Automotive Service Technology*, Certificate

Program Code

7603

Program Overview

Automotive Service Technology at Santa Fe College is a two-year Certificate program that prepares students for entry-level positions in the industry. The program consists of 1800 contact hours of courses that provide general knowledge of the automobile and its operating systems. The courses combine classroom instruction and hands-on training. A fleet of late model automobiles offers students hands-on experience with the latest technology in the industry.

For more information, please contact Tom Mason at tom.mason@sfcollege.edu

This program is eligible for SF's Money-back Guarantee program.

Students must

  • Have a valid driver's license.
  • Be at least 16 years of age.
  • High School Dual Enrollment students are welcome.
  • No high school completion or equivalent required.
  • Be accepted to the college and have completed the entire admissions process.
  • Have Automotive Service Technology Certificate (code 7603) as their Primary Program

Contact Program Advisor for assistance with registration

Total estimated cost (based on instate tuition, lab fees and book costs) $5,557

Scholarships

There are many scholarships available for Santa Fe College students to apply to. Please visit the Scholarships webpage for more information and how to apply.

Financial Aid

There are many options to finance your education.  You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships.  Please visit the Financial Aid page for more information and how to apply.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

  • PLO1: Students will demonstrate proficiency in safety practices and usage of proper equipment associated with the automotive industry.
  • PLO2: Students will demonstrate the ability to research, communicate and document as needed in the automotive service industry.
  • PLO3: Students will demonstrate ability to work professionally and with others in a shop environment.
  • PLO4: Students will demonstrate abilities to work with area specific tools and equipment associated with the ASE categories found in industry.
  • PLO5: Students will show ability to perform diagnosis and repair of automobiles that are in need.

Curriculum Map

  • PLO1: 
  • PLO2: 
  • PLO3: 
  • PLO4: 
  • PLO5: 

Assessments

AER0010 - Develop proper safety procedures and basic tool usage. Written and performance-based testing verify student competencies. ASE or other Professional Certification recommended.

AER0012C - AER0022 Display proper repair procedures and tool usage. Written and performance-based testing verify student competencies. ASE or other Professional Certification recommended.

AER0450 - AER0452 Display understanding of related components, operation, specialized tools and repair procedures in the field of automotive air conditioning. Written and performance-based testing verify student competencies. ASE or other Professional Certification recommended.

AER0590, AER0591 - Develop skills to utilize specialized tools as well as diagnostic and repair procedures. Written and performance-based testing verify student competencies. ASE or other Professional Certification recommended.

AER0691C - Develop skills in electrical, electronic systems as well as specialized tools, diagnosis, and repair of those components and systems. Written and performance-based testing verify student competencies. ASE or other Professional Certification recommended.

AER0190C - Develop skills to remove and replace, rebuild, repair and diagnose engines. Written and performance-based testing verify student competencies. ASE or other Professional Certification recommended.

AER0299 - Develop skills to understand proper automatic transmission operation, removal, replacement, repair and diagnosis. Written and performance-based testing verify student competencies. ASE or other Professional Certification recommended.

AER0390, AER0391 - Develop skills to understand proper manual transmission operation, removal, replacement, repair and diagnosis. Written and performance-based testing verify student competencies. ASE or other Professional Certification recommended.

AER0759 - Develop skills to understand operation, use specialized tools, diagnose systems and perform repairs. Written and performance-based testing verify student competencies. ASE or other Professional Certification recommended.

AER0892C, AER0893C - Develop skills to understand proper engine operation, use specialized tools, diagnose systems and perform repairs. Written and performance-based testing verify student competencies. ASE or other Professional Certification recommended.

Courses

  • AER0010 Automotive Fundamentals
  • AER0021C & AER 0022 Basic Automotive Service
  • AER0450 & AER0452 Steering and Suspension
  • AER0590 & AER 0591 Brake Systems
  • AER0691C Electrical/Electronics
  • AER0190C Automotive Engines
  • AER 0299 Automatic Transmission and Transaxle
  • AER0390 & AER0391 Manual Transmissions and Drivetrains
  • AER0759 Air Conditioning
  • AER0892C & AER0893C Engine Performance

Total 1800 contact hours.

1st Term – Fall

  • AER0010 AUTOMOTIVE FUNDAMENTALS 225 contact hours
  • AER0021C BASIC AUTO SERVICE I 135 contact hours

2nd Term – Spring

  • AER0022 BASIC AUTO SERVICE II 60 contact hours
  • AER0691C FUNDAMENTALS OF ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS 237 contact hours
  • AER0590 AUTOMOTIVE BRAKE SYSTEMS I 63 contact hours

3rd Term – Summer

  • AER0591 AUTOMOTIVE BRAKE SYSTEMS II 69 contact hours
  • AER0450 STEERING & SUSPENSION I 111 contact hours

4th Term – Fall

  • AER0452 STEERING & SUSPENSION II 24 contact hours
  • AER0190C AUTOMOTIVE ENGINES I 135 contact hours
  • AER0759 AUTO HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 135 contact hours
  • AER0390 MANUAL DRIVETRAINS I 66 contact hours

5th Term – Spring

  • AER0391 MANUAL DRIVETRAINS II 69 contact hours
  • AER0299 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS & TRANSAXLES 186 contact hours
  • AER0892C ENGINE PERFORMANCE I 105 contact hours

6th Term – Summer

  • AER0893C ENGINE PERFORMANCE II 180 contact hours

Section 1. Essential Observational Requirements for Automotive Certificate Students.

The Automotive student must be able to:

  • observe laboratory demonstrations in which vehicles with technical and mechanical problems are diagnosed and repaired.
  • describe the condition of a vehicle verbally and in writing.
  • use diagnostic equipment effectively by correctly placing sensors on the appropriate wiring and instruments of a vehicle.
  • read and comprehend text, numbers, and graphs displayed in print and on a video monitor or screen.

Section 2. Essential Movement Requirements for Automotive Certificate Students.

The Automotive student must be able to:

  • be in the automotive classroom as well as the service lab at the designated times as described in the course syllabus for educational experiences.
  • work in confined spaces.
  • move safely around the classroom and automotive service lab.
  • reach various areas within a vehicle including getting into tight, hard to reach places for moderate periods of time.
  • perform moderately taxing continuous physical work, often requiring prolonged standing over several hours.
  • demonstrate sufficient strength, balance, and mobility in order to frequently handle dirty and greasy parts, e.g. removing the head of a V-8 or straight 6 cylinder engine.
  • tolerate contact with various petroleum products and other moderately hazardous materials.
  • demonstrate proper use and control of power tools as well as diagnostic equipment.
  • use an electronic keyboard (e.g. 101 -key IBM computer keyboard) to operate lab equipment and to calculate, record, evaluate, and transmit automotive information.
  • operate vehicles safely.

Section 3. Essential Communication Requirements for Automotive Certificate Students.

The Automotive student must consistently demonstrate the ability to:

  • read and comprehend technical and professional materials (e.g. textbooks, schematics, handbooks, procedure and instruction manuals).
  • comprehend verbal communications, including lectures, discussions, and conversations with automotive professionals and clients.
  • follow verbal and written instructions in order to correctly and independently perform shop duties.
  • effectively communicate with vehicle owners about problems and repairs.
  • independently prepare papers and homework, and take paper, computer, and laboratory practical examinations.

Section 4. Essential Cognitive Requirements for Automotive Certificate Student.

The Automotive student must:

  • be able to use a diagnostic approach to thoroughly examine vehicles to determine not only any current problems but also to find any worn parts that may cause the vehicle (and driver) problems in the future.

Section 5. Essential Behavioral Requirements for Automotive Certificate Student.

The Automotive student must consistently demonstrate the ability to:

  • manage the use of time and organize work in order to complete multiple tasks and responsibilities within realistic constraints.
  • independently exercise appropriate judgment and apply cognitive skills in the classroom, automotive lab, and automotive service settings.
  • provide professional and technical services while experiencing the stresses of task-related uncertainty (e.g. impatient customers, the occasional cut and bruise), emergent demands (high level of "walk-ins"), and a distracting environment (e.g. high noise levels, hot and drafty conditions).
  • be flexible and creative and adapt to professional and technical change.
  • recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and work safely in order to minimize risk of injury to customers, self and nearby individuals.
  • adapt to working with unpleasant substances (e.g. old coolant, gas, transmission fluid).
  • foster a team approach by supporting and promoting the activities of fellow students and automotive professionals in learning, task completion, problem solving, and customer service.
  • admit when an error has been made, when uncertain about a diagnostic result, or when unsure about the appropriate response in professional situations.
  • critically evaluate his or her own performance, accept constructive feedback, and seek ways for improvement (e.g. participate in enriching educational activities).
  • evaluate the performance of fellow students, faculty, advisors, and the program as well as tactfully offer constructive feedback.
  • adhere to all course policies and procedures as outlined in the course syllabus.
  • adhere to all college policies and procedures as outlined in the student handbook.

Disclosure

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is not the bill that you will receive from Santa Fe College. It is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend Santa Fe College for one academic year including tuition, books, course materials, living expenses, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.

Tuition and fees in the cost of attendance below are calculated for credit hour programs, assuming enrollment in 12 credit hours in the Fall and Spring semesters. Actual tuition and fees may vary by program. For a better understanding of your chosen program’s tuition and fees, see program costs above.

Undergraduate Lower Division Courses (A.A./A.S. Degree Courses)

  Off-Campus* Off-Campus w/ Parent**

Tuition and Fees

In-State: $106.77 per credit
Out-Of-State: $382.90 per credit

In-State: $2,563

Out-Of-State: $9,190

In-State: $2,563

Out-Of-State: $9,190

Books, Course Materials,
Supplies, and Equipment

$783 $783
Living Expenses
(Food & Housing)
$10,367 $3,654
Miscellaneous
Personal Expenses
$2,394 $2,394
Transportation $1,197 $3,942
Total

In-State: $17,304

Out-Of-State: $23,931

In-State: $13,336

Out-Of-State: $19,963

Undergraduate Upper Division Courses (Bachelor's Degree Courses)

  Off-Campus* Off-Campus w/ Parent**

Tuition and Fees

In-State: $126.33 per credit
Out-Of-State: $428.83 per credit

In-State: $3,032

Out-Of-State: $10,292

In-State: $3,032

Out-Of-State: $10,292

Books, Course Materials,
Supplies, and Equipment
$783 $783
Living Expenses
(Food & Housing)
$10,367 $3,654
Miscellaneous
Personal Expenses
$2,394 $2,394
Transportation $1,197 $3,942
Total

In-State: $17,773

Out-Of-State: $25,033

In-State: $13,805

Out-Of-State: $21,065

*Off-Campus: you intend to live off-campus but not with your parent(s).

**Off-Campus with Parent: you intend to live with your parent(s) or other relatives.

Note: All costs and rates are subject to change for the upcoming year.

For more detailed information, visit SF's Cost of Attendance page.

 

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