About the Program

The Diesel Specialist four-term certificate program is designed for students seeking an entry-level career in today’s diesel repair industry. The program builds rapidly from fundamentals and theory into diagnosis and repair of today’s modern equipment based upon Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and industrial standards. 

The design of the program places heavy emphasis upon actual hands-on work in diesel labs. Approximately two-thirds of the time spent in the program is in a lab (shop) environment where the student applies theory to diagnosis and repair of a wide variety of equipment. As students’ skill levels develop so does the difficulty of repairs performed.

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 Diesel Technology Certificate of Completion are:
Work safely within OSHA and industry safety standards.
Diagnose, repair and maintain air and hydraulic systems.
Diagnose, repair and maintain parts of the power train.
Diagnose, repair and maintain the HVAC system.

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. 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 policy 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.