Old habits are hard to break, especially when it comes to the physicality of handwritten notes.
A pen and a piece of paper can provide a better sense of security—they’re tangible and tactile. In our minds, we view paper as something we “own”, which makes it seem more reliable and easily obtainable.
But is pen and paper more reliable than digital tools?
Although the trusty pen and paper method does have perks, there’s a time and a place for everything. Which leads us to paper’s modern day competitor: digital software.
Switching paper out for a modern, digital format will enhance legibility, make archiving far easier than having file cabinets full of papers, and will strengthen collaboration across your team. Not to mention, you don’t run the risk of a fire or flood destroying your shop’s backed up data the way a natural disaster would with paper files and documents.
Now, this isn’t to say that digital software will replace every single piece of paper; however, software can successfully improve the efficiency of projects—especially when it comes to running an auto shop.
Let’s bring it back to the initial question: is automotive work order software a replacement for pen and paper? The rough answer is "yes," although there may be times where you still want to have paper as an option.
But many pen and paper tasks can be replaced, and should, for better productivity and organization. Automotive work order software can astronomically enhance your shop’s productivity and organization in ways that traditional methods cannot.
In your personal life, paper can take precedence in whichever way you wish. But in your shop, opting in for a digital system instead of pen and paper has more pros than cons.
Pen & Paper vs. Software
Let’s look at the data on why software has the ability to replace pen and pen and paper: A study conducted by Deloitte in 2019 found that 85% of all SMBs (small and medium-sized business owners) report that the digital tools they are using have helped their business in some way.
The study gathered 1,000 SMBs to take part in the survey. Here are the key findings:
Businesses with advanced use of digital tools are five times more likely to reach new customers than their less digitally advanced counterparts.
Tech-savvy businesses are three times more likely to create new products and services and are two times more likely to create jobs than those that don’t rely on technology as much.
Businesses that leverage digital tools are three times more likely to experience revenue growth and twice as profitable.
Writing things down on a piece of paper definitely has its benefits, and shouldn’t be ridiculed as a form of notetaking. In fact, many individuals opt into pen and paper when they’re either in a hurry, or need to focus and want to prevent any distractions.
I’m sure you’re thinking to yourself, “Why is a digital software company telling me this? Aren’t they selling software?” Well, you’re not wrong, but our team at Tekmetric believes in highlighting all aspects of auto repair shops—and although modernizing your shop is an ideal way to make strides in the auto repair industry—traditional mediums shouldn’t be completely eradicated.
So, before we get into the benefits of software, let’s take a look at when handwritten notes make for an ideal option.
When the Good Ol’ Pen and Paper Still Comes in Handy
Ask yourself when was the last time you used a pen and a piece of paper to jot something down. There’s a good chance it was because of one of the following scenarios:
You were in a hurry,
You needed to focus, or
You wanted to make a note-to-self.
These reasons for taking handwritten notes can also be applicable in your shop. Whether you’re a technician, service writer, or shop owner, focus and efficiency are key components of your day.
Although you may have your habitual way of jotting down thoughts and reminders, where pen and paper are lacking is filling out work orders (or Repair Orders) in your shop. Manually writing down an RO for a customer, even on a templated piece of paper, will get in the way more than it helps.
That’s why creating room for a more secure, efficient, and clean form, like digital work order software, will enhance your shop in more ways than one.
6 Ways Digital Software will Enhance your Auto Repair Shop
A huge part of auto shop’s are the work orders created, under way, completed, and archived. Having the ability to not only make the process easier for your team, but also streamlining the work order life cycle is a shop innovation you won’t regret.
1. Effective Collaboration Across the Board
Think of how many moving parts there are in the work order process: technicians collaborate with the service writers on parts needed, repairs completed, and any additional findings that need to be addressed; service writers collaborate with both the techs on in-progress work orders and customers on where their car is at in the repair process; and customers collaborate with the service writers by having to sign off on repairs.
With pen and paper, the above steps require quite a bit of juggling. The technician might be trading sticky notes with the service writers, and service writers would need to get customers to sign off on estimates, invoices, and repair orders.
At the end of just one repair, your team might have used four or five sheets of paper and a half-dozen sticky notes! With so many pieces of paper shuffling between hands, there is a lot of room for error and inefficiencies.
With automotive work order software your team can track and collaborate on the same platform.
Every person is seeing the same information on their screen, so there is far less room for misinterpretation, error, or lost sheets of paper. Create repair orders, access notes, findings, part orders, and write up the customer with just a few clicks.
Common features include:
Built-in DVI’s
View employee schedules across the shop
Send job statuses to customers via SMS or email estimates/invoices
Easily search saved vendors by name, phone, email, or website
Give customers the ability to make mobile payments with Tekmerchant
View real-time reports of your shop anytime, anywhere you have internet access
Tek-Tip: work order software isn’t the only advantage of Tekmetric. Here are additional features that will enhance your shop’s collaboration even more.
2. Clean and Organized Format
Keeping lists, memos, and notes organized can become a challenge, especially as work orders start to stack up. Organization is vital at any auto repair shop. Just think of how many projects go on in just a day’s time—from the creation of the work order, to the invoice payment.
Digital software eliminates the hassle of keeping paper and file cabinets organized.
Alongside that, it gives your team the ability to cleanly and quickly enter the info they need to, when they need to—whether that’s the service writer entering the customer’s information or the tech entering their findings during the vehicle inspection.
Having work order software will boost the efficiency of your team by keeping everyone on top of tasks and organized throughout the entire process.
A digital “filing” system will make it easier for you to sort, save, share, and find that work order information you’re looking for.
3. Exceedingly More Secure
Digital documents are inherently more secure than paper documents If your shop only uses paper, the risk of information being lost or damaged is inherently higher.
Let’s say an unforeseen natural disaster impacted your shop—whether a fire, flood, tornado, etc.—your data, safely stored, will not be lost. Your shop’s data stream will be backed up with Tekmetric’s secure technology and cloud-based software.
And you already know what would happen if your shop’s document system was managed primarily through physical materials.
Going digital will not only prevent data from getting lost or “stolen”, but will also—quite literally—save your shop’s finances, history, customer information, and team schedules from getting destroyed due to the unexpected.
Which leads us to another security aspect to highlight: confidentiality. Auto repair software, like Tekmeteric, ensures there is a level of security for all users—whether for your team or your shop’s customers.
And while as a leader you hire trustworthy employees, there are times when team members need to be let go.
If that’s the case, with Tekmetric you can customize permissions to prevent them from taking any personal info from customers and/or the shop.
4. Create Work Orders in Minutes
Think to yourself what all goes into creating a work order: the work order number, the description, the customer’s information, the created/completed dates, the vehicle’s history, customer notes, and so on.
How long would it take you to write down a work order with all of that required information?
Most people on average type faster than they write with a pen.
According to a study comparing typing vs. handwriting, researchers found that those who participated had a typing speed of at least five words per minute faster than writing by hand.
In addition to typing speed, the fact that digital software can pull information from reports and customer notes means a work order that would take 45 minutes to fill out by hand only takes about 10 minutes to fill out with software.
5. Legible No Matter What
One thing that makes hand-written notes so unique is that everyone's handwriting is different.
Now, while your unique handwriting might add a great personal touch to a letter or card, it might not be best suited for situations where legibility is super important—like on an estimate or work memo. And let's face it: not everyone has the cleanest handwriting.
Yes, handwritten notes have situational advantages, but an auto shop is usually not the place for that.
You’ll have to make copies, the technician’s notes might be difficult for people to read, and if any spelling errors or misreading occurs, the possibility of mistakes—whether with a customer’s car, or the shop’s operations—is unfortunately heightened.
What if the service writer was in a hurry writing down a customer’s service issues, and the tech misinterpreted what was jotted down?
Imagine how upset a customer would be if their vehicle started acting up again right after leaving the shop.
With automotive work order software you never have to worry about illegible handwriting or chicken scratch getting in the way of a job well done.
Service writers can type down the customer’s issues, assign the RO to a tech, and the technicians—simply using a smartphone, tablet, or computer—can type out their findings, with detailed photos and videos showing customers exactly what is wrong.
Tek-Tip: Do you have customers or technicians that prefer having physical copies of invoices or inspection reports? With Tekmetric, you can print inspections and repair orders for technicians, or estimates and invoices for customers on-demand. You also have the ability to control what appears on printed estimates, invoices, inspections, and ROs, including your shop’s address, phone number, email, website, and logo.
6. Schedule in Real-Time
Papers take more time to store, find, and recall. Sure, you can just start a new sheet of paper, but then you have duplicate information with various sheets of paper lying around.
And with pen and paper, you can only look at one at a time, which isn’t very manageable in the auto repair industry.
With digital software, you can look at everything, all at once.
Whether it’s pulling up one specific work order, populating all current work orders, or viewing your shop’s whole month calendar.
Having the ability to quickly and instantaneously pencil in appointments is a scheduling must when you have five work orders going on at any one time.
Service writers: let’s say you have a walk-in at the shop.
Having the ability to quickly enter their info—or if they were a customer in the past, Tekmetric will automatically populate it in the future—is the ideal scenario for both you and the customer.
Work order software will ramp up that efficiency and help you grow your business exponentially.
No Papers Lost, No Time Wasted
Think of how you’re viewing this blog: you’re either reading it from your phone, laptop, or tablet. The benefit of this being online rather than handwritten or face-to-face is that it’s 1) easy to find, 2) takes up no space, and 3) can be easily shared with other shop owners.
Accessing it digitally enhances the experience.
Just as you might be clicking one of the links embedded in the article, you can also click from one Tekmetric feature to the next. From the Job Board, to the shop’s inventory, to the BG canned jobs integration—it’s all just a click away.
FAQ
similar articles
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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