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One of the most effective ways for counter professionals to differentiate themselves is by obtaining the ASE P2 Automobile Parts Specialist certification. This esteemed credential not only showcases your expertise and dedication, but also positions you as a true professional in the eyes of employers and customers alike.

The ASE P2 certification, administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), serves as a benchmark for technical knowledge and customer service skills in the parts industry. Since its inception in 1972, ASE has been committed to enhancing the quality of automotive service and repair through a robust certification program.

Earning the ASE P2 certification signals a high level of competence and professionalism. It demonstrates not just a commitment to your career, but also a proactive approach to continuous learning and improvement. In an industry where technology and customer expectations are constantly changing, having a recognized certification can set you apart from your peers. For employers, a certified parts specialist is a valuable asset, as it reflects a commitment to quality service and expertise that benefits both the business and its customers.

The ASE P2 exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions, plus an additional 10 “research” questions that do not affect your score. The breadth of topics covered is extensive, making it one of the most comprehensive tests offered by ASE. To successfully obtain your certification, you must achieve a passing score and provide proof of at least two years of work experience in the parts field. This ensures that certified professionals not only have theoretical knowledge, but also practical experience that can be applied in real-world scenarios.

The topics assessed in the ASE P2 exam include:

Vehicle Systems: With 40 questions dedicated to various vehicle systems, a deep understanding of components such as engines, transmissions and electrical systems is crucial. This knowledge allows parts specialists to recommend the right products and solutions to customers.

Customer Relations and Sales Skills: This section, comprising 11 questions, highlights the importance of excellent customer service in driving sales and building long-term relationships. Being able to communicate effectively and understand customers’ needs is vital in today’s competitive landscape.

General Operations: Covering 10 questions, this segment assesses your understanding of the day-to-day functions of a parts department, including workflow and inventory management.

Additional Areas: The exam also addresses vehicle identification, catalog and information systems, inventory management and merchandising, ensuring that you have a well-rounded skill set.

Your ASE P2 certification remains valid for five years. To keep it, you’ll need to retake the exam. The good news is that the recertification test is approximately half the length of the original.

For additional sample questions and categories, visit counterman.com and search ASE P2 test primer.

For those interested in learning more about the ASE P2 test or the certification process, the ASE website at www.ASE.com is a valuable resource.


Chassis

Chasis-copy.jpgCar chassis without engine on white background. 3D illustration

 
Parts Specialist A says that when replacing a CV axle, the mounts should be inspected. Parts Specialist B Says that when replacing the CV axle, the opposite side should be removed at the same time.

1.) Who is right?

A. A only

B. B only

C. Both A and B

D. Neither A nor B

2.) A ball joint application would be found in which of these catalog sections?

A. Steering

B. Suspension

C. Ride control

D. Alignment aids

3.) A “unitized” control-arm assembl refers to what?

A. A control arm with an integral tie-rod end

B. A control arm with integral bushings

C. A control arm with an integral ball joint

D. All of the above

4.) An aftermarket “adjustable” ball joint allows what?

  A. Adjustments to ride height

B. Adjustments to wheel alignment

C. Adjustments to steering play

D. Adjustments to ride stiffness

5.) What needs to be replaced if a vehicle’s ride height is sagging?

  A. Springs

B. Ball joints

C. Control-arm bushings

D. Shock absorbers

6.) Parts Specialist A says sealed “low friction” ball joints with polymer bushings and polished
  ball studs are used in most late-model vehicles to reduce friction and steering effort.
  Parts Specialist B says if the “wear indicator” on a ball joint is flush with the housing, it
  means the joint is new. Who is right?

  A. Parts Specialist A only

B. Parts Specialist B only

C. Both Parts Specialists A and B

D. Neither one

7.) Which component is responsible for controlling lateral movement of the wheel?

  A. Shock absorber

B. Ball joint

C. Control arm

D. Sway bar

8.) A customer complains of a clunking noise coming from the front suspension when
  driving over bumps. Which component is most likely to be the cause of this noise?

  A. Worn shock absorbers

B. Loose ball joint

C. Worn control arm bushings

D. Leaky strut mount


ANSWERS: 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-B, 5-A, 6-A, 7-D, 8-B

Cooling Systems

Cooling-Systems-copy.jpgEngine cooling radiators. Water pump and thermostat, two elements of the engine cooling system

1.) Which of these types of refrigerant oil should be sold to a customer for a
vehicle that is originally equipped with R-134a refrigerant?    

A. PAG

B. Mineral

C. Ester

D. Vacuum

 2.) All of these could be related sales when servicing and A/C compressor clutch, EXCEPT:   

A. Drive belt

B. Front shaft seal

C. Cycling clutch switch

D. Condenser

3.) Symptoms of a water pump that needs to be replaced include all of these, EXCEPT:    

A. Coolant leaks around the pump shaft or vent hole

B. A worn or broken drive belt

C. A wobble or play in the pump shaft

D. Pump noise

 4.) A replacement radiator cap should: 

  A. Have a lower pressure rating than the original cap

B. Have a higher pressure rating than the original cap

C. Have the same pressure rating as the original cap

D. Be replaced once a year


ANSWERS: 1-A,  2-D,  3-B,  4-C


Emissions-Control Systems

Oxygen-Sensor-copy.jpg

 
1.) The function of the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is to measure:   

A. Exhaust gas oxygen (O2) content

B. Exhaust backpressure changes

C. Engine load changes

D. Coolant temperature changes

2.) Which of the following is not a true statement about oxygen sensors?

A.Oil consumption has no effect on O2-sensor life or performance

B.“Upstream” O2 sensors monitor the engine’s air/fuel ratio

C. “Downstream” O2 sensors monitor the catalytic converter

D. A fouled or sluggish O2 sensor can set a fault code and turn on the “Check Engine” light 

3.) Which of these routes exhaust back into the intake manifold to reduce NOX emissions? 

A. EGR valve

B. PCV valve

C. EVAP canister

D. Catalytic converter

4.) Which of the following would be used on a late-model diesel to reduce soot in the exhaust?

A. EGR system

B. Particulate filter

C. Catalytic converter

D. All of the above


ANSWERS: 1-C,  2-A,  3-A,  4-B

Engine Mechanical

Engine-Mechanical-parts-copy.jpgEngine mechanism V6. Crankshaft and pistons. Object isolated on white background 3d

1.) Parts specialist A says that a timing chain set for a late-model overhead-cam engine often includes new guides for the timing chain tensioner. Parts Specialist B says that a timing chain set for a late-model overhead cam includes new idler pulleys. Who is right?   

A. A only

B. B only

C. Both A and B

D. Neither A nor B

2.) Which type of piston compression rings are used in many late-model import engines?  

A. Moly-faced ductile-iron or steel rings

B. Nitrided ductile-iron or steel rings

C. Chrome-plated iron rings

D. Plain cast-iron rings

D. A bent pushrod

3.) A late-model pushrod engine uses which of these valvetrain components?  

A. Cam followers

B. Flat tappet cams

C. Roller lifters

D. Stamped-steel rocker arms

4.) A bent valve can be caused by which of the following? 

A. Timing chain failure on a free-wheeling engine

B. A collapsed hydraulic valve lifter

C. Timing belt failure on an interference engine

D. A bent pushrod

5.) Which of these is a true statement about hydraulic lifters? 

A. They are filled with assembly lube

B. They increase valvetrain wear

C. They require periodic adjustments

D. They reduce valvetrain noise

 6.) Parts Specialist A says that high oil consumption can be caused by worn valve
 seats. Parts Specialist B says that high oil consumption can be caused by worn engine
 bearings. Who is right?  

A. Parts Specialist A only

B. Parts Specialist B only

C. Both A and B

D. Neither A nor B

7.) A “rotating assembly” for an engine includes what parts

A. Camshaft, sprockets, and timing chain or timing belt

B. Crankshaft, bearings, connecting rods, pistons and rings

C. Harmonic balancer and flywheel

D. All of the above

8.) When looking for specific service information, what vehicle information is typically needed to locate that information? 

A. Make, model and year.

B. Vehicle build date

C. Model year

D. Vehicle VIN


ANSWERS: 1-A,  2-B,  3-C,  4-C 5-D, 6-D, 7-B, 8-A

Suspension, Steering & Wheels

Suspension-and-Steering-copy.jpgCar suspension and brake disk and steering. 3d illustration

 
1.) Parts Specialist A says that weak suspension springs can affect ride height.
Parts Specialist B says that worn shock absorbers can affect ride height. Who is right?

A. A only

B. B only

C. C Both A and B

D. Neither A nor B

 2.) A typical SLA (short-long-arm) suspension has two upper and two lower ball joins.True or False?

A. True

B. False

3.) Worn control arm bushings can adversely affect:

A. Ride height

B. Steering return

C. Shocks or struts

D. Wheel alignment and tire wear

 4.) Parts Specialist A says that replacing a unitized ball joint requires replacing the
 complete control-arm assembly. Parts Specialist B says that a special press tool may
 be required for some ball-joint replacements. Who is right?

A. A only

B. B only

C. Both A and B

D. Neither A nor B


ANSWERS: 1-A,  2-A,  3-D,  4-C  


Transmission

transmission.jpggearbox isolated under the white background

 
1.) A transaxle is a combination of the transmission and the:  

A. Driveshaft

B. Drive axle

C. Clutch

D. Differential

 2.) A “clunk” when selecting a gear may be caused by any one of these, EXCEPT:

A. Failed inner CV joint

B. Failed universal joint in the driveshaft

C. Loose or broken engine or transmission mount

D. Worn brake pads

3.) Which of these components may have to be resurfaced when a clutch is replaced?

A. Pressure plate

B. Flywheel

C. Release bearing

D. Clutch disc

 4.) Which of the following components is the most likely cause of clutch noise when the clutch pedal is depressed?

A. Worn pilot bearing

B. Worn pressure plate

C. Worn release bearing

D. Worn clutch disc

5.) The recommended service interval for automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is:

A. 30,000 miles

B. 60,000 miles

C. 90,000 miles

D. Dependent on the application, usage and OEM service schedule

6.) Parts Specialist A says that diaphragm-style clutches have more springs than a finger-style clutch. Parts Specialist B says that finger-style clutches require less pedal effort. Who is right?

A. A only

B. B only

C. Both A and B

D. Neither A nor B

7.) What may happen if the wrong type of ATF is used in a transmission?

A. The transmission may not shift properly, or it may fail

B. The fluid may overheat and burn

C. The fluid may overflow from the fill tube

D. The transmission may make noise

8.) Which of the following is Ford’s current ATF specification?

A. ATF+4

B. Dexron VI

C. Mercon V

D. Type F


ANSWERS: 1-D, 2-D, 3-B, 4-C 5-D, 6-B, 7-A, 8-C

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