ASE Certification Cost 2026: A1–A8 Base Fees Total $530
ASE charges $62 per A-series test plus a $34 registration fee per order. See the $530 A1–A8 total, recertification cap, taxes, refunds, and official sources.
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The A1–A8 Series: What Each Test Covers
The ASE Automobile series consists of 8 tests covering major vehicle systems. A1: Engine Repair — engine diagnosis, cylinder head, engine block, lubrication and cooling systems. A2: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle — diagnosis, mechanical components, off-vehicle service. A3: Manual Drive Train and Axles — clutch, transmission, driveshaft, differential. A4: Suspension and Steering — wheel alignment, steering systems, shock absorbers, wheel bearings. A5: Brakes — hydraulic systems, drum brakes, disc brakes, ABS systems. A6: Electrical/Electronic Systems — battery, starting, charging, lighting, driver information systems. A7: Heating and Air Conditioning — refrigerant systems, blower motor, heater, A/C diagnosis. A8: Engine Performance — ignition, fuel, emissions, OBD-II diagnostics, computerized engine controls. Confirm the current task list for the specific test you plan to take on ASE's official site.
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ASE · Question 1 of 5
A technician checks the valve clearance on an OHV engine using a feeler gauge. The specification is 0.010" and the measurement is 0.018". What is the most likely result of this excessive clearance?
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Current Test Costs (2026)
ASE's current fee page lists a $34 registration fee for each order and $62 for each general certification test. A1 through A8 are general tests, so ordering all eight together is $34 + (8 × $62) = $530 before applicable sales tax. Ordering the tests across two separate orders raises the base total to $564 because the $34 registration fee is charged again. ASE says advance registration and payment are required; eligible candidates can choose in-person or remote testing. Confirm the current amount and testing options on ASE's official Dates, Fees & Test Times page before registering.
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The Experience Requirement
Passing a test is only one part of professional ASE certification. ASE also requires relevant hands-on work experience, and the amount varies by certification type. Its current requirements list two years of full-time repair-technician experience for A1 through A9, with qualifying formal education or training potentially substituting for part of that experience. You may take most tests before satisfying the experience requirement, but ASE says you receive a score report rather than the certificate until the requirement is fulfilled. Use ASE's official Work Experience Requirements page and form for the rule that applies to your test and training history.
Recertification Cost and Refund Boundary
ASE currently charges the same $34 registration fee per recertification order and $62 for each general recertification test, but caps the test portion of one recertification order at $186. That makes the maximum base charge $220 for any number of general recertification tests bought together, before applicable sales tax. ASE also lists a $52 annual Renewal App option for people certified in A1 through A9. Its refund policy applies to untaken, unexpired tests cancelled within 90 days of purchase; appointment and cancellation conditions still apply. Verify those conditions on ASE's official fee page before relying on a refund or renewal path.
Budget Before You Register
Choose the specific A-series test or tests you are ready to take, then calculate $34 + ($62 × number of tests) and add any sales tax that applies to your purchase. Combining ready tests in one order avoids repeating the registration fee, but do not buy an extra test solely to save $34 if you are not prepared to sit it within ASE's validity and cancellation rules. Check whether your employer or training program has its own reimbursement or voucher policy; VoltExam does not assume one exists. For preparation, use ASE's current test-specific study guide and task list first, then use [free ASE practice](/study/ase) to identify topics that need more review.
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