Please note: This blog post does not constitute legal or financial advice. This blog post is merely a guide on how shop management software works with accounting software. Additionally, there is a difference between bookkeeping services and accounting services. If you’re seeking professional accounting services, contact Paar, Melis, & Associates.
For many shop owners, the accounting side of business can be overwhelming. After all, there’s probably a good reason why you decided to start an auto repair business and not an accounting firm—you enjoy fixing cars and helping people, not staring at numbers all day. That's where reporting features from Tekmetric come in, making it easier to see all your finances in one place.
But when you’re in the shop owner’s seat, it’s vital for you to have a firm grasp on your books. If you want your business to succeed over the long haul, your financial statements need to be complete, consistent, and comparable.
Complete Statements
You should account for all transactions, not only your sales and expenses on parts and labor but also your taxes, warranties, refunds, cores, and any other major or minor transactions that may fall by the wayside. “Complete” also means that all relevant information such as dates, purchase order numbers, and vendor names are included on each statement. Complete statements will give you the clearest idea of how much money you actually have to invest back into your business at the end of each sales cycle.
Consistent Statements
You should have a regular schedule and method for tracking what your business makes and what your business spends. It’s good practice to check your numbers at least once a month, and conduct a thorough reconciliation and analysis of your books at least once every business quarter. By regularly checking your statements, you can quickly catch any errors or instances of loss, whether it’s from theft, slip-ups, or forgetfulness. After all, we all forget things, and when we do, it’s best to realize it as soon as possible.
Comparable Statements
Comparable financial statements help you spot trends, which will make it easier to work with an accountant or a consultant and make better business decisions. You should be able to cross-reference your financial statements with purchase orders, receipts, and other financial reports. If your financial statements are complete and consistent with one another, then they should already be easy to compare. But it’s also worth considering how the financial data in your shop management system “talks to” the financial data in your accounting software.
“What Are My Margins?”
Shop owners looking to grow their business should always be asking themselves, “What are my margins?” If you want to invest in new tools, new talent, and new locations, you need to know how much money you actually have after your income and expenses have been accounted for. There are two places that your shop can and should be tracking your margins: your shop management system and your accounting software.
If you read the above sentence thinking, “Why do I need both? Isn’t it redundant to use both a shop management system and an auto repair shop accounting software?” you’re not alone. In fact, a lot of shop owners swear by the reports in their shop management system—and hey, if you’re using a shop management system like Tekmetric, then those reports are going to give you a good baseline to go by.
But if we’re going to make sure our financial statements are indeed complete, consistent, and comparable, we need to have something to verify the financial reports we see in our shop management system. There are aspects of your business such as paid time off, benefits, and payroll taxes that your shop management system isn't going to factor into your gross profit margin.
We can't ignore our accounting software because, at the end of the day, Tekmetric or any other shop management software out there is what we think we're making—it's what we think our margins are; it's what we think we pay for parts; it's what we think we pay our employees.
At the end of a sales period, an auto repair shop accounting software like QuickBooks is going to tell you how much money your shop made in sales, how much you paid in expenses, and what your actual margins are. Right, wrong, or indifferent, there is useful information in both solutions, and we need to make sure that we understand why those do match or why they don't match.
How to Divide Sales & Expenses
While there are quite a few facets that make up your “books” or accounting log, you can simplify things by dividing your sales and expenses into categories. Probably the best categories to start with are as follows:
Parts
Labor
Shop supplies
Sublet work
Parts, labor, shop supplies, and sublet work will form the basis of your profit and loss statements. If you do not divide your sales and expenses, you’re going to have to manually go in and calculate everything, which can take up a lot of your time.
The good thing is that a shop management system and accounting software will make it easy to divide your sales and expenses into reports.
Tekmetric’s Financial Reports
Before we get into how to synchronize your shop management system and your auto repair shop accounting software, let’s look at the tools that Tekmetric provides shop owners to get a sense of their numbers.
Tekmetric includes an assortment of financial reports that can be customized and broken down in various ways. But the three financial reports that give shop owners the highest-level look at the financial health of their business are the End-of-Day Report, the Parts Usage Report, and the Parts Purchased Report.
End-Of-Day Report
Tekmetric’s End-of-Day Report automatically pulls all the sales data inputted into Tekmetric and generates some of the most important business metrics for shop owners to follow. It includes your shop’s Average RO in Sales and Profits, your Profit Margin, your Gross Sales, and your Gross Profit.
While the End-of-Day Report defaults to showing your shop's earnings for the day, it can be set to show your shop’s earnings for any date range that you want. This is where shop owners can get a good forecast of how much money their shop is making. You can even compare how your shop is doing over different periods of time.
It’s important to remember that the End-of-Day Report pulls from everything put into Tekmetric, but there may be other sources of revenue and expenses that don’t make it into Tekmetric, so this report may not be 100% accurate. To have complete accuracy, you should use Tekmetric in conjunction with an auto repair shop accounting software.
Tekmetric Parts Reports
The End-of-Day Report will show you critical stats about your shop, such as your Average RO in Sales and Profits, your Profit Margin, and your Gross Profit.
However, you also need to keep track of every part your shop purchases and sells. When you’re buying and selling parts, it can be tough to keep track of everything—especially manually! A lot can happen. For example, parts can get lost in some corner of the shop, get stolen, or just not be accounted for in a repair estimate.
Minimizing loss is what Tekmetric’s two parts reports—the Parts Purchased Report and Parts Usage Report—do best. When you use these reports alongside each other, you can compare the parts your shop has purchased with the parts your shop has actually used.
Tekmetric’s Parts Purchased Report
The Parts Purchased Report will give you the key details about parts your shop has purchased, including the:
Name of the part
Vendor
PO#
RO Source
Date Purchased
Quantity
Unit Cost
Total Cost
Ordering Employee
Tekmetric’s Parts Usage Report
The Parts Usage Report will show you exactly when each part was used. You’ll get details including:
The job title
The job category
The RO number it was used in
The customer and vehicle associated with the part
The technician associated with the job that involved the part
Using Tekmetric’s Parts Reports Alongside Your Auto Repair Shop Accounting Software
The combination of Tekmetric’s Parts Purchased Report, Parts Usage Report, and your accounting software add up to a powerful reconciliation tool. (Since QuickBooks is one of the most commonly used in the industry, that’s the example we’ll be using).
When you compare information between Tekmetric’s reports and QuickBooks, you can pinpoint the specific date range when things started to go astray with a particular type of part or vendor, determine how much you’re actually profiting from a given part, and identify any disconnects like “magically” disappearing parts, ex-employees using your shop’s charge accounts, and so forth.
For instance, let’s say you pull up the Parts Purchased Report and see that your shop purchased 100 oil filters two months ago, and QuickBooks corroborates this information. However, when you pull up the Parts Usage Report, it indicates that none of those oil filters have been used in those two months! From there, you can start to narrow down different possibilities for the 75 remaining oil filters:
Maybe the service advisors forgot to log those parts
Maybe the parts were stolen
Maybe a former employee somehow ordered those parts
Maybe your shop really had no use for those parts in the last two months
Here’s another example: let’s say that a particular part shows up on two repair orders in Tekmetric’s Parts Usage Report. When you check Tekmetric’s Parts Purchased Report, you see two orders of that part. So far, so good. But when you turn to QuickBooks, you see ten orders for that part. So, what happened?
Perhaps a service advisor ordered those parts outside of Tekmetric and didn’t properly log them in the system. Or, perhaps an ex-employee is using your shop’s charge account on accident—or on purpose.
Once you find the root cause, you can take the necessary steps to ensure such a thing doesn’t happen again. You can reiterate to all of your service advisors that logging parts ordered outside of Tekmetric is a must-do, every time. If the problem is with an ex-employee, you can cut off their access to your charge account and create stricter offboarding procedures moving forward.
Best Practices for Getting Your Parts In Order
The best way to make sure you don’t run into any headaches when comparing the information in Tekmetric’s Parts Purchased Report, Tekmetric’s Parts Usage Report, and your auto repair shop accounting software is to get your parts process in order from the get-go. Training your team and implementing repeatable processes for logging and tracking every part will save you time down the line.
Train Service Writers On Parts Ordering Guidelines and Documentation
A streamlined parts ordering and documentation process starts with your service writers. If they input the wrong information in Tekmetric or forget to do so at all, it’ll have a trickle-down effect. You’ll end up scratching your head when things don’t line up in QuickBooks and the Parts Purchased Report and Parts Usage Report in Tekmetric.
To obtain a healthy parts margin, it’s essential to spend time making sure service writers understand your shop’s guidelines on parts ordering and documentation. You could make it a policy that service writers can only order parts from certain vendors within Tekmetric, and if they want to bypass that, they have to get permission from you first. Then, you could tell them that they must log each part that’s ordered and used as soon as possible. That way, the chance that they forget to input a part order or add a part to a repair order will be minimized, and you won’t have to scroll through pages of statements down the line.
Adjust Your Shop’s Parts Matrix as Needed
The day you snag a deal on a part is always a good one. However, be sure to follow that win by tweaking your shop’s parts markup matrix. Your shop’s parts matrix is what helps you markup parts in a fair way, and in turn, earn the appropriate profit on each part you sell.
If you don’t adjust the markup for the particular part you got for less, you’ll be losing money. For example, say your markup on a $100 part is usually 15%. But, if you get that part for $80 the next time, you might consider bumping up the markup to 20%.
Review All Things That Have to Do With Parts Ordering on a Regular Basis
Earlier, we discussed how it’s good practice to check all your numbers at least once a month, and also thoroughly reconcile and analyze your books at least once a business quarter. You should apply a similar mindset to all things having to do with parts ordering at your shop; about once a month, review the parts information you have in QuickBooks, and see how it corresponds to what’s in your Parts Purchased Report and Parts Usage Report.
Common Questions About Getting Parts In Order
Question: What’s the best way to get an accurate understanding of what my shop spends on parts?
Answer: If your shop doesn’t have a large amount of inventory sitting around, or if you do have a large amount of inventory but it doesn’t tend to fluctuable much, we recommend that you look at the cost of goods sold in QuickBooks and compare it to the data in Tekmetric’s Parts Purchased Report.
However, if your shop does have a large amount of fluctuating inventory, then you might have to go to QuickBooks and add up the costs of goods sold with your inventory that’s been added to assets (perhaps in the same time period). With a large amount of fluctuating inventory, you’ll see some slight discrepancies with the information on Tekmetric’s Parts Purchased Report. That’s because that report could include parts you brought in for specific repair orders, as well as parts you have in your inventory. (In that case, looking at Tekmetric’s Parts Usage Report will give you a clearer picture).
Question: Should I enter each part I purchase into QuickBooks?
Answer: Not if you’re keeping good track of your statements!
Entering each part into both QuickBooks and your shop management system can be a mountain of work that may not be worth the hassle. Ultimately, your goal is to get the most accurate numbers possible, and then make smart decisions for your shop based on that information. And you can quickly achieve that by entering your invoice totals.
By logging each and every part transaction into QuickBooks, you’ll reach 100% accuracy, but will be unnecessarily getting lost in the weeds. The reality is that most shops will be a-ok simply putting their monthly statements into QuickBooks and being in the “ballpark,” such as 95% accuracy, rather than 100% accuracy.
The only time you may want to start entering every part purchase into QuickBooks is if your shop is dealing with a stressful parts inventory or parts management issue.
Question: If my shop does have a need to enter each purchased part into QuickBooks, how long should I do this for, and how often?
Answer: The level of work involved with putting every single purchase order into QuickBooks could almost amount to full-time hours.
Also, within the scope of that deadline, decide if you and your team will log each part order daily, weekly, or monthly. By setting aside a dedicated time to do so, you can avoid disrupting your workflow as a group.
Question: If I’m using a cash basis of accounting, when should I switch to the accrual basis?
Answer: The short answer is that you should switch to accrual basis when your business gets more complicated, or even when you decide that you’re ready to majorly grow your business. When you grow your shop, you’ll be dealing larger parts orders between multiple vendors and suppliers, more jobs coming in, and additional team members. Once a lot of money is going in and out, it’ll become essential to log your income and expenses in realtime, which is only possible with an accrual basis of accounting.
Minimizing Financial Discrepancies Between Platforms
A shop management system like Tekmetric helps your team track your shop’s purchases and sales. But of course, all of that financial data must also line up in your auto repair shop accounting software.
Discrepancy: Labor Gross Profit Margin is Higher in Tekmetric than in QuickBooks
Your shop’s labor gross profit margin is a particular piece of data that’s tricky to align between both your shop management system and your accounting software.
Why? It comes down to how you pay your technicians, which in part likely depends on the labor times your shop is using.
With a shop management system like Tekmetric, you can input an hourly rate for your technicians. Tekmetric tracks additional key data points, such as how many hours each technician works a day and how much your shop sells each day. But, some things aren’t always factored in, like vacation and benefits. As for payroll taxes, the system doesn’t account for those either.
What can end up happening as a result is the labor profit margin in Tekmetric will almost always be higher than the real-life number in QuickBooks. And depending on what your shop’s compensation structure is, it might be impossible to get the numbers to match 100% in both systems.
However, you can get the numbers extremely close (for example, the number in Tekmetric might be $15,300, and the number in QuickBooks might be $15,500). Here are ways you can get your labor gross profit margin numbers in Tekmetric and QuickBooks closer together:
The Back Office Integration
Tekmetric integrates with Back Office. Back Office uses a tool called Accounting Link to transfer your shop’s sales, payments, and purchases into QuickBooks. Using Accounting Link via the Back Office will ensure that the information sent to QuickBooks is accurate—you won’t have to worry about manually typing in an incorrect number. You can review and verify the information before it gets sent to QuickBooks. With Accounting Link, you’ll also save time because you won’t have to input the numbers twice.
Tekmetric’s Shop Settings
Additionally, you can use Tekmetric’s Shop Settings to minimize financial discrepancies. If you see 100% gross profit on a line of a job, chances are you either: 1) didn’t have a cost assigned to the technician or 2) didn’t have a technician assigned to the job.
In either case, it means that there’s a $0 cost for the labor your shop is selling.
So, as a starting point, make sure your service advisors assign a cost to each technician within Tekmetric and assign each job to a technician.
If you want your payroll to be as accurate as possible in Tekmetric, you can also bump up your technician’s hourly rate within Tekmetric to account for additional overhead costs, such as benefits, healthcare, and 401k expenses. So, if your technicians’ hourly rate is $40, then you can bump it up to $45 in Tekmetric to account for that extra overhead.
Discrepancy: Parts Profit Margin is Higher in Tekmetric than in QuickBooks
Many shops might find themselves in a situation where their parts profit margin reported in Tekmetric might not line up with what’s in QuickBooks. For example, the End-of-Day Report in Tekmetric indicates that they are hitting that target; they sold $50,000 worth of parts with $25,000 in costs.
But QuickBooks tells a different story—a 30% parts margin, with $50,000 in spend and $35,000 in costs. That $10,000 difference in costs is concerning; something is majorly off.
Of course, by using the Back Office integration, you can stop these types of problems in their tracks. But here’s what else you can do.
Pull Up the Cost-of-Goods Report in QuickBooks
You can go into QuickBooks and pull up a report for the Costs-of-Goods sold for parts, which will show every transaction you made from the first day of that month to the last day of that month.
From there, you can do several things to sort through the data and make sense of it, including putting it into Excel or analyzing it by vendor. You can then compare that data with what’s in Tekmetric’s Parts Purchased Report to see where that $10,000 came from.
Perhaps you see that in QuickBooks, it shows that you spent $10,000 with a particular vendor, but in Tekmetric, it shows you’ve spent $0 with that vendor that month. Clearly, that’s a problem; somewhere, somehow, something slipped under the radar.
As you continue investigating, you’ll likely find the answer. Perhaps an ex-employee had used your name and account to purchase parts. Or, there could be a smaller reason for that disconnect, namely, things like cores and warranties. If you’re not getting that money on the back-end from your vendors, that can cut into your parts profit margin.
Once you figure out the cause, you can take the necessary steps to ensure it never happens again. So, in the case of the ex-employee using your name and account to purchase parts, you can place stronger safeguards for all departing employees to ensure they’ll never have access to your account again once your shop no longer employs them.
Match Every Part to a Paid Ticket in Tekmetric
Ultimately, if you paid for a part, make sure you can match it to a paid ticket in Tekmetric. It’s best practice to conduct regular spot checks to catch anything that’s not lining up along the way versus having to face an unpleasant surprise at the end of the month.
Become an Accounting Pro One Step at a Time
It’s totally natural to be intimidated by accounting, especially if it’s the first time that you’ve waded into the financial side of your business. But with experience and time, you’ll get the hang of things. Little by little, you’ll be able to look at a discrepancy and say “Oh! I understand what’s going on here.”
Focus on those small wins, and always continue learning. Dig behind the numbers, learn how to analyze them, and ask your accountant and team members questions along the way. Train your service advisors to get the basics right, too, so you have back up right there at the shop. Even if your shop doesn't face a particular accounting challenge today, it doesn’t mean it won’t in the future.
By learning even just the basics of accounting, you’re putting your shop in the best financial position by securing the best profit margins possible.
FAQ
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The automotive industry is one of the largest and most stable sectors in the U.S. economy, and becoming an automotive mechanic offers a rewarding, hands-on career path with plenty of opportunities for advancement.
Whether you're interested in working at local repair shops, car dealerships, or even starting your own garage, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What do mechanics do?
Automotive technicians are responsible for diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing vehicles of all types—from compact cars to light trucks and SUVs. Their work involves inspecting brake systems, replacing worn parts, and performing routine services like oil changes. Many mechanics work in repair shops or at car dealerships, but others prefer to start their own repair shop.
Mechanics work with a variety of tools and diagnostic equipment. They often use computerized systems to identify issues and ensure the car is functioning properly. In today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry, mechanics are expected to stay current with new technologies, especially in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Below, you will find practical steps you can take today to start your path to becoming an auto mechanic.
6 Steps to becoming a car mechanic
Starting a new career path can be challenging, so we outlined 6 practical steps you can take to jump-start your career.
1. Do your homework
Before you start your career, it is wise to consider if this is the right job for you. Will it pay enough to support your needs? Will you be able to keep up with the physical demands of the job? These are just two of the questions you need to ask yourself before moving forward.
How Much Do Automotive Mechanics Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2024 was approximately $49,670 per year, or about $23.88 per hour. However, salaries can vary based on several factors such as:
Location: Mechanics in cities or states with a higher cost of living tend to earn more.
Certifications: Holding ASE certifications or specializations can boost income.
Experience: Entry-level technicians typically earn less than seasoned professionals.
Industry: Working at car dealerships or as a mobile mechanic can pay differently than working in a small auto repair shop.
2. Training and education
Pursuing the right education, certifications, and training programs will set you on the right path to a successful career. Each path has unique benefits but it is best to select the path that will help you achieve your career goals.
Do I need to go to school to become a mechanic?
While formal training is not always required, it is highly recommended. Employers in both independent repair shops and dealerships prefer candidates with a solid educational background and certifications. If you opt not to pursue formal education, you will need to find a personal connection or an apprenticeship program where you can learn while working.
How long will it take to become a mechanic?
The timeline to becoming an auto mechanic depends on the education path you choose. In total, it may take anywhere from 6 months to 4 years to become job-ready, depending on the path and certifications you pursue. Here are the most common routes:
High School Diploma or GED: Most mechanic jobs require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Vocational Schools or Trade Schools: These typically offer certificate programs lasting 6 months to 1 year, giving students a fast track into entry-level roles.
Community College or Associate Degree: Completing an associate degree in an automotive technology program usually takes about 2 years and provides a deeper understanding of vehicle systems.
Apprenticeships: These allow students to earn while they learn and may last 2 to 4 years.
On-the-Job Training: Some auto mechanics begin their careers with no formal education and learn through hands-on experience at a repair shop or dealership.
3. Complete certifications
The most respected credential in the field is the ASE certification, offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Mechanics can earn ASE certification in areas such as engine repair, brake systems, electrical systems, automatic transmission, and heating/air conditioning.
To become ASE certified, you’ll need at least two years of work experience or a combination of formal training and on-the-job training. You’ll also need to pass one or more certification exams. Mechanics who pass tests in all major areas and have the required work experience can earn the title of Master Technician.
Being ASE certified shows employers and customers that you're a professional who meets industry standards. Many employers pay higher wages to certified auto mechanics, and some dealerships require ASE credentials for certain positions.
4. Prepare for your interview
Finding the right shop to start your career at can be a daunting task. It is often easiest to start at an express shop so you can get your feet wet before pursuing your career goals. Once you have applied to a shop, it is time to start preparing for the interview.
Mechanic Job Interview Questions
Whether you're aiming for a position at a dealership or local garage, be prepared for a formal interview. Here are common questions you may encounter:
Tell me about yourself and your experience as an automotive technician.
Why do you want to work for our company/shop?
How do you stay up to date with new automotive technologies and repair techniques?
What certifications do you currently hold (ASE, manufacturer-specific, etc.)?
Are you comfortable working weekends, evenings, or overtime if needed?
When answering, emphasize your hands-on training, work experience, and your commitment to continuous improvement. Don’t forget to highlight soft skills like teamwork, communication, and adaptability.
5. Utilize modern tools
The modern repair shop has embraced new technology to help improve efficiencies and revenue. Strive to have a solid understanding of modern diagnostic tools, apps, and software so you can hit the ground running. Another way to stand out to your future employer is to already have experience with their shop management system, so they don’t have to train you as much.
6. Get your hands dirty
Let the fun begin! Once you have landed your first job, learn to fail fast and ask questions as you meet more experienced technicians. Ask yourself each week if you are enjoying your job and if you think this is still the right career path for you. Don’t forget to make connections in the industry to boost your network and career path.
Final Thoughts
A career as an auto technician is more than just a job—it’s a skilled trade that keeps America moving. Whether you're working on a simple oil change or a complex engine repair, you'll be solving real-world problems and helping people stay safe on the road. With growing demand for mechanics who can service modern vehicles equipped with sophisticated electronic systems, the field is only becoming more essential.
Whether you're just getting started in the world of auto mechanics or you're a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills, having the right books in your toolkit can make a world of difference.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best 10 books for anyone looking to master automotive repair—five books for beginners and five for professionals. Whether you're diving into DIY oil changes, understanding electrical systems, or prepping for ASE certification, these books can help you become the car mechanic others rely on.
Top 5 Mechanic Books for Beginners
1. Auto Repair For Dummies by Deanna Sclar
Deanna Sclar, a trusted name in car books, breaks down automotive repair in a clear, engaging way. Topics include basics like changing oil, identifying car parts, and performing simple diagnostics. Updated editions also include guidance on hybrid and electric vehicles.
This book is great for high school students, DIY car owners, and anyone who wants to enhance their car repair knowledge. It teaches vehicle maintenance fundamentals and gives you the confidence to handle everyday car repair tasks.
This book is available in paperback and audiobook format on Amazon and Goodreads.
2. How Cars Work by Tom Newton
“How Cars Work” is an illustrated mechanics book designed to make complex automotive technology digestible. It covers everything from internal combustion engines to carburetors using simple diagrams and descriptions.
Ideal for visual learners and those completely new to auto mechanics. This is a great first book for beginners, high school students, and anyone wanting a strong visual foundation. This book is available at Amazon, Goodreads, and Walmart.
3. Service Repair Manuals
Service repair manuals offer detailed, step-by-step instructions specific to various makes and models. Whether you're working on a Chevy or a lawn mower, there's likely a repair manual for it.
These manuals walk you through every procedure—from basic maintenance to full rebuilds—making them excellent for DIY mechanics. The manuals are great for car owners who want to perform their own maintenance and repairs, especially oil changes and part replacements.
4. Auto Repair and maintenance for Beginners by Dave Stribling
This is a more recent release that blends practical guidance with a conversational tone. It’s designed for car owners who want to understand what’s under the hood without going back to school.
It breaks down diagnostics, basic electrical systems, and essential car repair projects with clarity and confidence. DIYers, automotive technology students, and anyone just entering the field will benefit from this resource. This book is available on Amazon and Target.
5. ASE Study Material
While not a traditional repair resource, these ASE guides cover specific topics you may be interested in. In addition, these resources can also help you study for your ASE exams/certification. These study guides cover everything from refrigerant to engine diagnostics.
These resources are great for beginners looking to become ASE certified or just want to deepen their technical knowledge of car repair. You can find these ASE resources on the ASE website.
Top 5 Mechanic Books for Professionals
1. Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach by Jack Erjavec & Rob Thompson
Used in technical schools and ASE training programs, this comprehensive study guide covers every vehicle system in detail. From brakes to diagnostics and internal combustion engines, it’s a powerhouse of professional knowledge.
Excellent for instructors, professional auto mechanics, and shop technicians. It’s also used as a curriculum base in many accredited auto mechanic programs. This book can be found on Amazon and Goodreads.
2. Engine Repair (A1) – ASE Test Prep Study Guide by Delmar Cengage
If you’re serious about becoming ASE certified, this study guide is one of the best tools to prep with. It’s focused on the A1 Engine Repair certification exam and is updated with the latest questions and procedures.
It contains practice questions, answer keys, and step-by-step breakdowns of engine troubleshooting and repairs. Mechanics pursuing ASE certification and current techs looking to refresh their credentials will benefit from this book.
3. Bosch Automotive Handbook
This is not your average repair manual. The Bosch Automotive Handbook is a dense, technical reference filled with precise definitions, formulas, and design principles behind modern vehicle systems, including electrical systems and diagnostics.
A must-have for those working on diagnostics or developing automotive systems. Not ideal for beginners, but invaluable for seasoned pros. This book is available on Amazon.
4. Advanced Automotive Fault Diagnosis by Tom Denton
Tom Denton is a trusted author in the world of automotive technology. This book focuses on advanced diagnostics using real-world case studies and troubleshooting processes.
It covers OBD systems, scan tools, sensor data interpretation, and diagnostics strategies used in modern repair shops. ASE certified professionals, diagnostic techs, and repair shop leads will appreciate this book. This book is available at Walmart and Amazon.
5. Motorcycle Basics Techbook by Matthew Coombs (Haynes)
Auto mechanics often expand into motorcycles. This Haynes book explores motorcycle maintenance and repair with the same detail they bring to their car repair manuals.
Great for mechanics who want to branch into motorcycle repair or work at specialized repair shops. This book is available on Amazon and Thriftbooks.
Other Mechanic Resources
While books are still relevant, many mechanics have transitioned to other resources like YouTube videos and podcasts. Here are some of our favorites.
YouTube
YouTube is a gold mine for car repair veterans and DIYers alike. Some of our favorite channels include:
Enright Auto - for new tools and repair techniques
Reddit can be another powerful resource for new techniques plus an online community to answer questions you may have. Some of the best subreddits include:
Investing in a good book isn’t just about reading—it’s about building your skills, your confidence, and your future in the automotive industry. Whether you’re just learning how cars work or studying classical mechanics principles, there’s a resource here that can guide you. The best mechanics know that their education never stops.
In the ever-evolving automotive industry, staying ahead of the curve means constantly learning and growing. For automotive service technicians, certifications aren’t just credentials—they’re powerful tools that open doors to better job opportunities, increased pay, and credibility with customers and employers alike.
Whether you're just starting out or already working in auto repair, understanding the most common types of mechanic certification can help you create a successful, long-lasting career. This guide will break down the most recognized certifications, how to attain them, and why they matter for every auto mechanic who wants to stand out.
Types of mechanic certifications
Mechanic certifications come in many forms, each tailored to different specializations and career goals. The most common types include:
1. ASE Certifications
Issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), these certifications are the gold standard for automotive mechanics. They cover a wide range of specialties, from engine repair to electronic systems and air conditioning.
ASE certification is considered the most prestigious and widely accepted credential in the automotive world.
More about ASE
Founded in 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence sets the benchmark for automotive service technicians. ASE offers over 50 different certification tests in categories like:
Engine Repair
Brake Systems
Air Conditioning and Heating
Suspension and Steering
Electrical/Electronic Systems
Engine Performance
Manual and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
Light Truck and Diesel Engines
Master technicians
There’s also a separate path for master technician status, which is achieved by passing all certifications in the required testing areas for that series. For example, technicians certified in tests A1 through A8 are Master automobile technicians.
Master technician status is not for life. You must keep each one of those certifications current to maintain master technician status. If you lose master technician status due to the lapse of one or more required certifications, it can be reinstated by taking and passing the recertification tests.
How long does it take to become ASE certified?
To become ASE certified, expect to spend anywhere from 1–3 years, depending on your work experience and whether you’re currently enrolled in training programs. Each certification test typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete and can be scheduled at a local test center.
Being ASE certified shows you’ve mastered the skills needed for the job. It’s a badge of excellence recognized by employers, repair shops, and even customers looking for reliable service.
2. Student certifications
Geared toward high school and post-secondary students in automotive technology programs, these ASE certifications offer a head start in proving foundational knowledge.
What are student certifications?
Student certifications validate entry-level knowledge in core areas of vehicle repair and maintenance. These don’t require work experience and serve as a stepping stone to full ASE status.
Programs approved by the ASE Education Foundation often include student certification exams as part of their curriculum. These are excellent options for students at auto mechanic schools or in a community college training program.
Student certifications are valid for two years and help you build confidence before entering the workforce as an entry-level technician.
3. Manufacturer certifications
These certifications are specific to vehicle manufacturers and offered by companies like Ford, Toyota, GM, and others. Often, auto technicians working in dealerships will pursue these to show mastery of brand-specific systems.
For repair technicians who want to specialize in a particular brand, manufacturer certifications are essential.
Manufacturer training programs
Toyota T-TEN
Ford ASSET
GM ASEP
Honda PACT
BMW STEP
These accredited programs often partner with dealerships to offer real-world, hands-on experience while you earn your credential. These programs can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months and typically require completion of automotive technology coursework alongside on-the-job work experience at a brand-affiliated repair center.
Why they matter
Manufacturer-certified auto technicians often have a faster path to high-paying roles within dealership networks and brand-specific repair shops. These certifications also prepare you to service increasingly complex vehicle systems, especially as brands continue to innovate with hybrid and electric vehicles.
4. Specialty certifications
You’ll also find credentials related to diesel engines, heavy truck systems, collision repair, and even hybrid/electric vehicles.
Each of these certification types plays a unique role in an automotive technician’s career path, and in many cases, earning more than one will make you significantly more marketable in repair shops and beyond.
Depending on your interests, you may also want to pursue:
A/C Refrigerant Certification - Necessary if you want to be able to to buy refrigerant and work on air conditioning service.
Diesel Mechanics Certification – Focused on diesel engines used in commercial fleets and heavy truck applications.
Collision Repair Certification – Great for auto mechanics looking to work in body shops.
Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Certification – A growing field with high demand.
Each of these certifications typically requires completion of a specialized training course and a passing score on certification exams. These programs may be part of a broader certificate program or offered as a standalone credential.
Tek-Tip: Another way to get ahead as a young technician is to be experienced with auto repair shop software so your employer doesn't have to teach you how to use their system.
Benefits of mechanic certifications
Getting certified is one of the most direct ways to turn your hands-on experience into a long-term career asset. Mechanic certifications do more than look good on a resume—they deliver real-world advantages. Here are some of the benefits of completing automotive certifications:
Increased Pay: Certified mechanics typically earn higher wages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), certified automotive mechanics can earn higher hourly rates, especially in competitive markets.
Job Security: The more certifications you have, the more valuable you are to auto repair businesses.
Professional Credibility: Certification demonstrates a commitment to quality and standards, building trust with customers and employers.
Career Advancement: Certified automotive service technicians are more likely to advance to roles such as shop foreman, master technician, or service manager.
Mobility: Certifications make it easier to move between different types of employers—whether that’s independent repair shops, starting a mobile mechanic business, dealerships, or specialty service centers.
What does the certification process look like?
Most mechanic certifications follow a similar pathway but always refer to the specific instructions for your program.
Step 1: Enroll
Start by enrolling in an automotive technology program. These are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and accredited auto mechanic schools. Many programs are supported by the ASE Education Foundation, ensuring alignment with real-world industry standards.
Look for certificate programs or associate degrees that offer hands-on training. Financial aid is often available for eligible students.
Step 2: Gain work experience
Work experience is critical for most certifications. For ASE certification, for example, you need at least two years of on-the-job experience—or one year plus a diploma from an accredited program. You’ll need to show that you’ve worked on everything from brake systems and axles to manual drive train repairs and electrical systems.
Step 3: Pass certification tests
Most mechanic certifications require passing written or computer-based certification exams. These are typically held at a certified test center. The exams cover a variety of topics depending on the specialty, including engine performance, electronic systems, and automatic transmission repair.
Tek-Tip: Some auto shops/employers will pay your test fees for you.
Step 4: Maintain certification
Many certifications require recertification every five years. Staying current ensures you’re up to date with the latest automotive repair techniques, tools, and systems.
Final thoughts
Becoming a certified mechanic takes dedication, but the payoff is worth it. From better job prospects to increased credibility, mechanic certifications help you build a successful, respected career in automotive repair.
Invest in your future. Get trained, get certified, and become a leader in the ever-growing world of automotive repair.
Thought Leadership
Automotive Mechanic Certifications: The Complete Guide
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