In order to qualify to be an ASE Blue Seal status shop, at least 75 percent of technicians must be ASE certified and each area of support offered must be covered by at least one ASE certified tech. To qualify as certified, technicians must have two years of on-the-job training or one year of on-the-job training and a two-year degree in automotive repair. In addition, technicians must pass a test that only two out of every three test-takers pass, according to the ASE website. To remain certified, technicians must retest every five years.
That’s a lot to go through. So, here’s the question: Is it worth it?
According to the survey results, when it comes to sales closing ratio, CSI, effective labor rate and efficiency, the answer is yes.
The majority of shop owners polled in the Ratchet+Wrench Industry survey were not Blue Seal status, but had ASE certified techs (62%). Only 18 percent were Blue Seal and 20 percent do not participate in the program.
The Impact of Blue Seal Status
Sales closing ratio of 90% or higher
Blue Seal status: 15%
No, but my business has ASE certified techs: 16%
No, my business does not participate in the ASE program: 10%
CSI of 96% or higher
Blue seal status: 52%
No, but my business has ASE certified techs: 31%
No, my business does not participate in the ASE program: 23%
Technician Efficiency Over 100%
Blue Seal Status: 42%
No, but my business has ASE certified techs: 24%
No, my business does not participate in the ASE program: 24%
Effective Labor Rate Over $90
Blue Seal Status: 54%
No, but my business has ASE certified techs: 35%
No, my business does not participate in the ASE program: 37%
Beyond the Stats
If you make all that investment, you better know how to market your certifications. For tips on doing this, check out the Ratchet+Wrench article “Marking Your Shop’s Accreditations.”
