ASE Tests Moving to Computer Format by 2012

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recently announced that it moving to all computer-based testing (CBT) in 2012. While all certification testing will still take place at secure, proctored test centers, the new, enhanced CBT program will include features such as:

• Immediate test results
• Testing offered during eight months of each year
• Choice of testing dates and times
• More than 300 Test Centers across the U.S. and Canada
• All ASE tests, both certification and recertification
• Same price as ASE’s written testing

Enhanced CBT testing will begin in July 2011. The final pencil-and-paper testing will occur in November 2011.  Then in 2012, ASE will offer testing in four, two-month windows:  Jan/Feb; Apr/May; July/Aug; and Oct/Nov.

Moving ASE certification testing exclusively to a computer-based format provides a number of important benefits to both automotive technicians and shop owners.

• Immediate Results
  The days of waiting weeks for test results are over! Results will be delivered immediately upon completion of testing, so you’ll save time by knowing exactly where you stand when you leave the test center.
• Greater Scheduling Flexibility
  Offered more frequently than our previous paper-and-pencil tests, computer-based testing takes place in four, two-month windows each year, with more time slots each testing day. You’ll spend less time in rush-hour traffic and more time doing the things that are important to you! And shop owners can stagger technicians’ testing slots, meaning no more empty shops at testing time.
• Ease and Accuracy of Testing
  As easy as traditional paper-and-pencil tests, ASE computer-based testing includes clear instructions and improved graphics on diagrams and charts. Plus, computer-based testing results in fewer fill-in errors than paper-and-pencil testing, so you’ll have less chance of accidentally submitting an incorrect answer.
• Comfortable Testing Environment
• Every ASE computer-based test center offers a clean, comfortable environment and helpful staff. You won’t feel rushed and – just like paper-and-pencil tests – you’ll be able to skip around from section to section. In fact, technicians who have taken ASE paper-and-pencil tests before will find the new computer-based tests very familiar. 

All ASE tests contain multiple-choice questions, designed to test specific knowledge that is needed for competent job performance. Every question has one single right answer, three wrong answers, and enough information to choose the right answer.  For complete details about the switch to computer testing, visit the ASE website at 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. Today, there are nearly 400,000 ASE- certified professionals at work in dealerships, independent shops, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country.

For more information:
Tony Molla (703) 669-6614

tmolla@ase.com