In the automotive industry, there are a lot of different organizations and certifications. The purpose of these is to hold automotive repair professionals to a higher standard. Of these special certifications, the National Institute for Automotive Excellence, or ASE, is considered one of the best.

ASE Certification has been around since 1972. According to the ASE website, they are an “independent, non-profit organization” whose purpose is to certify individual automotive technicians as well as service advisers and not the entire shop. Certification is given after a series of tests, and the skill level and ethics of each individual are observed. To become an ASE Certified location there must be several mechanics and supervisors that are ASE Certified on site. We are proud to say that, here at Virginia Auto Service, most of our automotive repair professionals are ASE Certified.

When you find a shop or technician that is ASE Certified it gives you a little insight into the level of expertise the professionals who work on your vehicle have. The certification offers our customers proof of our knowledge and abilities, allowing you peace of mind when you leave one of your most valuable possessions in our care.

To even qualify for ASE Certification, an automotive tech needs to have at least two years of on-the-job training or one year of on-the-job training and a minimum of a two-year degree in automotive repair. If these qualifications are met, then the technician can take the certification tests. These are not easy, and really test a person’s automotive repair and technology knowledge. In fact, the ASE website states that one in three test-takers will not pass the test on their first try.  After a technician is ASE Certified, they are required to retest every five years. This helps to ensure that they are knowledgeable in even the most up-to-date auto repair technologies. There are more than 40 separate tests, which are designed by a panel of automotive repair experts, that focus on different automotive repair specialties. These specialties range from collision repair to school buses and more. It’s easy to see why ASE Certification is a true symbol of excellence in the automotive repair industry.

To learn more about ASE Certification and how it is beneficial to you as the consumer, as well as to us as professionals, you can check out the ASE Certification website here. Or, feel free and ask any of our ASE Certified technicians on your next visit to Virginia Auto Service. It would be our pleasure to expand on what the certification means to you and us.

The team at Virginia Auto Service is happy to provide our community with the best automotive maintenance and repair. For over 20 years we have been Phoenix, Arizona’s go to shop for quality, reliable automotive care. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.

What are people saying about Virginia Auto Service?

• “Stopped over for an oil change, Robert was very helpful and arranged a shuttle ride back to work and someone picked me up when my car was ready. A full inspection was done complete with pricing to complete other maintenance needed on my car. I will be using Virginia Auto Service again in the future. By far the most convenient oil change I have ever gotten.” -Margaret Lucero, Phoenix, Arizona
• “The service performed on our vehicle was again top notch! We will be returning without hesitation when the time arises. Their location couldn’t be any better, it’s within a perfectly comfortable walking distance from our house. “-Andrew Jamrogiewicz, Phoenix, AZ