four answers from which to make your selection. Of these four answers, one will be right and the other three will be wrong. There will be no words such as least, except or most likely to confuse you. You simply have to recognize the right answer.
Example 1: To charge an A/C system while it is running, the refrigerant should be added to the:
A. High side only
B. Low side only
C. Both the high and low sides
D. Either the high or the low side.
On this type of question if you know the answer you would mark it on your answer sheet. It's a straightforward question. If you aren't sure of the answer you could reason it out this way:
A. Option A is incorrect. Adding refrigerant to the high side could cause the refrigerant to explode when attached.
B. Option B is the correct answer. Refrigerant is added to the low side only.
C. Option C is incorrect. Refrigerant is not to be added at the high side so "both" is wrong.
D. Option D is incorrect. Refrigerant cannot be added to either low or high side. It must be added at the low side only.
Example 2: Installing the piston rings upside down would cause which of these conditions?
A. Loss of compression
B. High oil consumption
C.a high pitch rap or knock
D. Broken ring lands
This question may be reasoned out this way: A. Option A is not the correct answer. Even if the rings were installed upside down, they would provide a seal against compression "blowing by" the piston and into the crankcase. There would not be any loss of compression.
Option B is not the correct answer. Right-side up or upside down fit is more critical to the compression rings than to the oil control rings. With new rings, high oil consumption would be due to other conditions.
Option C is also incorrect since engine raps and knocks are associated with piston-to-cylinder fit or other conditions.
Option D is the correct answer. Rings move in their grooves due to the reversing motion of the piston. Installing the ring upside down can put wrong pressure and movement against the piston causing this condition.
Best Choice
This is a question in which you are asked to look at the answers provided and choose the best one of the four. All of the answers may be right to some degree, but one will be more right than the others. You will have to decide which one that is. Reading carefully on these types of questions can make the difference of whether you get it right or wrong. A question that asks for the best choice can be worded in many different ways. For example:
· Which is the best answer?
· Which is the most likely cause?
· Which is the least likely cause?
Questions worded in this way are asking you to make a judgment.
Example 1: The most accurate method of detecting cylinder wear is to use:
A. A compression tester
B. A dial indicator
C. A wire feeler gauge
D. Inside calipers.
Remember, you are looking for the most accurate method. If you were not sure of the answer it could be reasoned out in this way:
A. Option A is incorrect since a compression tester will only show that pressure is being lost. This could indicate other problems beside cylinder wear, so it would not be an accurate method.
B. Option B is the correct answer since it is designed to register slight changes in diameter (thousandths of an inch) as the movable contact arm moves inside the cylinder.
C. Option C is incorrect since a wire feeler gauge is used to check small gaps and openings.
D. Option D is incorrect since calipers can take interior measurements but are not as accurate as dial indicators. (Even though this method could have been used, it was not the most accurate.)
Example 2: When a manual transmission is shifted from first to second, the gears grind. Which of the following is least likely to cause the problem?
A. Too much clutch free play
B. Worn synchromesh rings
C. Defective shift cover interlock
D. Worn shift forks
On this question you are looking for the least likely cause of the problem. Reason out this question in the following way:
A. A clutch that doesn't fully release when the pedal is depressed will most likely cause grinding gears when shifting between any gears. It is an incorrect answer since it is a likely cause.
B. Worn synchromesh rings would definitely cause gears to grind when shifting from 1st to 2nd so it would also be an incorrect answer.
C.This is the correct answer since it is the least likely cause of grinding gears. The purpose of the shift cover interlock is to keep you from shifting into more than one gear at a time. Wear is unusual in these parts because there is little stress involved.
D. A worn shift fork is a common cause for gears grinding during shifting so again this would not be the correct answer for this type of question.
Except Question
This is a question in which you are being asked to find the one wrong answer. The key word to look for is the word EXCEPT. For example: the question may say all of these are true EXCEPT one. Always read this type of question more than once to be sure you know what is being asked since it is usually asking for a wrong instead of a right answer. On the actual ASE tests you will find this type of question at the end of each test with its own separate instructions.
Example 1: in the ignition system, the purpose of the capacitor (condenser) is to do all of these except:
A. Store electric current inducted in the primary circuit
B. Help cut off current flow when the points open
C. Control the dwell angle
D. Reduce arcing at the points
Remember, the key word is EXCEPT. The question is asking for the wrong answer. Read this type of question carefully. You can reason out this question in this way:
A. Option A is incorrect since this is a function of the capacitor. It absorbs and stores current.
B. Option B is also incorrect for. The same reason. The capacitor does help cut off current flow when the points open.
C. Option C is the correct answer since the capacitor does not control or in any way influence dwell angle.
D. Option D is an incorrect answer because it is a function of the capacitor. The clean cut-off current also prevents arcing at the points.
Example 2: All of these could cause no heat on a "blend air" type heating system EXCEPT:
A. Cable adjustment
B. Low refrigerant
C. Vacuum circuit to water valve
D. Wrong thermostat
You can reason out this question in this way:
A. Option A is an incorrect answer since incorrect cable adjustment is one of the most common causes for incorrect operation of any valves, air or water, controlled by the cables in this system.
B. Option B would be the correct answer because it would not cause a lack of heat in this type of heating system. Low refrigerant could produce a condition of too much heat instead of no heat since there would not be a blend of cooled air to bring the heated air to the desired temperature.
Option C is an incorrect answer since with a malfunction of the vacuum circuit the water valve could remain closed resulting in a condition of no heat.
D. Option D is also an incorrect answer. A thermostat that is too low would result in minimal or no heat output.
Comparative Statement
In this type of question you will be asked to compare two statements and decide 1) which of the two is correct, 2) if they are both correct, 3) or if neither is correct. This type of question may compare what two technicians (A and B) say or just two statements (I and 11). It will be up to you to decide which is right, if any. Again, you will be given four answers to choose from.
Example 1: The starter operates, but engages the engine only briefly. Technician A says that the specific gravity of the battery is too low to continue cranking the engine. Technician B says the condition is not the fault of the starter. It could be the result of engine timing too far advanced. Who is right?
A. A only
B. B only
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B
Remember, you are to compare the two statements and decide whether one of the technicians is right, both technicians are right or both technicians are wrong. You can reason out this question in this way:
A. Technician A is wrong. If the specific gravity of the battery is too low, the starter would not engage or would crank the engine very slowly. It would not engage the engine for a brief period.
B. Option B is the correct answer since technician B is right. If the engine timing is too far advanced, the starter will disengage when the engine briefly tries to start. The problem is not in the starter.
C. Option C is not the right answer since both technicians are not right. Only technician B is right.
D. Option D is not the right answer since only technician A is wrong. Both technicians are not wrong.
Example 2: Too much negative caster on a left front wheel will cause which of these to happen?
1. The car to pull to the right
2. The left tire to wear on the outside edge of the tread
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Again, remember that you are comparing two statements. You can reason out this question in this way:
A. Statement 1 is an incorrect statement. Caster is a directional control angle that keeps the vehicle rolling straight ahead. It is the forward or rearward tilt of the ball joint center line as seen from the side of the car. When there is unequal caster, the car will pull to the left. Statement 1 said it would pull to the right so it is wrong.
B. Statement 2 is also an incorrect statement. Caster is a directional control angle, not a tire wearing angle. Even with unequal caster no left tire wear will occur.
C. Option C is not the correct answer since both statements 1 and 2 are not right.
D. Option D is the correct answer. Neither statement1 or 2 is right. Since this option says neither 1 nor 2 it is the correct choice.
PREPARING FOR THE EXAMS
Getting yourself ready to take-a test is more than just finding out what the test will be like. By now you have a pretty good idea of what you will be doing the day you take it. How can you get ready for it?
The obvious way is to study. If during this program you find there are certain areas you are weak in, maybe because you've done little repair work in those areas, and then ask your Program Administrator for resources to review yourself, such as shop manuals or other training materials you might know where to find. This program is to help you find those weak areas before you take the tests, not after the scores are in.
How Do You Study?
You set a pattern—one you will follow during the time you need to review before you take the ASE test. It’s easy to lie on the couch near the TV and try to review. The trouble is that very little sinks in. You're too comfortable and end up being distracted by what's on the TV or family members.
So, to get the most out of the time you have to review, set a pattern for yourself.
· Review a little every day—Last minute cramming before the tests will confuse more than help you. It’s better to put in an hour a night over a longer period of time.
· Try to review at the same time each night—Find a time when you know it will be quiet and when you will not be too tired. This will help reviewing become a habit.
· Schedule the material you want to review—knowing how much time you have for each area will help. By doing this you won't find you spend too much time on one and too little on another. Budget your review time carefully and stick to it.
· Find a comfortable and quiet place—a place where others can't bother you, someplace where you will be comfortable, but not so comfortable that you forget to review.
- Use the review time to review—once you have decided where and when and what you will review, don't let other things get in the way. Use the time exactly as you decided you would. If you do this, your review habits will be set and it will become easier and easier.
How Do You Remember Facts?
We've found that remembering something means concentrating. It is a skill. Your review habits play a big part in how much you're able to concentrate you allow interruptions, are too relaxed, or try to cram at the last minute you will not remember what it was you reviewed. Instead, if you stick to the pattern you set and review at an easy pace it will "sink in."
Read these suggestions, decide which ones will help you to remember key facts, and, when you start reviewing, put them into practice.
· Take notes of important facts.
· Pay special attention to underlined or italicized words.
· Repeat things aloud.
· Answer review questions in the resources you are reviewing.
· Underline key points in your resources for a quick review later.
· Before starting to review each day, try to remember all you can about what you covered the day before.
· Try to explain to another person a key area that you reviewed but are having a hard time remembering; thinking it through aloud helps.
Since ASE tests use illustrations, make use of these during your review time. Be sure you understand the diagrams or charts and use them to help you remember key facts whenever possible. Become familiar with using illustrations and answering questions about them.
How Do You Prepare Physically And Mentally?
You set priorities. Get plenty of sleep and let other things wait. Making a real effort may mean you put other things off so that you aren't too tired to review properly. Getting your ASE certification is important to you and your future, so place getting ready for it high on your list of priorities. It will be a small investment compared to what you will gain for your future.
By the time you finish this program you will have all the information you need to form your own opinion on how you feel about the ASE certification tests. Taking the practice tests and reviewing should increase your confidence. These are the types of things you will need to do your best on the ASE tests—feeling good about yourself, what you are doing and the skills you have developed.
Taking the tests
· Get enough sleep the night before—Review key facts, but do not cram
· Check ahead to be sure you know where the testing center is located
· Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get there on the day of the test
· Bring extra No. 2 pencils in case you need them. (About 4 with erasers)
· If you wear reading glasses is sure you have them with you on the day of the test.
Once you're there and ready to take the tests, don't forget the test taking skills that you've learned.
· READ EACH QUESTION CAREFULLY—IN FACT, READ IT AT LEAST TWICE TO BE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS ASKING.
· Listen to all instructions given by the test administrator and ask questions about anything you do not understand.
· Be sure the number on your answer sheet agrees with the number of the question that is being asked.
· Don't hurry—you will be given plenty of time, probably more than you need.
· Answer every question. If you are not sure of the answer, use the process of elimination and make your best guess.
· Review all your answers one more time after you've completed the entire test but do not change an answer unless you're sure you've made a mistake; your first answer is usually your best answer!
If you have any questions during the tests, ask the testing supervisor, not
someone taking the tests as you are. They will be glad to help.
CONTACTING ASE
If you wish to find out specific information on the ASE certification tests, or to register for the tests, you can write:
National Institute for
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE
101 Blue Seal Drive, S.E. Suite 101
Leesburg, VA 20175
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Monday - Friday, except holidays
Phone: 703-669-6600
Fax: 703-669-6123
E-mail: webmaster@ase.com
Website: www.ase.com
Toll-Free Automated Info Line
1-888-ASE-TEST (1-888-273-8378)
Online Account Maintenance
Click here to go to myASE.
ASE Help Desk
Phone: 1-800-388-5584
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Central Time
Monday - Friday, except holidays
E-mail: asehelp@act.org
Shortly after you contact ASE, they will send you a bulletin of information which will include the testing dates and times, descriptions of the tests, a list of the testing centers, experience requirements, information on how to register and regulations you must adhere to while at the testing center. It will also include a registration form for you to fill out and return to ASE headquarters.
There will be a fee for each of the tests you take. This fee is to cover the cost of administering the tests only. ASE is a non-profit organization. And, many times you will find your employer is willing to reimburse you for each of the tests you pass. You will also find this information on fees in the bulletin you receive from ASE headquarters.
There are testing centers in about 300 cities across the United States. You may request to take the tests in the city where it is most convenient for you, even if that city is in another state. Generally the facilities used are high schools, community colleges or technical centers.