UPDATE
Introducing: Penn Foster’s Automotive Repair Technician
While Ashworth College is no longer Accepting enrollments in our Automotive HVAC Certificate, we’re excited to introduce you to our partner school, Penn Foster.
If you're someone who has a passion for cars, Penn Foster College's accredited online Automotive Repair Technician Career Diploma can help you prepare to take the next steps toward the career you want.
LEARN MORETake the Next Steps Towards a Career You Want
Penn Foster’s Automotive Repair Technician Career Diploma can prepare students for auto repair jobs in a variety of settings from repair shops to dealerships. Students will learn about engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, and electrical/electronic systems. You'll also prepare for professional certification through National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification exams.
Why Penn Foster?
Penn Foster has been on a mission to help people like you launch, accelerate, and thrive in their careers for more than 125 years. We provide students with a quality education that fits your busy lifestyle and budget, offering over 100 self-paced, career-relevant programs across our College, Career School, and High School. The program you choose is structured to fit your learning needs so you can achieve your goals, and is designed to work with your schedule, anytime, anywhere you want to study. With a focus on relevant skills and career preparation for the job you’re after, Penn Foster can help you graduate with confidence and help provide a pathway towards your career goals.
Learn at the speed that works best for you.
Develop the skills employers are looking for.
Choose the tuition payment plan that works for you.
What You'll Learn in Penn Foster’s Online Automotive Repair Technician Program
- How to perform basic automotive preventative maintenance and routine service procedures including performing an engine oil change.
- How to rebuild transmissions, transaxles, differentials, transfer cases, and perform in-vehicle routine maintenance, inspections, repairs, and external adjustments.
- How to rebuild transmissions/transaxles, perform in-vehicle routine maintenance, inspections, repairs, and external adjustments.
- How to diagnose and repair malfunctions in all automotive brake systems.
Penn Foster’s Auto Repair Curriculum
In our Automotive Mechanic classes, you'll learn the skills and industry knowledge to take the next steps toward a career as an automotive service technician while preparing to sit for ASE certification. Your online courses include:
- Automotive Repair Foundations
- Engine Repair
- Automotive Brakes
- Suspension and Steering
Learn More About the Penn Foster Experience
Just like Ashworth College, at Penn Foster we believe the benefits of online learning can be life-changing—and should be accessible to all. That’s why our affordable programs are designed with you in mind. You're able to learn and develop new skills for great careers your way – on your schedule, at your speed.
"Penn foster gave me the opportunity to work on my own time while still holding down a job and being a single mother. The course work was at my own pace and I could do it all online, making it easier to complete work anytime, anywhere."
Auto Repair Technician FAQs
You may be taking your first steps into higher education. Or you may be considering online study for the first time. Whatever your situation, we're here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.
Automotive repair technicians, also called automotive service technicians or mechanics are expected to have a wide variety of skills. They inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks for individual clients or businesses. Besides having to understand traditional mechanical systems such as engines, transmissions, and more, technicians are now expected to also be familiar with the computer and electronic components of more modern vehicles.
The national average salary for a trained automotive service technician was $47,770 in 2023, though the amount can vary based on state, whether you’re employed in a small shop or a dealership, and other factors.†
The number of vehicles used in the United States is expected to continue to rise, meaning experienced and trained auto repair techs and mechanics will be needed to perform basic maintenance and repair regularly.
An example of a general post for an open auto repair position will describe the day-to-day work you’re expected to complete, from troubleshooting vehicle issues, diagnosing and repairing issues, and providing estimates of costs for repair to clients. Additionally, technicians should have strong customer service skills to effectively work with shop or dealership clients.
With a comprehensive, online auto repair technician program, you can study to become a mechanic in as little as six months. After completing academic work, graduates can then prepare to sit for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams to round out their resumes.
There are several different ASE certifications repair technicians can sit for, so choosing the right one for you is the first step. To be eligible to sit for certification, students often need to complete a training program at a school, followed by on-the-job work experience.
State requirements
A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government, and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state. Click here for contact information on state licensing/regulatory boards and certain professional licensing information.