Have you ever been stuck with a car that won’t start? Or maybe you’ve just noticed that your engine is making strange noises. Either way, if you’re looking to become an auto mechanic, this guide can help.
What Does an Auto Mechanic Do?
An auto mechanic has three main duties: diagnosing vehicle problems, repairing the issues at hand, and keeping their customers happy. A good mechanic will help their clients understand exactly what’s going on with their vehicle and how to fix it. They’ll also be able to explain the best ways for their clients to maintain their cars in order to avoid future problems.
How Do I Become An Auto Mechanic?
The first step toward becoming an auto mechanic is getting your education. You’ll need at least two years of formal training from a technical school or university program focused on automotive repair. The next step is finding an employer who will train you on the job while also providing you with opportunities for advancement within the company itself. Once you have been trained by your employer, they may recommend certification through organizations like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) or AAAA (Automotive Aftermarket Association). These certifications can help set you apart from other potential candidates when applying for jobs.
How To Become An Auto Mechanic
Steps to Becoming a Mechanic
If you’re serious about becoming a mechanic, you will need formal education and in-depth training to compete in the automotive field. These steps provide an overview of what it takes.
Step 1
Do Some Homework
Career mechanics have physically demanding jobs. Plus, they must dedicate time to improving and continuously learning about new technology. Before you commit to the vocation, here are a few ways to make sure you’re ready:
- Read up: Read popular car magazines for consumers, like Car and Driver, and publications for technicians, like Auto Service Professional. Find car service manuals and read them cover to cover. See if these technical details interest you and if you can remember the information.
- Practice: If you grew up fixing cars, you have a head start. If not, practice on your car if you have one.
- Help out: Ask around at local repair shops to see if they will let you do some work without education and certification. You might start with detailing work — vacuuming, cleaning, and washing cars. It will give you a chance to experience the job environment and ask the pros questions.
Step 2
Complete a High School Education
Most employers want applicants with a high school diploma or equivalency. This credential shows them that you have the basic math, science, and reasoning knowledge you’ll need for the job. In most states, you can complete the GED tests in a few months for around $80 to $140.
Step 3
Complete a Mechanic Training Program
You have options when it comes to selecting an education program. Here are some:
- Trade and Vocational Schools
- Community College
- Military
- Car Mechanic School
These schools offer certificates and diplomas. Some trade schools partner with high schools, so you can train for your career while earning your high school degree.
Step 4
Become Entry-Level Certified
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) develops tests for automotive technicians to demonstrate their expertise in various specialties. The ASE entry-level certification consists of eight tests. It covers:
- Engine repair
- Brakes
- Electrical systems
- Suspension
- Steering
You don’t need experience to take the entry-level test. So, take the test during or after your educational program — whenever you think you’re ready. You can also take practice tests and follow test-prep checklists on the ASE’s website.
Step 5
Complete an Apprenticeship or Internship
Some mechanics complete apprenticeships, but not all do. An associate degree program will likely require you to participate in an internship or other fieldwork for a semester.
Suppose a major car dealership hires you as an entry-level mechanic. In that case, you may need to work as an apprentice for eight weeks or more before earning the automotive technician title.
Step 5
Get Hired as a Mechanic
According to the BLS, about a third of car mechanics work at dealerships. Another third work at repair shops.
In either environment, you’ll start working on less diagnostic and more predictable projects, like changing oil and lubricant and assisting certified technicians. You will need one to two years of work experience before becoming eligible to take the ASE certification exam.
Step 6
Become a Certified Professional Technician
You can take the ASE test series to become a certified professional technician after two years of combined experience and education. (That is, you can work for two years or complete a one-year degree and one year of training.) The ASE label signifies that you have the foundational experience and knowledge for work as an automotive technician.
Step 7
Keep Learning
Technology changes quickly, especially when it comes to cars. As an automotive mechanic, you’ll need to keep up with the latest developments. Continue learning throughout your career by attending training and conferences, joining committees, and participating in industry networking events.
Mechanic Salaries and Job Growth
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Projections Central, a U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored website.
Top 10 areas with the highest job growth:
- Utah: 25.4%
- Guam: 10.7%
- Nevada: 9.7%
- Idaho: 9%
- Texas: 8.1%
- Colorado: 7.8%
- Iowa: 6.9%
- Alaska: 5.8%
- South Carolina: 5.5%
- South Dakota: 5.2%
Career Paths for Mechanics
Start as an Entry-Level Mechanic, Helper, or Apprentice
You can start your experience in a few different ways. For example, you may:
- Begin doing detailing work at a dealer or repair shop while you complete your education.
- Start an internship or apprenticeship after you complete an associate degree.
- Train in the military.
Specialize in your career
With on-the-job training, you can specialize in a type of vehicle. Specialized mechanic roles include:
- Motorcycle mechanic
- Diesel engine mechanic
- Aircraft technician
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanic
Become ASE-Certified as a Professional Technician
After two years of combined education and experience, you can become ASE-certified. This displays your experience to employers and customers and positions you to become a certified master technician.
Master your trade
Master automotive technicians pass each certification test in an ASE-designated testing series. For example, to become a master automotive technician in automobiles and light trade, you must pass all nine ASE A-series tests. Other series you can master include:
- Collision repair and refinishing
- Damage analysis and estimating
- Alternative fuels
- Many more parts or vehicle types
Hone your craft by gaining experience, mentoring others, and holding yourself accountable to learn and improve.
Manage operations and other technicians
With an associate degree and experience, you can advance from technician to foreperson at a repair shop. The shop foreperson oversees technicians in a shop and helps them with more challenging procedures.
From there, you can continue to move up in management by becoming a service manager. Service managers supervise all service procedures for the dealership or shop.
Courses in Mechanic Programs
Below are some of the courses you can expect in any education program for automotive technology.
| COURSE | OBJECTIVES |
|---|---|
| Introduction to automotive technology | Identify common problemsHandle basic repairsGet to know industry certificationsLearn and practice shop safety |
| Engines | Understand diesel and gas engine components and functionsTake engines apart and reassemble them |
| Electrical systems | Learn about lights, dashboards, cruise control, and other electronic systems of a carIdentify electrical issues and how to repair them |
| Transmission diagnostics | Learn about hydraulic and electrical testing proceduresTest and troubleshoot automatic transmissions |
| Alternative-fueled and hybrid vehicles | Study electric and hybrid vehicle technologyHandle unique repair and maintenance situationsUnderstand technology changes in the broader societal context |
In addition, associate degree programs require completing general education requirements (for example, writing, biology, and statistics) and some of the following shops or electives:
| COURSE | OBJECTIVES |
|---|---|
| Automotive mechanics technology | Understand the history of automobiles in modern lifeLearn about technological shifts that can predict the future of automotive repair and maintenance |
| Automotive service management | Study operations, management strategies, financial considerations, and regulatory responsibilities of running an auto repair businessLearn how to handle human resources and customer relations |
| Shop, internship, or fieldwork | Practice what you’ve learned in class with hands-on assignments |
