How to Get the L3 ASE Study Guide and Practice Test
Getting promoted as an automotive technician can be a daunting task, but there are some things you can do to increase your chances of earning a higher mechanic salary and becoming more desirable to employers. ASE certification is the logical next step in your automotive technician career, giving you the credentials you need to take it to the next level.
NIASE, or the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, evaluates and certifies those who have the skills needed to become master technicians. With over 40 test categories, there is something for everyone. L3 is the designation for the light hybrid/electric vehicle specialist. This particular certification requires three years of automotive repair experience, as opposed to the two years required for other categories.
Topics covered in the L3 test include diagnosing and repairing:
- Battery system
- Drive system
- Power electronics
- Internal combustion engine
- Hybrid support systems
This is a comprehensive exam and you need to prepare as thoroughly as possible by getting a study guide and a practice test.
Site ACE
The NIASE website has many helpful resources for preparing for the L3 test. You will find free tutorials for all certification areas on the Test Prep & Training page. They are available for download in PDF format.
You can also access the L3 practice test on the website. They are charged at a rate of $14.95 for the first one or two, $12.95 for three to 24, and $11.95 for 25 or more. They are managed online and are available through a voucher system. You buy vouchers at the prices above and then use the code you receive to take any test you choose.
The practical version of the test is half as long as the real one. At the end, you will receive feedback in a performance review, which will indicate which questions you answered correctly and which did not.
Third Party Sites
Searching through L3 ASE training materials will quickly return not only the official website, but also a selection of after-sales service training programs. They are not approved or rated by NIASE, however they do have a list of companies on their website for informational purposes. If you decide to use these external resources, just be sure to read plenty of reviews to make sure you're getting accurate information.
Passing the test
When it's time to schedule your actual testing day, you can also visit the ASE website for information on testing locations and how to schedule your time slot. Testing is available 12 months a year, as well as on weekends. All ASE testing is now done on the computer system. If you want to get familiar with the interface, you can use the demo on the website to check the actual format.
The L45 Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist test has 3 multiple choice questions in addition to 10 or more unrated questions used for research purposes. Additional questions are not marked on the test, so you will still need to complete the entire task to the best of your ability.
NIASE recommends that you plan not to take any other ASE tests on the day you take L3 due to its complexity. By taking advantage of all available resources, including L3 study guides and practice tests, you will be able to prepare as best you can to pass the exam on the first try.
If you are already a certified mechanic and would like to work with AvtoTachki, please apply online for the opportunity to become a mobile mechanic.
