"...aspiring mechanics can become fully licensed by watching at least 200 hours of YouTube."

DETROIT—The National Automotive Certification Board (NACB) has announced that YouTube Certification will officially replace ASE Certification as the industry standard for technicians. The decision comes after studies revealed that the average person now trusts the internet more than a professional with years of experience.

“The world is changing,” said NACB spokesperson Greg Thompson. “Gone are the days of formal training, expensive textbooks, and hands-on experience. If a guy with a GoPro and a check-engine light can fix a car while begin his viewers for likes, then who are we to question his expertise?”

Under the new certification system, aspiring mechanics can become fully licensed by watching at least 200 hours of YouTube car videos, leaving a minimum of 50 comments correcting other viewers, and creating one post mocking dealerships for overcharging. A final exam requires them to diagnose an engine misfire based solely on a poorly recorded Instagram reel. Naturally, reactions within the automotive industry have been mixed.

“This is ridiculous,” said longtime technician Javi Ortiz, who spent years earning his ASE Master Technician certification. “I spent thousands on training, learned electrical diagnostics, and studied complex drivability issues. Meanwhile, some dude with Harbor Freight jack stands is now my equal because he watched a bunch of ChrisFix videos?”

YouTube mechanics, however, are thrilled. Mark Paes, a self-proclaimed “Master Technician” with 600,000 subscribers, believes the change is overdue. “The ASE test asks all these trick questions about torque specs and shop safety,” he said. “Meanwhile, I’ve built a whole career telling people how to work on your cars without all that noise. I'm the future. Make sure you like and subscribe!”

Critics argue that the new system could create safety hazards, but NACB remains confident. “YouTube mechanics already outnumber ASE-certified techs,” Thompson explained. “At this point, we’re just recognizing what’s already happening: the internet always knows best.”

With the transition set to take effect next year, customers can look forward to repair estimates that start with, “Let me just check a video real quick.”