If you enjoy working with your hands and are mechanically inclined, a job as an Automotive Service Technician might be for you. Educational requirements are flexible in this career, as a simple high school Auto Shop class might suffice for preparation if the student is exceptional. Many states offer six month to two year programs of training for those who want more extensive preparation. Six month programs offer certificates of training while two year programs offer Associate Degrees in Automotive Service. Technicians who receive an Associates Degree often have extra training in computer technology and mathematics.

Responsibilities

Automotive Service Technicians, at their basic level, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot light vehicles. Because of this, they should be completely familiar with disassembling and reassembling mechanical parts of the vehicles they service. They are required to run diagnostic tests of on-board systems to determine electrical or computer problems, requiring extensive technical knowledge. Since many automotive problems involve minute systems and their adjustments, a technician should also be extremely detail oriented and demonstrate above average hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. In all cases, they should show enough initiative and self-awareness to seek out any answer they do not themselves know.

Certification and Licensing

At the top of their profession, Automotive Service Technicians will have certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The Blue Seal of Excellence shows that a technician’s peers recognize his or her exceptional status and quality. This is the award to which almost all Automotive Service Technicians aspire. The test, although not high stress, is comprehensive and ensures all those who pass know their stuff at a level much above the average. The Institutes website offers practical study aids and practice tests so the technician can prepare. Many employers will only accept technicians so certified, and the certification generally brings higher pay. The test challenges technicians to qualify in the following eight different areas:

  • automatic transmission
  • manual transmission
  • electrical systems
  • engine performance
  • engine repair
  • brakes
  • heating and air conditioning
  • suspension and steering

Each area is certified separately, and, in addition to the accompanying exam, requires either two years experience in that particular area or a year each of experience or formal training. To earn the coveted Master Automobile Technician designation, one must pass all eight exams. Additionally, any technician who works with refrigerants like the Freon in most vehicle air conditioning systems must be separately certified to handle them. Fortunately, most curricula at accrediting institutions cover this preparation and certification. The technician must simply remember to secure the certification during his or her schooling. Usually, Automotive Service Technicians must also be certified in handling hazardous materials.

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Salary Information

The annual median income for an Automotive Service Technician is $35,790, according to the website Bureau of Labor Statistics. Your pay will vary based upon where you live and how skilled you are.

Similar Jobs

There are many jobs similar to Automotive Service Technician, including, but not limited to:

  • Truck Mechanic
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