ASE and OSHA Certifications for Auto Mechanics Under the EB3 Visa Program in the U.S. 2026

As the U.S. labor market continues to face a shortage of workers in the automotive industry, the door to U.S. immigration through the EB3 visa category is widening for skilled Vietnamese workers in auto repair. However, to boost their chances of being accepted by a U.S. employer and build a sustainable career after arriving in the U.S., an auto mechanic needs to obtain two key certifications: the ASE certification (Automotive Service Excellence) and the OSHA certification (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). This article by Newland USA provides a complete picture of the roles, exam paths, costs, and practical value of these two certifications for workers who are planning to move to the U.S. in 2026.

1. Why Auto Mechanics Are a “Golden” Occupation for EB3

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and major vocational training schools, the total number of automotive technician jobs in the U.S. is projected to exceed 815,000 positions by 2033. The strong hiring demand comes from three core factors: vehicles are becoming increasingly complex with integrated electrical and electronic systems, the electric vehicle wave is expanding rapidly, and the domestic workforce is aging — leaving many garages seriously short-staffed.

Under regulations set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the “skilled worker” subcategory of EB3 requires applicants to have at least 2 years of experience or training directly related to the job, and the employer must complete the PERM Labor Certification process to prove that no qualified U.S. worker is available to fill the position. The auto repair profession meets virtually all of these requirements: it is a skilled trade, there is a constant shortage of domestic workers, and competency can be proven through nationally recognized professional certifications.

An auto mechanic with internationally recognized professional certifications will have a major advantage when being “matched” by a U.S. employer. The reason is simple: both the ASE and OSHA certifications are not just industry standards — they are practically mandatory requirements at many garages, car dealerships, and maintenance centers across the U.S.

2. Overview of ASE Certification – A Career “Passport” in the U.S.

2.1. What Is ASE?

ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1972 with the mission of standardizing the quality of vehicle repair and maintenance services in the U.S. The ASE system currently certifies approximately 300,000 professionals each year across various fields: passenger vehicles, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, collision repair, school buses, transit buses, and many other specialty areas.

The ASE certification is considered the “gold standard” for technical competency in the U.S. automotive industry. Most car dealerships, independent garages, and fleet operations companies either prefer or require their mechanics to hold this certification. Some jurisdictions, such as Broward County and Miami-Dade County (Florida), even require an ASE certification as a condition for issuing an auto repair license.

2.2. Common ASE Exam Categories

The ASE testing system is divided into multiple series, each consisting of several individual exams, as follows:

• Series A (Automobile & Light Truck): Includes 9 exams from A1 to A9, focusing on passenger cars and light trucks. Passing A1–A8 earns the title “ASE Master Automobile Technician” — the highest level in the general auto repair category.
• Series T (Medium/Heavy Truck): For mechanics specializing in medium- and heavy-duty trucks, consisting of exams T1–T8.
• Series B (Collision Repair & Refinish): For technicians working in body repair, painting, and damage analysis.
• Series L (Advanced Level): For specialists in advanced powertrain and emissions diagnostics, such as L1.
• Series xEV: A newer set of exams covering electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle safety — an excellent choice for those looking to follow the EV trend.

Each exam typically has 40 to 75 multiple-choice questions, developed by a panel of experts that includes working mechanics, manufacturer engineers, and vocational training instructors. Test duration can last up to 90 minutes.

2.3. Eligibility Requirements and Costs

To earn the ASE certification, candidates must meet the experience requirement: two years of hands-on work in the field, or one year of experience combined with a two-year associate degree in automotive repair. Part of the experience requirement can be substituted with a diploma from a vocational high school, trade school, or community college.

As for costs, registration fees range from $34 to $86 depending on the number of exams taken, each standard exam costs approximately $47–$62, and advanced exams like L1 can cost up to $124. The first-time pass rate is only about two-thirds — a number that reflects how challenging these exams really are.

Each certification is valid for 5 years. After that period, holders must take a “Recertification Test” to maintain the credential, ensuring they stay up to date with automotive technology that changes every year.

2.4. Earning Potential with ASE Certification

According to updated data for 2026 from ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an auto mechanic with ASE certification in the U.S. is approximately $53,087 per year, equivalent to $25.52 per hour. Salary.com reports a slightly higher figure of $58,522 per year, while Glassdoor records an average of up to $71,561 per year, with the highest earners reaching $108,955 per year.

In states with high labor demand such as California, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia, average salaries typically exceed $63,000 per year. For those who achieve the Master Technician title, the income gap compared to non-certified mechanics can widen by 20–30%.

3. Overview of OSHA Certification – The Foundation of Workplace Safety

3.1. What Is OSHA?

OSHA is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Labor, responsible for establishing and enforcing safety standards. Auto repair shops are mainly regulated under the General Industry standards (29 CFR 1910), which cover everything from chemical information, personal protective equipment (PPE), fire prevention, ventilation, to machine safety.

The OSHA certification is essentially a proof of completing workplace safety training courses issued by OSHA-authorized organizations. The two most common courses are the OSHA 10-hour and OSHA 30-hour General Industry programs — the 10-hour course is suitable for frontline workers, while the 30-hour course is geared toward supervisory and shop management roles.

3.2. Why Do Auto Mechanics Need OSHA Certification?

According to published industry statistics, approximately 3 out of every 100 full-time workers in the auto maintenance and repair industry experienced a workplace injury in 2021. This number reflects that the garage work environment carries many hidden risks: toxic chemicals, high-voltage electrical systems, vehicle lifts, flammable oils and lubricants, loud noise, and moving parts.

At shops that comply with OSHA standards, all employees must receive training in:

• Hazard Communication (HazCom): How to read chemical warning labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) under 29 CFR 1910.1200.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Using safety glasses, gloves, steel-toe boots, and respirators — especially when painting, welding, or grinding.
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Procedures for disconnecting power and locking out equipment before servicing electrical systems under 29 CFR 1910.333.
• Fire Prevention: Selecting, installing, and inspecting fire extinguishers per NFPA Code 10.
• Vehicle Lift Safety: Operating lifts according to manufacturer guidelines, combined with regular inspections.
• Machine Guarding: Installing physical barriers and sensors to prevent hand entrapment and flying metal fragments.

Holding an OSHA certification proves that the worker understands and follows these safety procedures — a requirement that most U.S. employers prioritize before signing a long-term contract with foreign workers.

3.3. Path to Getting OSHA Certified

The OSHA 10-hour General Industry course is the ideal starting point for auto mechanics entering the field. The training content covers: a general overview of worker rights, hazard identification, accident reporting, electrical safety, chemical safety, and PPE use.

The OSHA 30-hour General Industry course goes deeper and is aimed at experienced workers or those in team leader roles. After completing the course and the final exam, participants receive a DOL (Department of Labor) card — which is valid for life, does not require retesting, but is recommended to be renewed every 3–5 years to keep up with new regulations.

Online course fees currently range from $60 to $90 for the 10-hour course and from $160 to $200 for the 30-hour course — significantly lower than the investment required for the professional ASE certification, yet the value it adds to a worker’s profile is far from small.

4. The Dual Role of ASE and OSHA in EB3 Immigration Applications

4.1. Boosting Competitiveness When Employers “Match” Candidates

In the EB3 immigration process, the most challenging step for Vietnamese workers is usually finding an employer sponsor willing to back their application. Employers prefer candidates who can hit the ground running after entry, minimizing the cost of retraining from scratch. A resume that includes Vietnamese vocational qualifications, hands-on experience, and both ASE–OSHA certifications will make a far stronger impression compared to other competing candidates.

Furthermore, when filing the PERM application, immigration attorneys often recommend attaching internationally recognized professional certifications to strengthen the argument that the candidate truly meets the qualifications described in the job description. This is not a mandatory requirement, but it carries significant weight when USCIS reviews the I-140 petition.

4.2. Ensuring Stable Employment After Arriving in the U.S.

The EB3 immigration process typically takes 3 to 5 years depending on the specific category and the Visa Bulletin timing. After receiving the green card and starting work, the worker must maintain the position for at least a certain period as agreed with the employer. Having ASE and OSHA certifications in hand helps workers:

• Pass the probation period more easily because they are already familiar with U.S. professional standards.
• Have opportunities for advancement to team leader, lead technician, or supervisor positions.
• Increase their ability to negotiate salary and benefits thanks to clear proof of their skills.
• Easily switch jobs if needed, since both certifications are recognized nationwide.

4.3. Paving the Way for Long-Term Skill Growth and Higher Income

Many auto mechanics after arriving in the U.S. have chosen a “certification stacking” path to increase their income: starting with one A1 exam, then completing all of A1–A8 to earn the Master Technician title, followed by L1 (advanced powertrain specialist) or xEV exams for electric vehicles. Each additional certification comes with an actual pay raise of 5% to 15%. For OSHA certification, upgrading from the 10-hour to the 30-hour course also opens up opportunities to take on workplace safety officer or shift supervisor roles at larger garages.

5. Roadmap to Preparing for Both Certifications Before Coming to the U.S. in 2026

To make the most of the advantage when filing an EB3 application in 2026, Vietnamese workers should consider the following roadmap:

Phase 1: Building the Foundation (First 3–6 months). Complete a basic conversational English certification — especially automotive technical vocabulary. This is a must-have prerequisite because both the ASE exams and OSHA courses are conducted entirely in English. ASE does offer some exams in a Spanish version, but Vietnamese is not yet supported.

Phase 2: Study and Take the OSHA 10-Hour Course (1–2 months). Register for an online course through OSHA-authorized outreach trainers. Complete the course and the test to receive the DOL card. This is the “easiest” certification to obtain and should be pursued first to build momentum for other exams.

Phase 3: Prepare for ASE Exams (4–8 months). Choose 1–2 exams that match your current experience — for example, A4 (Steering & Suspension), A5 (Brakes), or A6 (Electrical/Electronic Systems). Use study materials such as the ASE Test Preparation Guide, sample tests on the official ASE website, and combine with prep courses at training centers.

Phase 4: Complete Immigration Paperwork (in parallel). While studying for exams, workers should coordinate with a reputable immigration consulting firm to prepare experience documentation, notarized translations of Vietnamese vocational certificates, and get ready for employer interviews.

6. Important Notes on Legal and Financial Matters

Both ASE and OSHA certifications cannot replace the PERM Labor Certification managed by the U.S. Department of Labor. In other words, the employer still must post the job opening in the U.S., prove that no qualified domestic worker is available, and only then can they file the I-140 petition for the foreign candidate. The certifications only serve a supporting role — they increase the persuasiveness of the application but are not a requirement imposed by USCIS.

In terms of cost, the total investment for both certifications (including courses, exam fees, and study materials) typically falls in the range of $500–$1,500 depending on the number of ASE exams and the OSHA course chosen. This is a reasonable investment compared to the average income of $53,000–$71,000 per year that an auto mechanic can earn in the U.S.

One important note: the OSHA card and ASE certification must both still be valid at the time the employer verifies them. Therefore, if the EB3 case drags on for more than 5 years due to retrogression, the applicant may need to retake the Recertification exam before entering the U.S. to ensure the credentials remain valid.

7. Conclusion

The journey of U.S. immigration through EB3 for an auto mechanic is not simply a story about visas or employers — it is a process of making a well-planned investment in professional skills to stand firm in the most competitive labor market in the world. Among the “tools” that candidates need to equip themselves with, the ASE certification affirms technical expertise, while the OSHA certification serves as a shield protecting workers from workplace hazards and demonstrates their readiness to follow the safety-first culture in the U.S.

Learn more:

• The Medical Glove Industry in the U.S.: Market Analysis & EB3 Job Opportunities in 2026
• EB3 Skilled Workers Wait Time: Comprehensive Analysis of the Latest 2026 Movement
• What Is an EAD Card? Latest 2026 Regulations for the EB3 Category
• EB3 Immigration to the US: Can Your Spouse and Children Come Along?
• Working at Medical Glove Factories in the USA: Salary, Benefits, and EB3 Green Card Opportunities