G1 EXAM CONTENT MAP
The ASE G1 (Auto Maintenance & Light Repair) test has 50 scored questions + 10 unscored pretest. 70% to pass. 2 years experience required (or 1 year + high school auto program). This reference is the breakdown — what areas, how many questions, what to study.
G1 WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
36% of the test = Brakes + Suspension. Master those two areas first — the highest point-to-effort ratio on the entire exam.
CONTENT AREAS (% of test)
WHAT EACH AREA COVERS
| Area | You should know |
|---|---|
| Engine Systems | Oil change procedure, oil specs, coolant types, leak ID, belt & hose inspection, basic gasket inspection |
| Auto Trans | ATF type identification, fluid level check (hot/cold), fluid condition, basic in-line filter service |
| Manual Drive Train | Clutch operation basics, transmission fluid types, CV joint inspection, drive shaft inspection |
| Suspension & Steering | Tire wear patterns, shock/strut test, steering linkage inspection, alignment basics, wheel bearing test |
| Brakes | Pad/rotor measurement, hose inspection, fluid service, ABS basics, parking brake adjustment |
| Electrical | Battery test, charging system basics, lighting service, fuse identification, starter basics |
| HVAC | Cabin filter service, basic A/C operation, vent temperature check, refrigerant safety |
| Engine Performance | Air filter service, fuel filter service, basic sensor identification, OBD-II basics, MIL diagnostic basics |
PASS REQUIREMENTS
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Score | ~70% to pass (35/50) |
| Time limit | 75 min (50 scored + 10 pretest) |
| Experience | 2 yrs hands-on OR 1 yr + auto program completion |
| Certificate validity | 5 years; retake recert exam to renew |
| Cost | ~$45 registration + ~$40 test fee (subject to ASE adjustments) |
| Where | Prometric testing centers nationwide; year-round |
SUGGESTED 30-DAY PREP PLAN
- DAY 1-7L2 Modules 1-4 (Engine, Driveline, Susp/Steer, Brakes) — these are 63% of the test. Master them.
- DAY 8-12L2 Modules 5-7 (Electrical, HVAC, Engine Perf) — 30% of the test.
- DAY 13-15L2 Module 8 (PDI workflow) — applied integration of all areas.
- DAY 16-20Full practice tests via /tests page, area-by-area. Identify weak areas.
- DAY 21-25Targeted re-study of weak areas. Re-take area-specific tests.
- DAY 26-29L2-10 Exam Readiness Check — repeat until consistently 13/15 or higher.
- DAY 30Take the actual G1. You\'re ready.
FOCUS WHERE THE POINTS ARE
Suspension/Steering + Brakes = 36% of the test (18 questions). Engine Systems + Engine Performance = 28% (~15 questions). That\'s 64% of the test in 4 areas. Master those first. Auto Trans + HVAC are only 14% combined — don\'t over-invest there at the cost of the heavy-weight areas. Use the practice test by-area to track your readiness; aim for 80%+ on the four heavy areas before exam day.