Credential Information

2025-2026 Academic Year

ASE Entry-Level Certification - Electrical/Electronic Systems

Credential Name	ASE Entry-Level Certification - Electrical/Electronic Systems
Credential Vendor Info	ASE https://www.ase.com/entry-level
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IT18 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of the student's certificate. For a sample go to https://www.ase.com/dist/docs/Sample%20Certificate%20-%20FINAL.pdf
Credential Lead Consultant	Jim Pressly james.pressly@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and Title	IT18 Automotive Service III
Credential as POL	IT18 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Automotive Service (AUTO)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	None
Exam Voucher Expiration	All seat or site licenses are valid for use within an academic year: July 1 through June 30. Any seats (users, credits) remaining at the end of an academic year expire with no residual value. https://www.ase.com/entry-level
Credential Lifespan	ASE Entry-Level certification is valid for two years. https://www.ase.com/entry-level
Renewal Options	Yes ASE Entry-Level certifications are not renewable. https://www.ase.com/entry-level
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (49-3023) Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists (49-3031) Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics (49-3042) Motor Vehicles Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers (49-2096) Motorcycle Mechanics (49-3052)
Articulation	Yes Effective 2025-26 See Statewide Articulation Agreement: https://www.ncperkins.org/course/view.php?id=4
Sequencing	Yes The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Entry-Level certification tests are designed to indicate a satisfactory level of practical knowledge-based readiness for the workforce in candidates seeking a career in the automotive service industry. ASE Entry-level certification is the first step in building career credentials as an automotive service professional, followed by Professional Technician and Master Technician certifications.
Employer Transferability	Yes The credential stays with the individual.
Delivery Format	On-line
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Test Site Options and Requirements	ASE Entry-Level certification tests may be administered on any computer that meets the minimum technical and security requirements, published at https://www.ase.com/entry-level. The computer/workstation(s) for delivering the ASE Entry-Level certification tests must be located in a computer lab, test center, or other appropriate testing location that provides for monitoring by the proctor, reasonable shielding from others, freedom from distractions, and comfort for the examinee. Remote testing is available also. Testing Policies and FAQs: https://www.ase.com/entry-level
Testing Environment Requirements	Testing Policies and FAQs: https://www.ase.com/entry-level
Proctored Requirements	Proctors - The proctor may be a school/site administrative staff member, a current or retired faculty member, or any other individual deemed qualified by the school/site. However, any proctor selected by the site/school may not have a working or teaching background in automotive service, medium/heavy truck service, and/or collision repair/refinish technology. Students may not be proctors. Proctor's Responsibility - The proctor is responsible for verifying the test candidate's identity, enabling the test for the candidate, and providing general oversight of the candidate during the testing session. This includes ensuring that there is no cheating of any kind, including giving or receiving help, using books or notes, etc. Testing Policies: https://www.ase.com/entry-level
Exam Time Allotment	ASE recommends that 60 minutes be scheduled for each test. https://www.ase.com/entry-level
Exam Passing Requirement	The cut score, or required number of correct responses to pass, is set independently for each test. For detailed information about how the tests are constructed and how cut scores are set, see the document, "Interpreting Results and Technical Data": www.ASE.com/Entry-Level https://www.ase.com/dist/docs/FAQs-2021-2022.pdf
Retakes	Yes Candidates are eligible for one retest attempt for any or all ASE Entry- Level certification tests completed during the current academic year (July 1 through the following June 30), provided such retest attempt is scheduled 30 days or more from the test completion date of the first attempt. Retest attempts must be completed on or before the last day of the academic year (June 30) in which the first attempt was completed. Each student may be eligible for an optional third retest attempt, at the discretion of the school/site, for the price of an additional seat license. Testing Policies: https://www.ase.com/entry-level
Student Accommodations	Yes Students with special needs (i.e., students with Individual Education Plans) may receive reasonable accommodations, as defined and provided by the school for their special needs, provided that those accommodations do not compromise test integrity. Testing Policies: https://www.ase.com/entry-level
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	Test cannot be administered by instructor.

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.
Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.
Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.
Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

Footnotes:
^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.