Professional Technical Certificate

Automotive Service Technician Certificate

Area of Study
Skilled Trades
Program Coordinator

Brian Kneidl
(360) 417-6263
bkneidl@pencol.edu

Program Description 

The Peninsula College Automotive Service Technician Certificate is a 6-month hands-on program designed to prepare students for employment in the Automotive Industry. Coursework includes automotive repair, electrical vehicle repair, gas and diesel vehicles, diagnostics, and preventative maintenance and repair. The program emphasizes student success through equity-minded educational experiences that engage students from entry to attainment of high-demand automotive careers. The curriculum aligns with standards set forth by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Educational Foundation, employer input, and best practices in automotive service education.  The courses were designed to develop competent entry level Auto Service Technicians who are familiar with a variety of common automotive servicing and repair skills. 

Program Length: 2 Quarters
Program Code: AUMASC20

Career Opportunities and Earnings

There is a growing demand for Automotive Service Technicians. Graduates may find positions with a variety of automotive service shops and dealerships. 

For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search for the relevant occupational term: bls.gov/oes

Program Outcomes 

  • Recognize unsafe situations that may occur in an automotive repair shop; identify the safety precautions that should be taken; relate the proper application of safety procedures; demonstrate safe operation of available equipment 
  • Identify electrical/electronic system components and configurations 
  • Using standard diagnostic equipment, swiftly diagnose common automotive issues and recommend/perform proper repairs 
  • Research vehicle service information such as fluid type, internal combustion engine operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, technical service bulletins, and recalls including vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) 
  • Demonstrate basic understanding of how to service, diagnose and repair hybrid-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, and battery-electric vehicles 

Special Features 

  • Curriculum combines theory and hands-on experience with the technical and interpersonal skills necessary to be a productive member of the automotive industry workforce 
  • Inclusive curriculum that accommodates the needs of all students   
  • Collaborative learning that ensures all students are part of shared learning experiences and receive equal opportunities regardless of learner differences   
  • Short two quarter certificate provides training for students to quicky step into a high demand career field with skills employers are looking for   
  • Free academic and tutoring support from the Peninsula College Center for Equity, Teaching, and Learning   
  • Workforce program funding for tuition, books, class materials, and childcare is available to eligible students  
  • Course includes curriculum in soft skills and opportunities for manufacturer specific training as well as intern opportunities with local employers 

Program Goals   

  • Ready students for a career in the automotive service industry 
  • Prepare students for certain components of ASE certification 
  • Foster equity and inclusion by removing barriers to underrepresented students pursuing careers in the automotive industry   
  • Provide local employers with work-ready auto technicians in a high demand career field 

Approximate Additional Costs

  • Tuition and fees: $3,601.90 total based on 2024-25 WA resident tuition rates (additional fees may apply)
    • First quarter (15 credits): $1,800.95
    • Second quarter (15 credits): $1,800.95

Sample Schedule  

This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn a certificate. The typical student schedule is based on entering the program during the fall quarter, however some programs allow students to enter in the winter or spring as well. Since not all do, please confirm with an advisor whether this program must be started during a specific quarter or not.  

First Quarter (Fall)

Catalog #
Title
Credits
2

Students will learn how to use automotive hand tools and industry specific and equipment for electrical, gas, and diesel vehicles. Emphasis on automotive shop safety, personal protective equipment, and hazardous materials handling. Class includes overview of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification standards. This class may include students from multiple sections.

This class has a $60 Automotive Technology course fee.

Credits: 2

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4

Students will learn basic automotive electronics, starting and charging systems, and electrical diagnosis. Emphasis on basic electronics, and properly using a multimeter to identify wiring faults, and evaluating electrical systems performance for new and late model electrical and gas vehicles. This class may include students from multiple sections.

This class has a $60 Automotive Technology course fee.

Credits: 4

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4

Survey of gas and diesel engine vehicles, including vehicle service information such as fluid type, internal combustion engine operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, technical service bulletins, and recalls. This class may include students from multiple sections.

This class has a $60 Automotive Technology course fee.

Credits: 4

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5

Students will explore special topics in automotive including specialized manufacturer trainings, research emerging electrical vehicle trends, identify restoration and late model vehicle repair considerations, and identify innovative technologies that will impact the future automotive industry. This class may include students from multiple sections.

This class has a $60 Automotive Technology course fee.

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
15

Second Quarter (Winter)

Catalog #
Title
Credits
4

Survey of how to service, diagnose and repair hybrid-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, and battery-electric vehicles. Emphasis on normal operation of hybrid and electric vehicles, low-voltage and high-voltage battery types, electric motor types and other EV/Hybrid specific components and safety standards pertaining to EV/Hybrid vehicles. This class may include students from multiple sections.

This class has a $60 Automotive Technology course fee.

Credits: 4

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5

Troubleshoot and diagnose new and late model electrical and gas vehicles. Students will learn diagnostic methods, identify engine performance and battery issues, read computerized control system components, and customer service skills. This class may include students from multiple sections.

This class has a $60 Automotive Technology course fee.

Credits: 5

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2

Students will learn how to perform multi-point inspections on electrical and gas vehicles. Create an inspection report and perform various preventative maintenance procedures. Students will Identify pertinent information relevant to the maintenance schedule of a particular vehicle and present an action plan to their customers. This class may include students from multiple sections.

This class has a $60 Automotive Technology course fee.

Credits: 2

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1

Students will learn and apply new skills on in a workplace setting while being mentored an automotive professional. This class may include students from multiple sections.

This class has a $60 Automotive Technology course fee.

Credits: 1

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3

Survey of workplace skills, including communication, team building, problem solving, and leadership. Emphasis on concepts of perception, attitude, motivation, and ethics.

Credits: 3

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Sub-Total Credits
15

Your personal educational plan will vary based on many factors including:  

Total Credits
30