Program Overview

Certificate of Achievement

The General Technician Certificate option prepares students for employment as an entry-level automotive technician. Through courses focusing on the mechanical areas of the vehicles, including basics in engines, suspension, and brakes, students learn how to use specialty equipment and hand tools found in automotive service and repair facilities. Core topics include maintenance and service, engine operation, transmission service and repair, and suspension and brakes diagnosis and repair. Design, function, and operation of all these systems are also included in the certificate. Graduates are employed as entry-level technicians, general service technicians, quick service technicians, tire and brake technicians, apprentice technicians, or more.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $35,000 to $108,000 with an average salary of $67,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to change little nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +2.4%
  • Average Salary: $91,000
  • Salary Range: $65,000 - $108,000
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +1.6%
  • Average Salary: $61,000
  • Salary Range: $44,000 - $74,000
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.4%
  • Average Salary: $68,000
  • Salary Range: $42,000 - $108,000
• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +4.8%
  • Average Salary: $86,000
  • Salary Range: $78,000 - $101,000
• Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -18%
  • Average Salary: $50,000
  • Salary Range: $35,000 - $61,000
• Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -0.3%
  • Average Salary: $51,000
  • Salary Range: $39,000 - $59,000

Program Map

Automotive Technology: General Technician

Certificate of Achievement

42.0 - 43.0 Units

• Fall 2024, 1st Term, 13.0 - 14.0 UNITS
  • MAJ AUTO 110: Automotive Engines (5.0 Units)
  • MAJ AUTO 150: Automotive Brakes (5.0 Units)
  • MAJ AUTO 173 or AUTO 100: Choose a course (3.0 - 4.0 Units)
• Spring 2025, 2nd Term, 10.0 UNITS
  • MAJ AUTO 140: Automotive Steering and Suspension (5.0 Units)
  • MAJ AUTO 160: Introduction to Automotive Electrical (5.0 Units)
• Fall 2025, 3rd Term, 10.0 UNITS
  • MAJ AUTO 130: Manual Drivetrain and Axles (5.0 Units)
  • MAJ AUTO 180: Electronic Engine Management Systems (5.0 Units)
• Spring 2026, 4th Term, 9.0 UNITS
  • MAJ AUTO 120: Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles (5.0 Units)
  • MAJ AUTO 170: Automotive Air Conditioning (4.0 Units)

Automotive Technology: General Technician - Certificate of Achievement

42.0 - 43.0 units

To ensure that you have sufficient units to graduate (at least 60 semester units/90 quarter units for an associate degree and 120 semester units/180 quarter units for a bachelor's degree), make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.