How to Become an Auto Mechanic – Career Guide

The days of being a shade tree mechanic, tinkering with an engine until you figure it out, are long gone.

Today, you need a solid understanding of technology and computer systems and a grounding in the mechanical aspects.

You will also need some formal education since cars have become so complex.

Some hands-on experience, such as an apprenticeship, would also be helpful.

From there, you can get certification on systems or be certified with various brands.

There are online courses, but you will still need hands-on experience to get full certification or to get a job.

Steps to Become an Auto Mechanic

To get started as an auto mechanic, you need to have a high school diploma or a GED.

Taking auto shop classes in high school, as well as math and science classes, would also be good preparation.

Formal Training and Experience

If you have the diploma, you can still get started on a career as an auto mechanic even if you didn’t take any related classes in high school.

The first thing is to complete a formal training program, which lasts between six months and two years.

This can be done through a local community college. Some four-year universities also offer such programs.

Most will have some hands-on training.

Another alternative is an online program.

The downside to this is the lack of real-world experience, but if you can find a way to get that hands-on part in some way, an online course is a solid option.

You can get hands-on experience with an apprentice at a repair shop, a car dealership, or anywhere that works on cars.

You could also start at an entry-level job doing something like oil changes.

Certification

Getting certified gives proof that you have the training and know-how to do the job.

Most reputable car repair businesses will want you to be certified.

The most common certification is the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

This requires two years of on-the-job training, such as an apprenticeship.

You may also combine one year of experience with a two-year education program.

There are 40 or more areas where you can get certified by ASE.

This could include things like working on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes, and so forth.

There is also a master technician status, which is a second and more advanced certification.

There are eight main areas for certified technicians, and if you pass the test for all eight, you can be a certified master technician.

Having just one is good enough to get a job, but the more you have, the more jobs you will be qualified for.

Most people start with one or two certifications.

You have to pass a test for each certification you want and get a certain score to pass.

Another option is to get certified by various carmakers, such as Ford or Toyota.

This often requires additional training from the carmaker.

If you work for a car dealership, you may be able to get that certificate while you work.

Carmakers have their own rules for how a person gets certified, but it usually involves passing tests after coursework is completed.

Once you have your certificate, you are ready to find a job.

Licensing Requirements to Become an Auto Mechanic

There are no legal requirements to have a license to work on cars.

Most dealerships and reputable car repair businesses want you to have a certificate before they hire you.

If you have a lot of experience, that will outweigh any educational or certification issues in many cases.

If you want to work for a general repair shop or even start your own business, it is best to get ASE certification.

ASE is the largest certifying agency and is recognized nationwide.

It offers you versatility in that you are not limited to one type of car.

This will certify you in certain areas, such as brakes, engine diagnostics, or other specialties.

If you want to work for a dealership, it is better to pursue certification from an automaker, such as Ford or Toyota.

You could do either one or both if you have the time and money.

Some carmakers require you to go through the dealership or have them sponsor you.

Carmakers offer their specialized training at various schools across the nation.

Ford or Toyota would require you to have ASE certification before attending their school for their manufacturer certification.

Online Training Programs

Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute could be called the Cadillac of online auto mechanic schools.

It offers a 51-week program that prepares you for the  Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

Most of the courses can be taken online, but some weeks of hands-on training are required.

There are 14 campuses around the nation where you can do the lab work.

There is a lot of flexibility with the class starting every month or so.

There are grants available for travel to the schools.

UTI also offers certification for Ford, GM, BMW, and Nissan, which takes extra hours of classes.

It is an expensive school at around $30,000, and an additional $5000 to $10,000 for manufacturer certification.

Ashworth College

Ashworth College offers maximum flexibility and is very affordable at about $1,000.

The class covers basic auto mechanics and prepares you for the ASE certification test.

It is a self-paced program, usually takes 6–12 months, and can be started at any time.

It does not offer a hands-on component, which ASE requires, so you would have to arrange that on your own.

The curriculum covers major automotive systems, and the school offers specializations in several areas.

Penn Foster Career School

Pen Foster Career School offers a self-paced online program that prepares you for the ASE certification exam.

The course costs about $1,400, and exams are $50 to take.

It is accredited by the Distance Learning Accrediting Commission, which adds a touch of legitimacy.

It offers students a discount on Snap-on Tools, as well as training on all basic automotive systems.

The school will help you arrange hands-on experience with local shops to help you get the experience you need for ASE certification.

Penn Foster has a reputation for good student support and offers access to instructors.

Automotive Training Center

The Automotive Training Center offers a strong one-year program, though it is self-paced as an online program.

The course covers basic automotive systems, safety, and diagnostics.

It is not accredited, but it prepares students for ASE certification tests.

Students have to arrange their own hands-on or experience component, which is required for certification.

The platform is easy to use and suitable for people not well-versed in computer usage.

It has had people start their shops after finishing the program and getting certified.

Stratford Career Institute

The Stratford Career Institute has a low-cost program that offers training that will prepare you for the ASE exam.

This school is not accredited by any national agency, which may be why the cost is low at $900.

It is a self-paced program that uses actual paper textbooks as well as online instruction.

It does not have a hands-on component, and the student has to arrange for that part of the certification process.

This class is good for people who want to learn about automotive repair and have good foundational knowledge.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for an auto mechanic is $49,000.

Employment is expected to increase by about three percent per year.

There is a need for this type of work in small towns as well, but there may not be as many people to serve.

A lot depends on where you are. Big cities tend to pay more than small cities.

Most car mechanics start at about $30,000, and the high end, with years of experience, could reach as much as $60,000.

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