Automotive Service Technology

The Automotive Service Technology (AST) Program, based on the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) curriculum developed by the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation (NATEF), prepares students for careers in the automotive service industry. Students concentrate on seven (7) major areas of automotive service with emphasis on preparation for the associated ASE Certification examinations. Additionally, students learn proper shop management procedures through extensive lab assignments in the AST Department’s live shop. The certificate can be used as one of the technical disciplines required for the AAS in General Technology. 

Students are strongly encouraged to purchase a basic set of tools after the first semester in the AST program. Almost all dealerships and independent repair facilities require technicians to have their own tools and are reluctant to hire technicians who do not. Several tool manufacturers (Snap-On, SK, MAC, etc.) provide significant educational discounts to students. Information on these discount purchase programs is available from AST program instructors. 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Understand and use basic safety in the automotive service industry.

• Identify and properly use automotive service materials, tools, and shop equipment.

• Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret service manuals.

• Demonstrate critical thinking techniques to diagnose and repair all auto service problems.