ASE Announces New Certification Testing Partner

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recently announced that the organization has signed an agreement with Prometric to deliver ASE certification tests in their proctored computer-based testing centers. The move represents only the second time ASE has changed testing partners in its 38-year history. ASE’s mission is to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians and parts specialists.

“We are pleased to announce our new partnership with Prometric,” said ASE President & CEO Tim Zilke. “We’ve been working extremely hard to find the right testing partner who could deliver ASE tests in a computer format at a price comparable to our traditional paper-and-pencil testing,” he continued, “and Prometric is that partner. We’re also grateful for the outstanding support we’ve received over the years from testing partner ACT. ”

Based in Baltimore, MD, Prometric is the leading provider of technology-enabled testing solutions, having pioneered the development of computer-based testing and assessment services. The firm provides world-class testing solutions delivered through a broad network of secure test centers worldwide.

Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a process to transition all ASE certification tests to computer-based format by 2012. The last written test will be offered in November, 2011. Currently, ASE testing is offered in both computer and paper-and-pencil formats. “Working closely with Prometric will allow us to make a number of significant enhancements to our testing program as we move toward an all-computer format,” added ASE’s Zilke. “We’ll provide more details on the transition and how it benefits ASE test takers as we move forward.”

“We’re proud to partner with ASE, one of the most respected names in the automotive industry,” said Prometric President & CEO Michael Brannick. “Prometric has successfully converted hundreds of exams and millions of test items from paper to computer format and we look forward to providing this practical expertise to ensure a smooth transition for ASE and its test takers.”

About ASE
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was established in 1972 as a non-profit organization to help improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians and parts specialists. Today, there are nearly 400,000 ASE-certified professionals at work in dealerships, independent shops, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country. For more information about ASE, visit the website at www.ase.com.

About Prometric
Prometric is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ETS and the recognized global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services. Its comprehensive suite of services allows clients to develop and launch global testing programs as well as accurately measure program results and data. Prometric reliably delivers and administers more than nine million tests a year on behalf of approximately 400 clients in the academic, professional, healthcare, government, corporate and information technology markets. It delivers tests flexibly via the Web or by utilizing a robust network of more than 10,000 test centers in 163 countries. For more information, visit www.prometric.com.

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

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