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What Certifications Do I Need as a Diesel Technician?
Diesel certifications is a credential that reflects a technician’s knowledge base and expertise in diagnosing and repairing diesel engines. Several certifications reflect competency in working with diesel-powered vehicles and other types of heavy equipment.
This article covers why diesel technology certifications are essential, whether or not they’re required, and types of diesel certifications. We’ll also cover what’s involved with obtaining diesel certifications and continuing education requirements.
Why Are Diesel Certifications Important?
You may be wondering if diesel technology certifications are important. The short answer is yes — diesel certifications exist for several reasons.
Customer Trust
When customers know that the technicians working on their systems are well-trained and certified, this brings a sense of trust and reflects the company's standards for the employees who work for them.
Advanced Skills and Knowledge
Being certified in diesel technology means having a higher level of understanding. Every scenario can’t happen in the field, but getting certified provides exposure to various situations. Certified technicians will be more familiar with obscure situations, leading to faster resolution.
Minding Legal and Safety Requirements
Safety should always be at the forefront of mind when dealing with diesel systems. Being certified ensures that the proper safety training is covered. Legal implications can be costly if there is a lack of knowledge of federal mandates and specific state laws in some areas.
Employer Standards and Efficiency
Competent certified technicians elevate employer standards and reflect an overall quality standard. Certified technicians should be able to reduce repair costs and downtime and be an ace card for productivity. This benefits the business and any potential clients.
Career Outlook and Earning Potential
It’s no secret in the industry that certifications carry weight. This is especially true with diesel technician certifications. The career outlook is bright for diesel technicians and mechanics. Certifications can mean higher wages and an increase in top-paying job prospects.
There are many reasons why obtaining a diesel technician certification is beneficial, and the above reasons are just a few reasons why completing the certification process is worth the time and effort.
Are Diesel Certifications Required?
Some jobs have federal requirements that mandate specific certifications before being allowed to work in certain areas. Although diesel certifications are not a federal mandate, these certifications do carry a lot of weight.
Some employers require diesel certifications, and a diesel certification can fill in many technical gaps that someone may not receive by simply training onsite at a job. Diesel certifications can take six months to two years, depending on the program and certification obtained.
Obtaining diesel certifications shows that a technician has a strong understanding of more than just a diesel engine. Diesel certifications reflect a technician’s comprehensive knowledge of computer systems, troubleshooting techniques, and how to identify a problem quickly.
What Certifications Are Available for Diesel Technicians?
All of this said, here’s a closer look at some of the certifications available for diesel technicians.
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certification
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a non-profit agency for certifications, and the ASE has issued certifications since 1972. It serves many types of service professionals, including automotive technicians and much more.
ASE ensures that technicians they certify demonstrate a strong understanding of the systems they will work on. This ensures industry quality standards and safety for the technicians and the customers they service.
ASE offers certification testing in many specific areas, and to have a well-rounded knowledge base, the following ASE Certifications are recommended for Diesel technicians:
- ASE T1 – General Engine Diagnosis
- ASE T2 – Diesel Engines
- ASE T4 – Brakes
- ASE T6 – Electrical/Electronic Systems
- ASE T8 – Preventative Maintenance Inspection
CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)
Diesel mechanics who work on heavy-duty trucks are sometimes required to obtain a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License).
ASE Certified Master Diesel Technician
To become an ASE Certified Master Diesel Technician, passing three or more ASE certifications is required. To master all diesel topics, technicians can take all ASE certifications, completing and passing the testing areas T1-T8.
State-Specific Requirements
Depending on where work is being performed, there are sometimes state requirements, and working on diesel systems may have specific requirements.
EPA Certifications
Depending on the work type and specific systems, EPA certifications can be a requirement.
Brand-Specific Certifications
Some manufacturers have special requirements for diesel mechanics. Brands with specific requirements include Cummins, Caterpillar, and Detroit Diesel.
How To Obtain Diesel Certifications
Obtaining diesel certifications involves the following process:
- Ensure you have a high school diploma or GED, as this is required.
- One path is to enroll and finish a diesel technology program. This can be from a community college or a trade school. This is not a requirement, but it does provide an excellent foundation for a career in diesel systems.
- Apprenticeships can be helpful, but some mechanics jump right into an entry-level diesel mechanic role.
- Begin studying for the ASE certification program and take practice exams to test your knowledge.
- Register for the exam through ASE.
- Stay up with continuing education and keep your certification renewals current.
How To Maintain Diesel Certifications
As with any industry, things change, and staying updated on the latest information regarding best practices in diesel environments is essential. Understanding new diagnostic tools is essential; this information gets updated with testing materials.
Additionally, this keeps technicians up to date on the latest techniques for repairing systems and emission standards. This is why continuing education is required to maintain diesel certifications.
Some certifications may require technicians to complete courses in their specific areas, such as a certain number of hours in the specialty.
Maintaining an ASE certification requires technicians to retake the exam every five years to reflect ongoing knowledge.
The Bottom Line
Diesel technology certifications ensure customer trust, advanced skills, legal compliance, and career growth. Certified technicians demonstrate expertise, leading to quicker problem resolution, improved safety practices, and adherence to legal regulations.
Employers benefit from certified professionals through increased efficiency, reduced downtime, and higher industry standards. While not always federally mandated, certifications enhance job prospects and earning potential.
Available certifications include ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) credentials, CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), state-specific and EPA certifications, and brand-specific training. Certification typically involves education, apprenticeship, and passing exams, with ongoing renewals required to maintain up-to-date industry knowledge.
Cadence Petroleum has everything you need for diesel-powered vehicles. Contact us today.
Sources:
What is ASE | The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
What Does ASE Offer? | ASE.com/tests
Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics | bls.gov
Diesel Mechanic Certification | Universal Technical Institute