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.
Blueprint-complete program: 8 decks, 821 cards.
What's on the exam
ASE A1-A8 Automobile and Light Truck
A1: Engine Repair
12%Cylinder head and valve train · Engine block diagnosis · Lubrication and cooling systems · Engine mechanical diagnosis
A2: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
13%Hydraulic and electronic controls · Torque converter and gear train · In-vehicle and off-vehicle service · Diagnosis of shift problems
A3: Manual Drivetrain and Axles
12%Clutch · Transmission/transaxle · Drive shafts, axles and differentials · Four-wheel and all-wheel drive
A4: Suspension and Steering
13%Steering systems · Suspension systems · Wheel alignment · Wheels and tires
A5: Brakes
13%Hydraulic system · Drum and disc brakes · Power assist and parking brake · ABS and electronic brake control
A6: Electrical/Electronic Systems
13%Battery, starting and charging · Lighting and body electrical · Electrical diagnosis and wiring · Networks and modules
A7: Heating and Air Conditioning
12%A/C refrigerant system · Heating and engine cooling · Controls and operation · Refrigerant recovery and EPA rules
A8: Engine Performance
12%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 $47. Per-exam fee plus a registration fee.
How long is the ASE A-Series (Automobile) and how many questions does it have?
40-75 scored items per exam — About 1-2 hours per 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)?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (A1: Engine Repair 12%, A2: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 13%, A3: Manual Drivetrain and Axles 12%, A4: Suspension and Steering 13%, A5: Brakes 13%, A6: Electrical/Electronic Systems 13%, A7: Heating and Air Conditioning 12%, A8: Engine Performance 12%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Ready to prepare?
Our ASE A-Series — Automobile Technician (A1-A8) program follows this exact blueprint — every domain covered, scheduled by spaced repetition, with a journey from first card to test day.