(NAPSA)—Perhaps years ago, any shade-tree mechanic would do; after all, cars were simpler, less complex. But with today’s high-tech vehicles the margin for error is less; mistakes can becostlier, so it makes good financial sense to protect your automotive investment through maintenance and service performed by qualified professionals. An increasingly popular way to distinguish between auto techniciansis to look for national certification. The independent, non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 with the mission of developing a mechanism by which auto technicians could prove their competence through a series of national exams. The program is voluntary, so technicians who have taken the time and expense to earn ASE certification have a strong sense of pride in accomplishment. Further, employers who support their technicians’ efforts to becomecertified can be counted on to be concerned about the other aspects of their business as well. How Does ASE Certification Work? Twice a year at some 700 national locations, thousands of technicians sit for ASE certification exams. Technicians who pass at least one exam and fulfill the work experience requirement earn the title of ASE-certified Automobile Technician, while those who pass a battery of tests become Master Technicians in their given specialty. All ASE technicians are issued personalized credentials listing their exact areas of certifi- |__| Tale ‘We employ technicians certified by the NationalInstitute for AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE Let us show youthelr credentials P Look for this sign to find repair facilities that employ automotive technicians with nationally recognized credentials. cation and an appropriate shoulder insignia. Certification is not for life; technicians must recertify every five years to keep current with changing technology. How to Find an ASE-Certified Technician ASE technicians can be found at every type of repair facility: new car dealerships, independent garages, service stations, tire dealers, specialty shops, and major franchises. About 400,000 ASE technicians are at work nationally. Repair facilities employing ASE-certified technicians usually display the distinctive blue and white ASE sign on the premises. Visit www.ase.com for more information about ASE-certified auto technicians.
