ASE UPDATE
When the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded back in 1972, no one knew if voluntary certification for automotive technicians would work. Apparently it did because today there are over 425,000 certified technicians who have passed one or more tests in ASE's 34 different certification categories.
TEST REGISTRATION & FEES
To make registering for tests easier, ASE allows technicians to register online at
http://www.asecert.org, or by faxback by calling 703-713-3800, extension 104. Of course, you can still do it "the old fashioned way" by calling ASE's headquarters in Herdon VA at 703-713-3800, extension 400, to request a registration booklet.
ASE CONSUMER SURVEY
To monitor consumer awareness of the ASE program, ASE conducted 300 interviews in seven metro markets to find out how aware people are of ASE and what it stands for.
When asked to list "any group that offers certifications", 16% of the respondents mentioned Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 13% mentioned AAA, and 11% mentioned ASE.
Thirty-seven percent of those surveyed said they recognized the ASE logo (men were twice as likely as women to recognize the ASE logo) -- but only 17% could explain what it meant. Consequently, ASE realizes it has to do more to educate consumers about technician certification is all about, and why it is of benefit to them.
When consumers were asked what they want in the technician who repairs their car, 23% said they want a technician who knows how to diagnose their problem, 21% said they want a technician who has experience, and 21% said they want a technician who is certified or qualified.
Consumers were then asked to describe how they feel when they take their vehicle in for service or repairs. Some of the words and phrases they said were:
It is interesting to note that other surveys have found that about 80% of all vehicles that are brought into a repair facility for service are brought in by women. Because of this, repair shop emoloyees should make every effort to be helpful, understanding and sympathetic.
ASE SHOP RECOGNITION PROGRAM
ASE's Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program extends special recognition to repair shops that have 75% or more of their technicians ASE certified and have at least one technician certified in each repair service category that is offered. Qualifying companies receive a wall plaque, door stickers, counter mat, brochures, code of ethics, media kit and more. The application fee is $175, and must be renewed annually.
NATEF PROGRAM
The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (ASE's educational arm) certifies education programs that meet NATEF criteria. Over 1400 secondary and post-secondary training programs have achieved NATEF certification. So if a technician needs advanced training, visit the NATEF website at
http://www.natef.org for a list of schools and locations. NATEF's phone number is 703-713-0100.
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