Honda has partnered with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence to recognize ASE certifications as course credit equivalencies within its manufacturer training program.
This move, the companies said, will speed technician development and improve dealer productivity.
The program allows ASE‑certified technicians to receive credit for specific Honda training modules tied to their certifications, reducing duplication and enabling technicians to advance more quickly through Honda’s curriculum. Honda has expanded its list of eligible training modules to include additional training centre courses and new self‑study segments.
Under the program, Honda will grant training credit for ASE G1, L1, L2, L3 and L4 certifications, as well as ASE C1 and P2 certifications for service advisors and parts specialists. Honda also offers module credit for ASE A1 to A8 certifications.
By using ASE credentials as proof of competency, Honda said it can direct training capacity toward technicians who need foundational development, while allowing experienced hires to contribute sooner in dealer service departments. The approach also supports recruiting, as ASE‑certified technicians joining Honda dealerships will no longer need to repeat training for skills they have already demonstrated.
“Honda’s decision to establish ASE certification equivalencies is a game changer,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “By utilizing ASE certifications as course credit equivalencies, Honda is able to free up valuable training capacity and direct it toward technicians who need foundational development most, resulting in a more efficient training system and greater productivity across the entire dealer network.”
Johnson encouraged other automakers to consider similar models, saying ASE certifications provide an industry‑wide, standardized measure of technician competency that can support workforce development and long‑term service capacity.
Honda said the initiative reflects the growing complexity of vehicle technology and the need for efficient, targeted training as dealerships manage technician shortages and rising service demand.
