Certificate programs in automotive technology are a great way for students to develop their skills and boost their employment prospects. This type of program usually focuses on basic auto repair skills, training for the Automotive Service Excellence certification, known as the ASE certification, or to specialize in a particular aspect of auto repair (brake repair specialist, engine repair specialist, etc.). Completion of an automotive technology certificate program would qualify the student to begin work in an entry-level career with automobiles.
Our list of the top 10 affordable certificates in auto mechanics is derived from a list of nearly 50 programs with a tuition of under $7000 (based on tuition data reported on collegenavigator.gov). These programs were then ranked by the quality of the program (based on the graduation rate and student-to-teacher ratio).
The top 10 affordable automotive mechanic certificates are:
- Uintah Basin Technical College
- Manatee Technical College
- Tulsa Tech
- Central Technology Center
- Moore Norman Technology Center
- Ogden-Weber Technical College
- Orange Technical College
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology
- Miami Lakes Educational Center & Technical College
- Clovis Community College
10. Clovis Community College
Clovis, New Mexico
Automotive Technology Certificate
Clovis Community College offers an automotive mechanic certificate program in automotive technology that functions either as a springboard for degree completion or as an opportunity to enter the workforce immediately. Classes are offered Monday through Thursday, and students can enter the program in either the Fall or the Spring. Most students complete the program in about a year and a half, and upon completion, students can earn certificates in Automotive PowerTrain Systems and Automotive Chassis Systems.
Tuition: $4,961
9. Miami Lakes Educational Center & Technical College
Miami Lakes, Florida
Automotive Service Technology Certificate
The certificate program in Automotive Service Technology at Miami Lakes operates on an open-entry basis, making it a great option for easy entry into the affordable automotive mechanic certificate program. On average, students complete the certificate in 1 year and 8 months, but completion time depends on enrollment status. The program provides quality education training designed to meet both current and future needs of the automotive service industry, preparing graduates of the program for various entry-level jobs.
Tuition: $4,750
8. Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Livingston, Tennessee
Automotive Technology Certificate
Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers a certificate program in automotive technology that is certified by both NATEF and ASE, and will prepare students for ASE certification, so that they can be an ASE certified mechanic. Students can enroll in the daytime classes either full time or part time, and the automotive mechanic certificate program takes up to 24 months to complete. The curriculum includes engine repair and performance, suspension, brakes, and steering, and students graduate from the program prepared to repair any part on automobiles, trucks, buses and other vehicles.
Tuition: $6,229
7. Orange Technical College
Orlando, Florida
Automotive Service Technology Certificate
Orange Technical College offers various affordable certificate options in Automotive Service at their Mid Florida Campus, including Automotive Service Technology Certificates 1 and 2. These programs, taking 11 months and 8 months respectively to complete, prepare students for immediate job placement in the auto industry. Students can choose between these programs based on specific job goals and certificates needed. These courses are available to high school students as well as adults, and the courses and facilities are approved by the NATEF.
Tuition: $2,513
6. Ogden-Weber Technical College
Ogden, Utah
Automotive Service Technology Certificate
Students can take advantage of the affordable Automotive Service Technology certificate program at Ogden-Weber Technical College. Taking just 9 months to complete, the 920v hour program utilizes the same state of the art equipment used on the job. The automotive mechanic certificate program is available to high school students and adults, and Ogden-Weber offers both day and evening classes. The curriculum combines technical and hands-on training, and the school offers strong industry partnerships with both local employers and dealerships.
Tuition: $3,530
5. Moore Norman Technology Center
Norman, Oklahoma
Automotive Service Technology Certificate
Moore Norman Technology Center offers an accredited certificate program in Automotive Service Technology to both high school students and adults. Students can choose between full time and part time and can earn their certificate in 2-4 semesters, depending on enrollment status. The 1,050 hour automotive mechanic certificate program offers entry 3 times a year, and classes are offered in both the morning and afternoon. Program participants can take advantage of the many financial aid options, and upon graduation, students have the option to earn extra industry certificates as needed.
Tuition: $5,229
4. Central Technology Center
Drumwright, Oklahoma
Automotive Technology Certificate
At Central Technology Center, both high school students and adults can take advantage of the highly affordable program in automotive technology. The curriculum is aligned with NATEF and ASE standards, so students are prepared for ASE certification as ACE certified mechanics, and flexible class options are available in both daytime or evening hours. Students will learn to diagnose and repair performance and electrical issues related to the operation and drivability of the vehicle. Students are also prepared to earn additional industry certifications, which may be necessary depending on the entry level job requirements.
Tuition: $2,509
3. Tulsa Tech
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Automotive Service Technician Certificate
The Automotive Service Technician certificate program at Tulsa Tech teaches students to perform basic and advanced diagnostics in a modern facility. Students learn to troubleshoot and repair complex automotive systems, and are provided with the opportunity to work on a variety of vehicles. The automotive mechanic certificate program can be completed in 9-18 months, depending on whether a student chooses part time or full time enrollment. Classes are offered during the day as well as in the evening, and financial aid is available.
Tuition: $3,982
2. Manatee Technical College
Bradenton, Florida
Automotive Service Technology Certificate
Manatee Technical College’s certificate program in Automotive Service Technology offers an impressive 100% job placement rate. Taking 13-15 months to complete, the affordable automotive mechanic certificate program focuses on diagnostic troubleshooting in all areas of automotive instruction. The NATEF accredited program prepares students for employment or advanced training in the automotive industry. The class and laboratory activities combine for training in both applied theory and the use of tools, equipment, materials, and processes found in the industry.
Tuition: $4,271
1. Uintah Basin Technical College
Roosevelt, Utah
Auto Technology Certificate
Uintah Basin Technical College offers the top affordable certificate program in automotive technology. This 33-week program teaches students to inspect, maintain and repair mechanical, electrical and hydraulic parts of automobiles, trucks, industrial equipment, and other fuel-powered vehicles. The curriculum combines lab and classroom courses, and students in the program are actively engaged in hands-on learning to prepare for immediate entry into the field. The program is offered to high school students as well as adults, and scholarships are available.
Tuition: $3,173
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