One of the first things you can look for is technician certification. These are certificates indicating that the technicians have passed tests to prove a level of competence in one or more areas of automotive repair. The most common certifications are provided by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). These certifications cover theory, diagnosis and repair procedures in virtually every area of the vehicle. In addition, many manufacturers and organizations offer some type of certification program. And while certification is no guarantee of competence, it does indicate a certain level of pride and professionalism. But no one offers a more detailed or extensive certification program than the one that ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association) offers its members.

There are three types of ATRA certifications:

1. R&R Technician
2. Rebuilder
3. Diagnostician

ATRA’s tests are extremely demanding: You can be certain that any technician holding an ATRA certification is qualified to work on your car or truck.