Take off the brakes and jump-start your career today!
Program Overview
Our Automotive Technology program provides the basic knowledge and skills to start a rewarding career as an entry-level service technician in the high-demand automotive service and repair industry.
Per the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $49, 670 (as of May 2024). Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as far as the average for all occupations. About 67,800 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from workers transferring to different occupations or exiting the labor force, such as by retiring.
ASE Certification
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifies individuals who have completed an automotive repair training program and passed tests to ensure they know how to work on mechanical, electrical, and other automotive systems. Holding ASE certification is considered the industry standard expertise in the automotive field.
Duties and Tasks
Automotive service technicians and mechanics:
- Identify problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
- Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience
- Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly
- Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
- Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
- Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors
- Perform repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications
- Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients
Program Benefits
- Get a competitive advantage when starting a new career or upgrading existing skills
- Learn to use tools and equipment, read gauges, install batteries, select the right part, and understand the mechanics
- Convenient evening classes
- Certification is voluntary; however, most service and repair facilities and dealerships require technicians to be certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Certification typically leads to higher salaries
Program Course
Automotive Technology Certificate
Students are eligible to receive an Automotive Technology certificate upon the successful completion of the program. (New course numbers will be effective in the spring 2026 semester.)
- AUT-302 Auto Technician: Basic Theory
- AUT-305 Auto Tech: Electrical Systems
- AUT-307 Auto Tech: Engine Performance
- AUT-309 Auto Tech: Brakes Systems
- AUT-312 Auto Tech: Introduction to Light Diesel
Course Descriptions
- Choose question
Contact Us
Barbara McCreary
Program Director
Phone: 301-546-0062
Email: tdi@pgcc.edu
Annex C, Room 002
301 Largo Road
Largo, MD 20785