Prometric is handling ASE computer testing, results are now provided on the same day.

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: ASE Master Tech covers how ASE testing has changed. After years of taking tests alongside several hundred other mechanics in hotel conference rooms, a change has been made. Testing is now better in many ways, in others not so much.

Computer based testing for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) testing has changed from paper and pencil to computer based testing only. Taking the ASE tests and recert’s use to be done exclusively on paper. The tests were offered twice a year. In addition, for several years, make up tests were allowed at a few test centers or colleges on the computer. I remember taking one of those once because I missed the cut-off time for signing up for the regular written test.

While I have to admit I use to enjoy seeing some of the guys at the ASE tests that I once worked with and hadn’t seen for a long time. Besides that, I won’t miss the huge gatherings. The conference rooms held several hundred guys, most of us came directly from work. It was always frustrating to have to listen to the lengthy instructions prior to the test, even-though most of us have heard them so many times before. Anytime, you have that many people gathered together trying to be quite, it’s rare to have the room completely silent, void of all throat clearing and coughing for more than a couple of seconds. Am I the only one who noticed?

Results in Sixty Days

Are you kidding me? Waiting to get the test results for the written tests was always a bit frustrating. The technology has been around for a long time to provide test results on the same day as the testing. Seems like has ASE lagged behind for way longer than it should have. Personally, if I need to re-take a test I would like to know as quickly as possible so I can make plans. I may decide to order some study guides. This is particularly true when keeping the current pay rate at your job, is dependent on maintaining your ASE certifications. I did that for 14 years when I worked at CarMax.

Computer Testing

With computer based ASE testing, the test date and time is flexible. When you go to the test center there won’t be near as many people because everyone’s test dates are staggered. They’re spread out more naturally because the test centers are not restricted to one or two days twice a year for everyone.

ASE 2012 Registration and Test Windows

Winter
Registration:  January 10 – February 21, 2012
Testing:  January 17 – February 29, 2012

Spring
Registration: March 1 – May 21, 2012
Testing:  April 1 – May 31, 2012

Summer
Registration: June 1 – August 21, 2012
Testing: July 1 – August 31, 2012

Fall
Registration:  September 1 – November 21, 2012
Testing: October 1 – November 30, 2012

Empty Your Pockets

Be prepared to store ALL of your belongings in a locker during testing. Apparently, question stealing is such a problem that the test centers go through great lengths to prevent it. They stop anyone from taking pictures, making notes or recordings while taking the test. For my recent re-certification test on electrical, I had to go back to the locker three times! First, the nice young lady informed me that I would need to put my shades that I had propped on my head “in the locker”. I came back from the locker and was asked to pull my pocket linings out of my pants… back to the locker to store my truck keys. Then back a third time, the girl asked to see inside my front shirt pocket! Darn those business cards. Back to the locker one final time.

I’m Not a Terrorist

As if the locker ordeal wasn’t bad enough, next came the WAND. They actually wave an electronic “wand” device checking for weapons or recording devices. The girls in the test center said they caught someone wired up before that was planning on secretly recording the questions as he read them. You will be provided with a scratch sheet of paper but will be required to turn it in after the test. I told them I just came to take a test, I’m NOT a terrorist!

Time Limit

One huge difference for me was the shorter amount of time permitted to take the test. When I first noticed the time clock ticking down (on the computer screen) I had about 30 minutes remaining to complete a total of 25 questions. The re-certification test time limits range from 30-45 minutes. This is enough time, but I prefer to be able to go over ALL of my answers a second time. I didn’t have enough time to review all of the questions, however I did pass the re-cert. I needed 16 correct out of 25 and I got 21 correct (PASS).

If taking the electrical test I have some more specific ASE test taking tips.

Conclusion: Over-all, I like the new testing system. In previous written tests, my whole evening would have been shot. With the computer based re-cert test, I left my house at 5:00 and was back at home by 6:45 – no pencil required.