ASE B2

"YouTube Certified"

Average Pay: $0 - $0/hr

• Unverified skills and knowledge.
• Relies on trial and error.
• Often passed over for promotions.

THE GOAL

ASE Certified
Collision Technician

Average Pay: $0k - $0k+/yr

• Officially recognized industry expert.
• Trusted by shop owners and managers.
• Commands top-tier flat rate & benefits.

ASE®, the ASE logo, and "ASE Certified" are registered trademarks of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. asecollisiontestprep.com is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ASE. The patch shown above is the official credential issued by ASE to technicians who pass the ASE B2 exam, shown here for educational reference. Official certification can only be earned by passing the ASE exam at a Prometric test center.

Pay figures are illustrative and vary by experience, certification, location, employer, and flat-rate production. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024; 49-3021 Automotive Body and Related Repairers), median pay was $51,680 per year, with the lowest 10 percent earning under $36,390 per year (about $17 per hour, typical of entry-level or uncertified workers) and the top 10 percent earning over $87,040 per year. Experienced, ASE-certified collision technicians working flat rate in busy shops are among the top earners, where $65,000 to $100,000 or more is attainable. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov.

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• A. Surface Preparation 15 Qs • 27%

  1. Identify and remove surface corrosion.
  2. Remove dirt, road grime, wax, adhesive residue, mold release agents, tree sap, markings or other contaminants from the area to be refinished and any adjacent vehicle surfaces.
  3. Inspect and identify substrate, substrate condition, type of finish, film thickness and surface condition; develop a plan for refinishing.
  4. Remove paint finish.
  5. Sand areas to be refinished.
  6. Featheredge areas to be refinished.
  7. Identify type of substrate and apply suitable treatment or undercoat.
  8. Mask and protect areas that will not be refinished.
  9. Mix and apply primer-surfacer.
  10. Apply finishing filler to minor surface imperfections.
  11. Block sand area to which primer-surfacer and/or finishing filler have been applied.
  12. Remove dust residue from area to be refinished.
  13. Clean area to be refinished using proper cleaning solutions.
  14. Remove, with a tack cloth, any dust or lint particles from the area to be refinished.
  15. Apply primer-sealer and/or adhesion promoter.
  16. Remove imperfections from primer-sealer.
  17. Prepare the adjacent areas for blending.
  18. Apply stone-chip resistant coating.
  19. Apply corrosion resistant coatings to repaired areas.
  20. Remove and apply decals, transfers, tapes, and pinstripes (painted and/or taped).
  21. Take appropriate measures to eliminate static electricity.
  22. Prepare surfaces for seam sealer application; evaluate the application of seam sealers prior to refinishing.
  23. Identify pin holes; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
• B. Spray Gun Operation and Related Equipment 6 Qs • 11%

  1. Inspect, clean, adjust, maintain, and determine condition of spray guns and adequacy of related equipment (air hoses, regulator, air lines, air source, filtration unit, and spray environment).
  2. Adjust spray gun, air pressure, fluid, and pattern control valves.
  3. Select correct spray gun, needle, fluid tip, and air cap for material being sprayed.
  4. Force-dry sprayed materials (bake, infrared, UV lamps, airflow, etc.).
• C. Paint Mixing, Matching, and Applying 15 Qs • 27%

  1. Determine the color, code, and type of finish on the vehicle.
  2. Identify paint color formula and the use of mixing equipment and materials.
  3. Mix, strain, and test viscosity (if necessary) of refinish material.
  4. Use appropriate spray gun technique (arc, angle, distance, speed, and spray pattern overlap) for the finish being applied.
  5. Apply selected product on test panel or let-down panel.
  6. Check color match; adjust as necessary.
  7. Apply basecoat or multi-stage (mica, pearl, etc.) coats for spot, panel, blending, and overall refinishing.
  8. Apply clearcoat.
  9. Refinish interior and exterior trim components.
• D. Solving Paint Application Problems 8 Qs • 15%

  1. Identify dirt or other foreign objects in the refinished surface; determine the source(s) and correct the condition.
  2. Identify a dry spray appearance in the refinished surface; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  3. Identify the presence of fish-eyes (crater like appearance); determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  4. Identify lifting (surface distortion or wrinkling) of the refinished surface; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  5. Identify mottling or streaking in metallic, mica, and effect paint finishes; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  6. Identify excessive or lack of texture (orange peel); determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  7. Identify an overspray condition; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  8. Identify sags and runs; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  9. Identify color mismatch, due to application variables; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  10. Identify tape tracking/marking; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  11. Identify poor hiding/lack of coverage; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
• E. Finish Defects, Causes, and Cures 6 Qs • 11%

  1. Identify delamination (poor adhesion, peeling); determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  2. Identify finish cracking (crow's feet or line-checking, micro-checking, etc.); determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  3. Identify sags and runs in the refinished surface; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  4. Identify blistering in the finished surface; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  5. Identify water spotting on the finished surface; determine the cause and correct the condition.
  6. Identify finish damage caused by bird droppings, tree sap, and other causes; correct the condition.
  7. Identify finish damage caused by airborne contaminants (acids, soot, rail dust, chemicals, and other industrial-related causes); correct the condition.
  8. Identify chalking (oxidation); correct the condition.
  9. Identify bleed-through or staining; determine the cause and correct the condition.
  10. Identify damage caused during buffing/polishing painted surfaces; correct the condition.
  11. Identify film defects from too much or too little film build; determine the cause and correct the condition.
  12. Identify minor surface imperfections; determine the cause and correct the condition.
  13. Identify color coat blend issues; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  14. Identify solvent popping; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  15. Identify shrinking, swelling, or splitting while the finish is curing; determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
  16. Identify die-back (dulling of the paint film); determine the cause(s) and correct the condition.
• F. Safety Precautions 5 Qs • 9%

  1. Identify and take necessary precautions with hazardous operations and materials.
  2. Identify and correct vehicle, equipment and material hazards to employee health and safety.
  3. Select personal protection equipment (PPE); inspect to insure fit, operation, and maintenance.