ASE to debut new transit bus tests in 2006

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has developed a new test series for the transit bus industry. The series will debut during the May 2006 test administration with its first two tests: Transit Bus Brakes (H4) and Transit Bus Electrical and Electronic Systems (H6). ASE is planning to create additional exams. The Brakes H4 exam is designed to test a technician’s knowledge of the skills needed to detect and repair problems with transit bus brakes and related systems. The exam covers the vehicle’s air system, foundation brakes, parking brakes and wheel bearings, as well as its antilock brakes, automatic traction control and any other systems that affect braking. The Electrical and Electronics H6 test covers material on the general electrical system of a transit bus, as well as the battery, starting, charging and lighting systems and gauges. Testing will also require technicians to use schematics, ladder logic and various types of electronic equipment to solve problems in electrical/electronic and multiplex circuits. The development of this test series is due to a growing interest among transit properties in creating a separate certification for transit bus technicians, and was funded by the Transit Cooperative Research Program. To receive ASE certification, technicians must pass one or more of the Transit Bus exams and present proof of at least two years of relevant work experience. The exams will be offered every May and November. Those who wish to remain certified must be retested every five years to account for changing technology. For more information, visit www.asecert.org.