Curriculum

Diesel Mechanic Training Curriculum

Penn Foster can help you take the first step toward preparing for entry-level diesel mechanic jobs. The diesel mechanic training program is designed to help students prepare to sit for the Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Test upon completion of the program. Students can expect to learn about repairing diesel engines, brake systems, shop safety practices, and more.

Diesel Mechanics/Heavy Truck Maintenance

Career Diploma

5 months

As low as $59/mo

Full Program Overview

1-800-471-3232 (10AM - 6:30PM ET)

Diesel Mechanic Training Curriculum

14 courses
43.3 continuing education units (CEUs)
29 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 this course, you’ll develop the necessary skills to ensure your success in the program. You’ll learn how you can improve your study skills, so you’re able to use a number of tools that will help you to be successful.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner
As you start reading this first lesson, you’ll learn about the growing diesel-engine-powered vehicle repair field and the increasing need for professional technicians. You’ll discover the many exciting career opportunities that are available to skilled technicians. Finally, you’ll learn about the basic operation of engines and other vehicle systems.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Analyze the job roles, components, and mechanics associated with diesel truck maintenance
This course will introduce you to the operations of diesel engines, including how the diesel cycle differs from other types of engine cycles, and how and why the diesel engine has been a popular choice for powering such a wide range of vehicles. The course covers several major diesel engine components and moves on to cover shop safety and tools.

You'll learn about the different types of work environments in which diesel technicians work, such as those found in the trucking industry, diesel-powered locomotive repair shops, heavy-equipment repair shops, and nautical engine overhaul and maintenance facilities. As you'll find, many other industries also employ technicians who maintain and repair diesel engines.

Finally, you'll learn about the work performed by diesel technicians. This work can vary and involves the knowledge of various vehicle components, including several engine systems and accessories. When a problem with an engine accessory occurs, a diesel technician is often required to locate and solve the issue.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Analyze the principles, components, and classifications of diesel engines
- Identify the safety precautions, protective gears, and tools required by diesel technicians
In this course, you'll take a closer look at diesel engine components. In the first lesson, you'll familiarize yourself with the various components of engine blocks, crankshafts, and piston assemblies. In the second lesson, you'll be introduced to the various functions of the cylinder head, camshaft, and valve train components. Finally, this course will give you an overview of how various components of a diesel engine work and function.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the various components of engine blocks, crankshafts, and piston assemblies
- Categorize the various components of cylinder heads and camshafts as well as their servicing processes
This course continues your study of diesel engine systems. You’ll look at lubrication, cooling, air intake, and exhaust systems. You’ll soon find that lubricating systems are easy to comprehend once you understand the system’s components. You’ll also be able to understand how to properly maintain oil filters as well as how to recognize low oil situations. Along with this, you’ll also look at the functions of components related to engine breathing and troubleshoot components of the exhaust system.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the purpose of lubrication and cooling systems in trucks
- Categorize the various parts and purposes of truck engine air intake and exhaust systems
In this course, you'll continue your study of diesel technology by looking at fuel and injection systems. You'll learn about the different types, essential components, and methods of maintenance for fuel and injection systems.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the major components of the diesel engine fuel system
- Categorize the various components of the fuel injection system
- Identify the major components of the distributor injection pump and mechanical fuel injector systems
This course covers the basics of electricity and then moves on to diesel engine electrical systems, including the charging and starting systems. You'll then learn about electronic engine controls.

The information is divided into two lessons; the first lesson focuses on basic electrical theories, charging systems, and the diesel engine’s starting system. The second lesson describes each major component related to the computer control system of engines.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Categorize the electrical principles, troubleshooting methods, and starter-system functions related to the electrical systems of trucks
- Identify the main operational and functional components related to the electronic engine controls of trucks
This course provides an introduction to the trucking industry and details key career and certification information. You’ll also review safety practices and take another look at tools and measuring equipment.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Analyze the fundamentals of truck maintenance and the components of the trucking industry
This course will introduce you to the electrical theories, types of batteries, system monitoring programs, and more such topics related to the truck’s electrical system. This course takes another look at basic electrical topics before moving on to cover truck electrical systems, such as starting and charging systems, lighting, and wiring. You’ll also study about the truck computer systems.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Categorize the theories, components, and elements related to the truck electrical systems
- Identify the utility of the lighting system and starting system of trucks
- Analyze the purpose of vehicle computer system, its maintenance, and importance of system monitoring programs
This part of your program looks at truck heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and auxiliary power units (APUs). In this course, you’ll learn about important truck HVAC control systems, how they operate, and how to maintain them. You’ll also spend some time reading about APUs and their purpose in conjunction with truck HVAC systems.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Analyze the components and maintenance of truck HVAC systems
This part of your program deals with some of the systems and components that will most likely demand the bulk of your repair efforts. Tires and suspension systems, for example, wear out during much shorter intervals than parts such as engines. You’ll also cover wheels, frames, and steering and trailer systems.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Categorize the various types of tires, wheels, and the methods of maintaining them
- Identify the purpose of suspension and steering systems
This part of your program focuses on truck brake systems, an important topic for just about any heavy-duty truck technician. You’ll study different types of brake systems, their components, and how they work.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Categorize the different hydraulic and air brake systems and the methods of maintaining them
- Identify the various parts and maintenance methods associated with air-brake and anti-lock brake systems
This part of your program covers the driveline system, clutches, and drive axles before moving on to truck manual and automatic transmissions. You’ll learn about the major components, operation, and general procedures for servicing these systems.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the functions, components, and methods of maintenance for the driveshaft, clutch, and axles
- Analyze the components, functional aspects, and maintenance of the truck’s transmission
- Identify the operational aspects and efficiency of the automatic transmission
In this course, you’ll review engine- and electrical-system operating characteristics, as this knowledge forms the foundation on which all troubleshooting studies and skills are built.

The conclusion of your program focuses on troubleshooting practices as well as how to approach a problem by making the most of the tools and knowledge you’ve already gained. You’ll also cover preventive maintenance topics, including inspections and maintenance programs. Developing an effective approach to troubleshooting takes time, but it also requires having the right mindset.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Categorize the various operating principles and operational problems in a typical diesel engine
- Compare various diagnostic methods used for fuel-injection system, lubrication system, valve system, and air-filtering system
- Identify the various function of electrical system, starting system, and cooling system
- Analyze the requirements of preventive measurement program and the testing procedures of oil analysis

Note: We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.