I am going to take the July ase certification tests, but I still don't know which category I want to specialize in. I don't really prefer working on one system over another. But I would like to earn as much as possible, and also not worry about job security. Anyone on here ase certified, and want to suggest which ones might be the higher dollar areas to specialize in? I have all the prep books for all of them, I just can’t make a freakin decision. ugh

 

It's been many many yrs for me, but the heavy work always paid better...of course today, it's more electronics...so, an old guy may not have the best advice...lol

 

Considering your looking for the most money, An ASE Certified Master Technician, would make the most, considering this should mean you can work on everything on a car from bumper to bumper, but then again it depends on what your going into, Diag, Heavy, Trans, and so on, and it depends on your choice of facility, or if your starting your own shop. But engine repair, brakes, electrical, are three of the stronger ones seperatly. Just my 0.02 worth.

 

Me, I went RVIA.
Recreational vehicles are where the money is at. Also where the work is...
Do you like diesel?
Rob

 

Yea diesel is alright No complaints ....Thats the only vehicles ive ever worked on ...(being a military mechanic)

 

ASEs really are just a check in the box it seems.... I work on Volvos and VCNA (Volvo Carns North America, not Volvo Penta, big trucks) use ASEs for our ratings along with other things.... There's 4 different levels of certification by Volvo standards, which could be like any of the auto brands you may be looking at.... There's:

Quality rated technician: 4 PREs a year, 0 years experience, 0 ASEs

Certified rated technician: 4 PREs a year, 0 years experience, 4 ASEs

Master rated technician: 4 PREs a year 8 ASEs (A1-A8), 2 years experience

Expert rated technician: 4 PREs a year 8 ASEs (A1-A8), L1 recert, 5 years experience, expert recommendation, expert conference attendee.

The PREs I was talking about are Volvo specific test. They stand for Professional Resource Evaluation. They are random computer generated tests that we have to score at least 85% to pass. The answers are found in our scan tool, VIDA, and various on line training ans sales portals. These tests are done quarterly, every 3 months.

Another thing with ASEs are that they don't mean a thing without 2 years verified and documented experience. That's when you actually get your blue sheet certificate

 

It's all about the collision repair...........bodywork. I had several ASEs but let them lapse because my employer doesn't care about them. I am however BMW,Bentley and Mercedes certified.........and am hoping to get Rolls Royce later this year.