Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Certificate

Keep cars safely in motion

Efficient skills for light maintenance and repairs

Lift the hood on your next job, the start of a rewarding career. You gain specialized knowledge and real-world experience working on a range of vehicles. Complete this certificate and show up ready to work on cars, trucks and more. Boost your marketability with additional certificates or a degree from CLC.

What can you do with a Certificate in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair?

The Certificate in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair prepares you to enter the automotive field as a basic automotive service technician and other automotive service-related careers.

The Automotive Technology program is designed so you can earn stackable certificates, allowing you to specialize in one or more specific areas of automotive repair:
- Automotive Oil Change Specialist Certificate (Plan 24UL)
- Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Certificate (Plan 24UN)
- General Automotive Service Certificate (Plan 24AQ)
- Master Automotive Service Technology Certificate (Plan 24AV)
You can carry over courses from your certificates and use them toward earning an Automotive Technician Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree (Plan 24AH).

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Highlights

Recognized Automotive Service Excellence

This program is Master Certified (MAST) by the ASE Education Foundation.
Stackable Credentials

Earn college credits and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in less than 1 year.
Program Length: 1 Year

Finish in 1 year as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $28,166
  
  Median
  
  $50,146
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $82,950
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $13.54
  
  Median
  
  $24.11
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $39.87
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  65.34%
  
  Certificate
  
  34.65%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $50,648
  
  Median
  
  $69,943
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $101,419
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.34
  
  Median
  
  $33.62
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48.75
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  3.7%
  
  Certificate
  
  14.81%
  
  Some college
  
  3.7%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  37.04%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  29.63%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  11.11%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,945
  
  Median
  
  $46,551
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $77,167
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.79
  
  Median
  
  $22.37
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $37.09
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  98.62%
  
  Certificate
  
  1.37%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31,546
  
  Median
  
  $51,646
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87,599
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15.16
  
  Median
  
  $24.82
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $42.11
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  42.6%
  
  Certificate
  
  50.25%
  
  Some college
  
  5.78%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  1.37%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Wash or otherwise clean vehicles, machinery, and other equipment. Use such materials as water, cleaning agents, brushes, cloths, and hoses.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29,952
  
  Median
  
  $36,838
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $67,099
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.40
  
  Median
  
  $17.71
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $32.26
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  77.78%
  
  Certificate
  
  2.27%
  
  Some college
  
  19.94%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $66,965
  
  Median
  
  $85,730
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $103,451
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.19
  
  Median
  
  $41.21
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $49.73
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  28.33%
  
  Certificate
  
  47.69%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.63%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  14.35%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $46,689
  
  Median
  
  $46,703
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $59,384
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.44
  
  Median
  
  $22.45
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $28.55
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  47.17%
  
  Certificate
  
  47.4%
  
  Some college
  
  1.12%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.31%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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choose an academic program
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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
AUT 110	AUT 110 Introduction to Automotive Technology Class Description This course provides the beginning automotive technician the opportunity to increase his or her knowledge of certain mechanical actions and reactions related to the automobile. Proper and safe use of hand and precision tools, and use of common automotive supplies, such as bolts, gaskets, will be covered.	3	Dual credit options available
AUT 111	AUT 111 Engine Repair Class Description This course covers repair of engines, including theory, diagnosis, measurement, light machining, and correct reassembly procedures. The lubrication, cooling, and fuel support systems are included. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.	4	Credit for prior learning available
AUT 131	AUT 131 Auto Electrical I Class Description This course offers the beginning automotive technician an opportunity to gain understanding of the theory, operation, and testing of basic electricity, the automotive battery, starting systems, charging systems, and lighting systems. NOTE: Students will be required to provide their own basic tools.	4	Credit for prior learning available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AUT 110
Course Title	AUT 110 Introduction to Automotive Technology Class Description This course provides the beginning automotive technician the opportunity to increase his or her knowledge of certain mechanical actions and reactions related to the automobile. Proper and safe use of hand and precision tools, and use of common automotive supplies, such as bolts, gaskets, will be covered.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AUT 111
Course Title	AUT 111 Engine Repair Class Description This course covers repair of engines, including theory, diagnosis, measurement, light machining, and correct reassembly procedures. The lubrication, cooling, and fuel support systems are included. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AUT 131
Course Title	AUT 131 Auto Electrical I Class Description This course offers the beginning automotive technician an opportunity to gain understanding of the theory, operation, and testing of basic electricity, the automotive battery, starting systems, charging systems, and lighting systems. NOTE: Students will be required to provide their own basic tools.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available

Course options: Students can choose ACR 110 instead of AUT 110.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
AUT 112	AUT 112 Braking Systems Class Description This course provides instruction in the theory of operation, diagnosis, and servicing of automotive drum and disc brake systems. Students will perform complete brake service including the proper machining of drums and rotors. Diagonally split brakes, four wheel discs, anti-lock systems will be covered. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.	4	Credit for prior learning available
AUT 113	AUT 113 Suspension and Alignment Class Description This course covers theory of operation, diagnosis, maintenance, repair and adjustment procedures pertaining to steering gears, steering linkages, wheels and tires, and suspensions. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.	4	Credit for prior learning available
AUT 275	AUT 275 Air Conditioning and Heating Class Description This course gives the automotive technician the opportunity to gain an understanding of the theory of automotive air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems and the related service procedures. Students may also gain certification in recycling and recovery of refrigerants. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.	4	Credit for prior learning available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AUT 112
Course Title	AUT 112 Braking Systems Class Description This course provides instruction in the theory of operation, diagnosis, and servicing of automotive drum and disc brake systems. Students will perform complete brake service including the proper machining of drums and rotors. Diagonally split brakes, four wheel discs, anti-lock systems will be covered. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AUT 113
Course Title	AUT 113 Suspension and Alignment Class Description This course covers theory of operation, diagnosis, maintenance, repair and adjustment procedures pertaining to steering gears, steering linkages, wheels and tires, and suspensions. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AUT 275
Course Title	AUT 275 Air Conditioning and Heating Class Description This course gives the automotive technician the opportunity to gain an understanding of the theory of automotive air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems and the related service procedures. Students may also gain certification in recycling and recovery of refrigerants. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available

Total Credit Hours

25

Automotive Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study Automotive Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Automotive Technology program overview

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Complete the application form to begin your program.

Then a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions and get you onboarded. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

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Frequently asked questions

You earn in-demand industry credentials from this certificate, including the SP2 certification for shop and environmental safety. You also earn a credential in ALLDATA, which is an automotive service repair database.
The course content for this program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.
After you complete the courses in this program at CLC, you are ready to enter the automotive field with the knowledge and confidence you gained from a blend of lectures, media, demonstrations and hands-on learning.
The Maintenance and Light Repair Certificate is 25 credit hours and takes an average of two semesters to complete. Your coursework introduces you to engine repair, auto electrical, alignment, heating and more.
During this program, you build the comprehensive skill set you need to begin a successful career in auto tech. By taking the courses in this program, you become skilled in these areas:
- basic electrical service
- braking systems
- engine servicing
- heating and air conditioning
- suspension systems
You will be able to complete basic automotive services, including:
- alternator, starter, and basic engine repairs
- battery replacement (12-volt)
- belt and hose repairs
- fluid changes
- oil changes
- recharge A/C systems
- shock, strut, tire, brake
- tire rotations
Yes, some—but not all of them. We hold most classes for this program in person but do offer some courses fully online or hybrid. Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real-time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.

The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.

View current tuition and fees

Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.

View courses with variable tuition and fees

Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial aid. Learn more about Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Path to a satisfying career and secure future

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Keep cars safely in motion

Efficient skills for light maintenance and repairs

What can you do with a Certificate in Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair?

Ramp up your career prospects: Earn stackable certificates

Highlights

Recognized Automotive Service Excellence

Stackable Credentials

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Automotive Engineering Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 13 Credits

Semester 2 12 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Automotive Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

Why study Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair at CLC?

How long is the program?

What skills will I learn?

Can I take my classes online?

How much does this program cost?

Path to a satisfying career and secure future

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Request info

Visit us

Get started