Program Details
Career Studies Certificate in Automotive Diagnostic and Repair
Career Studies CertificateSouthwest Virginia Community College
This program is included in: G3
The Career Studies Certificate in Automotive Diagnostics and Repair is in response to the non-conventional short-term program training needs for many adults in our service region to yield an awarding career. The program will consist of a credit-based, fast track, short-term curriculum to prepare students for entry-level automotive diagnostic and repair technician positions. The program will cover standard practices, basic operational procedures, safety, ignition and fuel systems, tune-up, mechanical and electrical diagnostics and repair, brake systems, and alignment, suspension and steering. The students will also receive instruction in digital literacy.
Outcomes
• Demonstrate general industry safety, protective gear, first aid, and health principles. • Apply basic computers skills. • Indicate the knowledge of soft skills through appropriate actions including attendance, team work, a great attitude, good communication skills, maintaining an organized and clean workspace, and pride in workmanship. • Demonstrate general knowledge of the automotive technology industry related to safety, use of hand tools and power equipment. • Explain the basic operation procedures of standard shop equipment. • Illustrate the functions of the auto fuel and ignition systems of an engine and demonstrate how to diagnose a problem and repair. • Indicate how to establish the present condition, repairs or adjustments to the power, cylinder conditions, values and bearings of the automotive engine. • Illustrate the application of operating theory and diagnostic procedures on general engine mechanical and electrical systems with the latest diagnostic procedures and equipment. • Interpret, diagnose and repair symbols and circuitry related to alternators, regulars, starters, lighting systems, instruments and gauges and accessories. • Demonstrate knowledge of operation, design, construction, repair, and servicing of braking system, including Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS). • Indicate the use of alignment equipment in diagnosing, adjusting, and repairing front and rear suspensions. • Demonstrate knowledge of diagnostic and repair of automotive heating and cooling systems.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Transfer acquired skills into Electrical, Electronics, Robotics, and Engineering degree programs. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Course work should be completed in the order it appears in the catalog.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Linking online training resources (LJ Create virtual learning) with the hands-on lab activities. Live work on real Automotive Diagnostics.Comprehensive labs on each and every part of the Automobile. Linking the course work, virtual, and hands-on activities to experience the complete diagnostic process. |
Doing More With Your Degree | Learn life long diagnostics, Electrical, an Electronic skills to transfer into any degree field. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Opportunity to earn 30+ industry recognized credentials including certifications from Automotive Standards Excellence (ASE), National Coalition of Certification s(NC3) Snap-On, and OSHA 10. |
Related Programs & Certifications

Program Credit Requirements

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | No |
Credit for Prior Learning | |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Annual HC 3120, Transfer in per semester 97, Av Class size 12, Limited Foundation Owned Housing |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Summer, Fall , Spring is a catalog year |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Summer, Fall , Spring is a catalog year |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Analysis and Repair | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Major | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Northern Virginia Community College | Automotive Technology, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Automotive Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
49-3023.00 | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations |
49-2093.00 | Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment. | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations |
49-2096.00 | Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles | Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles. | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations |
Cost To Complete

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