Top 10 Best Automotive Technician Certifications 2023

Top 10 Best Automotive Technician Certifications

Automotive technician certification is an official acknowledgment that a person has attained a particular level of expertise as an automotive technician. Automotive technician certification is mostly obtained by an apprenticeship program or a training at a relevant school.

We previously made a comprehensive list of top 6 best automotive technician training programs, this time, we’ll be looking into the top 10 best automotive technician certifications. These certifications demands the successful completion of various tests and examinations, also hands-on experience with automotive systems and parts.

The major use of getting automotive certification is that it helps to show to employers a person’s knowledge and skill in automotive repair and maintenance. It also makes it technicians to find jobs in higher-paying positions, since employers are on the lookout someone who has been properly trained and certified.

Employers wants to hire technicians with certified abilities by getting certifications from professional organizations, such as ASE (Automotive Service Excellence). We’ve made a list of the 10 best automotive technician certifications.

 

Top 10 Best Automotive Technician Certifications

 

1. Automotive Sales Professional Certification (ASPC)

The Automotive Sales Professional Certification (ASPC) is a well recognized certification program made to give automotive sales professionals the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in every day’s competitive automotive business. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) are the one offering ASPC.

To get this certification, applicants must complete a series of courses, pass a written exam, and show their knowledge in an interview. The courses cover different fields including customer service, product knowledge, negotiation techniques, financial management, and more.

The duration to get certified depends on the aspirant’s level of smartness and commitment. Generally, it takes approximately six months to complete all three levels of certification.

Interested persons can register for the ASPC program online via the NADA website or by contacting their local NADA representative. The cost for these level differs depending on how many courses. Aspirants can expect to pay approximately $500-$1,000 for the whole program.

 

2. ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician is the topmost level of certification offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This is a certification that acknowledges persons who have shown a good level of proficiency in automotive repair and service.

If candidates want to become an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician, they must excel in all eight ASE tests. The tests cover different subjects including engine performance, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, suspension, steering and more. Each of these tests take two hours to complete and costs $30.

After passing all eight tests, candidates must also have at least two years of work experience in the field or a related area. This experience must be verified by a boss or other qualified individual. Candidates can now apply for the ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician certification online.

The cost of becoming an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician differs depending on the number of tests an applicant take. The general cost is approximately $240 for all eight tests inclusive of any additional fees.

See also: Automobile Automotive Mechanics Technology Technician Program

 

3. Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification

This is a nationwide recognized certification program that tests and accredits automotive technicians in the aspects of auto repair, service, and components distribution. The certification program is given by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the testing and certification of automotive professionals.

In order to be ASE certified, candidate must excel in at least one of the 40+ ASE tests. Each test covers a particular aspect of knowledge related to automotive repair and service. Tests are offered in eight different categories: Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train & Axles, Suspension & Steering, Brakes, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating & Air Conditioning, and Engine Performance.

Generally, ASE certification process is time consuming but one which is worth every sweat and penny. It shows technician’s commitment to excellence and also helps employers identify adequately qualified technicians who are committed to giving quality service and repairs for their clients.

4. Certified Technical Professional (CTP)

This program is created for graduates of both 2-Year and 4-Year Programs. The exam is wide, fitted to technical programs without a management component that result in either an associate (AS, AAS) degree or a baccalaureate (BS, BA) degree.

CTP certification does not have a least education level nor has an education level below a two-year Associates of Arts or Associates of Sciences degree and the certification does not have a least requirement for work experience or demands two or less years of work experience.

Certified technical professional has an education level of an Associates of Arts or Associates of Sciences degree or higher, but has a work experience requirement of less than 2 years of work experience.

This certification has a work experience demand of more than 2 years but does not need a two-year Associates of Arts or Associates of Sciences degree.

 

 

5. Master Technician

This Certification is acknowledged as the highest and most respected certification ATRA offers. It comprises of all three specialty certifications, in addition to the 11 courses and tests needed for the Master’s Certification.

Generally, master technician jobs demand 1-2 years years of experience in related fields. Prior to becoming a master technician, most job titles include technician, automotive technician, and service technician.

Employers expect a master technician to have basic skills such as customer-service skills, detail oriented, and dexterity. The job training duration is an average of 6-12 months to become a master technician.

Acquiring a master technician certification will help you to earn more and to become a master technician, applicants do not need formal education. Although some master technicians have a college degree, one could as well flourish as a master technician with only a high school degree.

 

6. Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Certification

This is a certification that is created to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills required to maintain and fix cars. This certification covers various topics including engine systems, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical systems, and more. It also teaches the basics of car maintenance including oil changes, tire rotation, fluid checks, and more.

Applicants must first complete an approved program at an accredited institution. This may include online courses or classroom-based programs. When a candidate completes and pass all of the required courses, the candidate can then apply for their certification through an approved agency such as ASE.

The cost of getting Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Certification differs depending on where applicants take their classes and how many classes they need to take in order to meet all requirements for certification. Most times, applicants spend up to $500-$1000 for all course materials alongside fees associated.

See also: Automobile Technician Jobs, Resume Examples And Salary

 

7. Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification

This is another certification program offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is created to acknowledge automotive technicians who have shown a high level of knowledge and skill in the diagnosis and fixing of advanced engine performance issues.

Applicants must pass both parts of the exam with a score of at least 75%. When an applicant pass both parts of the exam, the applicant will be given an ASE certificate that can be used to demonstrate their expertise to employers or customers.

The cost for taking the Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification exam varies depending on where it is taken. Generally, Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification exam costs around $150 to take both parts of the exam, exclusive of additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain locations.

 

8. Heating and Air Conditioning Systems Certification

This is a professional certification that shows a person’s knowledge and expertise in the operation, maintenance, and installation of heating and air conditioning systems. This certification is mostly obtained by applicants with desire to work in the HVAC industry.

The duration is between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the applicant’s experience level and dedication to studying for the exam. To get this certification, applicants must take an accredited course or program from an approved institution and pass an exam given by a known certifying agency.

Applicants must first complete an accredited course or program from an approved institution. These courses generally cover topics such as safety practices, system design, installation methods, troubleshooting techniques, energy efficiency principles, and more. Then, applicants must pass an exam conducted by a known certifying agency such as NATE (North American Technician Excellence) or HVAC Excellence.

The cost varies depending on the certifying agency. Mostly, it costs from $200-$500 for the course materials alone, exclusive of additional fees associated with taking the exam.

 

9. Electrical/Electronic Systems Certification

This is a certification program that confirms the knowledge and skills of technicians working in the electrical/electronic systems workspace. It is created to certify that technicians are qualified to safely and effectively set-up, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical/electronic systems.

The certification duration is between six months and one year, depending on the applicant’s experience level and the number of exams they must take. In order to get certified, applicants must pass two written exams as well as a practical exam. The written exams cover various topics including basic electricity, wiring diagrams, circuit analysis, safety procedures and more. The practical exam needs applicants to show their ability to set-up, troubleshoot, and fix different types of electrical/electronic systems.

The cost differs depending on the provider but mostly $400-$1,000 USD for all three exams, exclusive of additional fees associated with taking the exam.

10. Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician Certificate

This is a certificate program that equip candidates for a career in the automotive collision repair and refinishing industry. This program train applicants how to repair and refinish impaired cars, including frame straightening, welding, panel replacement, and paint matching. Applicants learn how to use tools and equipment to fix cars while also learning safety methods.

The program duration is about one and two years, depending on the college or university offering it. In order to obtain this particular certificate, students must take courses such as Auto Body Repair & Refinishing Techniques, Automotive Painting & Finishing Techniques, Automotive Electrical Systems, Automotive Suspension & Steering Systems, Automotive Heating & Air Conditioning Systems, Auto Body Structural Analysis & Repair Techniques and more.

The cost differs depending on the school offering it but it’s mostly from $1,500-$3,000 or more.