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Automotive Technology

Earn your two-year degree or certificates in automotive technology at Chemeketa.

topics Trades

Skills & InterestProblem Solving

CareersTechnology

  • Man looking under the hood of a car
  • Woman working as an auto tech
  • A student working under the hood of the car

Why choose Automotive Technology?

Do you like working with your hands and fixing things? Do you want a good-paying career with less than two years of schooling? Automotive technician jobs offer competitive wages and are in high demand. If you are ready for comprehensive training in automotive technology and car repair, Chemeketa is the place to start.

Chemeketa's Automotive Technology program is competitive with special prerequisites and an enrollment limit. Some program options have early application deadlines. Class cohorts begin each fall.

What will you learn?

Experienced and certified instructors will cover introductory and advanced automotive diagnosis and repair in the areas of –

  • Engine repair
  • Automatic transmission/transaxles
  • Manual drivetrain and axles
  • Suspension and steering
  • Brakes
  • Electrical/electronic systems
  • Engine performance
  • Heating and air conditioning

What will you do?

As a part of the automotive technology degree program, you will learn the technical skills you need to begin or advance your career through a combination of classroom and lab work and on-the-job experience. A cooperative work experience program allows you to earn college credit while earning money in the field. You will also learn written and oral communication skills that will help you communicate with co-workers and customers.

Upon completion, you will be qualified for a wide variety of jobs in the car repair and maintenance fields.

Chemeketa's instruction, course of study, facilities, and equipment have been evaluated by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation and meet the ASE Standards of Quality for the training of automotive technicians in all eight automotive specialty areas (Master Certification).

  • CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK & DRUG TESTING

    Although Chemeketa's program does not require background checks or drug testing. you might want to familiarize yourself with how future employers might use these procedures. Whether you are hired or promoted for a job may depend on the information revealed in a background check. Job applicants and existing employees as well as volunteers may be asked to submit to background checks. For some jobs, screening is required by federal or state law. The current emphasis on security and safety has dramatically increased the number of employment background checks conducted. For more information, visit privacyrights.org.

  • Required Tool List

    Students are expected to have their required tools, including a laptop computer or tablet, by the start of classes. 

    Automotive Technology Program - Required Tool List

    1/4" Drive General Service set

    Metric, 5.5mm – 13mm including ratchet, extensions with shallow and deep sockets

    3/8" Drive General Service set

    Metric, 8mm –19mm including ratchet, extensions with shallow and deep sockets
    Spark plug sockets—13/16” and 5/8”

    1/2" Drive General Service Set

    Metric, 12mm – 24mm including ratchet, extensions with shallow and deep sockets
    1/2”- 3/8” adapter

    TORX® Socket Set #10, #15, #20, #25, #27, #30, #35, #40, #45, #50, #55

    TORX® (Internal sockets) E-5 through E-18

    Wrench sets

    Combination metric 6mm–19mm
    Allen wrench set (Standard and Metric)
    Flare nut (tubing) wrench set (1/4”–13/16”, 9mm-21mm)

    Screw drivers

    Phillips #1, #2, #3
    Standard #1, #2, #3
    Ratcheting screwdriver/ bit set

    Miscellaneous Tools

    (2) Safety Glasses
    Pocket screwdriver
    Tape measure (6 ft.)
    6” steel rule
    Pocket Flashlight
    Padlock
    Fender cover
    Inspection mirror
    Magnetic pickup tool
    Utility knife
    Hearing protection (ear plugs)
    Mechanics stethoscope
    Paint pen
    (2) permanent markers
    (2) Bungee cords
    10” mill file and handle
    Pick tool set
    Feeler gauges (.0015”-.040”)
    6” needle nose pliers
    Combination pliers
    Diagonal cutters
    Wire strippers


    Ratcheting terminal crimping tool
    Adjustable joint pliers (Channellock® type pliers)
    10” Vise grip pliers
    Gasket scraper
    24 oz. Ball peen hammer
    Dead blow hammer
    Punch and chisel set
    Brass drift
    18” Pry bar
    Battery post/terminal cleaner
    Spark plug (ignition) tester
    Spark plug gapping tool
    Brake return spring tool
    Brake hold down spring tool
    Air blow gun (meeting OSHA requirements)
    Tire pressure gauge
    Tire air chuck
    Miscellaneous test leads and jumper wires (14-gauge jumper leads w/boots)
    Snap-On Digital Multi-meter #EEDM504F
    Tool box (no larger than 28” long x 20” x 20” high)
    Work shirts (to be purchased at the Chemeketa Bookstore)

    Computer Requirement

    Laptop or tablet with internet capabilities


    NOTE: This is a basic tool list that will be adequate for lab work in classes on campus. It is highly recommended that quality brand name tools be obtained. Cooperative Work Experience sites may require and/or recommend additinal tools that are more specific to automotive technology, automotive body repair, or automotive machining.

     

Program Options

  • Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science

    This program is designed to train future automotive technicians from introductory to advanced automotive diagnosis and repair. Students admitted to the program will be expected to complete general education courses as well as automotive courses in order to remain in the program.

    This degree is designed to be completed in six terms (21 months). See Course Sequences for more information.

    Enrollment in this program is limited and there is an early deadline for applications.

    Estimated Program Cost

    It is estimated that for tuition, fees, and required tools/equipment, a student will spend about $17,800 to earn the Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science degree.

    Required Tools

    Program students are expected to have all required tools and a laptop computer or tablet by the start of fall term. See Required Tool List above.

  • AUTOMOTIVE BODY REPAIR CERTIFICATE

    Chemeketa's auto body repair certificate will qualify you to work in collision repair roles including –

    • Painting
    • Brakes
    • Electrical/electronic systems
    • Suspension and steering
    • Heating and air conditioning systems

    This certificate is designed to be completed in three terms (9 months). See Course Sequences for more information.

    Enrollment in this program is limited and there is an early deadline for applications.

    Estimated Program Cost

    It is estimated that for tuition, fees, and required tools/equipment, a student will spend about $9,500 to earn the Automotive Body Repair Certificate of Completion.

    Required Tools

    Program students are expected to have all required tools and a laptop computer or tablet by the start of fall term. See Required Tool List above.

  • AUTOMOTIVE ENTRY LEVEL TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE

    If you're ready to do more than turn wrenches, Chemeketa's automotive entry level technician certificate is the place to start.

    This program is designed to allow students with full-time employment or other daytime commitments the ability to attend classes and obtain a certificate in less than one year. See Course Sequences for more information.

    No prerequisites or special applications are required.

    Estimated Program Cost

    It is estimated that for tuition, fees, and required tools/equipment, a student will spend about $6,400 to earn the Automotive Entry Level Technician Certificate of Completion.

    Required Tools

    Program students are expected to have the required tools and a laptop computer or tablet by the start of classes. See Required Tool List above.

  • AUTOMOTIVE MACHINING CERTIFICATE

    This certificate emphasizes machining and rebuilding car engines. A significant portion of the training is done on the job and through special lab work on our Salem campus.

    See Course Sequences for more information.

    Enrollment in this program is limited and there is an early deadline for applications.

    Estimated Program Cost

    It is estimated that for tuition, fees, and required tools/equipment, a student will spend about $10,800 to earn the Automotive Machining Certificate of Completion.

    Required Tools

    Program students are expected to have all required tools and a laptop computer or tablet by the start of fall term. See Required Tool List above.

Open Enrollment Automotive Classes

Open-enrollment classes do not require application and acceptance into the Automotive program.

  • Open-enrollment classes offered

    *Class availability subject to change due to enrollment and scheduling.

     

    AUM159 Automotive Chassis Systems
    5 credits
    OFFERED: winter

    AUM168 Automotive Electrical Systems 1
    5 credits
    OFFERED: spring

    AUM185A Automotive Machining Fundamentals
    3 credits
    OFFERED: fall

    AUM186A Automotive Lathe Fundamentals
    3 credits
    OFFERED: spring

    AUM187A Automotive Milling Machine Processes
    3 credits
    OFFERED: winter

    AUM188 Automotive Machine Shop – Upper Engine
    3 credits
    OFFERED: fall

    AUM189 Automotive Machine Shop – Lower Engine
    3 credits
    OFFERED: winter

    AUM190 Automotive Machine Shop – Engine Assembly
    3 credits
    OFFERED: spring

    AUM286 Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
    5 credits
    OFFERED: summer

  • Winter 2025 Open-Enrollment Class Schedule

    Winter term begins January 6, 2025

    AUM187A Auto Milling Machine Processes

    CRN: 62036/62037 (Lecture/Lab)
    Tuesday, 5-9:50 pm
    Salem Campus

    AUM189 Auto Machine Shop - Lower Engine

    CRN: 50010/50012 (Lecture/Lab)
    Monday, 5-9:50 pm
    Salem Campus