Certification: CBT Registration Opens July 11

CERTIFICATIONS
CBT REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 11

LEESBURG, VA - The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) announced that registration opens on July 11, 2005 for the expanded Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format for ASE certification tests.

The Summer 2005 testing administration will include all regular and recertification tests for the Collision (B2 through B6) and Truck (T1 through T8) series, along with the addition of the Service Consultant (C1) certification test. The new tests will join the existing automobile series (A1 through A8), Advanced Level (L1) and Parts Specialist (P2). The Summer 2005 testing window is July 18 through Aug. 21, 2005.

"The CBT test format was developed in response to industry requests for more frequent access to ASE certification tests," said Ronald H. Weiner, ASE president. "By offering this format in addition to the traditional paper-and-pencil twice-annual test administrations, ASE has greatly increased the availability of achieving certification."

CBT testing was launched in 2004 in response to requests for more opportunities to take ASE tests throughout the year. The results and feedback from automotive professionals has been very positive, says ASE.  For the CBT pilot, ASE offered certification tests for the Automobile Series (A1 through A8), the Advanced Level (L1) and Parts (P2) at more than 200 locations nationwide.

ASE's computer-based tests are administered at secure, proctored test centers, rather than over the Internet, as the integrity of the ASE certification process demands a more secure testing process than can be provided online at present.

Test candidates can call the ASE/CBT Call Center toll-free number at (800) 525-6929 to register, reschedule and add tests during the registration window. One registration fee covers the entire five-week testing period, so the only additional cost is for any tests added. Trained call specialists will answer any questions, review locations and set up testing appointments with the candidate. You can also request a CBT information booklet and/or CD from ASE by calling (703) 669-6600.

Individual test centers have different hours and days of availability, including one weekend day. Once an appointment is made, a detailed e-mail confirmation is sent to the test candidate  "One big advantage of CBT is the opportunity to take an ASE certification test during the day, at night and even over the weekend," said Bill Kersten, senior vice president, Operations, ASE.

Candidates have between one and two hours to take the regular ASE tests, depending upon the exam, and 30 minutes for most recertification tests. Both the L1 regular and recertification version are allotted two hours each. One of the major features of the CBT format is that test results are given to the candidate upon leaving the test center. Official certification materials (certificate, insignia, etc.) arrive via mail about a month after the testing window closes.

Because CBT requires the use of computer time at an approved testing center, it is more expensive than the paper-and-pencil tests, adds ASE. The registration fee is $70. The regular and recertification test (A1 through A8, P2) fee is $37 each and the Advance Level test (L1) is $74. Recertification test fees have a $95 maximum total, not including the registration fee. That means after registering for three recertification tests, additional ones are at no charge.

Visit www.ase.com/cbt for full details including a list of test sites, CBT tutorial and exact times allotted for each test.