October 1977

Appendix A
THE NIASE STORY

ITS HISTORY

The Institute was established as a non-profit corporation in June 1972 as the result of a joint effort of the domestic vehicle manufacturers and the automobile dealers. Since that time, independent garage owners, service station operators, aftermarket wholesalers and manufacturers, and other sectors of the industry have added their encouragement and support to what is now truly an industry-wide program.

ITS PURPOSE

The Institute's goal is to organize and promote the highest standards of automotive service in the public interest. It will conduct continuing research to determine the best methods for training automotive mechanics, encourage the development of effective training programs, and evaluate the competence of mechanics through a testing and certification program.

Its major initial program is the voluntary testing and certification of mechanics.

THE WHEN, WHERE, HOW, AND WHOM OF THE TESTS

The Institute has retained the services of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton, New Jersey, for test development and administration. ETS is world-renowned for its College Board and Law School Admission tests.

Tests are held in the spring and fall of each year, at simultaneous times and dates in over 250 locations across the nation. This arrangement, coupled with the fact that the tests are changed each time they are administered, assures tight security.

A minimum of two years' work experience as a mechanic

is required to be eligible for certification. One year's credit is given in some cases for established courses in accredited trade and vocational schools.

Tests are offered in the following areas of automobile mechanic certification: Engine Repair; Automatic Transmission; Manual Transmission and Rear Axle; Front End; Brakes; Electrical Systems; Heating and Air Conditioning; and Engine Tune-up.

In addition, six tests are given for Heavy-Duty Truck Mechanics and one test each for auto body repairers and painters.

All tests emphasize problems of a diagnosis and repair nature.

IS THIS A GOVERNMENT PROGRAM?

No, the Institute is in no way connected with any Federal, State or local government agency.

IS THIS A FORM OF LICENSING?

No.

Licensing is a mandatory program, usually involving grand-
The Institute's program

fatherism and no real tests of competence.

is entirely voluntary, and is based on difficult, meaningful tests

of mechanic skills and knowledges.

WHAT GOOD IS CERTIFICATION?

To the motorist, it means that the mechanic has the know-how and the ability to do the job. To the mechanic, it means prestige and recognition that he has earned by demonstrating that he possesses the skills and knowledges needed to pass the tests. To the shop owner or service manager, it is an impartial, objective assurance that his mechanics are competent.

43-030 - 79-5

Colum A Source for breakdown of mechanics by State is Bureau of the Census, General Social and Economic Characteristics, 1970 Census of Population, PC (1) C1, able 165. The latter table includes body/paint repairmen who comprise 11.8% of the national total according to Bureau of the Census, Jocupation By Industry, 1970 Census of Population, Column D - NIASE estimates that about 50% of automobile

Column C-Adjusted at rate of 33. to eliminate "mechanics" not actually working in the diagnosis and repair of consumer-owned cars, such as service writers, carburetor rebuilders, radiator fiushers, muffler mounters, get-ready men, etc.

mechanics presently carpetent to perform full range agnostic and repair functions in ane or more vehicle systems.

PC (2)-7C, able 8. This percent was applied to
each State total to eliminate body/paint repair-
ren on a State-y-State basis. The net figures
were adjusted upward by 12.351 to reflect a 1.58
yearly increase from 1969 to 1977. This estimated Column E- These totals have been purged of repeaters. Even
increase is based on The Conference Board, Changes
In Occupational Characteristics: Planning Ahead
for the 1930's, Report No. 691, 1976, page 70.

Colum B- Adjusted at rate of 67.11 in accordance with Bureau
of the Census, Occupation By Industry, 1970 Census
of Population, PC (2)-7C, Table 8, Employment by
Industry", to eliminate mechanics working for
instrumentalities of government, public utilities,
heavy manufacturing industry, and fleets, as well as
those wort in an H-D trucks (class VI and above).

Colum

though a mechanic may have registered in several test series, he is still counted only once. F-Certified in at least one test area. About 5% of these have not adequately documented their work experience and therefore have not yet been certified even though they have passed tasts.

Revised March 13, 1978

Appendix C

Fact Sheet

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE

ORGANIZED:

PURPOSES:

GOVERNANCE:

PROGRAMS:

Non-profit corporation under the laws of the District
of Columbia, June 1972

Improve automotive service by providing recognition of career opportunities within the automotive service industry

Earn increased consumer confidence in the quality
of automotive repairs

- Stimulate improvement in educational programs for
the training of mechanics

Governed by a 36-member Board of Directors selected
from all sectors of the automotive service industry
and from education, government, and consumer groups:
3 Working mechanics

Encourage mechanics to improve their skills and
knowledges by taking advantage of the training and
self-study aids that are available

TESTING &
CERTIFICATION
OPERATIONS:

Two series of tests: 8 for automobile mechanics
(Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission, Manual
Transmission & Rear Axle, Front End, Brakes,
Electrical Systems, Heating and Air Conditioning,
and Engine Tune-up); 6 for heavy-duty truck
mechanics (Gasoline Engines, Diesel Engines,
Drive Train, Brakes, Suspension and Steering, and
Electrical Systems); and 1 body repair and 1
painting & refinishing.

Tests are developed and administered twice yearly for the Institute by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey, at approximately 250 different locations throughout U.S.