National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
ASE A-Series (Automobile)
ASE Automobile and Light Truck Certification (A1-A8)
The industry-standard certification for automotive technicians. The eight A-series exams cover all major vehicle systems; passing all eight earns Master Automobile Technician status.
Full program: 8 decks, 861 cards.
What's on the exam
ASE A1-A8 Automobile and Light Truck (each is a separate certification exam; weights proportional to scored questions per exam, per the 2026 ASE Automobile Study Guide)
A1: Engine Repair
45 scored questions (separate exam)Cylinder head and valve train · Engine block diagnosis · Lubrication and cooling systems · Engine mechanical diagnosis
A2: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
45 scored questions (separate exam)Hydraulic and electronic controls · Torque converter and gear train · In-vehicle and off-vehicle service · Diagnosis of shift problems
A3: Manual Drivetrain and Axles
40 scored questions (separate exam)Clutch · Transmission/transaxle · Drive shafts, axles and differentials · Four-wheel and all-wheel drive
A4: Suspension and Steering
40 scored questions (separate exam)Steering systems · Suspension systems · Wheel alignment · Wheels and tires
A5: Brakes
45 scored questions (separate exam)Hydraulic system · Drum and disc brakes · Power assist and parking brake · ABS and electronic brake control
A6: Electrical/Electronic Systems
50 scored questions (separate exam)Battery, starting and charging · Lighting and body electrical · Electrical diagnosis and wiring · Networks and modules
A7: Heating and Air Conditioning
50 scored questions (separate exam)A/C refrigerant system · Heating and engine cooling · Controls and operation · Refrigerant recovery and EPA rules
A8: Engine Performance
50 scored questions (separate exam)Ignition and fuel systems · Emissions controls · Computerized engine controls and OBD-II · Drivability diagnosis
Frequently asked questions
How much does the ASE A-Series (Automobile) cost?
The ASE A-Series (Automobile) costs $62. Per-test fee for A1-A8; plus a $34 registration fee per order.
How long is the ASE A-Series (Automobile) and how many questions does it have?
40-50 scored items per exam (50-60 total, including 10 unscored research items) — 60-90 minutes per certification exam.
What do you need to pass the ASE A-Series (Automobile)?
Scaled, criterion-referenced score.
Can you retake the ASE A-Series (Automobile)?
After a 30-day wait.
What is the best way to study for the ASE A-Series (Automobile)?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (A1: Engine Repair 45 scored questions (separate exam), A2: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 45 scored questions (separate exam), A3: Manual Drivetrain and Axles 40 scored questions (separate exam), A4: Suspension and Steering 40 scored questions (separate exam), A5: Brakes 45 scored questions (separate exam), A6: Electrical/Electronic Systems 50 scored questions (separate exam), A7: Heating and Air Conditioning 50 scored questions (separate exam), A8: Engine Performance 50 scored questions (separate exam)). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
Ready to prepare?
Our ASE A-Series — Automobile Technician (A1-A8) program is organized by this outline's domains and scheduled by spaced repetition, with a path from first card to test day.
Flashcards are a memory tool. Learn the material first, then use NoReread to retain it and refresh what you already know. It doesn't replace studying the subject.