Automotive Service Technology Program
The Automotive Service Technology (AST) program provides a quality, accessible education, utilizing theory, design, practical application, and live work to prepare students for entry-level employment as qualified automotive technicians.
Program offers training in all nine ASE areas of automotive diagnostics and repair with emphasis on electronic and computer-integrated systems found on today’s automobiles. The AST program requires two years to complete. Enrollment is open to those who qualify at the beginning of fall, winter, and spring quarters of each academic year. An Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Service Technology is awarded upon the successful completion of the program.
The AST program has been evaluated and accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation (formerly NATEF) at the highest level of the Master Automotive Service Technology Training (MAST) Program.
What is ASE Education Foundation Accreditation and the differences between its three levels?
The number of hours, level and amount of subject material, equipment and facilities, and outcomes to list a few. See ASE Education Foundation’s website for a complete list of program standards.
Certificates
Students in their first year of the AST program can obtain a certificate in the specialized ASE area of Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems (A6). The certificate will be awarded to the student who successfully completes this coursework with a C+ (2.5) GPA or better.
Automotive Service Excellence Certification
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. By passing, national tests, ASE-certified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, employers, and customers. There are specialty exams covering all major areas of repair. Technicians who pass at least one exam and fulfill the two-year work experience requirement become ASE-certified. The AST program will count as one year of experience.
The curriculum is structured to help all students reach their potential. All instructors, at a minimum, are ASE Certified in the subject they teach and have formal AST training and years of industry experience.
- Courses are presented in either two classrooms or a 20-bay shop with our own fleet of vehicles and industry relevant equipment.
- Two-thirds of the AST core courses are designated to hands-on practical application in our lab.
- Classes address each of the vehicle systems, their operation and components in individual ASE area modules.
- Each 16 credit quarter presents one subject at a time, with emphasis on electrical and electronic integration.
- Each subject has an 8 credit lecture and a corresponding 8 credit lab course.
- We provide access to ASE entry-level certification.
Additional Program Information
Career Opportunities
Dealerships
National Chains
Parts Specialist
Independent Shops
Municipalities
Aftermarket Parts Retailer
Fleet Shops
Specialty Repair Shop
Machine Shops
Contacts