Certified Mechanic Education Requirements and Job Duties
Certified mechanics are technically skilled professionals with knowledge and expertise of machinery. Certification for mechanics is available through professional organizations, such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Education Requirements for Certified Mechanics
Certification for mechanics working on automobiles, aircraft and ships generally requires training from an apprenticeship program, vocational school or community college. Comprehensive training for certified mechanics involves classroom education and real-world experience with machinery. Some high schools offer programs teaching students the skills necessary to become a mechanic. Electronic diagnostics systems in newer vehicles means students pursuing careers as mechanics should be comfortable with new technologies.
A mechanic's education often concentrates on a specialty field, such as automotive or marine machinery. Most education programs for mechanics don't have formal prerequisites, though acceptance to a community college or vocational school usually requires a high school diploma. High school courses in chemistry, mathematics and physics can lay the foundation for mechanic certification coursework.
Job Duties of a Certified Mechanic
A mechanic's specific tasks depends on specialty. Certified automotive professionals, for example, might rotate tires, rebuild carburetors and flush radiators. Mechanics with experience and training related to farm equipment can work on combines, tractors and plows. Performing regular maintenance and safety checks are routine duties for mechanics working on airplanes, ensuring an airworthy craft. Many manufacturers of specialty machinery, such as cranes, steam shovels and dump trucks, offer certification to mechanics working in the construction industry.
Mechanics with sufficient knowledge of specialty machinery can work in fields such as petroleum exploration, power plants or manufacturing. Automotive mechanics can also specialize and earn certification to work on specific brands of cars. Individuals with experience in machinery repair and maintenance can teach others the skills necessary to become a certified mechanic. Some government agencies employ experienced mechanics to maintain squad cars, street sweepers, garbage trucks and other fleet vehicles.
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3 Popular Schools
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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
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
Other 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
