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Best auto technician certifications
The best certifications for an auto technician are Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT), Commercial Driver License (CDL), and Mobile Product Specialist (MECP).
Auto technician certifications demonstrate your competency as an auto technician to employers. However, not all auto technician certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best auto technician certifications. Obtaining an auto technician certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
14 best certifications for auto technicians
14 best auto technician certifications
1. Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT)
The Auto Glass Safety Council's Certified Auto Glass Technician certification examination is an online examination consisting of 70 multiple choice questions; allowing 90 seconds per question to answer. Requirements: knowledge in OSHA regulations, all types of auto glass replacement, NAGS and custom cut laminated glass parts will help in taking the examination.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Commercial Driver License (CDL)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for establishing standards for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators, including the Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The minimum national CDL testing standards and licensing requirements established by FMCSA are administered by state driver licensing agencies when they issue a CDL. You are required to obtain and hold a CDL if you drive interstate, intrastate (within a state), or for foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that meets any of the classifications of a CDL. States develop their own tests which must meet the minimum federal standards, but which also may have standards unique to the state. To get a CDL, first you must get a commercial learner's permit. States can only issue learner's permits and CDLs to drivers after they pass knowledge exams and skills tests. You have to pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests for the class of license and type of endorsement required to operate the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive. And, you have to take the skills test in a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle you plan to operate. For a quick reference of CDL Classes, see the CDL License Matrix.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
3. Mobile Product Specialist (MECP)
Tailored for mobile electronics installers, MECP certification teaches the theory behind techniques and the industry's best practices developed and supported by the entire 12-volt industry. Exam questions ask you to identify real-world solutions to real-world problems, like eliminating noise, selecting proper gauge wires, determining ground locations and dealing with customer issues.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
4. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
A comprehensive, equipment specific safety program designed to provide operators and their employees with a thorough understanding of best risk management practices. Industry accidents, which serve to put a spotlight on potential issues, can often be avoided through the utilization of proper risk management techniques.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Certified Auto Glass Master
The Auto Glass Safety Council's Certified Master Auto Glass Technician certification examination is an online examination consisting of 50 multiple choice questions; allowing 90 seconds per question to answer. Must have experience and knowledge in: OSHA required employee safety regulations; custom cutting and finishing of automotive laminated glass; intermediate level automotive electrical testing and troubleshooting procedures and equipment; OEM sunroof repair and replacement techniques; advanced wind noise and water leak diagnosis and repair; current standards and regulations that apply to the auto glass industry. To be eligible for this exam, it is required to have 3+ years in the auto glass industry and have passed the Certified Auto Glass Technician examination.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Master Technician
The Master Technician Certification is the highest - and most respected - certification ATRA offers. It includes all three specialty certifications, plus the additional 11 courses and tests required for the Master's Certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
7. Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)
A technician with six or more years combined work and electronics training may be eligible for the ETA Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) certification. The Master certification was created to showcase those technicians who are able to demonstrate proficiency in the many fields of electronics. In addition to the Associate level certification, one must successfully obtain six other certifications, with no more than two originating from the same specialized category, in order to qualify.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
8. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Professional
If you are an EPA-certified installer, then the BPI Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Professional certification is the right next step for you. By achieving this certification, you will prove that you understand the role of refrigerant-based mechanical systems and their interaction with other building systems.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
10. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
11. General Motors Parts Consultant
The Parts Specialist Series includes six tests: Automobile Parts Specialist, Medium/Heavy Truck Dealership Parts Specialist, Medium/Heavy Truck Aftermarket Brake Parts Specialist, Medium/Heavy Truck Aftermarket Suspension and Steering Parts Specialist, and General Motors Parts Consultant. Each test includes questions on communication and sales skills, vehicle systems knowledge, vehicle identification, cataloguing skills, and inventory management. Successfully passing Test P4 will certify you as a General Motors Parts Consultant. This exam is offered in paper/pencil and computer-based formats.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
12. Auto Maintenance and Light Repair
The Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Exam covers knowledge of the skills related to maintenance and light repairs in engine systems, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical, and heating and air conditioning.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
13. Air Conditioning Service Certification
Tests a candidate's knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems. System sizes are limited to 30 tons or less cooling capacity.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
14. Certified Technician
Certified Technician rating is designed to test the skills of a quality appliance technician with at least two years of experience in specific skill areas. To qualify the candidate must pass the Core module, the Consumer module and at least one other technical module of their choice. By successfully completing these requirements, the candidate will be certified in the specific technical skills that they have passed. The certification is good for four years before renewal is required.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
What is the best certification for an auto technician?
The best auto technician certification is Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT). The Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT) is awarded by the Auto Glass Safety Council. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this auto technician certification:
- To become a certified Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT), you don't need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for auto technicians?
The most in-demand auto technician certification is Master Technician based on all active job postings. Having this auto technician certification will give you access to more auto technician jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an auto technician career and salary?
The Certified Auto Glass Technician certification will help you to secure an automotive technician position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An automotive technician's average salary is $36,930 whereas auto technicians make an average salary of $41,435.
The most common combination of auto technician certifications include: Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT), Commercial Driver License (CDL), and Mobile Product Specialist (MECP).
Online courses for auto technicians to earn certifications
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