Frequently Asked Questions About the ASE Accreditation Program for Training Providers

1. What is the program?

The program is a voluntary ASE accreditation program for training entities that provide continuing education to working automotive technicians. The ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC) administers the program; the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) grants the accreditation.

2. What are the benefits of ASE Accreditation?

For the training provider:

Technicians will ultimately gain the most from program accreditation. As more training providers complete the accreditation process, technicians will find it easier to locate quality training that will meet their needs.

3. Who can be accredited under this program?

Since the Standards are based on the provider’s process of instruction, the accreditation program is appropriate for all automotive training providers. Automobile or truck original equipment manufacturers, aftermarket manufacturers/suppliers, independent trainers, in-house fleet training, etc., are eligible for ASE accreditation under this program.

4. How do you become accredited; what are the steps?

There are two major steps: 1) the application process, and 2) an on-site visit. While completing the application, which serves as a self-evaluation, the training provider reviews and documents its process of instruction and has the opportunity to make improvements. Once the completed application has been reviewed and approved by ATMC, an on-site Evaluation Team visits the training provider to validate the information in the application. This visit also allows the training provider the opportunity to share information that is not easily included in the written application.

5. How much does it cost?

The program Standards can be obtained free of charge from ATMC. The materials required to begin the accreditation process can be purchased from ATMC for $150 but are free to ATMC members. These materials include the Standards and Guidelines for Accrediting Providers of Continuing Automotive Service Education and the Application. An application fee of $1250 is due with submission of the application. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $300 due at the beginning of each subsequent year.

The training provider will also be responsible for the honoraria ($300 each member) and travel expenses of the on-site team. Travel cost will vary; however, ATMC will work with the training provider on an individual basis to keep all travel costs to a minimum. Where possible, local ETLs and team members will be used.

6. How many team members are required for the on-site visit?

As a general rule, two (2) team members will be used -- an Evaluation Team Leader (ETL) and one team member. If the training provider has four or more training sites, more than ten instructors, or has a very complex training network, a third team member may be required. If a third team member is required, the training provider may identify an individual to serve on the team. The third team member must, however, meet the qualifying criteria listed in the Standards and Guidelines for Accrediting Providers of Continuing Automotive Service Education.

7. Are there different levels of accreditation?

No. There are, however, designations for instructor-led instruction and stand-alone self-study instruction.

8. Are the instructors certified under CASE?

No. ASE accredits the training provider (an entity) that meets the Standards. An instructor (an individual) is one piece of that entity, must achieve any ASE certifications on their own.

9. Are the actual courses or the course materials accredited?

No. ASE accredits the training provider, not the actual training Activities. Once ASE-accredited, the provider may identify to its prospective students which course offerings were developed and delivered according to the program standards.

10. If I’m an independent trainer, using the courseware developed by an ASE-accredited training provider, am I therefore an ASE-accredited provider and are my courses accredited activities?

No. It would be necessary for you, as a training provider, to obtain your own ASE accreditation.

Since the program standards define a closed-loop process which leads to continuous improvement, the training provider must be able to take any necessary corrective actions throughout the period in which they offer the activity. Once the activity is no longer under the control of the ASE-accredited training provider, the activity can no longer be considered an accredited activity. ASE accredits the training provider, not an activity or the training material. Therefore, accreditation is not transferable through the training material.

11. Is it certification or ASE-Accreditation?

It’s ASE-accredited for the training provider's program. ASE is the organization that grants the accreditation.

12. Who are the ETLs?

ETLs, or Evaluation Team Leaders, are experienced automotive in-service educators/trainers who have been trained by ATMC to lead the on-site evaluation process. Persons selected as  ETLs must have a minimum of ten years of automotive experience. At least five of those years of experience must be in in-service education/training development and/or delivery. The ETL selected for a particular evaluation may not be a current or former employee of the training provider.

13. Who are the evaluation team members?

Evaluation team members are experienced automotive in-service educators/trainers. Individuals selected as team members must have a minimum of eight years of automotive experience. At least four years of experience should be in education/training development and/or delivery. Team members may not be current or former employees of the training provider undergoing evaluation.

14. What’s the In-service Training Committee (ITC)?

The ITC is a committee that was appointed by the ATMC Board of Directors to oversee the development and implementation of the accreditation program. Members of the committee include ASE and ATMC Board members, as well as non-board members.

15. How can I become an ETL?

ATMC periodically conducts ETL training session throughout the country. Those who have attended the training and meet the ETL requirements must first gain experience as a team member before serving as the team leader. If you wish to become an ETL and you meet the qualification requirements (see related question above), please contact the ATMC office for current information.

16. Can an ETL evaluate a training provider if he/she is not an expert in the content (technology) of the training provider’s courses?

Yes. The accreditation standards address the training provider’s process, not the content of the training activities.

17. I’m a small, one-person, training provider and I deliver all of my training at the client’s location. I don’t have a training facility of my own. Can I become accredited under the program?

Yes, if you meet the standards. Many training providers, large and small, deliver training at remote locations. Sometimes, training will take place in someone else’s training facility and, at other times, right in a client’s repair shop. The key is that the facility is conducive to learning, given the nature of the activity and the number of students.

18. How long is ASE accreditation valid?

ASE accreditation for training providers is valid for five years. Once accredited, the training provider is required to submit an annual report to ATMC which identifies any changes within the organization that have occurred during the year.

ASE Training Managers Council

A Member of the ASE Family of Organizations

1503 Edwards Ferry Rd NE, Suite 401

Leesburg, VA 20176

703-669-6615

info@atmc.org