ASE A1 Engine Repair Certification Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 45
- Time limit
- 1h 15m
- Exam fee
- $62
- Governing body
- National Institute for Automotive Service…
The ASE A1 Engine Repair Certification Test is a professional credentialing exam for automotive technicians who diagnose and repair internal combustion engines. It is administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and passing it signals to employers and customers that a technician meets an industry-recognized standard for engine repair work.
Overview
The A1 test is organized into five content areas, each weighted by its share of the 45 scored questions:
- General Engine Diagnosis — 18 questions
- Fuel, Electrical, Ignition, Air Induction, and Exhaust Systems Diagnosis and Service — 9 questions
- Lubrication and Cooling Systems Diagnosis and Repair — 8 questions
- Cylinder Head and Valve Train Diagnosis and Repair — 6 questions
- Engine Block Diagnosis and Repair — 4 questions
ASE also typically includes about 10 additional research questions mixed into the test; these are unscored and used only to evaluate future test content, so they do not affect your result.
Cost and registration
ASE charges a $62 per-test fee for A1, plus a separate $34 registration fee per order. Fees can change, so confirm current pricing on ASE's official dates, fees, and test times schedule before you register.
Exam format
The ASE A1 test consists of 45 scored questions with a 75-minute time limit. ASE does not publish a fixed passing percentage; it scores results against a set standard, so check the official ASE test guide for the current scoring explanation. Certification earned by passing is valid for five years, after which technicians must retest to keep it current.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the real ASE A1 exam?
The ASE A1 Engine Repair test has 45 scored questions, and ASE typically adds about 10 additional unscored research questions that do not count toward your result.
How long is the ASE A1 test?
You are given 75 minutes to complete the ASE A1 test.
How much does the ASE A1 exam cost?
ASE charges a $62 per-test fee for A1, plus a separate $34 registration fee per order, so budget for both when you schedule.
What is the passing score for ASE A1?
ASE does not publish a fixed passing percentage; instead it scores tests statistically against a set standard. Check the official ASE test guide for the current scoring explanation.
How often do I need to retest for ASE A1?
Technicians must retest every five years to retain their ASE A1 certification.
What content areas are tested on the ASE A1 exam?
The exam covers General Engine Diagnosis (18 questions), Cylinder Head and Valve Train Diagnosis and Repair (6 questions), Engine Block Diagnosis and Repair (4 questions), Lubrication and Cooling Systems Diagnosis and Repair (8 questions), and Fuel, Electrical, Ignition, Air Induction, and Exhaust Systems Diagnosis and Service (9 questions).
Sources
- 1.The Official ASE Study Guide - ASE Automobile Tests — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests, A Series: A1-A9 | ASE — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.Dates, Fees & Test Times - Automotive Service Excellence — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- The Official ASE Study Guide - ASE Automobile TestsNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
- Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests, A Series: A1-A9 | ASENational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
- Dates, Fees & Test Times - Automotive Service ExcellenceNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
Last verified against the official exam content outline: