Automotive

The Automotive Certificate Program provides opportunities to complete various career training certificates that create pathways to entry-level employment in the automotive industry or transition to college. Students engage in hands-on learning with state-of-the-art equipment and receive instruction from top-rated faculty.

Student Success

Humberto Perez completed San Diego College of Continuing Education’s Auto Body and Paint Technician program in 2010. He returned to SDCCE in 2017 to study Automotive Upholstery and earn two more certificates. While many technicians specialize in an area, such as transmission, or brakes, Humberto wanted to become a more competitive employee by understanding the entire anatomy of a vehicle. “I would think to myself I should work on engines because it could benefit me,” he said. “In the real world, a job advertisement is only looking for a Mechanic or a Body Painter, so as a certified Technician I am experienced in many areas and I can ask for better pay.” Following SDCCE Perez opened his own automotive business, where he builds vehicles and performs custom work.

Humberto Perez

Auto Body and Paint Technician

600 HOURS
25 HOURS PER WEEK
24 WEEKS

Skills: Remove and install auto body panels, parts, and glass — Prepare a vehicle for paint, detail work, and use high transfer paint equipment — Use and maintain hand and power auto tools — Communicate effectively and professionally on the job, and apply work ethics — Follow industry safety practices and procedures

Teaching is based on industry standards developed by I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair). Students can choose to specialize in either auto body repair or paint, or both.

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Complete two courses:

  • AUTO 411 Auto Body and Paint Technician
  • AUTO 411A Auto Body and Paint Technician

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Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description College Credit version

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Enroll

Enroll in classes in your mySDCCD portal.

Welcome Center

Visit the Virtual Welcome Center or any Welcome Center at a campus near you
619-388-SDCE (7323)


Auto Technician

920 HOURS
25 HOURS PER WEEK
39 WEEKS

Skills: Diagnose and repair problems with engines, brakes, suspension, steering, electronics, and fuel systems — Use computer for diagnostics — Correctly use and maintain hand tools and equipment — Communicate effectively and professionally on the job, and apply work ethics — Follow industry safety practices and procedures

Lessons are based on best-practice industry standards from NATEF (National Automotive Technician Education Foundation), and knowledgeable instructors have modern technical qualifications. Our classes include BAR-certified Level 1 and Level 2 training, which qualifies you to take the California state exam for your smog inspector license.

A normal day of classes includes time in a lecture setting and hands-on work in the shop. Work as part of a team, on actual cars scheduled for repair in a work setting that is like those in the automotive repair industry.

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Complete three courses:

  • AUTO 507 Auto Technician
  • AUTO 507A Auto Technician
  • AUTO 507B Auto Technician

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Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description College Credit version

Apply

Enroll

Enroll in classes in your mySDCCD portal.

Welcome Center

Visit the Virtual Welcome Center or any Welcome Center at a campus near you
619-388-SDCE (7323)


Quick Service Inspection Technician

162 HOURS
13 HOURS PER WEEK
13 WEEKS

Skills: Inspect vehicles, prepare estimates, change fluids, and learn proper hazardous waste disposal. Make minor electrical repairs using hand, power and lifting tools.

This program provides students with an overview of automotive quick services and new/used vehicle preparation. It covers vehicle inspections, preparing estimates, changing fluids and filters, proper hazardous waste disposal, minor electrical repairs, and road-testing techniques. Students learn how to inspect and evaluate vehicle systems to determine if advanced levels of repairs are needed. They also learn how to identify and operate necessary equipment and tools.

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Complete two courses:

  • AUTO 600 Quick Service Technician
  • AUTO 601 Automotive Intro and Safety

Enroll Now

Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description College Credit version

Apply

Enroll

Enroll in classes in your mySDCCD portal.

Welcome Center

Visit the Virtual Welcome Center or any Welcome Center at a campus near you
619-388-SDCE (7323)


Service Advisor

300 HOURS
25 HOURS PER WEEK
13 WEEKS

Skills: Customer service and communication skills, writing repair orders, estimating parts and labor costs, a basic understanding of vehicle systems, service requirements, and parts including original equipment manufacturing and aftermarket parts identification.

Learn the skills that you need to become an Automotive Service Advisor for both small and large independent garages and dealerships. The program covers the overall role of the service advisor, including customer service and communication skills, writing repair orders, estimating parts and labor costs. You will also gain a basic understanding of vehicle systems, functions, service requirements and parts including original equipment manufacturing and aftermarket parts identification.

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Complete two courses:

  • AUTO 508 Service Advisor I
  • AUTO 508A Service Advisor II

Enroll Now

Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description College Credit version

Apply

Enroll

Enroll in classes in your mySDCCD portal.

Welcome Center

Visit the Virtual Welcome Center or any Welcome Center at a campus near you
619-388-SDCE (7323)


Mission: San Diego College of Continuing Education commits to student success and community enrichment by providing tuition-free, accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and support services to diverse learners in pursuit of lifelong learning, training, career advancement, and pathways to credit college. Read more about the SDCCE mission »