How To Become an Auto Mechanic
Summary. We reviewed real candidate profiles to learn the best path to become an auto mechanic. We'll guide you through the education, experiences, and skills hiring managers look for in an auto mechanic.
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It's important to have relevant work experience, with typical job requirements ranging from 1-2 years in related fields.
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Common job titles before becoming an auto mechanic include mechanic, automotive technician, and machine operator.
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Hiring managers expect an auto mechanic to have soft skills such as organizational skills, troubleshooting skills, and customer-service skills.
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Once you have all the required skills and experience, it takes an average of 1-3 months of job training to become an auto mechanic.
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Getting a certification as a Commercial Driver License (CDL) will help you to earn more as an auto mechanic.
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To become an auto mechanic, you typically do not need formal education.
Those auto mechanics who do attend college, typically earn either automotive technology degrees or business degrees. Less commonly earned degrees for auto mechanics include general studies degrees or mechanical engineering technology degrees.
How to become an Auto Mechanic in 6 steps:
- Step 1: Explore auto mechanic education
- Step 2: Develop auto mechanic skills
- Step 3: Complete relevent training/internship
- Step 4: Get auto mechanic certifications
- Step 5: Research auto mechanic duties
- Step 6: Prepare your resume
Key Steps To Become an Auto Mechanic
Explore Auto Mechanic Education
If you're interested in becoming an auto mechanic, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 8.8% of auto mechanics have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 1.1% of auto mechanics have master's degrees. Even though some auto mechanics have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.
Develop Auto Mechanic Skills
It'll be a good idea to develop auto mechanic skills before applying for a job. Here are some skills commonly requested in auto mechanic job descriptions:
Skills Percentages Customer Vehicles 25.26% Customer Service 7.82% Diagnosis 6.98% Engine Tune-Ups 5.51% Oil Changes 5.11% Complete Relevent Training/Internship
Auto mechanics spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. During this time, new auto mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their specific job and employer. The chart below shows how much time it takes to gain competency as an auto mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real auto mechanic resumes.
Average Amount Of Time At Training
Get Auto Mechanic Certifications
Certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for this position. They can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a certification, having one may help you stand out in an application. Plus, the process of getting a certification can teach you new skills that you can bring to your work. We determined the most common certifications for auto mechanics. The most common certification is Commercial Driver License (CDL), but Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT) is also frequently seen in auto mechanics resumes.
- Commercial Driver License (CDL)
- Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT)
- EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
- Mechanical Inspector Certification (CMI)
- Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)
- Auto Maintenance and Light Repair
- Advanced Automotive Maintenance Certificate
- Air Conditioning Service Certification
Research Auto Mechanic Duties
When you decide to become an auto mechanic, It's important to know what duties and responsibilities are required for this position. Some common responsibilities are a part of most auto mechanic jobs. Here is a list of the main duties that define the role:
- Help with CDL training for qualify drivers.
- Preform all dot and pm service paperwork and records.
- Update material safety data sheets in accordance with OSHA standards.
- Regulate the safety test on locomotives by the air brake tests.
- Certify ASE technician in front-end suspensions and alignment and hydraulic brake systems.
- Used electronic engine-testing equipment, drill presses, hydraulic hoists, pulleys, jacks and other power tools.
Prepare Your Resume
Finally, when you already have checked the skills and responsibilities for this role, you can start creating your resume. Everything that goes into creating a perfect resume can take hours, days, or even weeks. No worries, we created a resume builder to make this process as easy as possible with tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and a summary.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Auto Mechanic Resume templates
Build a professional Auto Mechanic resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Auto Mechanic resume.Apply For an Auto Mechanic Job
Auto Mechanic Jobs
