<p>During a time when skilled technicians are in high demand but in short supply, people like Luke Franta are an inspiration to the rising generation.</p><p>At just 23-years-old, Luke is not only an ASE certified technician, he&rsquo;s also the founder of two businesses&mdash;<a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="http://www.frantasautocare.com/">Franta&rsquo;s Auto Care</a> and Franta&rsquo;s Automotive. He also personally services and sells vehicles in Atascedero, California.</p><p>Considering that Luke first started working on cars at 18, it&rsquo;s remarkable how much he has learned and accomplished in just five years.</p><p>To <a href="https://www.uti.edu/blog/tips/mechanic-path-ase-certification">become ASE certified</a>, Luke mastered the mechanics, systems, parts and equipment for automobiles and trucks. A combination of schooling, reading, YouTube videos and hands-on experience at his local shop helped him gain automotive knowledge beyond his years. </p><p>Luke&rsquo;s success demonstrates that age is not a preventive when it comes to pursuing a passion and a career.</p><br /><h2 style="color:#003852;text-transform:uppercase;">WHAT IS ASE CERTIFICATION?</h2><br /><p>The <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.ase.com/Home.aspx">National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence</a> (ASE) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to supply the automotive repair industry with knowledgeable, skilled and honest technicians. Their certifications help set a standard of excellence throughout the nation&rsquo;s auto dealerships, service centers and repair shops.&nbsp; </p><p>ASE certifications are not required to work in the auto repair industry. However, <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="http://www.tomorrowstechnician.com/real-world-diagnosing-the-automotive-technician/">most technicians</a> put in the effort to earn their certification because it helps instill trust in their abilities, which can benefit their careers. </p><br /><h2 style="color:#003852;text-transform:uppercase;">THE PROCESS TO EARN ASE CERTIFICATION</h2><br /><p>Preparing to take the ASE certification exams is a minimum two-year process. </p><p>The combination of classroom and on-the-job learning is absolutely necessary. Both types of learning are required to pass the ASE certification exams. </p><p>In a test setting, it&rsquo;s not enough only to have hands-on experience. Understanding the concepts and how they are explained on paper is necessary to passing the certification exam.</p><p>Following <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.ase.com/Tests/ASE-Certification-Tests/Register-Now.aspx">registration</a>, test takers must coordinate a visit to their nearest testing center. <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="http://www.ase.com/Tests/ASE-Certification-Tests/Test-Centers/Find-a-Test-Center.aspx?">ASE testing centers</a> are located in multiple cities across all fifty states.</p><p>On exam day, registrants are guaranteed a challenge as they take on the collective knowledge and experience of a panel of industry veterans. A third of most test-taking groups <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="http://www.tomorrowstechnician.com/real-world-diagnosing-the-automotive-technician/">don&rsquo;t pass</a> on their first attempt.</p><p>Once the exams are passed, ASE certified technicians get a five-year break before they need to take another test to recertify. Those who wish to keep their certifications must pass the exams <a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="http://www.ase.com/About-ASE.aspx">every five years</a> for the duration of their careers.</p><br /><h2 style="color:#003852;text-transform:uppercase;">ASE CERTIFICATION TRAINING AT UTI</h2><br /><p>Universal Technical Institute&rsquo;s automotive technology program is <a href="/programs/automotive">Master Certified by ASE</a>. The coursework is designed to prepare students for their certification exams by providing them with adequate knowledge and hands-on training in the automotive lab.</p><p>Working in the labs can substitute one of the two years of on-the-job experience that are required to <a href="/blog">become ASE certified</a>.</p><p>Build the foundation for a successful career at UTI. <a href="/programs/automotive">Click here</a> to learn more about preparing for ASE certification through the automotive technology program.</p>