Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Technician

Program Description

Individuals successfully completing this certificate will be ready for employment opportunities in the automotive repair industry as Maintenance and Light Repair Technicians.

Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Technicians identify vehicle problems using computerized diagnostic equipment, plan work procedures using manuals, test parts and systems to ensure operability, and perform minor repairs, such as adjusting brakes, replacing spark plugs, or changing engine oil filters. They grease and lubricate key vehicle components, perform tire maintenance, maintain parts inventory, perform service level checks, and interact with customers. Criminal background checks and random drug testing may be required for employment.

Students in this program should be detail-oriented and have the ability to follow safe work practices. In addition to dependability and integrity, mathematical, technical, and mechanical aptitudes are desirable for this field. Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Technicians should have the ability to stand or crouch for long periods of time, work in confined spaces, and have the capacity to lift 35 pounds regularly. Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Technicians can find employment within commercial settings. Vehicle service stations, new and used vehicle dealerships, and industrial fleet maintenance operations are all potential employers.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Technicians is expected to grow 7% from 2022-2032 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 1,710.

Program Objectives/Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

1. be prepared to take Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Entry level testing for Steering and Suspension, Electrical and Electronics, Brakes, Engine repair, and Maintenance Light Repair Certifications;

2. be prepared to take ASE Professional level testing for Steering and Suspension A-4, Electrical and Electronics A-6, Brakes A-5, Engine repair A-1, and Maintenance Light Repair Certification G-1 Automotive Pathway; and

3. discuss opportunities to gain employment in the independent or dealership arena.

CCBC Pathway & Track

Technology and Engineering Pathway - Automotive CE Certificate - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor who can help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential: Students will receive a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).

External Credential: ASE certification

Certifying Organization: Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

The program can articulate to these for-credit programs: Automotive Technology (Global Option) or the Automotive Master Technician Certificate.

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

Length of Training: Approximately 3 semesters. Two courses per semester, each consisting of 7-8 weeks in duration. Weekday day and evening classes and Friday/Saturday classes are available.

Total Program Hours: 612 hours

Instructional Modality(ies): Face to Face (On-site)

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for the waiver of select courses based on:

• previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum
• demonstrated portfolio and/or prior occupational learning

Maximum number of program hours that may be earned from prior learning:

• Students must earn at least 25% of the credits (or noncredit coursework) required for a program of study directly through CCBC coursework. They may earn up to 75% of the credits required for a program of study through Credit for Prior Learning.

Program Course Sequence

Additional Information

Additional Expenses: Digital textbook required.

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Eric Venanzi | evenanzi@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-5108 | Dundalk D.STAT 118

Administrative Assistant: Audrey White | awhite5@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4775 | Dundalk D.STAT 120

Technical Standards

The following is a partial listing of the types of skills typically required for adequate job performance:

Physical Requirements:

A. Sufficient Strength and mobility to:

• Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Ability to lift, maneuver, and carry heavy parts such as tires, brake rotors, suspension components. (Regularly 35 pounds but often weighing 50 pounds or more and varies based on role/assignment.)

B. Fine motor coordination sufficient to perform precise tasks such as:

• The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble small objects.

C. Adequate vision to:

• See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

D. Sufficient hearing to:

• Focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism:

A. Have the ability to:

• Give full attention to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points, and ask questions as appropriate.
• Be aware of others’ reactions and understand why they react as they do.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes assessment of customer needs, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

B. Sufficient communication skills to:

• Provide information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability to:

• Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure to meet strict repair deadlines.

Environmental Requirements:

• Exposure to hazardous conditions.
• Work may be required outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions, and exposed to chemicals and fumes.