Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 1 ∣ Career Opportunities 17 The test programs allow potential employers to identify highly skilled technicians and helps the technician advance his or her career. ASE Certifi cation The tests for ASE certification are grouped in series that cover automotive repair, medium/heavy truck repair, school and transit bus repair, collision repair/refinishing, and parts specialist areas. Also available are advanced level tests in alternative fuels, light-duty hybrid/electric vehicles, advanced engine performance, and light diesel service. All ASE tests are taken via a computer and are graded immediately. The ASE tests are standardized tests, which means that the same test in a particu- lar subject is given to everyone who signs up for that subject’s test throughout the United States. Overall, the design of the ASE tests measures your knowledge of three things: • Basic information on how automotive systems and components work. • Diagnosis and testing of systems and components. • Repairing automotive systems and components. Any person who passes one of these tests and meets certain work experience require- ments is certified in the subject covered by that test. If a technician passes a designated selection—usually close to all—of tests in the automotive, medium/heavy truck, or col- lision repair/refinishing test series, he or she is certified as a Master Technician in that area. Certified technicians take recertification tests every five years, providing an incen- tive for updating skills and keeping up with current technology. Many auto repair shops now hire only ASE-certified technicians. Many state emission inspection programs and advanced technician training courses now require ASE certifi- cation for admission and course credit. Some states require ASE certification to perform certain system repairs. A common example is air conditioning system repair. ASE Student Certification For students enrolled in secondary and postsecondary entry-level automotive train- ing programs, ASE, in a partnership with the ASE Education Foundation (formerly the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, or NATEF), Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES), and Skills USA, has developed a student certification system. Students nearing completion of automotive service, medium/heavy truck service, or colli- sion repair/refinishing training can take the appropriate student certification exam(s) to receive ASE Student Certification(s). The ASE student certifications offer an independent assessment of student aptitude for instructors and provide a stepping stone to further ASE certifications for students who continue to pursue a career in the auto service industry. No work experience is required for student certifications and they are valid for two years. Red Seal Program The Canadian Red Seal Program, officially called the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, involves Canadian provinces, territories, the federal government, businesses, and educational institutions. The Red Seal Program is a way for government and industry to identify the skills needed for a particular trade and determine how these skills can be obtained. Automotive Red Seal certification is part of an apprenticeship program. Apprentice- ship programs take individuals who want to learn a skill and match them with employers who need skilled workers and local educational institutions. Red Seal apprentice programs are a combination of in-school training and on-the-job experience. The usual automotive apprenticeship is for two years. During this period, the apprentice spends part of his or her time learning practical job skills under the supervision of a qualified technician. The rest of the time is spent learning automotive theory and related technical information. Students should contact their local apprenticeship and certification office for details, since exact requirements and procedures vary among the various provinces and territories.