Pursue a Career in Diesel Mechanics & Heavy Truck Maintenance

Penn Foster College's Diesel Mechanics & Heavy Truck Maintenance program's up-to-date content helps you to prepare for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification Medium-Heavy Truck Test. The ASE certification is a respected industry certification that can strengthen students' resumes as they explore career opportunities.

Diesel mechanics work on engine operations and computerized management systems for trucks and other diesel vehicles. There are a lot of opportunities for diesel mechanics, including automobile, truck, and bus servicing, industrial or government fleet servicing, manufacturers, and repair shops or service stations, or even starting your own business. This program is beneficial to students with no previous diesel mechanic experience or students who have previous jobs in the industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average annual diesel mechanic salary was $45,170 in 2016.¹

With mobile-friendly coursework, progress-tracking and goal-setting tools, virtual simulations, informative videos, and personal coaches to help you succeed, the Penn Foster Experience (PFx) is online learning like no other.

The Penn Foster Diesel Mechanics Career Diploma program is designed to help students learn how to become a diesel mechanic and prepare to sit for the Medium/Heavy Duty Trucks ASE certification exam upon completion of the program. The course outline includes lessons on repairing diesel engines, brake systems, shop safety practices, and more.

Students enrolled in the Diesel Mechanics/Heavy Truck Maintenance training program are eligible to participate in the Snap-on Student Excellence Program. This program allows students in trades and technology education programs to purchase high-quality Snap-on tools at a preferred student discount.

Q. What are the duties of a diesel mechanic?

A. Diesel mechanics inspect, repair, or overhaul large vehicles like buses and trucks, and maintain and repair any type of diesel engine. Most will consult with customers about repairs, examine critical parts, and discuss basic care and maintenance of diesel vehicles.

Q. How do I become a diesel mechanic?

A. Becoming a diesel mechanic can require academic and hands-on training, through a skilled trades-focused school or apprenticeship program. Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is also standard for those working in the field.

Q. How long does it take to become a diesel mechanic?

A. With Penn Foster’s online diesel mechanic classes, you can take the next steps toward working in the field in as little as 7 months. You can learn more by reading the diesel mechanic course outline.

Q. How much do diesel mechanics make?

A. Depending on the area you live in, your experience, and the company you work for, the salary for diesel mechanics can vary. However, the average national salary for entry-level jobs in the field is $47,350 per year or $22.76 per hour.¹

Q. What are some must-have diesel mechanic tools?

A. While many shops will have tools available, some must-have items diesel mechanics should always have on them include things like measuring tapes, drive sockets, screwdrivers, plyers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and multimeters.

Q. How Much Does a Diesel Mechanic course cost on average?

A. On average, a diesel mechanic training course can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000² for a certificate program. With Penn Foster's affordable tuition, you can pay as little as $49 per month toward the total tuition of $829.³