Automotive Technology
Certificate of Achievement
Program Details
The Automotive Technology Certificate allows the student flexibility to study in all areas of automotive repair or to focus on a series of courses in a particular area of repair. It incorporates electives for students to acquire skills in other Career Technical Education areas that are often required in the automotive career path. The Automotive Technology Certificate Program is designed to prepare students for employment in the automotive industry as automotive technicians, apprentice mechanics, automotive parts distributor or salesperson, or specialists in one of the many areas in, or jobs related to, the automotive industry. This certificate requires a total of 33.5-41.5 units. A minimum grade of C is required in each course taken. At least half the units toward the certificate must be taken at Fullerton College.
Automotive Technology Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2025-2026.
Featured Careers
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED
- Job growth: Stable
- Low salary: 33,660
- High salary: 80,850
- Average salary: 49670
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED
- Job growth: Rising
- Low salary: 49,490
- High salary: 106,110
- Average salary: 82730
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED
- Job growth: Declining
- Low salary: 31,680
- High salary: 70,480
- Average salary: 47940
All Careers in Automotive Technology (6)
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED | Rising | 82,730 |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | High school diploma/GED, Some college | Stable | 78,300 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | High school diploma/GED | Stable | 77,390 |
| Photonics Technicians | Associate's degree, High school diploma/GED | Stable | 77,390 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED | Stable | 49,670 |
| Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles | Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED | Declining | 47,940 |
Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Compose a written vehicle repair estimate including parts and labor, collaborate with other staff members to inform the customer, and summarize the repairs performed on a vehicle repair order using the industry standard.
- Demonstrate safe work habits when using tools and equipment to repair automotive systems and comply with all local, state, federal, and international regulations regarding hazardous waste handling, disposal, and record keeping.
- Evaluate vehicle malfunctions, demonstrate diagnostic procedures, interpret diagnostic test results, recommend repair or corrective action, and proficiently perform vehicle repairs following vehicle manufacturers' specifications.
- Plan and participate in automotive technology update training and certification testing on a regular basis to stay current with emerging automotive repair skills and industry needs.