General Automotive Service Technician Certificate

Keep engines purring, wheels turning

Restore function and safety

You know your way around an engine. Turn that know-how into a rewarding career. Learn from experienced teachers in hands-on classes. Come out ready to diagnose and fix vehicles, confidently and efficiently.

This intermediate certificate tells the world you’re 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 General Automotive Service Technician?

The Certificate in General Automotive Service Technician prepares you to enter the automotive field as a basic automotive service technician or start 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 Lube Tech Certificate (Plan 24UJ)
- 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).

See what students love about the automotive technology program at CLC. Picture yourself here:

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Highlights

Recognized Automotive Service Excellence

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

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

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
  
  $33,804
  
  Median
  
  $49,449
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $83,431
  
  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
  
  $16.25
  
  Median
  
  $23.77
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $40.10
  
  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
  
  $51,811
  
  Median
  
  $68,332
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $104,284
  
  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
  
  $24.90
  
  Median
  
  $32.84
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $50.13
  
  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
  
  $24,979
  
  Median
  
  $43,548
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $73,974
  
  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
  
  $12.01
  
  Median
  
  $20.93
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $35.56
  
  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
  
  $28,448
  
  Median
  
  $46,830
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $81,166
  
  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
  
  $13.67
  
  Median
  
  $22.51
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $39.02
  
  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
  
  $27,425
  
  Median
  
  $32,825
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $59,048
  
  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
  
  $13.18
  
  Median
  
  $15.77
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $28.38
  
  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
  
  $42,602
  
  Median
  
  $54,318
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $90,166
  
  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
  
  $20.48
  
  Median
  
  $26.11
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $43.35
  
  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
  
  $34,954
  
  Median
  
  $43,363
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $63,412
  
  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
  
  $16.80
  
  Median
  
  $20.84
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $30.48
  
  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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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 inclusive list of course options, see the college 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
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
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
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
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

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

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

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

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
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

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

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

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
AUT 231	AUT 231 Auto Electrical II Class Description This course covers the theory of operation, diagnosis, and repair of body wiring, lighting circuits, accessories, gauges, and networks. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.	4
AUT 251	AUT 251 Powertrain Controls Class Description This course focuses on the diagnosis, testing, and service of computerized powertrain control systems. Topics will include diagnosis and repair of computer and network operation, sensors and inputs, advanced charging, starting and ignition system. Advanced electronic test equipment including Scan Tools, DMM's and Oscilloscopes will be emphasized. Note: Students will be required to bring their own tools.	4
AUT 252	AUT 252 Powertrain Management Class Description This course provides students with the opportunity to review and enhance their theory and service skills in automotive electrical systems, fuel systems, engine mechanical diagnosis, emission control systems, and electronic engine control systems. Students will work with engine analyzers and hand-held test equipment common to the automotive service industry. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.	4
AUT 290	AUT 290 Automotive Service Class Description This is the capstone course in the automotive program. It gives the student the opportunity to practice operations in a shop environment and situation similar to the repair industry including shop operations and vehicle repair. All areas of the automobile are covered including engines, brakes, suspension, transmissions, electrical systems, and climate control. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	AUT 231
Course Title	AUT 231 Auto Electrical II Class Description This course covers the theory of operation, diagnosis, and repair of body wiring, lighting circuits, accessories, gauges, and networks. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	AUT 251
Course Title	AUT 251 Powertrain Controls Class Description This course focuses on the diagnosis, testing, and service of computerized powertrain control systems. Topics will include diagnosis and repair of computer and network operation, sensors and inputs, advanced charging, starting and ignition system. Advanced electronic test equipment including Scan Tools, DMM's and Oscilloscopes will be emphasized. Note: Students will be required to bring their own tools.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	AUT 252
Course Title	AUT 252 Powertrain Management Class Description This course provides students with the opportunity to review and enhance their theory and service skills in automotive electrical systems, fuel systems, engine mechanical diagnosis, emission control systems, and electronic engine control systems. Students will work with engine analyzers and hand-held test equipment common to the automotive service industry. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	AUT 290
Course Title	AUT 290 Automotive Service Class Description This is the capstone course in the automotive program. It gives the student the opportunity to practice operations in a shop environment and situation similar to the repair industry including shop operations and vehicle repair. All areas of the automobile are covered including engines, brakes, suspension, transmissions, electrical systems, and climate control. NOTE: The students will be required to provide their own basic tools.
Credits	4

Total Credit Hours

41

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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

Frequently asked questions

You earn in-demand industry credentials from this certificate, including the SP2 certification for shop and environmental safety and a 609a EPA certificate. You also earn a credential in ALLDATA, which is an automotive service repair database.
The course content for this certificate is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.
After you complete the courses in this intermediate-level program at CLC, you are ready to advance in the automotive field with the knowledge and confidence you gained from a blend of lectures, media, demonstrations and hands-on learning.
The General Automotive Service Technician Certificate is 41 credit hours and takes an average of three semesters to complete. Your coursework introduces you to engine repair, auto electrical, powertrain controls, heating and air conditioning, suspension 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.

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Keep engines purring, wheels turning

Restore function and safety

What can you do with a Certificate in General Automotive Service Technician?

Ramp up your career prospects: Earn stackable certificates

Highlights

Recognized Automotive Service Excellence

Stackable Credentials

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Career Outlook

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Automotive Engineering Technicians

Salary Levels

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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?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 13 Credits

Semester 2 12 Credits

Semester 3 16 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Automotive Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Why study General Automotive Service Technician at CLC?

How long is the program?

What skills will I learn?

Can I take my classes online?

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Be debt-free at CLC

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