Benefits include instant results plus online registration and payment

LANSING, Mich. – New customer-service improvements have made getting certified as a mechanic in Michigan a much more convenient process, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson announced today.

A new electronic system for administering state mechanic certification tests is now available in Secretary of State offices that speeds up getting test results and makes testing easy for customers and staff.

Residents can now take state mechanic certification tests on testing kiosks in 80 offices throughout Michigan, which allow “quick pass” completion the moment the test-taker correctly answers a predetermined percentage of questions. Test questions and answers are scrambled, further enhancing the security of the tests.

In another leap forward in convenience, some form of mechanic testing is now offered in all 131 Secretary of State offices – up from 73 offices. Also, regardless of whether a mechanic or potential mechanic is testing at an office that offers kiosks or one that still uses paper tests, test-takers can now receive results before they leave the office, a major improvement from the old system, which could take five days or more to get results back to test takers in the mail. A few years ago, the wait averaged four weeks.

The new program is the latest advancement in Johnson’s nonstop drive to provide modern, cost-effective services that save time for customers.

“Our goal is service that is convenient as well as high quality,” Johnson said. “Using these kiosks for mechanic testing and providing immediate results makes the process easier and saves time.

“We’re excited about this next step in our customer service revolution and look forward to announcing additional innovations.”

The new testing system allows current and prospective mechanics to pre-register and pay for mechanic certification tests online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Users can log in to the registration page, enter basic information and pay for their test via an electronic check or with Discover, MasterCard and Visa credit or debit cards. They will receive a printable confirmation page after registering.

Ray Fisher, executive director of the Automotive Service Association of Michigan, welcomed the changes and said he appreciates Johnson’s use of new technologies to better serve the automotive repair industry. Secretary of State employees administer about 22,000 mechanic certification exams each year.

“We applaud the efforts of the secretary of state to speed up the mechanic testing process through the use of technology and the convenience of being able to take a test at any office across Michigan,” Fisher said. “We treasure the dialogue we’ve had with the state over the years. These are wonderful improvements for our industry and this is another example of business and government working together to achieve one goal.”

To access the mechanic test registration program, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos and click on the “Automotive-related Businesses” and “Information for Mechanics” links.

For online services offered by the Secretary of State, including tab renewals, driver’s license renewals and much more, visit www.ExpressSOS.com.

Note to editors: The following photos are available for download.

Taking a mechanic test

Mechanic test kiosk screen