ASE A1 Engine Repair Study Guide: Complete Review & Test Prep For The ASE A1 Engine Repair Exam: With Three Full-Length Practice Tests & Answers

Introduction

Overall, there are a staggering 58 ASE tests available for certification across a variety of different areas. However, just 8 of these 14 are part of the A-series, meaning they are specifically for Automobiles and Light-Trucks. By passing all 8 certifications, you will earn the coveted rank of 'Master Automobile Technician.'. Note that the ASE A9 test is not required for earning master status. The ASE exams are designed for automotive professionals who prefer to have professional and official credentials to demonstrate their skills and knowledge while advancing their careers. The general consensus in the industry is that ASE-certified mechanics typically make 20-30% more than those without the certifications. So, it’s something worth having if you are hoping for a salary increase.

In this book, we'll be focusing specifically on the ASE A1 certification (and exam), in which you will be tested on all things related to Engine Repair. The sub-components of engine repair include 1) General Engine Diagnosis, 2) Cylinder Head and Valve Train Diagnosis and Repair, 3) Engine Block Diagnosis & Repair, 4) Lubrication and Cooling Systems Diagnosis and Repair, and, finally, 5) Fuel, Electrical, Ignition and Exhaust Systems Diagnosis, and Repair.

To register for the ASE A1 exam, you must go to https://www.ase.com/register-now or call 800-390-6789. Once you register, you’ll have 90 days to schedule and take your test. Test results will be emailed immediately after your exam appointment.

There are hundreds - more than 450, in fact! - of Prometric test centers across the United States and Canada, and testing is available year-round. To find one near you, go to https://www.ase.com/test-centers-1 and enter your ZIP code. Tests can be taken during the day or even sometimes at night and on weekends.

Registration costs $34, and most tests (including the ASE A1) cost an additional $53 for each attempt. This is not inclusive of any sales taxes, which are necessary in many states. So, you're looking at around $100 for registration and booking your exam, plus any costs to travel to and from your preferred test center.

The ASE A1 test has 60 questions, and you're given 75 minutes to take the test. Typically, among these 60 questions, 10 questions for research purposes won't be counted in your score. But you won't know which of these is which, so it's best to answer all questions accurately and to the best of your knowledge.

Therefore, in each chapter of this study guide, you’ll be learning with 60 questions and answers - in the same proportions as the actual exam. For example, there are 18 questions relating to General Engine Diagnosis and 12 questions relating to Cylinder Head and Valve Train Diagnosis and Repair.

The goal of this book is to give you extra practice and confidence in order to help you pass the A1 multiple-choice examination on your first attempt. We wanted to make it as easy as possible for you and remove as much anxiety as possible. Please note, however, that this book is not an officially endorsed guide by the ASE - BUT the questions are presented in the official 7 formats, and the content used is up to date with the 2024 and also the 2025 ASE A1 examination.

As mentioned, the ASE uses seven different types of test questions. Here is a description of the types of questions you will find on the ASE A1 exam:

1. Direct Questions. These questions present a question and require you to identify the one and only correct answer from a list of possible answers. This is the most common question format on the test.

2. 'Except' Questions. These questions contain three correct choices and one incorrect choice. The incorrect choice is the 'exception' and, therefore, the correct answer. There will be a statement at the beginning of each question, such as 'All of the following components can cause an abnormal key-off battery drain, EXCEPT:' For this question, look for the choice that could NOT cause an abnormal key-off battery drain.

3 & 4. Technician A and Technician B. This is ASE's version of a true and false question. The test contains about 25% of these types of questions. They are typically presented in a format similar to 'Two technicians are talking about the state of charge of a vehicle's battery. Technician A claims that a specific gravity of 1.225 at 80°F means that the battery is charged to approximately 75%. Technician B claims that you should use a hydrometer to check the charge of a battery. Who is right?'

The answers are offered in a format such as:

a. A only

b. B only

c. Both A and B

d. Neither A nor B

Within this type of format, there are some questions with a