Programs for a Skilled Workforce
Automotive Technology at CBC
Learn the automotive repair process—from routine maintenance to diagnostics and repair—from A.S.E. certified faculty. Classroom lectures are paired with training on state-of-the-art technology in the lab to provide the hands-on training needed to excel in this industry. You will develop skills in computer diagnosis as well as traditional tool usage and practice on customer cars in a simulated shop experience.
Instruction in the Automotive Technology program is based on the National Technician's Certification eight different Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) topics to prepare students for the A.S.E. technician certification tests.
Mission and Goals:
Our mission is to teach students so that they graduate from the program with a basic
understanding of how the different automotive systems work so that they can be employed
and succeed in industry.
Visit the Repair Request page if you are interested in having your vehicle worked on by our automotive students.
Depending on your personal goals, you can earn several certificates or continue your studies to earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Automotive Technology AAS (6 quarters)
Students will gain knowledge in the following areas:
- Preventative Maintenance
- Electrical Systems
- Steering and Suspension
- Brake Systems
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxles
- Manual Transmissions and Drivetrain
- Engine Systems
- Drivability Diagnostics
- Heating, Ventilation & AC Systems
A Short-term certificate or One-Year Certificate are an excellent option if you are already working in the automotive industry and looking for training to help with career advancement or are just starting your career and need to develop skills for entry-level employment. All of the coursework required for these certificates will be applied to the degree if you decide to continue your studies.
Introduction to Automotive Preventative Maintenance Short-Term Certificate (Fall Quarter)
Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair One-Year Certificate (3 quarters)
All AAS degrees require four general education classes—Math, English, Human Relations, Communication—and that students achieve a minimum grade of 2.0 in major course to continue enrollment. One-year certificates require a Math and an English course.
Our program prepares you for many jobs in the automotive industry including:
- Automotive Service Technician
- Service Writer
- City Maintenance
- Fleet Management
- Automotive Parts Manager
- Automotive Shop Owner/Manager
In WA state
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Wages
- $27/hour average wage
- $56,300/year average salary
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Job Market
- 11,744 automotive service technicians and mechanics currently
- 2,262 openings per year
The Automotive Technology program is a full-time, in-person, commitment as a student. The program includes both lecture and lab classes, with more than 60% of class time spent in the lab, learning the hands-on skills required for this industry.
To allow for this intensive lab time, this program runs on a cohort model—a group of students all begin at the same time and follow the course progression together. The maximum classes size is 20 students. Automotive has a Fall start and a Winter start cohort. Please see the links below for a full academic map of the program.
Fall Quarter Cohort
Winter Quarter Cohort (same map as Fall but one quarter behind)
If you wish to enroll in the program, you must be able to attend all classes in the schedule as a full-time student.
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Typical Schedule
Monday-Thursday 7 am to 2 pm
The Winter cohort times are 11:30 am to 5 pm, for the first Winter and Spring quarter, after which it changes to the 7 am to 2 pm.
In addition to regular CBC tuition and fees, the Automotive Technology Program has a $50.00/course fee, a one-time $185 uniform fee, and a $75.00/course fee on certain courses to pay for ASE testing for students.
Please note that tuition estimates are based on average program enrollment and that individual costs can vary.
Our programs are eligible for both federal and state financial aid, including grants, loans, and work study options. You may also be eligible for scholarships and Workforce Education Center grants—don’t miss the chance to apply.
Visit the Pay for College page for more information on tuition, financial aid, WEC, and scholarships.
For most classes, students do NOT need to purchase their own tools. They will be loaned a toolbox for the duration of their time as a student.
Each automotive student will be provided with four uniform work shirts.
In the second quarter, students must purchase a required tool for about $750.00.
Long pants or work style shorts and non-slip closed toe shoes are required for class.
Program Admission is done on a first come, first served basis for those who have attended an information session and are ready to register for classes.
Please visit our CTE events page for all upcoming information sessions and details on the admissions process.
For more about student and program expectations, please see our student policies.
Get Started |
| Apply to CBC |
| Talk to a CTE Completion Coach about our programs |
| Review CBC Tuitions and Fees |
| Find ways to Pay for College |
| Understand the CTE admissions process |
