The Importance of Certifications While Choosing An Auto Mechanic
This is a question plenty of people ask, probably in the belief that it makes monetary sense to get their vehicles checked and repaired by an uncertified technician because he costs less. Therefore, why pay more for a qualified auto repair expert? Well, you have only to look at the test lineup and mission statements of ASE (The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) and I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) to find an answer. These are the two pre-eminent organizations in the area of issuing certificates to auto service technicians, thanks to the tests and programs they conduct. This article intends to supply a brief background on each, list their mission statements, and enumerate the test line-up for each.
The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
Until the early 1970s, there was nothing to help consumers tell the difference between unskilled and skilled auto technicians. Sensing a need for a way to make this distinction, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent, non-profit organization, was founded in 1972. Thanks to the ASE, there are currently about 420,000 professionals with ASE certifications who are spread across all sections of the automotive industry, including car and truck dealerships, standalone garages, fleets, service stations, and franchises.
How does the ASE go about awarding a certification? All aspirants sign up for one or more of the ASEs 40-odd exams. The tests are classified under such specialty areas as automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, and collision repair technicians and engine machinists, alternate fuels technicians, parts specialists, and collision damage estimators. When an applicant has passed at least one exam and has supplied proof of at least two years of relevant job experience, he is officially ASE certified. However, he must take a re-test every five years in order to remain ASE certified. ACT, which runs several academic and occupational testing programs, oversees the tests, held twice a year at over 800 venues around the country. And just in case you thought everyone passes them with flying colors, think again, because roughly one out of three candidates fails the tests, which emphasize job-related skills.
Needless to say, a consumer stands to gain much from ASE certification. For one, it can become a measure of the knowledge and skills of a technician; second, it tells you a lot about a repair facilitys quality if it displays the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence logo on its signs and advertisements.
ASEs mission: To improve the quality of automobile repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals in the automotive industry.
To gain a clearer understanding of the methodology of ASE certification and testing, have a look at the tests as outlined on the ASE website (www.ase.com):
Auto/Light Truck: A1 Engine Repair; A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle; A3 Manual Drive Train and Axles; A4 Suspension and Steering; A5 Brakes; A6 Electrical/Electronics Systems; A7 Heating and Air Conditioning; A8 Engine Performance
Alternate Fuels: F1 Light Vehicles-Compressed Natural Gas
Medium Heavy Duty Truck: T1 Gasoline Engines; T2 Diesel Engines; T3 Drive Train; T4 Brakes; T5 Suspension and Steering; T6 Electrical/Electronic Systems; T7 Heating, Ventilation, & A/C; T8 Preventive Maintenance Inspection
Parts Specialist: P1 Med/Hvy Truck Dealership Parts Specialist; P2 Automobile Parts Specialist; P3B Med/Hvy Truck Aftermarket Parts Specialist (Brakes); P3S Med/Hvy Truck Aftermarket Parts Specialist (Suspension and Steering); P4 General Motors Parts Consultant
Advanced Series: L1 Automobile Adv’d Engine Performance Specialist; L2 Truck Adv’d Elec. Diesel Engine Diagnosis
Collision Repair and Refinishing: B2 Painting and Refinishing; B3 Non-Structural Analysis and Damage Repair; B4 Structural Analysis and Damage Repair; B5 Mechanical and Electrical Components; B6 Damage Analysis and Estimating
School Bus: S1 Body Systems and Special Equipment; S2 Diesel Engines; S3 Drive Train; S4 Brakes; S5 Suspension and Steering; S6 Electrical/Electronic Systems; S7 Air Conditioning Systems and Controls
Engine Machinist: M1 Cylinder Head Specialist (Gas or Diesel); M2 Cylinder Block Specialist (Gas or Diesel); M3 Assembly Specialist (Gas or Diesel)
Truck Equipment: E1 Installation and Repair Specialist; E2 Electrical/Electronic Systems; E3 Auxiliary Power Systems
Specialty Test: X1 Exhaust Systems
Now for a look at I-CAR
Created in 1979, I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) is also an international, non-profit training organization dedicated to improving the standard, safety, and efficacy of auto collision repair.
To that end, I-CAR promotes the concept of Outward Vision, which is a concept that aims to define the Ideal State of the collision industry as far as technical training is concerned. In this regard, I-CARs definition of the industrys Ideal State is:
That every person in the collision industry has the necessary technical knowledge and skills relevant to their position to ensure a complete and safe repair. I-CAR continues to develop and deliver technical training programs to professionals in all areas of the collision industry. Furthermore, I-CAR provides a communication forum for anyone interested in proper collision repair. Finally, that I-CAR’s primary funding is derived from student tuition and services, insuring that I-CAR can remain unbiased in developing courses and services on an industry-wide basis.
The I-CAR Mission Statement:
To research, develop, and deliver quality technical educational programs related to collision repair; to raise the level of available knowledge and recognize professional achievement; thereby improving communication throughout the Collision Repair, Insurance, and related Industries for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.
Some of the training courses offered through I-CAR for collision repair technicians are:
Identification and Repair Decisions; Adhesive Repair; Welding Repair; Repair of Padded Dashes; Refinishing of Plastics; Analyzing Damage; Creating a Damage Report Manually; Creating a Computerized Damage Report; Safety & Environmental Practices
Understanding Automotive Finishes; Preparing the Surface for Refinishing; Preparing the Equipment, Paint Area & Refinish Materials; Tinting; Applying the Finish; Blending;
Solving Paint Application Problems; Finish Defects, Causes & Cures; Detailing; MIG (GMAW) Welding Cutting & Heating Processes Advanced Welding Methods; Damage Analysis; Straightening Structural Parts; Full & Partial Panel Replacement; Stationary Glass Replacement; Restoring Corrosion Protection; Preparation Panel Replacement and Alignment; Working with Trim and Hardware; Metal Straightening; Using Body Fillers; Door Skin & Intrusion Beam Replacement; Quarter Panel Placement; Moveable Glass and Hardware.
As is obvious from the above, it is impossible to overstate the importance of a certification when it comes to choosing a technician for your car. As in all professional fields, the value of proper training and up-to-date knowledge is immense. So instead of pinching pennies in the short run, you should look to save in the long run. Take your valuable automobile to a properly certified technician.
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