Episode 225: Are Certifications Still Worth It? The Truth About ASE, CAFM & Fleet Leadership

Episode Summary

Are certifications like ASE and CAFM still worth it—or are they becoming irrelevant in today’s technician shortage?

In this episode of the Fleet Success Show, Josh Turley and Drew Morrow break down the real reason certifications are losing traction, why that’s dangerous for fleets, and what leaders should be doing instead.

They unpack:

• Why shops are lowering standards (and the long-term risk)
• The difference between factory certs vs. ASE
• How certifications create defensible credibility and benchmarking
• The hidden leadership gap behind technician shortages
• Josh’s real CAFM journey (and what it actually takes to pass)
• Why motivated teams outperform “warm bodies in seats”

If you’re a fleet leader trying to build a stronger team, improve performance, and lead with confidence, this episode is a must-listen.

Because in a world full of fleet blind spots… certifications might be one of the clearest signals you’ve got.

Key Takeaways:

• Certifications = objective benchmarking, not just credentials
• Lowering hiring standards creates long-term operational risk
• Technician shortages are driving reactive vs. strategic leadership
• CAFM and ASE build credibility in leadership conversations
• Investing in people (even if they leave) is still the right move
• Motivation > requirement when it comes to professional growth

Speaker Bios

Josh Turley — Host, Fleet Success Show | CEO, RTA
Josh Turley is the CEO of RTA: The Fleet Success Company and host of the Fleet Success Show podcast. With over two decades of experience in fleet operations and technology, Josh helps fleet leaders improve performance, reduce operational blind spots, and lead with confidence. Through RTA Fleet360, consulting, and educational resources, Josh and the RTA team support public sector and enterprise fleets in building safer, more reliable operations.

Drew Morrow — Fleet Success Manager, RTA
Drew Morrow is a fleet professional with hands-on experience in technician development, shop operations, and industry certifications. With a strong background in ASE and EVT certifications, Drew is a vocal advocate for professional standards, continuous learning, and building high-performing teams in the face of ongoing technician shortages. 

Additional Resources

Looking to take the first step in your fleet career journey? Start by requesting your free copy of The Fleet Success Playbook. Written by fleet professionals for fleet professionals, the Playbook breaks down the four key pillars of fleet success, and gives you the tools you need to build a truly great fleet. 

Request your free (yes, really, free!) copy here. 

Control fleet chaos with RTA Fleet360, proven software designed by fleet managers for fleet managers. Request a demo today. 

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