Automotive Repair Technician

Career Diploma 4 months

Auto Mechanic School

If you're someone who has a passion for cars, Penn Foster College's accredited online Automotive Repair Technician Career Diploma can help you prepare to take the next steps toward the career you want. You'll also prepare for professional certification through National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification exams.

Our online Auto Mechanic classes can prepare students for auto repair jobs in a variety of settings from repair shops to dealerships.
Students will learn about engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, and electrical/electronic systems.
Students enrolled in the program receive a discount for Snap-on tools.
Prepares students to sit for ASE Certification exams, which is the standard credential for service technicians.
Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.

Accredited

Online

Self Paced

Cost of Program

$899

$1,089 Save $190

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

Enroll Now Request Info

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

What You Will Learn

How to perform basic automotive preventative maintenance and routine service procedures including performing an engine oil change.
How to rebuild transmissions, transaxles, differentials, transfer cases, and perform in-vehicle routine maintenance, inspections, repairs, and external adjustments.
How to rebuild transmissions/transaxles, perform in-vehicle routine maintenance, inspections, repairs, and external adjustments.
How to diagnose and repair malfunctions in all automotive brake systems.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Auto Repair Career Outcomes

Automotive Service Technician

AVG SALARY*

$46,970/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

782,200

Penn Foster's online Auto Mechanic classes are designed to prepare students for career readiness. You can train to become a mechanic online and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work in settings like repair shops, car dealerships, or even in your own garage.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for auto mechanic and automotive service technician jobs are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Auto Mechanic Classes

12 courses
48.9 continuing education units (CEUs)
31 exams

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 4 months
Average time = 12 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In our Automotive Mechanic classes, you'll learn the skills and industry knowledge to take the next steps toward a career as an automotive service technician while preparing to sit for ASE certification. Your online courses include:

Automotive Repair Foundations
Engine Repair
Automotive Brakes
Suspension and Steering

Show Full Curriculum

Auto Repair Work Experience Option

Our online Auto Repair Technician Program includes a work experience option for those students who want to gain hands-on experience in a repair shop near them. The work experience is not required to graduate and students who wish to participate are responsible for finding their own site in their area.

Auto Repair School Student Stories

Our Auto Repair Technician Career Diploma graduates have started new careers, earned promotions, or have even started their own businesses. Learn more about their experiences with the Penn Foster program.

View Student Success Stories

Bolden B.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“The course was simple to follow, and I could do it on my own schedule. Having my own business, it was very difficult to set a specific schedule. I would recommend Penn Foster to anyone that is in similar circumstances...”

Looking for skilled trades training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Learn More

Auto Mechanic Program Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Automotive Mechanic Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Cost of Program

$899

$1,089 Save $190

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program

$1,089

Pay $59 per month
Start for $20 down
All major credit and debit cards accepted

Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program

$1,089

Pay $59 per month
Start for $39 down
Mail your payments

Enroll Now

Our Proven Auto Repair Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

Start anytime
No exam due dates
Self-paced

Interactive

Digital study guides
Self-check quizzes
Simulations and videos

Connected

24/7 access to online resources
Online student community
Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

Expert faculty
Dedicated student services
Robust learning resources

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Auto Mechanic School FAQs

What does an automotive repair technician do?

Automotive repair technicians, also called automotive service technicians or mechanics are expected to have a wide variety of skills. They inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks for individual clients or businesses. Besides having to understand traditional mechanical systems such as engines, transmissions, and more, technicians are now expected to also be familiar with the computer and electronic components of more modern vehicles.

How much does an auto repair technician make?

The national average salary for a trained automotive service technician was $46,970 in 2022, though the amount can vary based on state, whether you’re employed in a small shop or a dealership, and other factors.*

What is the current job outlook for auto repair technicians?

The number of vehicles used in the United States is expected to continue to rise, meaning experienced and trained auto repair techs and mechanics will be needed to perform basic maintenance and repair regularly.

What is a sample job description of an auto repair technician?

An example of a general post for an open auto repair position will describe the day-to-day work you’re expected to complete, from troubleshooting vehicle issues, diagnosing and repairing issues, and providing estimates of costs for repair to clients. Additionally, technicians should have strong customer service skills to effectively work with shop or dealership clients.

How long does it take to become an auto repair technician?

With a comprehensive, online auto repair technician program, you can study to become a mechanic around the schedule that works for you. After completing academic work, graduates can then prepare to sit for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams to round out their resumes.

How do I become a certified ASE auto repair technician?

There are several different ASE certifications repair technicians can sit for, so choosing the right one for you is the first step. To be eligible to sit for certification, students often need to complete a training program at a school, followed by on-the-job work experience.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed October 3, 2023.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.