Exam facts & prep options

Suspension and Steering Certification Test (ASE A4)

Find the current format, timing, scoring, fees, eligibility, and testing options for ASE A4, with direct links to official sources.

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Questions50 total questions, 40 scored (10 unscored research questions not counted for score); the A4R recertification test has 20 scored questions and no research questions
Testing time60 minutes for the A4 certification test; 30 minutes for the A4R recertification test
ScoringPass/fail outcome based on the number of correct answers; ASE publishes no numeric passing score or score scale
Exam feeUSD 62 General Test fee per certification test, plus a USD 34 registration fee per order (sales tax collected in most listed states); the A4R recertification test is also USD 62 (General row of the Recertification Tests table)

Prep options

Study resources for ASE A4

Independent prep

Courses and study resources

Exam overview

What to know before choosing your prep

Who runs it
ASE
Category
Automotive Service
Current version
A4; current specification with no public version label — defined by the Official ASE Automobile Study Guide (© ASE 2026) test specifications and task list for Suspension and Steering (Test A4)
Where it applies
International / multi-country
Exam languages
English, Spanish
Testing provider
Prometric (test centers and ProProctor remote delivery)
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice (every question has one correct answer and three wrong answers); initial A4 certification taken at a Prometric test center — online remote testing via Prometric ProProctor is available only for recertification tests (and first-time G1)
Availability
Year-round by appointment at nearly 500 secure, proctored test centers; a purchased test must be scheduled and taken within 90 days of purchase, and registration is offered in seasonal windows (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall)
Results
Detailed score report emailed after the appointment finishes; results viewable and printable in myASE within 24 hours in most cases
Credential validity
Certification credential is valid for five years; recertification (A4R test or ASE Renewal App) is required to retain the credential
Remote testing
Not available

Exam structure

One 50-question (40 scored) multiple-choice test across four content areas per the ASE test specifications: Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair (12 questions), Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (12), Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (11), and Wheel and Tire Diagnosis and Service (5)

Where rules vary

ASE certification testing is offered in the United States, U.S. territories, and Canada; U.S. military personnel can additionally take tests on certain overseas bases

Eligibility

No prerequisite to sit the A4 test (certification tests may be taken before documenting experience); to become certified, candidates must pass and document hands-on Repair Technician work experience per ASE's experience requirements

Retake policy

After failing, wait 30 full days before purchasing and scheduling the same test again (full test and registration fees apply again)