Program Accreditation Process

A unique 4-way partnership

The Student Career Development model leverages a modern, interdisciplinary partnership that fuses real world needs with educational processes in an ongoing, evolving approach.

Businesses:

Employers: automotive service & repair businesses (local level)

Automotive vechicle, parts, tool & equipment manufacturers (national & regional)

Education:

Secondary schools (public & private)

ASE 4-Way Partnership

Associations:

Automotive services, repair, retail & trade associations

Public Sector:

State departments of education & labor

Businesses:

Employers: automotive service & repair businesses (local level)

Automotive vechicle, parts, tool & equipment manufacturers (national & regional)

Associations:

Automotive services, repair, retail & trade associations

Education:

Secondary schools (public & private)

Public Sector:

State departments of education & labor

The ASE standards for automobile program accreditation were introduced in 1982. Standards for collision repair & refinish programs were launched in 1989 and truck standards followed in 1992. The ASE Education Foundation’s role in the process is to work with industry and education to update the standards on a regular, three-year basis and evaluate programs against those standards.

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Accreditation Process and Checklist

Download a printable PDF with the timelines for new programs and renewals, along with an accreditation checklist for schools.

Download the Checklist
Gap Analysis Standards

Automobile Program Standards, Tools, Equipment & Tasks

New Auto Program Standards & Forms were released July 1, 2024.

Auto Program Standards

Collision Repair & Refinish Program Standards, Tools, Equipment & Tasks

New Collision Program Standards & Forms coming Summer 2026.

Collision Program Standards

Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Program Standards, Tools, Equipment & Tasks

Truck Program Standards Timeline: July 1, 2025: New Truck Program Standards & Forms officially released.
Now through December 31, 2025: Programs may still apply under the previous standards. This gives applicants a transitional window to prepare for the new requirements.
Starting January 1, 2026: All applications must comply with the NEW standards. Submissions on or after December 31, 2025 will no longer be accepted under the previous standards.
If you’re planning to apply soon, it’s worth reviewing both sets of standards to decide which version best suits your program’s readiness and goals. Want help comparing the standards or prepping an application strategy? Contact your Field Manager – We’ve got you covered.

Truck Program Standards - Expires 12/31/25
Truck Program Standards
Truck Program Standards Revisions Summary

HV/EV Program Standards, Tools, Equipment & Tasks

High Voltage/Electric Vehicle Tasks and Training Resources

HV/EV Tasks and Training Resources

Accreditation Process Overview

01

Field Manager

Contact your Field Manager

02

Standards & Documentation

Review ASE Standards & gather evidence

03

Evaluation

Conduct program evaluation & improvement opportunities with advisory committee

04

Site Visit

In-person program assessment for ASE Standards & recommended improvements

05

Accreditation

Program meets National Industry Standards

06

Compliance

Maintain continuous improvements and program accreditation

ASE Accreditation Process Overview Gearbox

Overview and Fees

We perform a thorough, strategic review and offer accreditation to programs that meet the requirements of the industry’s instructional standards. For each program—Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinish, or Medium/Heavy Duty Truck—the accreditation process is the same; an effective methodology that dives deep into program structure.

Collaboration is at the core of the accreditation process—we believe that successful programs are built on a healthy exchange between educators, experts, students, and community. A strong Advisory Committee helps support each program successfully bridge the gap between real world needs and classroom activities. An ASE Education Foundation Field Manager is also available, to guide programs through the process.

Initial Accreditation Accreditation Renewal
First program $2,530.00 $1,895.00
Additional programs* $1,085.00 $930.00

Note: NOTE: Schools that have multiple programs (generic, OEM, etc.) in the same series (Auto, Truck, or Collision Repair) may choose to submit applications and conduct on-site evaluations for more than one program simultaneously. Those additional programs are evaluated at a reduced cost. Evaluation team leader honorarium and travel expenses are included. See https://bit.ly/ASEcost for more details.

Resources for Schools and Instructors

Accreditation Benefits
Accreditation Process
Training Conference
Showcase Your Students in the Field
Connect with a Field Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

NATEF and AYES have merged to form a brand-new organization: the ASE Education Foundation! This was effective January 1, 2018. What does this mean for you? No real change. We will still accredit programs and work with students to achieve internships and industry employment. We are just taking advantage of the ASE brand to make it easier to do so.

If your program was accredited as of December 1, 2017 you can complete the “Send me my login credentials” link. If your program has never been accredited or was previous to December 1, 2017, you can complete the “I’m interested in accreditation” link. This will generate login credentials to you via e-mail.

Please contact your field manager for accreditation documents.

Once the application for accreditation is submitted, it can take roughly 6 months to complete the process. For programs that are renewing accreditation, it is recommended the application be submitted at least 6 months prior to your expiration date. PLEASE NOTE: The 6 months processing time is an estimate based on receipt of a complete application, including payment, and the premise the program does not require improvements prior to or after an on-site visit.

The ASE Education Foundation accepts payment in the form of check, purchase order, and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Payment is required when the application is submitted.

No, team members must be provided when submitting your application. These individuals may change prior to the on-site evaluation. This is acceptable if the Evaluation Team Leader (ETL) is informed of any changes at least two weeks prior to the on-site evaluation date.

Yes, each standard and sub-standard must be rated by the advisory committee regardless of application type.

Advisory Committee Members convene twice per year and review the program. They conduct an evaluation of the program before the application is submitted. Team Members evaluate the program during the on-site. Team members must also meet more specific criteria than that of the Advisory Members.

Yes. However, the program will have improvements to make and may not be approved for an on-site evaluation. The average ratings on standards 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 must be a 4. A program may not be approved for an on-site if the average rating on standards 1-5 is less than a 4.

No, if the application is submitted in a timely fashion, the program will have until the length of their application validity to correct any deficiencies.

The ASE Education Foundation does not define how credit transfer is structured between institutions. You should discuss articulation directly with your partner institution.

Take the Next Steps

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