The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification tests provide Frenship High School students with the opportunity to gain various certifications before graduation.
FHS sophomore Parker Dickens set a new record for passing all ten tests in one session with zero failures. This is the first time in the program for a student to pass all ten certification tests in one session.
Dickens says that prior to taking the exams he felt prepared through the hands-on learning experience in class. “Everything we did in class helped me to prepare for the tests,” said Dickens.
Dana Vinson, Automotive Technology teacher, explains that ASE testing is the industry standard that several independent repair facilities look at when hiring. "Having that certificate to go into a repair facility and apply for jobs gives you a leg up because it shows whoever is doing hiring that you put in the effort to learn material and are trainable,” said Vinson.
When Dickens realized he passed all ten tests he was very surprised and excited. “I didn’t actually realize what I was doing when I noticed I was passing all the tests since I was the first one who has been able to do this. I am really happy I was able to pass every test and do well on all of them,” said Dickens.
It has been rare to have a student pass all ten certification tests in one session. “I have seen students come in and they'll pass all ten but it's usually over the course of two years and four sessions or maybe they'll get it done in two or three sessions, but Parker is the first one that ever came in combined speed and accuracy and managed to pass all ten of them in one session,” said Vinson.
ASE testing prepares students with opportunities to showcase their knowledge and skillset. “They help to show that I am motivated, I am skilled, and I can be taught, that opens a lot of opportunities. It shows that I have on time experience, and it also helps with applying for scholarships,” said Dickens.
Dickens plans to continue building upon his skills in Auto Tech and has thoughts of pursuing aviation after graduation. “After graduation I am looking into something in the aviation field, right now I am hoping to go into spray flying for ariel application, crop dusting and things like that. I have also considered going to A&P School as well.”
Below are the ASE tests earned by Dickens:
Automobile- Electrical/ Electronic Systems
Automobile- Manual Drive Train and Axles
Automobile- Brakes
Automobile- Engine Performance
Automobile- Maintenance and Light Repair
Automobile- Suspension and Steering
Automobile- Service Technology
Automobile- Engine Repair
Automobile- Automatic Transmission and Transaxle
Automobile- Heating and Air Conditioning
Congrats Parker, Frenship ISD is proud of your accomplishment!