Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Education

Students interested in becoming an automotive service technician or mechanic may benefit from taking high school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, and mathematics.

High schools, community colleges, and technical institutes offer programs in automotive service technology and related fields. These programs usually provide intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice, and they may result in earning a certificate or an associate’s degree. Some programs are sponsored by automobile manufacturers or dealers and focus on repairing a specific type of vehicle; others may focus on a particular subject, such as brake maintenance or engine performance.

Some service technicians enter the occupation without having completed an education program in automotive service technology. These workers usually learn their skills through on-the-job training.

Training

Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically receive at least some training on the job. The amount of training can vary. Those who have graduated from automotive service technology programs may require a relatively short period of on-the-job training.

Workers who enter the occupation without having completed a program in automotive service technology usually require longer training periods. These workers may start as trainee technicians, technicians’ helpers, or lubrication workers. They gradually acquire more knowledge and skill by working with experienced mechanics and technicians.

Some workers may complete an apprenticeship program, which usually combines paid on-the-job training with technical instruction.

Licenses, certifications & registrations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. No formal test preparation is required, but many trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer training programs designed for the EPA exam. More information on refrigerant certification is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Employers may require or prefer that their service technicians become certified, and some employers will pay for their workers to earn relevant certifications. Having industry certifications demonstrates competence and may bring higher pay.

There are multiple automobile specialty areas for certification, such as automatic transmission/transaxle, brakes, and electrical/electronic systems.

To become certified, technicians typically must have previous experience and must pass an exam.

Important qualities

Customer-service skills. Service technicians discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers. These workers must be courteous, good listeners, and ready to answer customers’ questions.

Detail oriented. Service technicians must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing vehicle systems, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often caused by misalignments or other easy-to-miss causes.

Dexterity. Service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand–eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies.

Mechanical skills. Service technicians must be familiar with vehicle components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They often must disassemble major parts for repairs and be able to put them back together properly.

Physical strength. Service technicians must sometimes lift and maneuver heavy parts, such as tires and body panels.

Problem-solving skills. Service technicians use diagnostic equipment on vehicle systems and components to identify and fix issues in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems. They must be familiar with electronic control systems and the appropriate tools needed to fix and maintain them.