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Best automotive mechanic certifications
The best certifications for an automotive mechanic are Automotive Sales Professional, Commercial Driver License (CDL), and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).
Automotive mechanic certifications demonstrate your competency as an automotive mechanic to employers. However, not all automotive mechanic certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best automotive mechanic certifications. Obtaining an automotive mechanic certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for automotive mechanics
| Rank | Automotive mechanic certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Automotive Sales Professional | NADA |
| 2 | Commercial Driver License (CDL) | FMCSA |
| 3 | EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) | EPA |
| 4 | Certified Technical Professional (CTP) | ATMAE |
| 5 | Air Conditioning Service Certification | NATE |
| 6 | Master Technician | ATRA |
6 best automotive mechanic certifications
1. Automotive Sales Professional
This is a tremendous opportunity for everyone who has an interest in automotive sales to become a knowledgeable, ethical and customer-focused trained individual and enjoy great career success.
- 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 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. 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?
4. Certified Technical Professional (CTP)
Certified Technical Professional (CTP) program is designed to serve graduates of both 2-Year and 4-Year Programs. The exam is broad-based, geared to technical programs without a management component that result in either an associate (AS, AAS) degree or a baccalaureate (BS, BA) degree.
- 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?
5. 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)
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
What is the best certification for an automotive mechanic?
The best automotive mechanic certification is Automotive Sales Professional. The Automotive Sales Professional is awarded by the National Automobile Dealers Association. 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 automotive mechanic certification:
- To become a certified Automotive Sales Professional, you 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 automotive mechanics?
The most in-demand automotive mechanic certification is Commercial Driver License based on all active job postings. Having this automotive mechanic certification will give you access to more automotive mechanic jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of automotive mechanic certifications include: Automotive Sales Professional, Commercial Driver License (CDL), and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).
Online courses for automotive mechanics to earn certifications
1. Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)
Learn about the diesel engine! Ideal for Automotive Engineering and Automobile Engineering!...
2. Introduction to Automotive engineering - Performance
Learn the Basics of Vehicle Performance and take your Automotive knowledge to next level...
3. Automotive Engineering: Automobile Fundamentals and Advanced
Automotive & Vehicle Engineering: Master the Mechanics of Cars including Engine, Dynamics, Transmission, Chassis & More...
4. Automotive 101: A Beginners Guide To Automotive Repair
A Basic Introduction to The Automotive Repair Industry...
5. Automobile Engineering: Vehicle dynamics for Beginners
Introductory course on the mechanics which govern vehicle behavior and the Suspension design concepts...
6. Electric Motor Design for Electric Vehicle's - Advanced
Advanced Level - Case studies on electric powertrain technology of automotive OEM's...
7. Do it Yourself - Automotive Electrical Diagnosis - Beginner
Learn to Eliminate the Possible Causes of Basic Automotive Electrical Faults oftentimes without even Touching the Car...
8. Do it Yourself-Automotive Electrical Diagnosis-Intermediate
Introduction to Modules and Information Circuits...
9. Introduction to Automotive Product Design & development
Learn about the process, milestones and activities from idea to complete design of cars for Automotive engineers...
10. Internal Combustion Engine Basics (Mechanical Engineering)
Learn how internal combustion engines work! Learn all of a combustion engine's main components and how they work!...
11. Electric Vehicle Battery Management System - Course
Battery management system battery design & modelling Electric vehicle Lithium ion battery management Simulation...
12. Electric Vehicles Comprehensive Course
Electric vehicles, Electric vehicle, Battery management system, EV, Battery cars, EV course, Electric vehicle batteries...
13. Electric Vehicle Technology - A Beginner's Course
Electric Vehicle Tech & Components Motors Battery management system Charging technology Electric Vehicle testing...
14. Lithium Battery Technology for Electric Vehicle - Advanced
Electric Vehicle Batteries Selection Sizing Methods Battery Management BMS Pack Design Battery Testing Methods...
15. Electric Vehicle Battery Charging Motor Components - Basics
ELECTRIC VEHICLE BASICS LITHIUM ION BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CHARGING TECHNOLOGY MOTOR EV COMPONENT BMS JOB...
16. Electric Vehicle Education
Vehicle Types, Nomenclature, How They Work, Charging, Performance, Cost of Ownership, Features, Benefits, And More.....
17. Electric Vehicle Crash Course
EV Projects & Prototype Development...
18. Automotive Cyber Security
A learners Guide: Covers Automotive Security, Concepts of Security and many more...
19. High Voltage Electric Vehicle Safety
Electric Vehicle Safety Battery Pack Fire Safety Electric Shock Safety Accidental Safety High Voltage Components...
20. Railway Systems Engineering (Equivalent to Micro MSc )
A Journey in the World of Railway Systems Operation Rolling Stock Traction System Engineering Infrastructure...