Education · 1 of 5
The path
One to two years of training, then years of getting genuinely good.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Take the automotive class if your school runs one. Many high school programs are accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation, which employers recognize.
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Training program
1 to 2 years
A 1 to 2 year community college associate degree, or a 12 month private technical school program. Both are accepted, and the community college route costs a fraction as much.
- 3
Get hired
During or straight after
Start as a lube or tire technician, or in a dealer apprentice slot. Registered apprenticeships in auto repair are listed on the government apprenticeship site.
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Get certified
About 2 years in
Automotive Service Excellence runs nine automobile tests. You need two years of hands-on experience to be certified, and a training program counts for one of those years.
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Master technician
3 to 6 years
Pass the eight core automobile tests and you are a Master Automobile Technician. Certifications have to be renewed about every five years.