Automotive Light Maintenance Repair

Certificate

54 Units

The Automotive Maintenance Light Repair Certificate program qualifies students for entry level employment in the auto maintenance industry and related fields. This certificate program meets the NATEF General Service Technician (GST) requirements. This program is full-time only. We don’t offer a part-time option.

Get Started

College Application Steps

Visit our Steps to Enroll to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).

Additional Program Specific Steps

Students must meet with an advisor for entry into this program. English and Math placement is required to ensure language and computational skills are sufficient for program success.

Watch an Automotive Technology Info Session.

Watch on YouTube to view transcript.

College Tuition

Learn more about the tuition and fees to attend college.

Save money at South. Tuition and fees at a two-year college are significantly lower than a four-year college or university.

Extra Cost

  • Books and supplies cost about $85 per quarter.
  • Required materials: hard-toed boots, coveralls, and tools (minimum $300).
  • Tool kit: $200 to $3,000 depending on quality chosen
  • ASE testing: $189

Please contact 206.934.5394 or email SouthProfTech@seattlecolleges.edu for information on equipment fees in this program.

Financial Aid

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Workforce Funding

This academic plan may be eligible for additional funding through Workforce Education. Students in this program may be eligible for:

  • Basic Food Employment And Training
  • Work First
  • Worker Retraining
  • Opportunity Grant

Visit Start Next Quarter to see what funding you could receive.

Introductory Automotive Technology (AUT) classes are offered in fall or spring quarters.

Program Information

The Automotive Light Maintenance Repair pathway can lead to various career opportunities.

Examples include:

Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.

A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.

This certificate is for students focused on learning a skill or technology for immediate employment in the automotive industry.

Credits earned in certificate programs are generally applicable toward an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree.

Math and English placement are required. Use South’s free Math and English Directed Self Placement tools to establish placement.

Eligibility for MATH 110 or higher placement

Eligibility for ENGL 107 or higher placement

54 Units

Core Requirements

Complete 10 courses. 1.0 minimum grade.

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
MVM 100 Introduction to Automotive Technology I 3
MVM 102 Introduction to Automotive Technology II 6
AUT 100 Introduction to Electricity 6
AUT 122 Steering and Suspension 4
AUT 124 Tires and Wheel Alignment 4
AUT 126 Basic Brake Systems 3
AUT 127 Advanced Brake Systems 4
AUT 128 Automotive Engine Diagnose / Remove and Replace 4
AUT 130 Automotive Engine Rebuild 8
AUT 134 Introduction to Engne Performance 3

General Education Requirements

Complete 1 course from each of the following groups. 1.0 minimum grade.

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
Composition Choose a course 5
Computation Choose a course 5
Human Relations Choose a course 5

Units

The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start.

Before you begin:

Quarter 1, 18 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
AUT 100 Introduction to Electricity 6
MVM 100 Introduction to Automotive Technology I 3
MVM 102 Introduction to Automotive Technology II 6
MATH 110 Applied Math for Technicians 3

Quarter 2, 20 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
AUT 122 Steering and Suspension 4
AUT 124 Tires and Wheel Alignment 4
AUT 126 Basic Brake Systems 3
AUT 127 Advanced Brake Systems 4
ENGL 107 Applied Composition 5

Quarter 3, 20 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
AUT 128 Automotive Engine Diagnose / Remove and Replace 4
AUT 130 Automotive Engine Rebuild 8
AUT 134 Introduction to Engne Performance 3
SOC 253 or SOC& 101 Choose a course 5
  • Inspect, service, diagnose, repair, or replace each of the major systems in various types of vehicles.
  • Locate sources, estimate costs and explain repair or service
  • Handle customer needs, complaints, questions and special challenges.
  • Demonstrate computer competency by accessing data and documentation used for repair and apply manufacturer's specifications in repair or replacement.
  • Work safely and responsibly within all shop safety and environmental guidelines and standards.
  • Demonstrate ability to pass the ASE test required for ASEEF certification
  • Communicate and document service records.
  • Compute costs, time and measurements.
  • Work independently and in groups to service, repair, test and maintain vehicles.
  • Use technology to test vehicles. Work with accuracy, dependability, proficiency and in a timely manner, when servicing and repairing vehicles.

Maintenance and Repairs

If you are a South Seattle College staff, faculty or student member and are interested in having your vehicle repaired or maintained through the automotive program, you can approach one of the automotive faculty members to see if the students in their class will be able to work on your vehicle.

Faculty will determine if the work that needs to be done will enhance the learning experiences needed at that time. If the faculty determine that they are able to work on your vehicle, you will be required to pay the cost of the parts involved in the job.

In-Kind Gifts

In some cases the South Seattle College Automotive Technology program is willing to accept gifts of used, recent-model automobiles and related instructional equipment. Some restored vehicles are kept as educational tools; others are sold to raise money for scholarships or other purposes. Currently, the program is in need of newer vehicles with computer-controlled systems and up-to-date shop equipment, supplies and hand tools.

For more information on gifts of automobiles and equipment, and to determine whether a particular automobile is a good fit to our curriculum needs please contact the Seattle Colleges Foundation at 206.934.2939 or email advancement@seattlecolleges.edu.

Program data from ctcLink:

  • Academic Plan: AUMALC45
  • Degree: CERT
  • Plan Transcript Description: Certificate - Automotive Light Maintenance Repair
  • Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
  • Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 47.0604

New or Prospective Students: Please connect with the Welcome Center to discuss South’s program options and for help navigating the Steps to Enroll.

Prospective Students
Welcome Center, RSB 72
southwelcomecenter@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-7943

Current Students: Please connect with Advising to create an education plan and discuss specific class offerings for your program.

Current Students
Advising Center, RSB 02
advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-5387

Faculty and Staff

To update degree or certificate information please start with how to make edits to academic program data.