The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is encouraging school bus technicians to maintain or advance their professional certifications, emphasizing the specialized maintenance and repair skills needed to keep school buses operating safely and reliably.

Developed at the request of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), ASE's school bus certification series recognizes technicians with the knowledge and skills to diagnose, service, and repair systems on Type A, B, C, and D school buses.

While some of the tests overlap with ASE's medium-heavy truck and transit bus certifications, the school bus series focuses on systems and equipment specific to student transportation.

"ASE school bus certifications help ensure that technicians have the specialized knowledge required to keep school buses operating safely and reliably," said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. "By earning and maintaining these credentials, technicians demonstrate their commitment to excellence and to the safe transportation of millions of students each day."

What School Bus Technicians Need to Know

ASE offers seven school bus certification tests covering key vehicle systems:

• S1: Body systems and special equipment
• S2: Diesel engines
• S3: Drivetrain
• S4: Brakes
• S5: Suspension and steering
• S6: Electrical/electronic systems
• S7: Air conditioning systems and controls

Technicians who earn certifications in all six areas from S1 through S6 qualify for the ASE-Certified Master School Bus Technician designation. The S7 air conditioning certification is available separately but is not required for Master status.

School bus technicians must recertify every five years to maintain their credentials. ASE's recertification exams, designated S1R through S7R, are approximately half the length of the initial certification tests.

Supporting School Bus Maintenance Professionals

Useful for work in school transportation departments, the certification series recognizes technicians' knowledge of school bus-specific systems and maintenance requirements.

ASE also offers a free online study guide with test specifications, task lists, sample questions, and training resources to help technicians prepare for certification or recertification.

More information about the school bus certification series is available at ASE's test series website.