Can I p ASE certification tests before I have 2 years work related experience?

I have been a shade tree mechanic all my life, rebuilding cars and the like.I decided recently I would like to become ASE certified. I have the knowledge to p tests A1-A8, but I dont have any history of employment as a mechanic, so I lack the 2 years related experience required to be certified. I can't afford to take a pay cut right now to do an apprenticeship or work as an "unskilled" mechanic but will be able to soon, as I would make the sacrifice to do what I love untill I can get certified. My question is this: can I take the tests now, p them, then get the work experience afterwards? WIll those test stay of file somewhere? Will they give me some kind of certificate to prove I ped them?