ASE Master Technician, test by test

The eight Master tests

All eight, each its own certification:

1. A1
2. A2
3. A3
4. A4
5. A5
6. A6
7. A7
8. A8

What ASE Master status requires

Per the A1–A9 test page, technicians certified in A1 through A8 are recognized as Master Automobile Technicians. A9 is not required for Master.

Each of the eight needs a pass and the work experience behind it: 2 years of full-time hands-on work (or the part-time equivalent). Timing: you can test first; the certificate waits until the experience is approved.

There is no deadline for collecting the eight, but each one has its own clock: every certification lasts 5 years. If the eighth pass comes after the first one has expired, recertify the first, or the count is still seven.

An order that shares study time

ASE sets no order. Grouping tests that share content saves rereading:

1. Engine pair, A1 then A8. A1 Engine Repair spends 40% of its score on general diagnosis; A8 Engine Performance builds on it with ignition, fuel and emissions, and 26% on computerized engine controls. A1 was rewritten for 2026 (50 → 45 scored), so use the 2026 guide.
2. Electrical, A6. A6 is the longest A test (90 min), and body electrical alone is 34% of its score.
3. Chassis pair, A4 and A5. A4 Suspension and Steering pairs with A5 Brakes, where hydraulics alone are 43%. California's vehicle safety systems technician license asks for A4, A5 and A6, per the Bureau of Automotive Repair (checked Oct 23, 2026).
4. Drivetrain and comfort, A2, A3, A7. A2 was also rewritten for 2026 (50 → 45 scored).

Start with the test closest to the work you do every day. A first pass builds confidence and shows how the questions are phrased.

What it costs to become a Master

$530 to buy all eight Master tests A1–A8 in one order (8 × $62 + $34), as of Oct 2026 and before sales tax in the 37 states where ASE collects it. Fewer orders mean fewer registration fees, but each order gives you only 90 days to sit everything in it, so it can pay to split the eight into two or three orders you can actually study for. Retakes are new orders after 30 days. Every fee, with tax notes, is on test cost.

Keeping Master status

Master status is not for life. Per the FAQ on ase.com, you must keep each of the eight certifications current; if one lapses you lose the status until you pass that recertification test. Two ways to keep all eight current:

• Recertification tests, each about half the length of the original (A1's is 23 questions, 30 minutes). Because test fees per order are capped, all eight recertified together cost $220 at most, against eight separate fees of $62.
• The ASE Renewal App: $52 a year covers all your A1–A9 certifications; 8 correct answers in an area add 1 year. Over a five-year cycle that is $260, more than one capped recertification order, but with no test to sit.

Details on recertification.

Master truck, and the levels above

• Master truck: T2–T8 make Master Medium-Heavy Truck Technician; T1 is not required. Recertifying all seven costs $220 in one order. See the T-series hub.
• Other Master series: ASE also awards Master status in Collision, Transit Bus and School Bus, at 4 to 8 tests depending on the series, per the Need to Know guide.
• Advanced Level: L1–L4 carry no Master status. L1 builds on A8: you must have passed A8 Engine Performance first.
• World Class Technician: ASE also names World Class Technicians; check ase.com for the current requirements.

A job ad for a “master automotive technician” may use the employer's own grade rather than ASE Master status. Read the posting.

Practice on your phone

Optional. On this site the A1, A5, A6 and A8 app links all open the same A-series practice app.

Practice the Master tests

• A1 Engine Repair practice test →
• A5 Brakes practice test →
• A6 Electrical practice test →
• A8 Engine Performance practice test →
• T-Series practice test →for Master truck

More guides

• ASE certification →Every ASE test series, the requirements and the steps from myASE to certificate
• ASE study guide →Free official study guides, 2026 changes, licensed books, task-list plan
• ASE test cost →Registration, test, retake and recertification fees for each test, as of Oct 2026
• Diesel certification →Which diesel test to take: T2 for trucks, A9 for light vehicles, L2 above them
• ASE recertification →Recertification tests, remote testing and the Renewal App: when, how and what each costs
• How to become a mechanic →School or on-the-job, then the ASE tests: the path from first job to certified technician
• Mechanic certification →ASE certification, school certificates, OEM programs and state licenses: what each one is