About the Program

The Automotive Specialist four-term certificate program is designed for students who wish to acquire basic technical training to enter minor automotive industry positions. Students who desire more in-depth industry training as automotive technicians and/or Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) training at all levels should enroll in the Associate of Applied Science degree program.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Automotive Technology Certificate of Completion are: 
Diagnose, repair and document basic vehicle systems.
Effectively locate and utilize technical information required for vehicle repairs.
Work safely and responsibly within all shop standards and environmental guidelines
Apply employer expectations and ethical work practice.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the Automotive Technology Department Chair’s approval. In order to ensure that coursework is current, program courses over five years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate Department Chair before being accepted toward core requirements. College Now credit will be accepted in accordance with current agreement. Verified Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification or industry experience may be substituted for some coursework in accordance with college policies and the department chair’s approval.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all courses in this program with a grade of “C-” or better to receive their certificates. Certain required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade.

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement. Note, some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.