ASE A4 Suspension and Steering Certification Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 40
- Time limit
- 1h
- Exam fee
- $62
- Governing body
- National Institute for Automotive Service…
The ASE A4 Suspension and Steering test is one of ASE's automobile certification exams, administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It's aimed at working automotive technicians who diagnose and repair steering, suspension, wheel alignment, and wheel and tire systems and want a nationally recognized credential in that specialty.
Overview
The A4 exam is organized into four content areas, each weighted by its own share of the scored questions:
- Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair — 12 questions
- Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair — 12 questions
- Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair — 11 questions
- Wheel and Tire Diagnosis and Service — 5 questions
Of the 50 total questions on the test, 40 are scored and 10 are unscored research questions; test-takers won't know which is which while testing.
Cost and registration
Taking the A4 test costs a $62 per-test fee, plus a separate $34 registration fee per order that applies once regardless of how many tests are registered together. For the current, complete fee schedule, check ASE's official registration page.
Exam format
The A4 test has 50 total questions (40 scored) and a 60-minute time limit. ASE reports results as a scaled score rather than a raw percentage, so check your official ASE score report for the exact passing threshold that applied to your test. Certification earned by passing A4 is valid for five years before recertification is required.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the ASE A4 Suspension and Steering exam?
The A4 exam contains 50 total questions, of which 40 are scored toward your certification result.
How long do I have to complete the A4 test?
You have 60 minutes to complete the ASE A4 test.
What content areas does the A4 test cover?
The A4 test is split into four content areas: Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair (12 questions), Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (12 questions), Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (11 questions), and Wheel and Tire Diagnosis and Service (5 questions).
How much does it cost to take the ASE A4 test?
ASE charges a $62 per-test fee for general tests like A4, plus a separate $34 registration fee per order that applies regardless of how many tests you register for.
How long does ASE A4 certification last before I need to recertify?
ASE certification credentials, including A4, are valid for five years, after which technicians must retest to keep their certification current.
Do I need work experience to register for the A4 test?
Yes. ASE certification requires documented full-time, hands-on work experience, or a combination of formal training and experience, and the exact amount required can vary by test. Check the official ASE study guide for the specific requirement tied to A4.
Sources
- 1.The Official ASE Study Guide - ASE Automobile Tests — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Register Now - ASE Certification Tests — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests, A Series: A1-A9 | ASE — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 4.FAQs - ASE Certifications and Testing — 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
- Register Now - ASE Certification TestsNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
- FAQs - ASE Certifications and TestingNational 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: