Automotive Mechanic Education and Training Requirements
Automotive mechanics work on cars and light trucks. Their responsibilities include maintaining, inspecting and repairing these vehicles. They often solve electrical troubles, engine problems and device malfunctions. With improvements to vehicles, like hybrid engines and GPS technologies, mechanics are forced to adapt to new technologies all the time.
Automotive Mechanic Education & Training Requirements
Some high schools offer adequate training programs, though most mechanics are expected to have completed an associate degree or certificate program in automotive technology training.
An associate's degree is a 2-year program. During this program, the student is often responsible for completing an apprenticeship at a car manufacturer, like a local Ford or GM plant or a local repair shop. This apprenticeship is similar to entry-level employment and the student will likely be paid for his or her time at work. Employment is often based on the students' specific track, which specify which brand of car they'd like to specialize in, as many schools offer differing programs based on car manufacturers. In addition to this apprentice work, students are required to complete courses in math, automotive emissions, engine diagnosis, suspension and steering, and digital devises in computers. Coursework involves hands-on training as well as computer-based work.
Training Requirements for Working as an Automotive Mechanic
While, outside of a school-sponsored apprenticeship there are no training requirements, most entry-level automotive mechanics begin as trainee technicians and acquire their skills by working alongside and assisting experienced mechanics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), it usually takes five years of experience to become fully qualified as a automotive mechanic or service technician. Specialists, like brake specialists or transmission specialists may require an additional 1-2 years of training.
Because automotive technology is consistently updated, employers are more and more sending their experience mechanics and technicians to training programs and centers for to remain abreast of current industry trends, including alternative energy engines, green air conditioning systems and electronic fuel injection.
Automobile Mechanic Training Programs
A training program to become an auto mechanic may be a 1-year certificate or a 2-year degree program at a community college with courses in engines, electrical systems, automatic transmissions, heating and air systems and state inspection regulations. Automotive repair technicians may earn certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) by passing an examination and documenting 2 years of work experience in the field.
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3 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma: Auto Repair Technician
- Career Diploma: Diesel Mechanics/Heavy Truck Maint.
- Certificate - Automotive HVAC Essentials
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- Certificate - Automotive Transmissions
- Career Diploma: Motorcycle Repair Technician
- Career Diploma: Small Engine Repair
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Bachelor
Other Recommended Schools:
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School locations:
- Rhode Island (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
- Marine Watercraft Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Automotive Mechanics
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Electrical Repair and Maintenance
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Autobody Repair
- Automotive Mechanics
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School locations:
- Illinois (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Southern Illinois University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate First Professional Degree Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
- Automotive Mechanics
- Avionics Repair and Maintenance
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Mississippi (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Pearl River Community College include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Automotive Mechanics
- Diesel Mechanics
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School locations:
- Georgia (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Valdosta State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Automotive Mechanics
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
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School locations:
- Tennessee (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Nashville State Technical Community College include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Construction Management and Trades
- Precision Metal Working
- Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
- Automotive Mechanics
