LEESBURG, VA --- The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has announced two new additions to the Transit Bus Certification Test Series that will be available for the May 2009 test administration: Compressed Natural Gas Engines (H1) and Preventive Maintenance and Inspection (H8).

"These new additions to our Transit Bus Series complete the requirements for a Master Technician status," said Tim Zilke, ASE president and CEO. "Still in development is the final test of the series covering hybrid vehicle systems (H9), which is scheduled to launch in May 2010."

The Compressed Natural Gas Engines (H1) test content will cover the following areas:

-- General engine diagnosis

-- Cylinder head and valve train diagnosis and repair

-- Engine block diagnosis and repair

-- Lubrication and cooling systems diagnosis and repair

-- Air induction and exhaust systems diagnosis and repair

-- Fuel system inspection diagnosis and repair (high pressure, low pressure, fuel controls)

-- Starting and charging systems diagnosis and repair

-- Ignition system inspection diagnosis and repair

The Preventive Maintenance and Inspection (H8) test content will cover the following areas:

-- Engine systems

-- Body interior and exterior

-- Electrical/electronic systems

-- Frame and chassis

The Transit Bus Master Technician designation requires that the technician be certified in H1 or H2, and H3 through H8 after the May 2009 ASE test administration when the H1 and H8 tests become available.

In addition, technicians certified in the ASE automotive series Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6) and the new Light Vehicle Diesel Engine (A9) tests will be eligible to take the Advanced Level Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis (L2) test after the A9 test becomes available in May 2009.