ASE A5 Brakes 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 A5 Brakes Certification Test is one of ASE's automotive technician certification exams, focused on brake system diagnosis and repair. It's aimed at working automotive technicians who want to demonstrate brake-system competency to employers and customers. The test is administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Overview
The A5 exam consists of 55 multiple-choice questions covering brake system diagnosis and repair, with 45 of those questions counted toward your score, all within a 75-minute time limit. Technicians who are already A5-certified and need to recertify take a different, shorter version of the test instead of the full initial exam.
- 55 total questions, 45 scored, 75-minute time limit for the initial certification test
- 23-question, 30-minute recertification test for technicians renewing an existing A5 credential
Cost and registration
Taking the A5 exam costs $62 per test, plus a separate $34 registration fee per order. Technicians who want to keep an existing certification current without retesting can instead pay a $52 annual renewal application fee and earn 8 credits per year toward that renewal. Check ASE's official fee schedule for any additional charges that may apply to your specific testing situation.
Exam format
The initial A5 certification exam includes 55 questions, 45 of which are scored, and must be completed within a 75-minute time limit. ASE does not publish a specific passing percentage for A5, so candidates should refer to the official ASE study materials for full scoring details. Once earned, A5 certification remains valid for five years before recertification or renewal is required.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the ASE A5 Brakes certification exam?
The ASE A5 Brakes exam has 55 total questions, of which 45 are scored toward your result; the remaining questions are unscored pretest items.
What does it cost to take the ASE A5 exam?
ASE charges a $62 per-test fee for A5, plus a separate $34 registration fee per order that applies regardless of how many tests you register for at once.
How much time do I get to complete the A5 exam?
You have 75 minutes to complete the 55-question A5 exam.
What experience do I need to become ASE A5 certified?
ASE requires full-time, hands-on work experience, or a combination of formal training and experience, before you can hold an A5 certification — the exact amount varies by test. Check the official ASE requirements page for the specific experience threshold that applies to A5.
How long does an ASE A5 certification last before I need to renew it?
An ASE A5 certification is valid for five years. To recertify at that point, you can take the shorter 23-question, 30-minute recertification version of the test.
Can I renew my A5 certification without retaking the full test?
Yes — ASE's renewal application option costs $52 per year regardless of how many certifications you hold, and requires earning 8 credits per year to extend a certification area by one more year.
Sources
- 1.ASE A1-A9 Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.ASE Renewal App — Recertification & Renewals — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.ASE FAQs — Certification Requirements — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 4.ASE Test Fees and Registration — 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.
- ASE A1-A9 Automobile & Light Truck Certification TestsNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
- ASE Test Fees and RegistrationNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
- ASE FAQs — Certification RequirementsNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
- ASE Renewal App — Recertification & RenewalsNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
Last verified against the official exam content outline: