GERALD's TIRES & BRAKES

Until the early 1970's, consumers had no way to distinguish between incompetent and competent mechanics. In response to this need, the independent, non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was established in 1972.

At present there are over 440,000 professionals with current certifications on ASE's rosters.  They work in every segment of the automotive service industry: car and truck dealerships,  independent garages, fleets, service stations, franchises, and more.

ASE's mission is to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service in the United States through the testing and certification of automotive repair technicians.

Here's how ASE certification works: Prospective candidates register for and take one or more of ASE's 36 exams.  Upon passing at least one exam and after providing proof of two years of relevant work experience, a candidate will achieve ASE certification. Technicians that pass all of the exams in a specialty area earn ASE Master Technician status.

The tests, which are conducted twice a year at over 750 locations around the country, are administered by American College Testing (ACT). The exams stress real-world diagnostic and repair problems, not theory. They are no cinch to pass; approximately one out of three test-takers fails.

Certification is not for life. To remain certified, technicians must be retested every five years.

Consumers benefit from ASE certification. It is a valuable yard stick by which to measure the knowledge and skills of individual technicians as well as the commitment to quality of the repair facility employing ASE-certified technicians.

Gerald's 'On Course' Training

ASE has been great at helping keep our quality work up by providing our technicians a way to "earn as they learn" but here at Gerald's we don't stop there when it comes to employee training.  

Our Gerald's "On Course" training program is our answer to filling the "practical application "gaps we found with ASE.  Like the way we setup ASE, it is an "earn as you learn" system and covers all of our major services individually.

Each major service is divided into three modules, each with its own content and test.  Employees both study the modules at home, on video and of course practical study on the job.  Before each test is given a review and question & answer time is given.

Although the employee might be great at testing, if he fails to perform the material he will not be allowed to continue through the program and he may be required to re-test.

To stay sharp, reviews are given twice yearly to evaluate the employees application of the material.  Once again, if he fails to perform the material he will not be allowed to continue through the program and even may be required to re-test an earlier module.

Updates are added to the modules quarterly to help us keep up with new techniques and technologies.  On Course training also includes areas outside our in-house training program like special seminars and manufacture's training.