Education · 1 of 5

The path

Short. You can be working next month and certified within a couple of years.

1. 1

   High school diploma or an equivalency certificate

   Grade 12

   Most employers want one. Auto shop and business classes help you stand out.

2. 2

   Get hired

   Weeks

   Chain parts stores, dealership parts departments and equipment dealers all hire entry-level counter and warehouse staff and train them.

3. 3

   Learn the catalogue

   First year

   Electronic parts catalogues, vehicle identification numbers, interchange numbers and supersessions. This is the actual skill and it takes months to get fast.

4. 4

   Certify

   1 to 2 years in

   Sit the parts specialist tests once you have the experience the testing body requires. There are separate tests for car parts and medium or heavy truck parts.

5. 5

   Specialize or move up

   3 years and beyond

   Wholesale accounts, heavy equipment, inventory control, or parts manager. Some people move across into service advising or sales.