Most auto mechanics, also called automotive service technicians, complete an automotive program at a trade school or community college and then build skills on the job, often starting in an entry-level shop role. Over time many earn ASE certifications, which require passing an exam plus related work experience. Some states license mechanics or repair shops, and anyone servicing vehicle air conditioning needs EPA Section 609 certification.
Life in a repair shop
Modern repair starts with diagnosis. You connect scan tools, read data, test circuits and figure out what is actually wrong before you pick up a wrench.
- The work: brakes, suspension, engines, transmissions, electrical systems and, more and more, software updates and hybrid or electric drive systems.
- The settings: dealerships, independent shops, chain service centers, fleet garages and government motor pools.
- How pay often works: many shops pay by the job based on a standard time for each repair, so speed and accuracy both matter. Ask how a shop pays before you accept.
- Tools: many technicians are expected to buy their own hand tools over time, which is a real cost to plan for.
Training routes
- High school automotive classes: some programs follow national standards and give you a real head start.
- Certificate program: often several months to a year at a trade school or community college.
- Associate degree: about two years, with more electrical and diagnostic depth, useful if you want to move into diagnostics or management.
- Manufacturer-sponsored programs: some automakers partner with schools and dealers to train technicians on their vehicles.
- On the job: starting as a lube or tire technician and learning from senior techs.
- Military: vehicle maintenance roles build skills that carry over.
Our guides on choosing a trade and trade school vs college help if you are still comparing paths.
ASE, EPA 609 and state requirements
ASE (the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) offers exams in areas like brakes, engine repair, electrical systems and heating and air conditioning. To hold an ASE certification you pass the test and show about two years of related work experience, and some schooling can count toward that. Passing a set of core tests earns master technician status, and certifications must be renewed periodically. Students can take entry-level ASE tests while in school. Separately, federal rules require EPA Section 609 certification to handle vehicle refrigerant. A few states require mechanics or repair shops to be licensed or registered, and emissions inspection work usually has its own license, so check with your state.
Steps from high school to the shop floor
- Take auto shop if your school has it, plus math and any electronics class.
- Work on your own car or a family car with supervision. Learn to use a multimeter.
- Get a part-time job at a tire shop, quick lube or parts store.
- Enroll in a certificate or associate program and take the student ASE tests.
- Get hired as an entry-level tech and ask to learn diagnostics from the best tech in the shop.
- Earn ASE certifications as your experience grows, and consider a specialty like diesel, electrical or electric vehicles.
Find out if you like it
- Spend a day shadowing at an independent shop and a dealership.
- Take a community college intro auto class in the evening.
- Ask technicians for informational interviews about pay structure, tool costs and the hardest part of the job.
Who does well, and why some move on
Mechanics who thrive like puzzles, stay calm when a problem will not show itself and keep learning as cars change. People leave because of physical wear, pressure from pay-per-job systems, tool costs or burnout from constant interruptions. Many experienced techs move into service advising, shop foreman roles, fleet management, teaching or owning a shop.
Changing careers into auto repair
Adults come to this trade from warehouse, military, delivery and construction work. Evening and weekend programs exist, and starting in an entry-level shop job lets you earn while you learn. See our guides on career change and a career without a degree. For current pay and outlook, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor helps a student or young adult figure out whether auto repair is the right fit, compare training options, set weekly goals while in school, prepare for the first job and stick with it through the early months. Mentors are not credentialed career counselors, admissions counselors or licensing experts; they keep you organized and moving. Learn more about career and education mentoring and mentoring for high school students.
Related
- Career paths: guides to more careers
- How to become an HVAC technician
- How to become a truck driver
- How to become an electrician
Common questions
Do you need a degree to be an auto mechanic?
No. Most mechanics complete a certificate or associate program, and some learn on the job. A degree can help if you want to move into diagnostics or management.
What does ASE stand for?
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which offers exams for technicians. Holding an ASE certification requires passing a test and having related work experience.
Do I need my own tools?
Many shops expect technicians to build their own hand tool collection over time. Ask each employer what they provide and what you are expected to buy.
Is auto repair a good trade with electric vehicles coming?
Vehicles still need brakes, suspension, tires and electrical diagnosis, and electric drive systems need trained technicians. Building strong electrical skills is a smart way to stay current.
Get started
Thinking about auto repair and want a plan to get started? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.