ASE A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle 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 A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle test certifies automotive technicians who diagnose and repair automatic transmissions and transaxles. It's administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and is one of the core A-series certifications technicians pursue to demonstrate transmission expertise to employers and customers.
Overview
The A2 test is built around three content areas that make up the full question bank:
- Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis — 26 questions, 58% of the test
- In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Maintenance and Repair — 12 questions
- Transmission/Transaxle Unit Removal, Inspection, and Installation — 7 questions
Diagnosis carries the heaviest weight by far, so most of your prep time should go toward diagnostic reasoning rather than removal-and-installation procedures alone.
Cost and registration
Taking the A2 test costs $62 per test, plus a separate $34 registration fee that's charged per order rather than per individual test. Fees are set by ASE and can change, so confirm current pricing on the official ASE fee schedule before you register.
Exam format
The exam totals 55 questions, of which 45 are scored; the rest are unscored research questions ASE uses to develop future versions of the test. You'll have 75 minutes to finish. ASE reports results on a scaled score rather than a single published raw passing number, so check your official score report for the exact standard you were held to.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the real ASE A2 exam?
The ASE A2 exam has 55 total questions, of which 45 are scored; the remaining questions are unscored research items ASE uses to develop future tests. You'll have 75 minutes to complete it.
What is the fee for the ASE A2 test?
ASE charges $62 for the A2 test itself, plus a separate $34 registration fee that applies per order rather than per test.
Do I need work experience to become ASE A2 certified?
Yes. To earn ASE A2 certification you must pass the test and also have full-time, hands-on work experience, or a combination of formal training and experience, in addition to passing.
How long is ASE A2 certification valid before I need to recertify?
ASE A2 certification credentials are valid for five years, after which you need to retest to keep your credential current.
How long do I have to schedule and take the ASE A2 test after registering?
Once you register and pay, you have 90 days from the original purchase date to schedule an appointment and take the test.
What content areas does the ASE A2 exam cover?
The exam is split into three content areas: Transmission/Transaxle Diagnosis (26 questions, 58%), In-Vehicle Transmission/Transaxle Maintenance and Repair (12 questions), and Transmission/Transaxle Unit Removal, Inspection, and Installation (7 questions).
Sources
- 1.The Official ASE Study Guide - ASE Automobile Tests — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Dates, Fees & Test Times - ASE — 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
- Dates, Fees & Test Times - ASENational 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
Last verified against the official exam content outline: