Automotive Technician College Credit Certificate

Become a bumper-to-bumper expert on cars with a technical certificate built from the chassis up. Get your hands dirty with the inside and outside of automotive components. This certificate may be earned as part of the Automotive Service Technology degree

Related Programs

Getting Started: Fall Term

Aug. 19:  Application

Aug. 26:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates »

Why Seminole State?

  • Dedicated faculty: Faculty are "scholar-practitioners" with industry experience as well as academic credentials.  
  • Affordable tuition: Seminole State has significantly lower costs than Florida's universities.
  • Industry involvement: Our industry-focused certificate programs offer excellent connections to Central Florida employers.
  • Hands-on experience: Practical, hands-on learning experiences prepare students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
  • Continuing education: Many credits earned in certificate programs can be applied toward an Associate in Science (A.S.) or bachelor's degree at Seminole State. 
  • Career advancement: Graduates are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce upon certificate completion.

Additional Information

Automotive Technician
Type: College Credit Certificate
Major Code: AUTOT-CC
CIP: 0615080302

Program Description

Available Course Course Not Offered Spring 2025
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Applied Concepts in Automotive Electrical/Electronics
2
Credits
This course will teach students to read schematic drawings and understand how circuits work so that they can demonstrate knowledge by building and diagnosing a functioning circuit. This will reinforce Electrical 1 concepts focusing on specific areas where students face the most challenges. This adds a higher level of diagnostic skill where the student learns and demonstrates the College's student learning outcomes, i.e. critical thinking, scientific/quantitative reasoning and information literacy as it pertains to Electrical diagnostics. Lab fee required.
Introduction to Vehicle Systems and Minor Service
3
Credits
This course is designed to introduce the student to the various systems of the automobile. It includes instruction in shop practices. The student will learn minor repair procedures, including lubrication, wheel and tire, exhaust system service and new car pre-delivery services. Lab fee required.
Electrical/Electronic Systems I
4
Credits
A comprehensive course introducing the student to the principles of electricity and electronics as applied to electrical systems. The principles of Ohm's Law will lead the student into the use of digital volt ohmmeters and oscilloscopes utilizing lab and hands-on exercises. Proper diagnostic skills will be taught and applied through the troubleshooting and repair of problems on live vehicles. Lab fee required.
Brake Systems, Anti-Lock Brakes and Traction Control Systems
4
Credits
This course is a study of the theory and operation of brake systems. Students will learn all aspects of the diagnosis, repair and testing of brake systems, including drum and disc brakes and power brake operation and repair, anti-lock brake, traction control and stability control systems. Lab fee required.

Note: AER 1580 and AER 1594 can be used in place of AER 1596C

Engine Diagnoses and Repair
4
Credits
This course is a study of the principles of operational and problem diagnoses of the internal combustion engine. The theory of operation of the various engines in use is presented. Engines will be properly disassembled, parts identified, inspected, measured and reassembled. Proper testing and break-in procedures along with approved diagnostic troubleshooting procedures will be emphasized. Lab fee required.
Steering and Suspension Systems
3
Credits
The student will develop the knowledge and skills related to the operation and function of steering and suspension systems. Alignment, testing, diagnosis and repair of modern vehicle systems will be emphasized. Lab fee required.
HVAC Systems
4
Credits
This course is designed to develop an understanding of the theory and operation of modern heating and air conditioning systems as used on vehicles. Included are proper diagnostic and repair procedures. Recycling and storage of CFC's and the effect on the environment is stressed. Lab fee required.
Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles
4
Credits
This course covers the operation of modern transmission and drive train components. The student will learn in detail overhaul, testing, diagnosis and repair procedures. Courses related to automatic transmission/transaxles will be included in the curriculum. These are subject to change as new courses replace outdated and obsolete courses. Lab fee required.
Engine Control Systems
4
Credits
This course will teach the theory and operation of engine control systems. Emphasis is on approved diagnostic procedures, testing and repair of fuel injected gasoline engine controls. Covered topics include fuel injection, spark and emission control systems and diagnosis. Lab fee required.
Electrical/Electronic Systems II
4
Credits
This course will continue the study of electricity and electronics. It will begin with a review of semiconductor diodes and transistors and continue on through digital devices and microprocessors as applied to electronic and computer-controlled systems. Emphasis will be placed on testing and diagnosis of vehicle communication systems and subsystems. Hybrid, high voltage and electrical safety procedures will be covered. Lab fee required.
Manual Transmissions/Drive Trains
3
Credits
This course covers the operation of modern manual transmission and drive train components. Overhaul, testing, diagnosis and repair procedures will be emphasized. Noise, vibration and harshness will be taught. Lab fee required.
Chassis Electronics
3
Credits
This course will cover automotive chassis-related electrical and electronic systems. Covered systems will include, but not be limited to, instrumentation, ride control, supplemental inflatable restraint system, four wheel steering and power accessories. Theory of operation and diagnosis will be emphasized. Lab fee required.
Directed Independent Study Automotive
2
Credits
This course is scheduled for individual students who need to repeat a course before it will be regularly scheduled. The student and instructor will design a course of study (learning contract). Approval from the dean is required prior to registration. This course may be taken one time for credit.
Directed Independent Study Automotive
4
Credits
This course is scheduled for individual students who need to repeat a course before it will be regularly scheduled. The student and instructor will design a course of study (learning contract). Approval from the dean is required prior to registration. This course may be taken one time for credit.
Directed Independent Study in Automotive
3
Credits
This course is scheduled for individual students who need to repeat a course before it will be regularly scheduled. The student and instructor will design a course of study (learning contract). Approval from the dean is required prior to registration. This course may be taken one time for credit.
Selected Studies in Automotive - Automotive Practicum
2
Credits
This course offers the automotive student additional lab experiences to complete the necessary requirements for the Automotive A.S. degree program or automotive dual enrollment. The lab experiences will vary depending on the needs of the student. Lab experiences include automotive service shop work-flow processes such as safety, diagnostics, repair and interpreting service information.
Selected Studies in Automotive - Automotive Practicum
1
Credits
This course offers the automotive student additional lab experiences to complete the necessary requirements for the Automotive A.S. degree program or automotive dual enrollment. The lab experiences will vary depending on the needs of the student. Lab experiences include automotive service shop work-flow processes such as safety, diagnostics, repair and interpreting service information.
Internship Auto Technology
1
Credits
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn internship credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
Internship Auto Technology
1
Credits
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn internship credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
Internship Auto Technology
2
Credits
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn internship credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
Internship Auto Technology
1
Credits
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn internship credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
Internship Auto Technology
3
Credits
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn cooperative education credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
Total Credits: 44

Your tuition shouldn’t go against your intuition.

Your pursuit of higher education is admirable. So why struggle with high tuition in the process? Here we make life’s next steps affordable. Whether you’re seeking a university transfer (A.A.) degree, a four-year bachelor’s, an Associate in Science degree or even earning a college credit certificate, you’ll find reasonable tuition and payment plans that make sense. And to us, that’s scholarly.

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Tuition and Fees

 Technical Certificate12 Credits18 Credits24 Credits28 Credits
Tuition and Fees$1,253$1,879$2,505$2,923
Books and Supplies$1,000$1,ooo$1,000$1,000
Total$2,253$2,879$3,505$3,923

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on the current term, with an equal number of credit hours per term for in-state students. Lab fees and other fees that may be assessed at the time of registration may be viewed in the College fee schedule. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.