There are several routes a person can take to become a certified small engine auto or motorcycle mechanic. Whatever course you’ve already earned in highschool or college, in areas of mathematics, electronics, and computers, can be carried over can put towards an automotive or motorcycle technician certification.

1. Program duration
Automotive mechanics have traditionally been required to enter a period of training before certification. High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, and mathematics provide a good background for prospective service technicians. However, high school graduates typically need further training to become fully qualified. Most certification programs across the United States last between 6-12 months with additional time for hands-on practice.

2. Specialty training
However, most full automotive programs also offer specialty training within the boundary of the major course offerings. Areas may include wiring, brake maintenance, carburetor maintenance, and heating and cooling systems. These sub-certification programs will differ from school to school depending upon the faculty and facilities.

3. Automobile manufacturing certification
A secondary, but highly recommended pathway to automotive mechanic certification, is to apply for entrance into a major automobile manufacturers mechanic school. The difference between this pathway and the previous one mentioned is that the training is specifically tailored towards the automotive manufacturer’s car models, so the student usually agrees to work for the manufacturer for a specified duration following training. Automotive mechanics being trained by a major automobile manufacturer as Ford®, Chrysler®, or Mercedes Benz® will have more opportunities for employment once training is complete. Opportunities are usually established by major automobile manufacturers before training as an incentive to attract more talented mechanics to their programs.

4. Mechanic qualifications
There are certain qualifications mechanics, either automotive or motorcycle, need to have or acquire before becoming certified. Automotive excellence comes with the ability to provide customer service, as well as ability to work with automobile knowledge, for instance:

• Dexterity and knowledge to work within the entire compass of the automobile.
• Ability to make trained judgments and have an understanding of how to operate and read the machines he uses.
• Physical stamina to work the many hours required, and in unfavorable conditions (i.e., open garages in summer and winter).
• Troubleshooting skills.