Automobile Service Technicians

Certification or Licensing

Automobile service technicians may be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in one or more of than 15 automotive specialty areas such as alternate fuels, light duty hybrid/electric vehicles, advanced engine performance, damage analysis and estimating, collision repair and refinish, and advanced driver assistance systems. Those who become certified in multiple areas are known as master mechanics. Although certification is voluntary, it is a widely recognized standard of achievement for automobile technicians and is highly valued by many employers. Certification also provides the means and opportunity to advance. To maintain their certification, technicians must retake the examination for their specialties every five years. Many employers only hire ASE-accredited technicians and base salaries on the level of the technicians' accreditation.

Technicians who buy or work with refrigerants must be licensed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.