Curriculum

Small Engine Repair Courses

Learn the key foundational mechanic concepts in our robust syllabus including cooling, electrical, and fuel systems, servicing lawn mowers, tractors, and more. Penn Foster's Small Engine Repair courses can help you take the first steps toward being able to maintain your own equipment or toward launching a rewarding career you enjoy.

Small Engine Repair

Career Diploma

5 months

As low as $59/mo

Full Program Overview

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

Small Engine Repair Courses

7 courses
38.4 continuing education units (CEUs)
19 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. Starting Your Program is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Penn Foster, including learning how to use all the tools and resources that are available to you, get help when you need it, understand the Code of Conduct, and improve your study skills and time management. The goal is to help you become a confident, independent learner.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner
n this course, you'll be introduced to the expanding field of small-engine servicing. You'll also learn about basic engine operation and components of two-stroke, four-stroke, and diesel engines.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Describe the role of a small engine technician, the terminology and tools used by technicians, and the career opportunities in the outdoor power equipment field
- Describe the components, systems, and basic operation of typical small engines
In this course, you’ll learn how lubricants reduce friction and help cool an engine, details about how an engine’s ignition system operates, and the types of electrical systems used on outdoor power equipment. You'll also discover how the carburetor delivers air and fuel to the engine in the proper ratio and volume.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the types, servicing, and maintenance of small-engine lubrication and cooling systems
- Explain the types of ignition systems, how to troubleshoot issues, and how spark plugs operate
- Describe how the starting, charging, and accessory electric systems operate
- Identify different types of carburetors used by small engines and how they work
This course will familiarize you with the proper and safe methods used to disassemble and reassemble a small engine. You'll start with disassembly, a process in which all the parts of an engine are removed from the engine block. From there, you'll learn the procedures involved in rebuilding an engine, starting with the "lower-end" components, and then moving to the "upper-end" components. You'll finish this course by learning how to properly reassemble an engine. A rebuilt engine should perform as though it were new.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the basic steps involved in disassembling small gasoline engines
- Explain the process of inspecting, measuring, and reconditioning the “lower-end” components of the engine, including the crankshaft and the cylinder block
- Describe the procedures used to inspect, measure, and recondition pistons, valves, and cylinder heads
- Summarize general reassembly procedures for four-stroke engines
In this course, you’ll gain familiarity with different types of outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers and tractors. You’ll begin by examining the different types of transmission systems that are found in all kinds of outdoor power equipment. Then, you’ll discover how to service rotary lawn mowers. You’ll conclude this course by examining the similarities between riding mowers and garden tractors, learning how to operate and service both.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the types of drivetrains found in outdoor power equipment systems and how they operate
- Describe the various components of rotary lawn mowers, how they’re operated, and routine maintenance procedures that keep them running
- Explain the construction, operation, and maintenance procedures for garden tractors
The key to keeping outdoor power equipment running smoothly is routine maintenance and servicing. In this course, you’ll learn the best preventative maintenance practices, as well as how to repair and replace parts that may have failed or that may be reducing the efficiency of the machine. You’ll examine how to service the parts of the engine that you are most likely to encounter in your career.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Describe preventative maintenance schedules for outdoor power equipment
- Explain the process and tools required for servicing drive belts, pulleys, and chains
- Describe the various types of electric and cordless power equipment, how to maintain them, and how to troubleshoot issues with this type of equipment
In this course, you’ll gain some insights about how you can open and maintain your own small engine repair business. You’ll learn about opportunities within the industry, and you’ll discover tips for managing a small engine repair business. You’ll finish this course by reviewing what you’ve learned and preparing for the four-stroke certification exam.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the steps necessary to start and effectively manage your own small engine repair business
- Prepare for the four-stroke engine certification exam
When you graduate, you’ll receive:
- Briggs & Stratton Single Cylinder OHV Air-Cooled Engines
- EETC Four-Stroke Engine Study Guide
(Sent to you when all program requirements and financial obligations have been met.)

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