This month,
Counterman magazine publishes its annual test preparation guide to the
upcoming ASE automobile parts specialist (P2) test. This fall’s
nationwide testing date for the P2 is Nov. 5. In addition to the parts
test questions and overviews, we provide an overview of the store
operations and customer relationship portion of the test.
Passing
and holding ASE certification is a clear way for parts professionals to
distinguish themselves from the rest. ASE certification says a lot
about a counterpro: To employers and customers it’s a way to prove you
know what you’re talking about. Certification brings with it benefits
including better compensation, increased career opportunities and
respect from peers.
The test isn’t something that can be passed without preparation.
In
a word, it’s tough. Members of the aftermarket wholesale and retail
parts industry have gathered to produce the P2 questions to tackle
real-life situations that parts professionals will find themselves in.
Parts
pros who pass the test each receive a wallet card, insignia and a
certificate. More than 42,000 counter pros are certified in one of
ASE’s parts specialist tests, with the vast majority having the P2
certification.
ABOUT ASE TESTING
Prospective candidates
register for and take one or more of ASE’s 40-plus exams. The tests are
grouped into specialties for automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck
equipment, school bus, and collision repair technicians, as well as
engine machinists, alternate fuels technicians, parts specialists, auto
service consultants and collision damage estimators.
Automobile parts professionals normally take the P2 exam, but there are others:
• Medium/Heavy Truck Dealership Parts Specialist Test (P1);
• Medium/Heavy Truck Aftermarket Brake Parts Specialist Test (P3);
• General Motors Parts Consultant Test (P4);
• Medium/Heavy Truck Aftermarket Suspension and Steering Parts Specialist Test (P9).
The
following pages cover much of the technical and store operations
information that appears on the P2 test. To remain certified, those
with ASE credentials must be retested every five years.
Paper
and pencil tests are conducted twice a year at more than 750 locations
around the country and are administered by ACT, known for its academic
and occupational testing programs. Paper tests (both first time and
recertification) cost $27. In addition, selected tests are offered in a
computer-based testing (CBT) format at 200 sites for two five-week
periods each year. CBT is offered in the winter and summer at about 200
test sites nationwide. CBT offers scheduled appointments and instant
test results. The registration fee for CBT is $74 per technician and
regular tests cost $37 each. Advanced level tests fees are $74 per test.
Each
exam stresses knowledge of job-related skills. The tests are no cinch
to pass; approximately one out of three test takers fails. Visit
www.ase.com for more information.
PREPARATION FOR THE TEST
You
will be required to show a current (unexpired) government- or
school-issued photo ID when you check in to take your tests. The name
you use to register must match the name on your current photo ID.
Try
to be well-rested. Arrive early enough to park and find the appropriate
building and room location. You should report for check-in by 6:45 p.m.
Bring your admission ticket, photo ID, three or four soft-lead pencils
(No. 2) and an eraser with you. Books, calculators, and other
reference material will not be permitted in the test room.
(Exception: English-Foreign
dictionaries, English/Spanish Glossary, etc., which will be inspected
before and after testing.) Testing is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., but
may be delayed to complete check-in.
You will receive test
book(s) for those test(s) printed on your admission ticket and an
answer folder. Once you are seated, the supervisor will explain how to
fill out the answer folder.
The test sessions are timed. You
will have four hours to complete your tests. If you finish early, you
may leave during specified dismissal periods. Use a watch to pace
yourself. If a question is difficult, mark the answer that you think is
correct and put a checkmark or note in the test book margin beside that
question. Then go on to the next question. When you have finished the
test, you may have time to go back to those questions you have marked.
It is to your advantage to answer every question. Your score will be based on the number of correct answers that you give.
Sections covered:
Automatic Transmission
Batteries
Brakes
Cooling System
Drivetrain
Emissions
Engine Mechanical Parts
Exhaust
Fuel System
HVAC
Gaskets
Ignition System
Manual Transmission
Suspension and Steering
Management