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Best automotive technician certifications
The best certifications for an automotive technician are Automotive Sales Professional, Commercial Driver License (CDL), and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).
Automotive technician certifications demonstrate your competency as an automotive technician to employers. However, not all automotive technician certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best automotive technician certifications. Obtaining an automotive technician certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for automotive technicians
20 best automotive technician 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 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)
5. 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
6. 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)
7. 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)
8. Advanced Automotive Maintenance Certificate
Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of each class. Students are required to pass 5 courses to earn an Advanced Automotive Maintenance Certificate.
- 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? No
- Renewal required? No
9. 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)
10. 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?
11. 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)
12. 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)
13. Electrical Technician Certification
- 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 3 year(s)
14. 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)
15. 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)
16. Automobile Technician: Suspension and Steering
Passing Test A4 will certify you in automobile suspension and steering.
- 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)
17. Advanced Engine Performance Specialist
Certification identifies those Technicians who possess knowledge of the skills required to diagnose sophisticated driveability and emissions-related problems on automobiles, SUVs, and light-duty trucks.
- 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)
18. Master Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician
The ASE Collision Repair Test Series includes one test for paint refinishers and three other tests for repair technicians, covering non-structural damage repair, structural damage repair, and vehicle mechanical and electrical system repair. These tests are all intended for hands-on collision technicians. ASE also offers a test specially designed for collision damage estimators. The Collision Repair and Refinish test series is available in either Paper/Pencil or Computer-Based Testing format.
- 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)
19. 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)
20. IBM Certified System Administrator - System i 6.1
An IBM Certified System Administrator - IBM i 6.1 has a strong understanding of IBM i and its administration on Power Systems servers. In performing his or her daily tasks, the System Administrator also leads and mentors operators.
- 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?
What is the best certification for an automotive technician?
The best automotive technician 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 technician 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 technicians?
The most in-demand automotive technician certification is Master Technician based on all active job postings. Having this automotive technician certification will give you access to more automotive technician jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an automotive technician career and salary?
The Automotive Sales Professional certification will help you to secure an service advisor position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An service advisor's average salary is $40,802 whereas automotive technicians make an average salary of $40,910.
The most common combination of automotive technician certifications include: Automotive Sales Professional, Commercial Driver License (CDL), and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).
Online courses for automotive technicians to earn certifications
1. Do it Yourself - Automotive Electrical Diagnosis - Beginner
Learn to Eliminate the Possible Causes of Basic Automotive Electrical Faults oftentimes without even Touching the Car...
2. Introduction to Automotive engineering - Performance
Learn the Basics of Vehicle Performance and take your Automotive knowledge to next level...
3. Do it Yourself-Automotive Electrical Diagnosis-Intermediate
Introduction to Modules and Information Circuits...
4. Automotive 101: A Beginners Guide To Automotive Repair
A Basic Introduction to The Automotive Repair Industry...
5. Automotive Engineering: Automobile Fundamentals and Advanced
Automotive & Vehicle Engineering: Master the Mechanics of Cars including Engine, Dynamics, Transmission, Chassis & More...
6. Electric Motor Design for Electric Vehicle's - Advanced
Advanced Level - Case studies on electric powertrain technology of automotive OEM's...
7. Introduction to Automotive Product Design & development
Learn about the process, milestones and activities from idea to complete design of cars for Automotive engineers...
8. Electric Vehicles Comprehensive Course
Electric vehicles, Electric vehicle, Battery management system, EV, Battery cars, EV course, Electric vehicle batteries...
9. Electric Vehicle Battery Management System - Course
Battery management system battery design & modelling Electric vehicle Lithium ion battery management Simulation...
10. Learn to Repair & Troubleshoot Electronics
Learn how to identify, troubleshoot and repair electronic components...
11. Automobile Engineering: Vehicle dynamics for Beginners
Introductory course on the mechanics which govern vehicle behavior and the Suspension design concepts...
12. Electric Vehicle Education
Vehicle Types, Nomenclature, How They Work, Charging, Performance, Cost of Ownership, Features, Benefits, And More.....
13. Electric Vehicle Technology - A Beginner's Course
Electric Vehicle Tech & Components Motors Battery management system Charging technology Electric Vehicle testing...
14. Automotive Cyber Security
A learners Guide: Covers Automotive Security, Concepts of Security and many more...
15. Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)
Learn about the diesel engine! Ideal for Automotive Engineering and Automobile Engineering!...
16. Lithium Battery Technology for Electric Vehicle - Advanced
Electric Vehicle Batteries Selection Sizing Methods Battery Management BMS Pack Design Battery Testing Methods...
17. Cybersecurity - Automotive
Covers Automotive security concepts: AUTOSAR Crypto stack,ISO21434,TARA, Key Mgmt & Cyber Attacks with Clear Animations...
18. Electric Vehicle Battery Charging Motor Components - Basics
ELECTRIC VEHICLE BASICS LITHIUM ION BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CHARGING TECHNOLOGY MOTOR EV COMPONENT BMS JOB...
19. High Voltage Electric Vehicle Safety
Electric Vehicle Safety Battery Pack Fire Safety Electric Shock Safety Accidental Safety High Voltage Components...
20. Mastering Advanced Battery Management for Electric Vehicle
ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DESIGN EV LITHIUM ION BMS SELECTION COMPONT SIZING JOB COMM...