Drive your career to new heights! Automotive Technology courses provide 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. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of jobs for automotive service technicians and mechanics will increase by six percent between 2016 and 2026. This translates into 47,600 new jobs and job openings created by retiring technicians.

Courses focus on ASE certification content areas and are designed for both beginner and advanced students. Our highly qualified instructors teach Basic Theory, Brake Systems, Engine Performance and Electrical Systems classes.

ASE certifies individuals who have completed an automotive repair training program and tests to ensure they know how to work on mechanical, electrical, and other automotive systems. When someone holds the ASE certification, they are considered an expert in the automotive industry.

Take the Brakes off and Jump-Start Your Career Today!

Program Features

  • Get the 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 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. Certification typically leads to higher salaries.

Courses

  • AUT-300 Auto Technician: Basic Theory 
  • OCC-324 Auto Tech: Brakes Systems 
  • OCC-336 Auto Tech: Engine Performance 
  • OCC-400 Auto Tech: Electrical Systems 
  • OCC-437 Auto Tech: Diesel Engine Theory & Maintenance 

Students are eligible to receive a certificate upon the successful completion of each course.

Click here to learn more about the ASE Certification or view the Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Job Outlook.

Course Information

AUT-300 Auto Technician: Basic Theory

Spring 2024 Semester

A hands-on study of the construction, operation, and function of all major automotive units. Topics include engine fundamentals, emission control, fuel system, electrical system, ignition system, engine tune-up instruments and procedures, brake systems, suspension and alignment. The textbook is discussed on the first day of class.

12 sessions, $560* (includes a $60 lab fee).

SYN #04560 | 1/16/2024 - 02/22/2024 | Lecture Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

OCC-324 Auto Technician: Brake Systems

Knowledge of automotive brake systems is of the utmost importance due to the critical safety issues involved in operating a vehicle. This class provides students with in-depth knowledge of the latest brake theory, troubleshooting, and hands-on experience in servicing and repairing today's brake systems. Shop safety regulations are also addressed. This course is based on Auto-Service Excellence (ASE) content area testing information. Textbook discussed on the first day of class.

6 sessions, $300* (includes a $30 lab fee).

Fall 2023

SYN #03298 | 10/18/2023 - 11/06/2023 | Lecture Monday, Wednesday from 6 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

OCC-336 Auto Technician: Engine Performance

This class provides in-depth automotive technician theory in engine performance, covering engine design and operations, ignition systems, emission controls, and On-Board Diagnostics (OBDII) systems. Other topics include engine types/construction/support systems, diagnosing engine problems, fuel system construction/operation/maintenance, ignition system/coils/distributors/wiring, testing equipment, and troubleshooting. This course is based on Auto Service Excellence (ASE) content area testing information. The textbook is discussed on the first day of class.

5 sessions, $250* (includes a $30 lab fee).

Fall 2023

SYN #03297 | 10/2/2023 - 10/16/2023 | Lecture Monday, Wednesday from 6 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

OCC-400 Auto Technician: Electrical Systems

An in-depth, hands-on study of today's automotive electrical systems. Topics include electrical system diagnosis, battery diagnosis and service, starting system, charging system, lighting systems (head and tail, parking, dash and courtesy, stop and hazard), turn signals and backup light, gauges warning devices, driver information system and diagnosis and repair, horn, wiper and washer, body and miscellaneous accessories diagnostic and repair. This course is based on Auto Service Excellence (ASE) content area testing information.

5 sessions, $250* (includes a $30 lab fee).

Fall 2023

SYN #03296 | 09/13/2023 - 09/27/2023 | Lecture Monday, Wednesday from 6 p.m.–9:45 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

OCC-437 Auto Technician: Diesel Engine Theory & Maintenance

This course prepares for certification exams for ASE H2, S2, and T2 diesel engines. Learn about the construction of a diesel engine and its theory of operation. Other topics include common failures of diesel engines and the theory of operation. Other topics include common failures of diesel engines and how to diagnose such failures, routine maintenance, cooling, lubrication systems, etc. The textbook is discussed on the first day of class.

10 sessions, $490* (includes a $60 lab fee).

Fall 2023

SYN #03297 | 11/02/2023 - 12/07/2023 | Lecture Tuesday, Thursday from 6 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

Contact Information

Phone: 301-546-0062
Email: tdi@pgcc.edu