What’s the ASE Test Cost to Get Certified in 2025?

If you’re pursuing a career in automotive repair, you’ve likely wondered about the ASE test cost. Between exam fees, prep materials, and recertification expenses, how much are ASE tests in reality? With more technicians aiming to prove their skills through ASE credentials, understanding these costs upfront can help you budget smartly and avoid surprises. In this guide, we’ll explore how much ASE certification costs, ways to lower those expenses, and whether employers like dealerships or Firestone will foot the bill.

How much does an ASE certification cost?

How much does an ASE certification cost?

ASE certification prices typically range from $93 to $152 per test, depending on the exam type. If you’re pursuing multiple certifications or advanced credentials, your total investment can exceed $500. The total cost usually includes:

• A per-test fee
• A registration fee per order
• In some cases, sales tax depends on your location

Here’s a breakdown of all scenarios and how much each ASE test costs.

Initial ASE certification test fees (Most standard exams)

The majority of ASE certifications fall into this category, including common test series like A1–A9 (Automobile & Light Truck), B-series (Collision Repair), T-series (Medium/Heavy Truck), S-series (School Bus), P-series (Parts Specialist), C-series (Service Consultant), and M-series (Motorcycle Technician).

Each test in these categories has the same base fee:

• Test fee: $59 per test
• Registration fee: $34 per order (only paid once per testing window)

This means if you take one test, you’ll pay $93 in total. If you take three tests in the same session, you’ll pay $177 ($59 x 3) in test fees plus one $34 registration fee, totaling $211.

This pricing model offers flexibility: the more tests you schedule in one session, the more cost-effective it becomes in terms of ASE test fees.

Advanced level test fees (L1, L2, L3, L4)

Advanced Level ASE tests are designed for highly experienced technicians, particularly those working with diagnostics, drivability, and emissions systems. These exams are more comprehensive and challenging, and their pricing reflects that.

• Test fee: $118 per advanced test
• Registration fee: $34 per order

If you’re taking just one advanced-level exam, you can expect to pay $152 total. These tests are often required for ASE Master Technician status or to work in states with emissions regulations that require L1 certification. As you calculate how much ASE certification costs, advanced tests may significantly increase your total.

Military tactical wheeled vehicle (TWV) tests

Military tactical wheeled vehicle

ASE offers specialized certification for military mechanics working on tactical wheeled vehicles. These tests are part of a program developed in partnership with the U.S. military and follow a different pricing structure.

• MIL1 (Military Fundamentals) test fee: $77
• MIL2 to MIL8 test fee: $91 each
  • MIL2 (Electrical Systems) test fee: $91
  • MIL3 (Powertrain Systems) test fee: $91
  • MIL4 (Suspension & Steering) test fee: $91
  • MIL5 (Braking Systems) test fee: $91
  • MIL6 (Preventive Maintenance) test fee: $91
  • MIL7 (Heating & Cooling Systems) test fee: $91
  • MIL8 (Auxiliary Systems) test fee: $91
• Registration fee: $34 per order

These tests are typically taken by military personnel or civilian contractors maintaining tactical fleets, and they’re available through designated military testing centers or authorized ASE locations. For service members, this may reduce the costs to get ASE certified if exams are subsidized.

Recertification test fees

ASE certifications must be renewed every five years. To maintain your credentials, you must retake the appropriate exams. The good news is that the pricing for recertification tests is capped, making it more affordable for technicians maintaining multiple certifications.

• Recertification test fee: $59 per test
• Advanced-level recertification (L1R, L2R, L3R): $118 each
• Registration fee: $34 per order
• Maximum total cost per recertification order: $211 (due to test cap of $177)

If you recertify multiple areas at once, you’ll pay no more than $211 total, regardless of how many recertification exams are included in that order. This system encourages techs to bundle their renewals and save money.

For technicians certified in the A1 through A9 series, there’s an alternative to the traditional recertification route: the ASE Renewal App. Instead of retaking full exams every five years, you can stay current by answering monthly questions via the app.

• Annual subscription fee: $48
• Format: One multiple-choice question per certification area is delivered each month
• Device requirement: Mobile app or web access

As long as you stay engaged and answer questions consistently, your certifications remain active without needing to return to a testing center. This is a convenient, flexible, and cost-effective option for busy professionals.

BMW assessment tests (Non-certification exams)

ASE also administers assessment exams for BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) technicians. These tests are used by the manufacturer and dealerships to evaluate technician competency but do not result in official ASE certification.

• BMW1–BMW3 test fee: $59 each
  • BMW Associate Level Assessment Test (BMW1): $59 each
  • BMW Member Level Assessment Test (BMW2): $59 each
  • BMW Collision Repair Technician Assessment(BMW3): $59 each
• BMW4–BMW7 (Master and master elite) test fee: $236 each
  • BMW Master Level Assessment – Drivetrain(BMW4): $236 each
  • BMW Master Level Assessment – Body and Chassis (BMW5): $236 each
  • BMW Master Elite Level Assessment – Drivetrain (BMW6): $236 each
  • BMW Master Elite Level Assessment – Body and Chassis (BMW7): $236 each
• Registration fee: $34 per order

These assessments are required within the BMW career development program and reflect the high standards expected for working on BMW vehicles. Pricing is based on the technician level being evaluated, with advanced roles having significantly higher ASE test fees.

Sales tax notice

When registering for ASE tests, be aware that sales tax may apply depending on your location. ASE is required to collect sales tax on applicable purchases, which can slightly increase your overall ASE test cost.

If you live in any of the following U.S. states, sales tax will be added to your registration and test fees:

AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, IA, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, and WY

The exact tax rate depends on your state’s regulations, which means your final total may vary slightly from the base prices quoted earlier.

How to reduce ASE certification costs?

How to reduce ASE certification costs?

Worried about ASE test fees stacking up? Good news – there are several legitimate and effective ways to cut down your ASE certification price, sometimes by more than half. Here’s how:

Take advantage of employer sponsorships

Many automotive employers, including Firestone, AutoZone, and local dealerships, offer full or partial reimbursement of ASE test fees as part of employee upskilling programs.

• Savings potential: Up to 100% of the cost, including registration and test fees, if you pass.
• Some employers may also pay for retakes if you’re actively enrolled in their technician development track.
• Firestone, for example, states on its careers page that ASE certifications are company-sponsored as part of its ASE Blue Seal program. This significantly reduces the ASE certification costs out of pocket.

Apply for the ASE student certification

If you’re still in high school, technical school, or community college, you may be eligible for ASE Entry-level certification, which is much cheaper than full certification exams.

• Test cost: As low as $36 per subject area (vs. $59–$118 for full certification)
• No registration fee is required in many cases
• Available in 50+ subject areas such as brakes, engine performance, or electrical systems.

This is ideal for students looking to build resumes early and save big before entering the workforce. It’s also a great entry point when you’re not yet ready to commit to the full ASE certification cost.

Choose bundled test dates

ASE charges a $34 registration fee per order, not per test. If you schedule multiple exams in the same testing window, you only pay the fee once.

Example:

• Take 1 test: $59 + $34 = $93
• Take 3 tests: ($59 x 3) + $34 = $211
• Savings from bundling 3 tests: $68 (instead of paying 3x $34 registration = $102)

This strategy is especially useful when you’re working toward ASE Master Technician status, which requires passing multiple exams and increases how much is ASE certification over time.

Use free or low-cost prep resources

Plenty of online practice tests and prep guides are available for free or under $20, even totally free, like this ASE Series A practice test, helping you in the test preparation process.

Join a trade organization

Some trade associations (like ASA – Automotive Service Association) or technician unions offer benefits like:

• Partial or full reimbursement of test and registration fees
• Discounts on training workshops and prep materials
• Networking that may lead to employer sponsorships

The savings range can be from $59 to $200 plus, depending on what’s covered, which can significantly reduce how much it costs to get ASE certified over the years.

FAQs

1. Can I get an ASE certification for free?

While ASE tests aren’t typically free, there are a few scenarios where you might not pay out of pocket:

• Your employer covers certification fees
• You qualify for a workforce grant or a veteran training program
• You’re a student using a subsidized school-based ASE entry-level exam

2. Do dealerships pay for ASE certification?

Yes, many dealerships do pay for ASE certification as part of their technician training and development programs. Some dealerships offer full reimbursement of ASE exam fees after the technician passes, while others may cover the cost upfront for required exams. Additionally, ASE certification is often linked to salary increases, bonuses, or promotion opportunities. Many employers also provide paid time or study resources to help technicians prepare for the exams. This support reflects the dealership’s commitment to maintaining a highly qualified service team.

3. Does Autozone pay for ASE?

Yes, AutoZone provides an ASE certification reimbursement program for eligible employees. To qualify, you must be a current employee in good standing. Typically, you’re required to pass the ASE exam before submitting your request for reimbursement. This benefit reduces how much is ASE certification if you work for the company.

4. Does Firestone pay for ASE?

Yes, Firestone (a part of Bridgestone Retail Operations) does support technicians pursuing ASE certification. They typically cover the cost of ASE exam fees, offer bonuses for each certification earned, and provide paid training time to help technicians prepare effectively for their tests.

Final thoughts

ASE certification is an investment in your automotive career. While the ASE test cost may seem steep, especially when pursuing Master Technician status, many employers will help you manage or even eliminate those costs. Use smart strategies like employer reimbursements, bundled test dates, and free study tools to keep your ASE certification price low. When budgeting and planning your career path, always factor in “how much does ASE certification cost” over time to make informed decisions.