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 |  | Online Training: $750-$1,000 |  | Certificate Program: $5,000-$20,000 |  | Associate's Degree in Auto Mechanics: $10,000-$25,000 |
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Auto mechanics are trained to inspect, maintain and repair automotive vehicles that run on gasoline, electricity or alternative fuels. Diesel mechanics receive specialized training courses and typically enroll in separate training programs. Auto mechanic training may begin at vocational high schools, continuing into college-level certificate or associate's degree programs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[1] .
Typical costs: | - Online auto mechanic training programs cost $750-$1,000. For example, the Stratford Career Institute[2] offers an auto mechanics correspondence course for $750. The course may be completed in six months to two years and includes all books, study guides, online exams, access to instructors by email or phone and a toolkit. Ashworth College[3] offers a similar online program for $658.
- An auto mechanic certificate program costs $5,000-$20,000 and lasts six months to two years. For example, Grand Rapids Community College[4] in Michigan offers an 18-week certificate program for $5,002 for county residents and $5,478 for non-residents for tuition and fees. Arapahoe Community College[5] in Littleton, CO, offers a certificate program[6] from $5,040 for residents or $19,821 for non-residents over three terms.
- An associate's degree in auto mechanics costs $10,000-$25,000 and takes two years to complete. Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin offers a two-year associate's degree[7] program for $20,150 for tuition and fees. Dakota County Technical College[8] 's associate's degree program costs $13,251 for tuition and fees.
- Voluntary certification through the National Institute for Auto Service Excellence costs $30-$60 per test, plus a $36 registration fee. Examples of certifications include those for automobiles/light trucks, collision and refinishing, service consulting, and parts.
- Licensing requirements for auto mechanics vary by state. Michigan requires all auto mechanics to take a test for each licensing area requested, for a total of $6 fee for each test and $25 total application fee. In Florida, mechanics in Broward County must pay a $50 licensing fee each year to practice. No testing is required, but applicants are asked to show applicable national certifications.
Related articles: Diesel Mechanic School, Aircraft Mechanic Training, Community College, College
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What should be included: | - Online certificate programs often include a set of tools and study guides to be completed in a student's remote location. In-person courses should classroom instruction in addition to hands-on equipment training.
- For a certificate program, Education Portal lists common coursework[9] as engine parts, electrical systems, transmission systems, and automotive diagnosis, repair and maintenance. Associate's degree programs include classes in English, basic mathematics, computers and business courses in addition to auto mechanics coursework.
Additional costs: | - Books, tools and other fees can add $1,000-$3,000 to the total program cost for a certificate or degree program. The College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL, estimates extra costs as $585 in lab fees, $400-$1,400 for tools and $1650 for books.
- Room and board can add $5,000-$10,000 to a student's annual cost. For instance, Vincennses University[10] in Indiana offers campus meals and housing plans from $7,600-$10,700 per year. Apex Technical School[11] in New York City estimates $8,280 per year in off-campus room, board and other living expenses.
Discounts: | - National industry associations like the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association[12] and regional groups like the Minnesota Alliance of Auto Service Provides[13] award scholarships of $1,000 or more to eligible students. College Scholarships[14] lists a variety of automotive technology awards.
Shopping for auto mechanic training: | - The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation offers a searchable database of accredited programs in automotive mechanics, most of which are offered in-person rather than online.
- The National Institute for Auto Service Excellence offers a free practice test[15] for candidates seeking certification.
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External Resources: | - www.bls.gov/ooh/Installation-Maintenance-and-Repair/Automotive-service-technicians...
- www.scitraining.com/Auto_Mechanics/tuition_Fees
- www.ashworthcollege.edu/career-diplomas/auto-mechanic/tuition/
- cms.grcc.edu/departments-navigation/service-departments/tuition-and-financial-aid
- www.arapahoe.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees
- www.arapahoe.edu/catalog/automotive-service-management-certificate.htm
- programs.madisoncollege.edu/search/programsearch.php?nf=1&cs=?c=programs.matcmadis...
- www.dctc.edu/admissions/pay-for-college/tuition-fees/
- education-portal.com/articles/Online_Auto_Mechanic_Certificate_and_Certification_P...
- www.vinu.edu/housing
- nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Apex+Technical+School&s=NY&id=188890#netprc
- www.aftermarket.org/Education/Scholarships.aspx
- www.aaspmn.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=137
- www.collegescholarships.org/scholarships/auto-students.htm
- www.ase.com/Test-Prep-Training.aspx
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