AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA
Program Course Requirements

Fall Semester - First Half (10 credits)
AUTM 1101  A1 Engine Repair**, 4 cr
AUTM 1106  A6 Electrical/Electronic System I**, 4 cr
AUTM 1120  Transportation Industry Skills I, 1 cr
ENGL 1521  Technical Writing Fundamentals, 1 cr

Fall Semester - Second Half (9 credits)
AUTM 1108*  A8 Engine Performance I, 4 cr
AUTM 1116*  A6 Electrical/Electronics Systems II, 4 cr
AUTM 1121  Transportation Industry Skills II, 1 cr

Spring Semester - First Half (9 credits)
AUTM 1102*  A2 Automatic Transmission & Transaxle, 4 cr
AUTM 1118*  A8 Engine Performance II, 4 cr
AUTM 1122  Transportation Industry Skills III, 1 cr

Spring Semester - Second Half (9 credits)
AUTM 1104*  A4 Steering & Suspension, 4 cr
AUTM 1105*  A5 Brakes, 4 cr
AUTM 1123  Transportation Industry Skills IV, 1 cr

Summer Semester (8 credits)
AUTM 1103  A3 Manual Drive Train & Axles, 4 cr
AUTM 1107*  A7 Heating & Air Conditioning, 4 cr

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT - 45 CREDITS
*Denotes Prerequisites
**High School Certifiable Courses

Click here to download the Automotive Technology Diploma Program Planning Form (PDF)

Career Description: Trained automotive technicians are in huge demand nationwide and regionally. The career field is growing faster than the average career field, both in the nation and regionally. Graduates of the program generally find careers within the region, but alumni can be found across the nation. Some common career titles for this field are service technician, service writer, technical instructor, technical trainer, sales person, and automotive parts representative. There are also opportunities for self-employment as it is common for graduates to own their own business.

Program Information: The Automotive Technology Diploma at Central Lakes College is an 11-month program that provides students with skills needed to pursue a career in any area of automotive repair. Our program and regional employers take great pride in professionalism. A dress code, attendance policy, and student conduct code are strictly enforced. Because the program is so intensive, class size is limited to ensure optimum training. The intensity of the program prepares students for the real world. A recent study conducted by the Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) revealed that almost 40% of service technicians are over the age of 55, and 70% are over 45 years old. That means that there will be lots of great opportunities for young people entering the auto and truck service industry in the near future.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

• Troubleshoot and diagnose complex vehicle operating systems;
• Access and apply manufacturers’ specifications in repair and replacement;
• Perform vehicle operating system repairs and maintenance;
• Use computerized software programs to interpret and document service;
• Work independently and in teams to service, repair, test and maintain vehicles;
• Work responsibly within all shop safety and environmental guidelines and standards;
• Handle customer needs, complaints and questions about repairs/service.

Special Program Requirements:

Automotive Technology Diploma is an 11-month program. In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: The cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0.
2. College Technical Core GPA Requirement: Cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
3. Residency Requirement: students must complete one third (14) of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Accreditation: The Automotive Technology program is fully accredited through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). CLC is accredited at the Master Automotive Service Technician level, the highest ranking accreditation. The curriculum aligns with standards for both regional employers and Automotive Service for Excellence (ASE) technician certification.

Certification: After successful completion of all of the courses in the diploma program, students are eligible to take the ASE student certification exam.

Transfer Opportunities: All Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) area certifications (A1-A8) will transfer into the CLC Automotive Technology diploma program. Each course is aligned with the individual ASE certification area (A1-A8). CLC automotive technician courses transfer to many two- and four-year schools. Consult with an instructor, advisor, or counselor to learn about specific transfer opportunities.