I'm signed up to take the parts specialist test in november. I've worked at napa for 3 years now and I want to step up to the next level. I'm also going to college so I probably won't be a lifetime napa guy but I figure the more I learn the better.

Anyway, I've grown up around automobiles and I'm pretty confedent already. I've got more hands on knowledge than alot of other countermen I know, but most of my hands on experience is with pre emissions/fuel injection type vehicles. I'm the guy to ask when the other countermen don't want to be bothered looking up points and condensers for your hudson hornet.

is there anything I should brush up on? any place online for more info or study guides? I've checked out the ase website, anyplace else for good info?

 

They give out a book with sample questions, you should have that, or see if it is available online. Usually when you sign up for the test, they give you a handbook. All the same though, if you know your job well, then it will not be that hard. I passed some of the test right out of tech school, just had to get someone to hire me for what I tested, which was diesel performance and auto trans, but that never happened. I got hired for the same basic service stuff that everyone else does, so the tests did not result in certification for me, that's the way it goes.

 

Congratulations on taking the initiative to get your P2 credentials. Parts specialists only make up a small fraction of the people ASE-certified in the US, but a huge number of ASE-certifed techs rely on us daily for accurate parts cataloging and excellent customer service. Counterman and Aftermarket Business magazines both offer training books geared toward P1 (medium/heavy truck) and P2 (auto/light truck) certification. They are an excellent study aid, and are more thorough than the sample questions provided with the registration booklet. No amount of studying can replace experience, but if you can honestly critique yourself on your weak points (you already acknowledge that you feel more confident with the "old technologies"), you will know where you could use more concentration. All the major vehicle systems are hit upon with at least a question or two, and several questions are on customer service. A lot of specific questions, and many are on current technologies. Do not be discouraged if you don't pass on your first attempt, either, I know some top-flight parts guys who took the test more than once. I missed passing my first HD truck test by ONE point. Check out counterman and aftermarket business online, maybe invest in a training guide, but most of all know the job, and you should do alright. Lord knows we could use more GOOD people in this business.

TomD, ASE P2

 

Welcome to FTE KCB..

 

if you know what you're doing (and it sounds as though you do), you will do fine. Just remember, it's only a test. One of my assistants (also at Napa) got completely frazled when he had to test, failed the thing 3 times (note to self, call tw & see if he ever passed) While the ASE testing program is a good thing, i do not believe it is the be all / end all measure of the kind of parts person you are. Have seen damn good people fail & complete pieces of **** pass, go figure.Just remember, if you like cars, & are willing to at least try to help people, you will do well.
One last note, one of the best ways to learn is read the catalogs when they come in, (especially the new parts section in the front, & numerical listings in the back). You will be miles ahead of your counterparts if you do this. FWIW....Napa, with all of it's bs (company owned), is still the best game in town

 

Some hard-learned advice. If you ever for any reason decide to quit wrenching--DON'T SELL YOUR TOOLS!!!! You will regret it forever.

 

Absolutely, if you quit wrenching, unless you never want to pick up a wrench again, don't sell them. I still use the tools I had when I was a hired wrench, use them regular here, and have the occasional freelance job. I wouldn't consider selling them as I use them too much, and have quite a few special tools as well...

 

I can't agree with fitzwell enough about the catalogs. I have an ungodly huge catalog rack, and a pile of books scattered around my office (obsolete and outdated vintage books, and books from my local competitors, even, just for reference!) I absolutely HATE the "it's not in the computer" excuse, and I don't tolerate it from my employees. Know your catalogs, and keep them close to you. Like nick, I am the "pull it out of your butt" guy for the wierd applications in my store. It can be really annoying at times, when you seem to be constantly inundated with seriously goofy requests, but learn to take it as a compliment. It means the customer has faith in you, and no matter how many certificates you have, if you don't have their trust, you don't keep their business. Best of luck in November! TomD

PS, need a job in the western NY area? I'm looking for another good counterperson!

 

Awesome! I wish you the best on the test hope you do well! I am going to college next year to become an Automotive Technician , and kinda worried myself too , I wouldnt say I know a lot , but I am willing to learn all I can and do the best job I can! Again I wish ya luck on the test!

 

I think that having enthusiasm and a willingness to go the extra mile ( trying to find that kenuuter valve for that old hudson) is WAY more important than
a cert to hang on the wall. If you can find the part I need , or fix the car CORRECTLY, I dont care what test you've taken.

That being said, If you know your job, and how to use the resources available to you, you will have NO TROUBLE with the tests. There is some personal pride achieving that, it looks great on a resume, and will help in advancing with Napa, should you choose that path.

I'm a Master Tech myself, just be thankfull you dont have to go through all the stooooopid logic questions " Tech A says its the blinker fluid, Tech B says
the shop is out of beer, who should be shot first?" kinda crap.

I'd say good luck, but it sounds like you know whats going on, so take em, and give yourself a pat on the back when the paperwork shows up in the mail!!!

 

That being said, If you know your job, and how to use the resources available to you, you will have NO TROUBLE with the tests. There is some personal pride achieving that, it looks great on a resume, and will help in advancing with Napa, should you choose that path.

I'm a Master Tech myself, just be thankfull you dont have to go through all the stooooopid logic questions " Tech A says its the blinker fluid, Tech B says
the shop is out of beer, who should be shot first?" kinda crap.
Well said...the tests are written for people that test well, not for good people.
BTW....tech B is correct

 

If, as you say, you are not all that familiar with the newer "computer operated" vehicles, then I highly reccomend you pick up a copy of "Ford Fuel Injection & Electronic Engine Control: How To Understand, Service And Modify, 1988-1993" by Charles O. Probst. The book is geared toward Ford systems, obviously, but the principles of fuel injection and computer controlled timing are pretty much universal, and he touches upon the basics very nicely. I consider it an invaluable resource book in that regard, and the fact that it covers Fords makes it all the more interesting reading.

 

So how did the test go?

 

I echo pretty much what others have said here, but would like to stress the value of the practice guides- they are an invaluable resource & help you brush up on some of the more ambiguous & mind-numbing driveability questions. I don't know how your employer is, but mine actually covered my test expenses, which can be quite pricey when you have to recertify.


Jeff


52 F3
Flatty

Parts specialist
Med/Hvy truck
Master Tech

 

FWIW, I passed with flying colors. Like you guys said, if you know your stuff it's pretty easy. Reading up on their study manual helped get a feel for the test beforehand. There was also a large article in Counterman mag that gave a quick crash course in all areas covered on the test, and there was a question or two I got right because of reading up on some of the basics covered there too.