How to Take and Pass the ASE Certification Tests

1. How to Take and Pass the ASE Certification Tests Jim Halderman

2. Topics to be Discussed • Why take the ASE tests? • How questions are written? • Who writes the questions? • “Distractors” • “Key” • How to prepare for the tests • Tips and tricks

3. Why Take the ASE tests? • Dealers- All warranty work must be done by certified technicians. • Independent shops -being ASE certified is a huge plus and can make a difference when it comes to be hired • Gives new technicians an advantage over those who do not have certification

4. Who writes the ASE questions? • All are “subject matter experts” (SMEs) coached as to how to write good questions. • Questions are submitted and approved by the committee. • Checked for proper wording and grammar.

5. Experienced-Based Questions • ASE will not ask for specifications • Questions are vehicle brand and neutral • Includes questions such as “What can cause lower-then-normal oil pressure?”

6. How do you take a test? • Do you rush? (normal) • Do you hate tests? (normal…no one likes tests) • Are you nervous? (again normal reaction) • All you want to do is go home (right?)

7. How do you analyze questions? • Do you read every question twice? • Do you skim read the question? • Do you stop at the first answer that sounds right? • Try the next series of questions…………….

8. Test question #1Which is the correct answer? 1.Question…………….. A. xx B. xxxx C. xx D. xx

9. Answer to Question #1 Often B. • With instructor made tests, it is very common for the longest answer to be the correct answer. • ASE asks the subject matter experts (SMEs) to try to keep all answers to the same length

10. Test Question #2Which is the correct answer? 2. Question…….. A. 3 B. 5 C. 8 D. 12

11. Answer to Question #2 • When a list of numbers is presented, it is common practice to delete the high and low and then guess if the correct answer is not known. • This increases the chances from 25% to 50% (doubles) your chances of getting the right answer by guessing. • ASE tries to avoid doing this by making the answers random.

12. Test Question #3Which is the correct answer? 3. Question…… A. xx B. xx C. xx D. xx

13. Answer to Question #3 • If you have no idea, select “C”. • Many instructors want to “bury” the answer so they avoid making the correct answer the first or second one in the list. • In fact, studies have shown that “C” is right about 33% of the time compared to 25% of the time in a normal random test. • ASE tries to avoid doing this by making the answers random.

14. Nurses and Technicians • Told that in some testing, nurses were given an automotive test and technicians were given a nursing test. • In some cases, some nurses and technicians passed using basic test taking skills.

15. The “KEY” • The key is the correct answer • ASE states that there is only one true correct answer

16. The “Distractors” • The distractors are the other answers that are NOT correct. • They are reasonable and might be close to the correct answer but are not correct.

17. Percentages • ASE wants technicians to pass • The pass rate is “about 70%” of those who take the test with a score of about 65% or higher • Distractors should be selected by at least 10% to be a good distractor

18. TECH A and B Questions • Hard for many • Just two true and false questions • Look at each one separately. • Do not try to figure out what both are saying together.

19. How to take the tests • Read and understand each question. • Read each answer • Try to eliminate the wrong answers (distractors)

20. SAMPLE #1 Two technicians are discussing the cause of low oil pressure. Technician A says that a worn oil pump could be the cause. Technician B says that worn main or rod bearings could be the cause. Which technician is correct? a. Technician A only b. Technician B only c. Both Technicians A and B d. Neither Technician A nor B

21. Answer to Sample #1 • The answer is C (both technicians are correct) • Technician A is correct because a worn oil pump could cause low oil pressure. • Technician B is correct because worn main or rod bearing will cause excessive leakage and therefore lower than normal oil pressure

22. SAMPLE #2 All of the following components can cause excessive play in the steering wheel except: a. A worn U-joint between the steering gear and the steering column shaft b. A worn outer tie rod end c. Loosened steering gear attachment bolts d. Over tightened center link retaining nuts

23. Answer to Sample #2 • The correct answer is d. • The question asks which answer would NOT cause excessive play in the steering wheel. • Answer A can cause play • Answer B can cause play • Answer c can cause play

24. SAMPLE #3 The front of the vehicle dips downward in the front during light braking. Which of the following is the most likely cause? a. An internally leaking master cylinder b. A defective metering valve c. A defective proportioning valve d. Air in the lines

25. Answer to Sample #3 • The correct answer is b. • A defective metering valve could cause the front brakes to be applied sooner than the rear causing the front to dip down. • Answer a cannot cause this to occur • Answer b cannot cause this to occurAnswer c cannot cause this to occur

26. SAMPLE #4 If a component such as a dome light has power (voltage) on both the power side and the ground side of the bulb, this indicates ________. a. A defective (open) bulb b. A short-to-ground c. A corroded bulb socket d. An open ground-side circuit

27. Answer to Sample Question #4 • The correct answer is d. • Voltage is available up to the point of an open. • Answers a, b and c would not cause voltage to be at both sides of the bulb.

28. Tips • Look at the answers and try to match up the best one as the key. • Look for key words such as: always, never, could (rather than will), such as this could cause that etc.

29. Do not relate questions to a recent repair • This is hard NOT to do. • You just had a similar situation on a white Chevy and the problem was……….. • Try to avoid doing thinking about your recent experience

30. Do not read anything into the question! • Very common for test takers to read into the question more than what was included. • “Now if this was this, then that would happen………”

31. Analysis Paralysis • You can talk yourself into almost any answer if you think about the questions too long. • Read and understand the question. • Pick and select your first choice.

32. Never change an answer • Unless you now realize what the answer is or you misread the question. • Changing an answer is likely to result in selecting a wrong answer. • Best to stay with your first choice

33. Watch your time • But don’t let the time tell you what to do. • Plan on one minute per question. • If spending a lot of time, move on. • The program will let you know which ones you skipped

34. FAQs • Should I guess if I don’t know the answer? • Is each test the same every time I take it? • Can I skip questions I don’t know and come back to answer later? • Yes • No • Yes

35. Prepare • Get a good nights rest • Do NOT eat a big meal before the test. • If possible take a nap before the test….. being rested and alert is very important.

36. Resources from ASE • http://www.ase.com/testingtips/index.html • (Tips for taking the ASE tests) • http://www.ase.com/Test-Prep-Training/Study-Guides/Download-the-Guides.aspx • (Free downloadable study guides)

37. www.jameshalderman.com • FREE sample ASE test questions WITH answers and explanations. • 15 for each area • 120 total questions

38. Resources from Pearson

39. Teach an ASE prep class • Adds interest in your community • Increase your income • Can be for credit or non-credit • Use this Power Point and the Halderman website

40. Summary • Tests are written by SMEs • Each question has only one key • The distractors are written to be incorrect but plausible. • Take your time (one minute per question) • Do not “read” anything into the questions • Arrive rested

41. Good Luck jim@jameshalderman.com