ASE G1 Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 45
- Time limit
- 1h 30m
- Exam fee
- $62
- Governing body
- National Institute for Automotive Service…
The ASE G1 Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test is a foundational credential for entry-level automotive technicians who perform general maintenance and light repair work. It is administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the industry-standard certifying body for automotive technicians in the United States.
Overview
The G1 exam draws every question from seven weighted content areas covering the core systems a maintenance and light repair technician works on day to day. There is no separate signs or rules section here; instead, the test blends all seven areas into one timed exam, with heavier weighting on the systems technicians encounter most often.
- Engine Systems — 9 questions
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxle — 4 questions
- Manual Drive Train and Axles — 6 questions
- Suspension and Steering — 13 questions
- Brakes — 11 questions
- Electrical — 8 questions
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — 4 questions
Cost and registration
The G1 test fee is $62, and ASE charges a separate $34 registration fee per order on top of that. For any other current pricing details or bundled test discounts, check ASE's official fee schedule.
Exam format
The initial G1 test has 55 total questions, of which 45 are scored, with a 90-minute time limit. Technicians must retest every five years to keep their certification current; the recertification version is shorter, with 28 questions and a 45-minute time limit. Candidates also need 1, 2, or 3 years of relevant work experience, depending on the certification pathway, before they're eligible to test.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the ASE G1 exam and how much time do I get?
The ASE G1 exam has 55 total questions (45 scored) and you're given 90 minutes to complete it.
How much does the ASE G1 test cost?
The test itself costs $62, and ASE charges a separate $34 registration fee per order on top of that.
How much work experience do I need before taking the G1 test?
ASE requires 1, 2, or 3 years of relevant work experience depending on the technician role and pathway you're certifying under.
Do I need to retake the ASE G1 test to keep my certification?
Yes, technicians must retest every five years to retain G1 certification. The recertification version has 28 questions and a 45-minute time limit, shorter than the initial test.
What topics are covered on the ASE G1 exam?
The exam spans seven content areas: Engine Systems (9 questions), Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (4), Manual Drive Train and Axles (6), Suspension and Steering (13), Brakes (11), Electrical (8), and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (4).
What organization administers the ASE G1 certification test?
The test is administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, commonly known as ASE, the industry body that certifies automotive technicians in the United States.
Sources
- 1.The Official ASE Study Guide: Automobile Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) Test — 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)
- 3.Work Experience Requirements - ASE — National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 4.Auto Maintenance and Light Repair G1 Certification Test | 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: Automobile Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) TestNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
- Dates, Fees & Test Times - ASENational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
- Auto Maintenance and Light Repair G1 Certification Test | ASENational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
- Work Experience Requirements - ASENational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)ase.com
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