In response to changing Federal tracking and reporting standards, as well as industry requests, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has announced it will be adding the Preventive Maintenance and Inspection (PMI) test (Test T8) to the requirements for ASE Master Truck Technicians.
The new requirement will take effect on Jan. 1, 2017. At that time, technicians will need to pass T8 along with the currently required tests (T2 through T7) to earn the Master Truck designation.
“Addition of the PMI (T8) test is the result of input from trucking industry representatives who explained that increased Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) standards are being imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,” said Tim Zilke, ASE president and CEO. “A greater emphasis on maintenance and inspection will help motor carriers improve their overall CSA ratings.”
Current Master Truck Technicians will keep their Master status until the first of their current truck certifications expires, even if that date is in 2017 or later. When the time comes to recertify, they also will need to take and pass the new T8 test. Those who earn the Master Truck designation after Jan. 1, 2017, will have to pass all seven tests (T2 through T8) to qualify.
Further information on this change is available at ase.com.
