According to www.dictionary.com, "certified" is defined as follows:
There probably are days where you feel qualified for those last two definitions, but we want to focus on that first one: having or proved by a certificate.
Seeing a certificate doesn't necessarily mean that an individual can do the job efficiently or without errors, but it does show that person has demonstrated knowledge in a specific area as defined by a credible organization.
In order to become a U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the candidate must sit for and pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination (Uniform CPA Exam), which is set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. With such large national oversight from the industry itself, testing sets the bar high and proof of passing it shows expected knowledge for the profession.
In order to become ASE certified, a candidate must sit for and pass an exam in their specialty (ex. Refinishing, Structural Repairs, or Estimating) which is set by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and administered by ACT (originally, American College Testing). With such large national oversight from the industry itself, testing sets the bar high and proof of passing it shows expected knowledge for the profession.
ASE sets the tests, but the questions are developed by a committee of working professionals in each specialty. These people have demonstrated their knowledge, abilities and skills throughout their career and are recognized by their peers on a national level. The questions are designed to be reasonable and separate those who know how to do the work from those who don't.
Even the questions are tested. New questions are added to existing tests without affecting the candidate's final score. This shows which questions successful candidates answer correctly as well as which questions unsuccessful candidates miss. Successful questions are added to future tests and scored. All ASE tests are continually evolving for higher accuracy and new technologies.
You might contend, "I'm not good at taking tests!" This is typical of those of us who prefer working with our hands. The ASE questions and tests are designed with that in mind. They are to test knowledge of the work, not reading ability. Also, ASE has some excellent tips and suggestions for test preparation (www.ase.com). Aftermarket textbooks are also available for test preparation (Google "ASE Test Books"). ASE certifications for collision repair are available in the following specialties:
- B2 – Painting and Refinishing
- B3 – Non-Structural Analysis and Damage Repair
- B4 – Structural Analysis and Damage Repair
- B5 – Mechanical and Electrical Components
- B6 – Damage Analysis and Estimating
Pencil and paper tests are offered at over 700 testing sites in May and November. Computer-based testing is offered at over 200 testing sites in summer and winter. There are fees involved. Evidence of two years relevant hands-on work experience is also required. ASE certification is good for five years. Re-certification tests are shorter and also good for five years.
What does ASE Estimator Certification do for me? This credential not only demonstrates your knowledge, but also your initiative in this voluntary testing and your pride in this profession. Certificates and other ASE materials should be proudly displayed to show your credibility when selling customers or negotiating estimates. It just may be the edge you need.
Some suppliers (including paint companies) may also have a certification process. Other suppliers (including information providers) may award certificates for classes with or without testing. Achieving these credentials adds to your knowledge. Displaying these credentials adds to your credibility when selling or negotiating estimates.
Take advantage of your industry's ongoing education opportunities and industry-monitored certifications. Show your knowledge and pride in your profession by committing to ASE Estimating Certification (1. having or proved by a certificate, not the other definitions).
"Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice." -Wayne Dyer
Bruce Burrow, AAM started writing estimates over 30 years ago, has worked for most of the information providers, and, as an independent instructor for the last 10 years, has trained estimators all across North America. He is ASE Master certified and an instructor for the Automotive Management Institute. Send questions, ideas, and comments that you would like to see addressed here to [email protected] and stay tuned.
