Bus technology has advanced more in the past decade than in the previous three decades. Computer chips have replaced mechanical and electrical connections, and engines and transmissions are electronically controlled. The outside of the bus may resemble its ancestor, but the inside has completely changed. Dramatic changes in the job of a bus mechanic have come along with the changes to a bus. Much more sophisticated knowledge is now required to troubleshoot and repair a bus.
The independent, nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was established in 1972 to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals. Automotive Service Excellence certifications currently exist for automobiles, medium/heavy truck, and school bus. ASE certification serves as an impartial, third-party endorsement of knowledge and experience on a national basis. Typically, achieving ASE certification requires training, study, and "keeping up" with changing technology. ASE certification confirms proficiency and knowledge.
There has been growing interest among transit properties across the nation in developing certification procedures specifically for the transit bus mechanic. The development of an ASE Transit Bus Certification test series would provide objective measurements to prove demonstrated competency in specific technical areas.
The objective of this research was to develop an ASE Transit Bus Certification test series for the transit bus mechanic. Tests were desired in the following maintenance areas:
(1) Electronics/Electrical
(2) Brakes
(3) Diesel Engines
(4) Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
(5) Transmission and Drivetrain
(6) Suspension and Steering
(7) Preventative Maintenance (PM) Inspections
(8) CNG Engines
A job analysis group comprised of transit industry individuals from approximately 20 transit systems met in the Fall 2004 to develop an initial list of all tasks necessary for job success in the 8 test areas outlined above. These task lists serve as the initial 'blueprint' for the tests.
For each test, a group with cross-sectional representation met to write and review test questions that relate to the previously developed task lists. This step for developing the tests was critical so that the tests have content validity for the transit industry. Content validity provides assurance that a test measures only what it purports to measure, i.e., knowledge of the specialized skills necessary for job success.
Once the content validity was developed by the workshop team, ASE owns, maintains and updates the tests as needed, with input from the industry to keep up with the latest technology.
Certification tests are offered twice a year, nationwide, for anyone interested in becoming ASE Transit Bus Certified.
Status: Eight transit bus specific tests are now offerd twice a year by ASE--electrical/electronics, brakes, diesel engines, HVAC, transmission/drivetrain, steering/suspension, preventive maintenance inspections, and CNG engines.
An ASE Transit Bus Master Technician designation has been authorized by the ASE Board of Directors. This designation is given to those technicians passing the following transit bus tests--electrical/electronics, brakes, diesel engines or CNG engines, HVAC, transmission/drivetrain, steering/suspension, and preventive maintenance inspections.
