ASE G1 Maintenance & Light Repair: What's on the Test and Who Should Take It First

If you spend your days on oil changes, brakes, tires, alignments, batteries and belts, the ASE G1 Automobile Maintenance and Light Repair test is built around your job. It covers every major vehicle system, but at the level of inspection, service and replacement rather than deep diagnosis.

This guide covers what’s on G1, how the content areas are weighted, what the questions look like and who it suits as a first ASE test. The facts come from ASE’s 2026 G1 study guide. Check ase.com for the current version before you register.

G1 test length and timing

According to the G1 study guide:

• Certification test: 55 questions in 90 minutes, with 45 listed as scored.
• Recertification test (G1R): 28 questions in 45 minutes.
• Unscored questions: Like other ASE certification tests, G1 includes 10 unscored research questions. You won’t know which ones they are, so answer every question.
• Recertification eligibility: You must have passed the G1 certification test once to take the shorter recertification test.

One caveat: the same guide’s content table lists area question counts that add up to 55, while its timing table says 45 are scored. The area percentages are consistent either way, so plan your study around the percentages and confirm the scored count on ase.com.

The seven content areas and their weights

G1 is a cross-section of the Automobile series. Here’s how ASE weights it:

Suspension/steering and brakes together are 44% of G1. If your time is limited, put it there first.

A. Engine Systems (16%)

This is the maintenance side of the engine: checking for leaks and abnormal noises, changing oil and filter and resetting the oil life monitor, and cooling system work such as pressure and dye tests, thermostat and hose replacement, coolant service and fan checks. It also covers belts and tensioners, air filters and throttle body service, crankcase ventilation, exhaust inspection, reading DTCs, spark plug replacement, fuel and EVAP inspection, and topping off diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

B. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (7%)

Checking fluid type, level and condition, finding leaks and replacing external seals, inspecting cooler lines, replacing mounts, and fluid and filter service. CV boots, axles and U-joints also appear here.

C. Manual Drive Train and Axles (11%)

Hydraulic clutch bleeding and service, shift linkage, external seals and fluid checks, plus drive shafts, CV and U-joints, wheel bearings (not press-type), rear axle inspection, and transfer case and 4WD/AWD checks.

D. Suspension and Steering (24%)

The largest area and the longest task list. It covers power steering service (including identifying electric vs. hydraulic systems), steering linkage, front and rear suspension inspection, alignment (camber, caster, toe, thrust angle, centering the steering wheel, steering angle sensor calibration), and a full wheels-and-tires section: wear patterns, load and speed ratings, inflation using the placard, balancing, mounting, rotation and torque, TPMS testing and relearn, and tire repair.

E. Brakes (20%)

Diagnosing pedal feel and pull concerns, checking fluid and lines, bleeding and flushing, and selecting and storing brake fluid properly. It also covers full drum and disc service (measuring and machining drums and rotors, caliper and pad service, burnishing new pads), parking brakes, and power assist units including vacuum boosters, hydro-boost and electro-hydraulic systems.

F. Electrical (15%)

Meter work (voltage, voltage drop, current, continuity and resistance), battery testing, charging and jump-starting, keeping electronic memory alive during service, starter current draw and replacement, charging output tests and alternator replacement, plus lighting, gauges, horns, wipers and washers. Disarming and re-enabling airbags appears here and in Suspension and Steering.

G. Heating, Ventilation and A/C (7%)

Verifying HVAC operation, identifying refrigerant type and recovering and recharging, checking for leaks, condenser airflow, cabin air filters, belts and evaporator drains.

Browse every G1 area on the topics page to see what each one includes.

What G1 questions look like

The G1 study guide’s sample questions show the same formats used across ASE tests:

• Direct and completion items about correct service procedure. For example, how a step should be done or what a check is meant to prevent.
• Illustration items, such as identifying a cause from a pictured tire wear pattern.
• Technician A / Technician B items, where you decide whether one, both or neither statement is correct.
• EXCEPT items, marked with a note telling you to read carefully.

G1 focuses on correct procedure and spec, so many questions come down to whether you know the right way to do a routine job. If you’re used to taking shortcuts at work, study the procedure as written. Our guide to Technician A/B and EXCEPT questions covers both formats.

Who should take G1 first?

The G1 study guide doesn’t recommend a test order, so this section is our opinion based on what the task list covers.

G1 is a good first ASE test if you:

• Work in quick-lube, tire, fleet maintenance or general service roles where most of your work is inspection and replacement.
• Are early in your career and want one credential that touches every system before you specialize.
• Want to learn the ASE question formats and test platform on familiar material before taking a diagnosis-heavy test like A6 or A8.

You might go straight to the A-series if you:

• Already specialize. A brake tech may get more value from A5, and a driveability tech from A8.
• Are working toward Master Automobile Technician, which ASE ties to A1 through A8 rather than G1.

Many techs do both. Studying for G1 builds the procedural base the A-series tests assume, and the content areas overlap a lot.

A note for students: The G1 guide says students in ASE-accredited training programs who pass a specific list of 8 ASE Automobile entry-level tests can earn G1 certification without taking the G1 test. Ask your instructor or check ase.com for details.

Certification requirements: Like all ASE certifications, G1 requires passing the test and documenting relevant work experience. Suitable vocational training may count toward the work experience.

A study plan built on the weights

1. Weeks 1–2: Suspension, steering, wheels and tires. Focus on tire wear patterns, TPMS, alignment angles and inspection procedures.
2. Week 3: Brakes. Cover drum and disc service, measurement, fluid handling and power assist.
3. Week 4: Engine systems and electrical. Cover cooling system service, belts, battery and charging tests, and voltage drop.
4. Week 5: Drive train, transmission and HVAC. These are smaller areas, but don’t skip them.
5. Final week: Full-length timed mocks. Review every missed question against the task list.

GearheadPass has a G1 question bank sorted by these seven areas, with exhibit questions, exam-style timed mocks, and English and Spanish on every question. Try free G1 questions on the practice quiz page, compare G1 with the A-series on the tests page, or download the app. For timing and weights across all nine tests, read how ASE A1–A8 and G1 tests work.

ASE is a registered trademark of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE). GearheadPass is an independent study app and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ASE.