What does the ASE A1 study guide cover?

Every area of the A1 Task List — what each area tests, how many scored questions it's worth, and the specific tasks under it — so you study exactly what the exam blueprints, in the right proportions.

Is this the ASE study guide?

No. ASE publishes its own free study guides at ase.com; this is an independent guide that follows the same public Task List. Our questions are original and validated.

How should I study for ASE A1?

Work area by area in the proportions the test uses (the percentages below), drill each area until you're consistently above 80%, then take full timed simulators. Space your review so it sticks.

ASE A1 Study Guide — Engine Repair

Published format · A1

The ASE A1 test

Scored questions: 45
Total questions: 55; incl. 10 unscored
Time limit: 75; minutes
Recert test: 23; 30 min

Source: ASE Study Guide — Automobile Tests (2026), A1 Test Specifications.

78 tasks · 5 areas

Study by Task List area

A

General Engine Diagnosis

18 scored · 40%

A.1Verify customer concern and/or road test vehicle; determine needed action.
A.2Research applicable vehicle and service information, such as: system operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, technical service bulletins, and service campaigns/recalls.
A.3Determine if no-crank, crank/no-start, or hard start condition is engine mechanical problem or caused by another vehicle subsystem.
A.4Inspect engine assembly for fuel, oil, coolant, and other leaks; determine needed action.
A.5Isolate engine noises and vibrations; determine needed action.
A.6Diagnose the cause of excessive oil consumption and/or coolant consumption; diagnose the cause of unusual engine exhaust color and odor; determine needed action.
A.7Perform engine manifold vacuum or pressure tests; interpret test results; determine needed action.
A.8Perform cylinder power balance tests; interpret test results; determine needed action.
A.9Perform cylinder cranking, relative, and running compression tests; interpret test results; determine needed action.
A.10Perform cylinder leakage/leak-down tests; interpret test results; determine needed action.
A.11Inspect and test positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system components; interpret test results; determine needed action.
A.12Diagnose engine mechanical, electrical, electronic, fuel, and ignition problems with an oscilloscope, digital multimeter (DMM), and/or scan tool; determine needed action.

B

Cylinder Head and Valve Train Diagnosis and Repair

6 scored · 13%

C

Engine Block Diagnosis and Repair

4 scored · 9%

D

Lubrication and Cooling Systems Diagnosis and Repair

8 scored · 18%

E

Fuel, Electrical, Ignition, Air Induction, and Exhaust Systems Diagnosis and Service

9 scored · 20%

Task lists are transcribed from ASE's free published study guide (ASE Study Guide — Automobile Tests (2026), A1 Test Specifications).

ASE A1 study guide — FAQ

What does the ASE A1 study guide cover?: Every area of the A1 Task List — what each area tests, how many scored questions it's worth, and the specific tasks under it — so you study exactly what the exam blueprints, in the right proportions.
Is this the ASE study guide?: No. ASE publishes its own free study guides at ase.com; this is an independent guide that follows the same public Task List. Our questions are original and validated.
How should I study for ASE A1?: Work area by area in the proportions the test uses (the percentages below), drill each area until you're consistently above 80%, then take full timed simulators. Space your review so it sticks.

ASE® is a registered trademark of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. MasterTechPrep is an independent study product, not affiliated with or endorsed by ASE. Test registration is done only through ASE's official channels (ase.com).