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I guess it really depends on what you'll be doing. Aside from a good set of pliers, screwdrivers, pry bars, sockets, etc, it's really gonna be job dependent. If they have you doing a lot of front end work, a good ball joint press (Snap On's is the best, everyone else's is pretty much the same, Harbor freight's is crap), pry bars, etc.

The dealership should have a majority of the specialty tools you'll need for Fords.

It's so easy to spend so much on tools, there are so many things you'll need eventually, but it's all about building up to it. I'd recommend putting back some money every week, $20-40 or whatever, and buy the tools on Amazon or Tooltopia.com or used truck brands on ebay or whatever.

Like this in a truck brand is probably $400, but $85 on tooltopia, or $77 on amazon. And GP is a good brand, many of the tool trucks carry it and so they can warranty it (buuuuuut they may not since it's not "their" product, so you gotta be friendly lol, which may mean you buy some odds and ends from them sometimes).

Actually, $555 for Snap On, but it does include 8mm and 21mm. Mac had a set in their flyer this week for 10mm-19mm that was $275 or so.

Point is, just get your basic set in decent quality, and go from there, find out what you need when you get there while trying not to break the bank. Browse through this thread on Garage Journal, they've listed out what is the exact same (like Mac reselling an OTC slide hammer under their name) or very similar.

edit: I thought of something to add, when I started out I bought a LOT of my stuff from HF. Like, a lot of the little used things that I might need early on. It's been about 12 years, and some of them I'm still using, some of them have broken and been replaced with better tools. As an example, I'm still using my HF 1/2" impact sockets without issue. I still use my cheap HF power steering pump pulley remover. Stuff like that. Some of it I waited until I found a good deal online or on the truck and replaced it, then took the HF tool home in case I needed it there.

I like this one. I teach auto mechanics at a technical college, and many of my students have used this study guide successfully. Also, I'd recommend taking one test at first (whichever area you feel strongest in), and study like crazy beforehand. Once you have that one under your belt, you'll be better prepared for the next ones. Good luck!

I suggest a 1996-2006 vehicle, perhaps a Honda or Toyota, with 200k+ miles on it and existing electrical and engine performance problems. Nothing severe enough that it doesn't run, but so that you have plenty of work to do. Learn the basics (fluid/filter maintenance etc) first. Then learn all the electrical you can. You're gonna need that for everything else.

As for knowledge, I don't remember the name of the book but I remember one of the authors was named Haldermann. (edit: http://www.amazon.com/Automotive-Technology-Principles-Diagnosis-Service/dp/0133994619) It's a text book, probably titled something like Principles of Automotive Technology Version (whatever). It should cost you around $150 and will tell you practically everything you need to know. Actual work and actual technicians can tell you a lot more but that's a very good start. I have this and reference it often.

If you want to take a class, take an Automotive Technology Electrical class and get a quarter's worth of studying electrical and hopefully troubleshooting electrical. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Personally, I like having two guides. I've found the Motorage guides ( https://smile.amazon.com/ASE-Certification-Test-Prep-Training/dp/1934855472/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1504457558&sr=8-8&keywords=ase+study+guide ) to be way more informative. I like Delmar cause they have way more ASE test questions.

I have A1, A2, A4 - A6 and my C1. I haven't failed one yet with the use of both of those guides.

Sometimes if I'm in study mode, I'll also use http://www.freeasestudyguides.com/ and poke around on my phone a bit with it.

The trick, in my opinion, is to give yourself about two weeks per test and study at least one hour a night. Do that, and you should be golden :)

http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Automotive-Technology-James-Duffy/dp/1619603705

This was the assigned book in my introduction to automotive repair class. Excellent content on pretty much all areas of automotive repair and maintenance, along with ASE type questions at the end of each chapter to further aid understanding. I recently studied this book hard and passed my A5 (Brakes) exam with flying colors

I wouldn't buy it from Amazon though, you could likely find it cheaper elsewhere.

I own several of these books but I haven't got this one.

They're really good break everything down really well.

Seriously, $14 and less than an hour. Though sealing the lens in a little more expensive. I just did mine this past weekend: before and after. Sealed them with Optilens which is pretty expensive, but supposed to last the life of the car.

Automotive Wiring and Electrical Systems (Workbench Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1932494871/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_y8AYBbYQBW85J

This is what I bought for the shop probably overkill for 1 person. You might find them at the library though.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1418061395/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You could try Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach by James Halderman. One book covers 90% of the material. I know you can get some editions in pdf format, not sure about ebooks. That was my main info source durine my block training.
And during your search, stay the hell away from anything by Thomas Birch. He's knowledgeable, but the text is painfully mind numbing.

Edit: found a link, the 5th edition is available in ebook format on amazon.
https://www.amazon.ca/Automotive-Technology-Principles-Diagnosis-Service-ebook/dp/B00XIH45HG