ASE Master Automobile Technician
ASE Master Automobile Technician is earned by holding all eight automobile tests at once — A1 through A8. It's a status, not a separate exam: pass each of the eight and keep them current and you're Master. A9 Light Vehicle Diesel is a specialty test and does not count, which is the most expensive assumption in the A-series. Because Master requires all eight to stay valid, letting any one lapse drops the designation until you restore it.
The eight tests that make Master
Master Automobile Technician = holding all eight of these at once:
| Test | Area |
|---|---|
| A1 | Engine Repair |
| A2 | Automatic Transmission / Transaxle |
| A3 | Manual Drive Train & Axles |
| A4 | Suspension & Steering |
| A5 | Brakes |
| A6 | Electrical / Electronic Systems |
| A7 | Heating & Air Conditioning |
| A8 | Engine Performance |
There is no ninth requirement and no separate Master exam. A9 Light Vehicle Diesel sits outside the set — it’s a specialty, not a Master test. Confirm the current Master requirements at ase.com, since ASE occasionally adjusts program rules.
How to earn it
You build Master one test at a time, in any order, across as many test windows as you need:
- Sequence by your bench, not by number. Knock out the tests closest to your daily work first (often A4, A5, A6) to bank passes, then tackle the broad ones.
- Do A6 before A8. Engine Performance leans on electrical fundamentals; passing A6 Electrical first makes A8 far easier.
- Cluster tests in shared windows to pay the registration fee once — see ASE test cost.
- You can test before the experience requirement. ASE issues the certificate once you’ve logged the work history, but you may pass the exams first. See the certification guide.
Keeping Master once you have it
Master is only Master while all eight are current. Each test carries its own five-year expiration, so the designation depends on your earliest-expiring test, not the average:
- The day any one of the eight lapses, you are no longer Master — even with the other seven valid.
- Restore the lapsed test (by recert if you caught it in time, or the full test if it expired) and Master returns.
- Track the earliest expiration date and recertify ahead of it. See recertification for how the renewal window works.
Mistakes people make
- Counting A9 toward Master. It doesn’t count. Plan the path around A1–A8.
- Letting one test lapse and assuming Master holds. One lapse drops the whole designation.
- Chasing all eight at once. Spreading them out and passing cleanly beats cramming and retaking — every retake is another test fee.
Next steps
Map the full series on the A-series prep page, study by system through the certification guide, and set recert reminders using the recertification page. Confirm current Master requirements at ase.com before you plan your path.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate Master Automobile exam?
No. Master Automobile Technician isn't its own test — it's the status you get for holding all eight A-series automobile certifications (A1–A8) at the same time. You earn it one test at a time.
Does A9 count toward Master Automobile?
No. A9 Light Vehicle Diesel is a specialty test. Master Automobile is A1 through A8 only. Passing A9 is worthwhile if you work diesel, but it doesn't move you toward Master.