The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
announced recently that, effective December 31, 2010, it will no longer offer the Engine Machinist (M-Series) test as part of its certification program. The last opportunity to
take the Engine Machinist test will
be the 2010 Fall testing administration in November, which will extend
ASE certification credentials in the affected areas to 2015. The Truck Aftermarket Brake Parts (P3) and Truck Aftermarket Suspension & Steering (P9) tests have also been dicontinued.

“The decision to end the Engine Machinist, P3 and P9 tests was not made
lightly,” said Tim Zilke, ASE president & CEO. “Our Board of
Directors carefully examined trends in the industry, as well as the
numbers of candidates required to provide enough data to ensure a
quality testing product beyond 2010. Since producing anything less is
not an option, based on the results of the study, our Board decided to
discontinue these tests.” No other ASE certification tests are affected
and the remaining Truck Dealership Parts (P1), Automobile Parts (P2)
and General Motors Parts Consultant (P4) will continue to be offered.

“The real strength of the ASE program has been and continues to be our
certified professionals,” Zilke continued. “We want those affected by
this decision to know that ASE will continue to provide information and
support to all of our Machinist, P3 and P9-certified professionals
through 2015.”

Incorporated on June 12, 1972, the National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence was established as a non-profit organization to help
improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the
voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians and parts
specialists. Today, there are nearly 400,000 ASE-certified
professionals at work in dealerships, independent shops, service
stations, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, machine
shops, schools and colleges throughout the country. For more
information about ASE, visit the website at www.ase.com.