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

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.

Our courses focus on ASE certification content areas and are designed for both beginners 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.

Program Features

  • 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.

Courses

  • AUT-300 Auto Technician: Basic Theory 
  • AUT-308 Auto Tech: Brakes Systems 
  • AUT-306 Auto Tech: Engine Performance 
  • AUT-304 Auto Tech: Electrical Systems 
  • AUT-311 Auto Tech: Introduction to Light Diesel 

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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

A hands-on study of all major automotive units' construction, operation, and function. 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).

Summer 2024

SYN #07205 | 5/16/2024 - 06/16/2024 | Lecture Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

Fall 2024

SYN #11478 | 9/3/2024 - 10/10/2024 | Lecture Tuesday and Thursday from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

AUT-308 Auto Technician: Brake Systems

Knowledge of automotive brake systems is of the utmost importance due to the critical safety issues in operating a vehicle. This class provides students with in-depth knowledge of the latest brake theory, troubleshooting, and hands-on experience 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. The textbook will be discussed on the first day of class.

6 sessions, $280* (includes a $60 lab fee).

Summer 2024

SYN #07208 | 7/15/2024 - 07/31/2024 | Lecture Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

Fall 2024

SYN #11477 | 10/21/2024 - 11/06/2024 | Lecture Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

AUT-306 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.

6 sessions, $280* (includes a $60 lab fee).

Summer 2024

SYN #07206 | 6/24/2024 - 07/10/2024 | Lecture Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

Fall 2024

SYN #11487 | 9/30/2024 - 10/16/2024 | Lecture Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

AUT-304 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.

6 sessions, $280* (includes a $60 lab fee).

Summer 2024

SYN #07207 | 05/29/2024 - 06/21/2024 | Lecture Monday, Wednesday from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

Fall 2024

SYN #11484 | 09/09/2024 - 09/25/2024 | Lecture Monday, Wednesday from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

AUT-311 Auto Technician: Introduction to Light Diesel

This course will introduce the student to basic diesel engine operation and diagnosis. Students will be exposed to diesel technology used in the light-duty diesel market. Students will study fuel controls, diagnostics systems, and emission controls. Students will learn service procedures for common diesel faults. This course will follow ASE standards for light-duty diesel A9 ASE.

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

Summer 2024

SYN #07204 | 07/9/2024 - 08/8/2024 | Lecture Tuesday, Thursday from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

Fall 2024

SYN #11480 | 10/24/2024 - 11/26/2024 | Lecture Tuesday, Thursday from 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Largo Campus, Annex C, Room 002

Contact Information

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