Small Engine Repair

Career Diploma 5 months

Small Engine Repair School

Learn how to troubleshoot and repair small gasoline engines with our Penn Foster Career School's accredited online Small Engine Repair Training Program. With self-paced classes, you can prepare for a hands-on career in the field on your schedule.

Learn fundamental mechanical concepts including cooling, electrical, and fuel systems, servicing lawnmowers, tractors, and outboard engines, and more.
Prepare for optional Outdoor Power Equipment Association (OPE) certification, which can help you stand out when applying for jobs.
Students enrolled in the program receive a discount for Snap-on tools.
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

1-800-275-4410 (9AM - 9PM ET)

mechanic repairing a small engine in a repair shop.

What You Will Learn

How to describe the operation of carburetors, ignition systems, and starting systems, and explain how a transmission can be used to increase the output horsepower and torque of an engine.
How to identify types of small-engine lubrication and cooling systems, as well as how to properly service and maintain these systems.
How to troubleshoot and repair electrical systems for small engines.
How to disassemble small gasoline engines, as well as repair and rebuild them.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Small Engine Repair Career Outcomes

Small Engine Mechanic

AVG SALARY*

$44,080/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

88,000

Through the online small engine repair training program, you'll prepare for work in the field. There are opportunities to use your small engine repair skills in a variety of locations, including dealerships, repair shops, hardware and other retail stores, equipment rental agencies, and even your own small engine mechanic business.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for small engine repair 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.

Small Engine Repair Curriculum

8 courses
36 continuing education units (CEUs)
25 exams

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 5 months
Average time = 9 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 Small Engine Repair Diploma Program, you'll learn the knowledge and skills that can help you prepare for a career as a small engine mechanic. Your online units include:

Small Engine Ignition Systems
Small Engine Fuel Systems
Engine Disassembly and Reassembly
OPE Transmission Systems

Show Full Curriculum

Small Engine Repair Student Experience

Our graduates have gone on to find work in mechanic shops, hardware shops, and dealerships. Learn more about their experience with the Penn Foster program.

View Student Success Stories

Gabrielle M.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“It offered me a better education that I could use in the real world and I loved being able to learn at my own pace.”

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

Small Engine Repair Program Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Small Engine Repair 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 Automotive 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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Small Engine Repair Program FAQs

What types of small engines will I learn to repair in this course?

Penn Foster's online Small Engine Repair Program prepares students to repair typical two-stroke and four-stroke engines, outboard engines, and marine engines.

Why become a small engine mechanic?

Small engine mechanics play a vital role in servicing and repairing outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers and leaf-blowers. Mechanics who work on outdoor power equipment and other small engines will continue to be in-demand because of the widespread use of these engines in gardening, tree work, landscape construction, and similar activities. The average national salary for small engine mechanics was $44,080 in 2022, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.*

How long does it take to become a small engine mechanic?

Penn Foster’s self-paced course can be completed around your schedule. While postsecondary education isn't required and many shops and businesses will provide some on-the-job training, job prospects are best for those who have completed training programs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What qualities make a good mechanic?

Good small engine mechanics are detail-oriented, have strong troubleshooting and mechanical skills, and are able to work in a variety of environments. They should also have a strong understanding of customer service and organizational skills. Many skills can be developed through training in our online Small Engine Repair Program, including how to start your own repair business.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Small Engine Mechanics." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed October 2, 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.