Small Engine Repair Certification and Diploma Programs

Small engine mechanics work on marine equipment, lawnmowers, recreational vehicles and power equipment. A small engine repair diploma teaches students to diagnose small engine problems by understanding electrical, ignition, cooling and other systems in small engines. No industry certifications for small engine repairers exist at the time of this writing.

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Diploma in Small Engine Repair

Diploma programs in small engine repair prepare students to work as small engine mechanics with small engine repair shops, rental companies and small engine dealerships. Students learn all aspects of small engines, including fuel, transmission and lubrication systems. Most programs allow students to focus on specific areas of small engine repair, such as marine mechanics, lawnmowers, power equipment or recreational vehicles. Students learn repair techniques through hands-on mechanical assignments and coursework. This diploma program may require one to two years of study.

Although some courses may take place in a traditional classroom setting, most courses take place in a shop, allowing students to learn using industry-standard equipment and tools. Students learn to assemble small engines, troubleshoot problems and repair various parts of a small engine. Students work on 2-stroke and 4-stroke power equipment, lawnmowers, boat engines and other small engines to gain a comprehensive understanding of small engine mechanical processes.

Educational Prerequisites

To enroll in a small engine repair diploma program, students must have high school diplomas or equivalent. Students are required to submit official transcripts, though SAT or ACT scores are not generally required.

Program Coursework

Small engine repair schools conduct most courses in a shop setting. Common courses include the following:

  • Small engine mechanical equipment
  • Mechanical diagnosis and repair
  • Small engine parts and processes
  • Ignition, lubricating and cooling systems
  • Small engine electrical and fuel systems
  • Small engine rebuilding and maintenance

Employment Outlook and Career Information

With a small engine repair diploma, students can seek mechanical work with small engine repair shops, mechanical retail stores, equipment rental companies and other fields that utilize small engines. More than 70,000 small engine mechanic jobs existed in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); more than one third of all small engine mechanics worked with vehicle and mechanical parts dealers, while others were employed by retail lawn and garden stores, rental companies and small engine maintenance shops (www.bls.gov). According to the BLS, small engine repair is expected to grow at an average pace from 2008 to 2018.

Continuing Education Information

A small engine repair diploma is sufficient for most small engine mechanic positions. The best way to increase salary and career prospects is to gain hands-on experience with small engines. Many employers provide on-the-job training for specific small engines or brands, allowing small engine technicians to specialize in one area of mechanical work. Small engine mechanics often become self-employed or progress toward working with motor vehicles and larger engines, according to the BLS.

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3 Popular Schools

Other Schools:

  • The University of Montana

    School locations:
    • Montana (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at The University of Montana include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Non-Degree: Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Construction Management and Trades
      • Heavy Equipment Maintenance
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Small Engine Mechanics
    » Research The University of Montana's Programs & Degrees

Other Related Schools:

  • New England Institute of Technology

    School locations:
    • Rhode Island (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
      • 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
    » Research New England Institute of Technology's Programs

  • University of Cincinnati

    School locations:
    • Ohio (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Automotive Mechanics
    » Research University of Cincinnati's Programs

  • Ferris State University

    School locations:
    • Michigan (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
      • 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
    » Research Ferris State University's Programs

  • Southern Illinois University

    School locations:
    • Illinois (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Southern Illinois University include:
      • 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
    » Research Southern Illinois University's Programs

  • Utah State University

    School locations:
    • Utah (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Utah State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
      • Non-Degree: Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies
      • Precision Metal Working
      • Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
        • Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance
        • Avionics Repair and Maintenance
    » Research Utah State University's Degree Programs

  • Pearl River Community College

    School locations:
    • Mississippi (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Pearl River Community College include:
      • 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
    » Research Pearl River Community College's Programs

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