Term Effective: Fall 2010

The requirements for this program of study are effective beginning the semester shown above. If you began working on this program before the effective semester, you may not be affected by the changes. Consult with the program contact person or the department chair to determine your eligibility to complete the program under previous requirements.

Description:

The Automotive Technology Certificate of Achievement offers both theoretical and hands-on training, including engine overhaul, ignition systems, fuel systems, pollution control systems, electrical systems, drive trains, brake systems and suspension systems. Course work prepares students to take the eight Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams. Students enrolling in the program should have the desire and ability to work with their hands, possess a high degree of mechanical aptitude and enjoy working in a shop environment. Program completers should be able to find employment as advanced entry-level apprentice automotive technicians.

Those who complete the Automotive Technology program, pass ASE tests A6 and A8 and take AUTO 399.5 (Basic Area Clean Air Car), will meet the requirements to take the Basic Area Smog Check test required to become a Licensed Basic Area Smog Check Technician.

Automotive mechanics repair and service automobiles and other gas-powered vehicles. Automobile mechanics have many duties, depending on the size and kind of shop in which they work. In smaller shops, mechanics do all kinds of repair work, from simple engine tune-ups to the tearing down, repairing and rebuilding of complete power systems. They also service and repair electrical systems; align and service suspension, braking and steering systems; repair and adjust transmissions and differentials; repair and service air conditioning, heating and engine-cooling systems; and do all necessary mechanical checks. In larger shops, some of this work may be done by specially trained mechanics who primarily perform one type of repair or service and may be assigned by their specialty, such as brake repairers, transmission mechanics or front-end mechanics.

Technological advances and continued expansion of the automotive industry have increased the demands for well-trained entry level technicians both locally and state wide.

This program of study is also available as an Associate degree major option.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate safe operation of hand tools, power tools and specialized automotive tools and equipment;
2. perform entry level diagnoses and repair of automotive engines, electrical systems, transmissions, engine performance, brakes, chassis and emissions control systems;
3. demonstrate basic maintenance skills including mill and lathe operation and welding; and
4. access and interpret automotive service information and schematics both manually and on the computer.

Course Prerequisites and Advisories:

Courses in a program of study may have prerequisites or advisories; that is, courses that must or should be completed before taking that course. Please check for prerequisites or advisories by clicking on the course numbers in the Program Requirements section.

It is important that students who are completing an Associate Degree and desire to transfer to a four-year institution meet with a counselor to plan their lower division coursework. While many majors at SRJC are intended to align with lower division major preparation required by California public universities, specific lower-division major requirements vary among individual campuses. See a counselor, visit the Transfer Center, and check Guides For Transfer in Specific Majors, and ASSIST to review transfer preparation guides for specific schools and majors.

Notes:

It is recommended that students with no automotive work experience or high school auto shop take AUTO 350 and AUTO 350L before enrolling in any Automotive Technology Certificate courses.