how to become a mechanic

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If you have a knack for working on cars, you might be thinking about starting a career as an auto mechanic. Just like with any other job, you can prepare yourself for this line of work by gaining relevant knowledge and experience. Get an education, develop a skill set, and get licensed and certified in order to become an auto mechanic. Soon, you'll be on your way to starting a career you're passionate about.

1

Take electronics and mathematics classes. While in high school, take any classes that you can that are relevant to auto mechanic work. If there are automobile-specific classes at your school, then you should make room in your schedule for them. If not, classes focusing on mathematics and/or electronics will give you a strong foundation of knowledge.^[1]
2

Get a high school diploma. While there are successful auto mechanics who didn't acquire education after high school, most at least have a high school diploma. Graduating from high school will make it a lot easier to climb the ladder once you start your career.^[2]

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3
Complete a certification or vocational program. In order to set yourself up for success, you'll need to complete some postsecondary education, such as a vocational or certification program. These programs will teach you about the basic functioning and maintenance of vehicles and their systems, and include both lecture-style and hands-on learning. The classes you'll take will cover information about engines, suspensions, transmissions, brakes, and air conditioning and heating.^[3] Some certificate options include:
- Intro to Automotive Technology
- Diesel Service Techniques
- Automotive Electrical Fundamentals
- Fuel and Emissions Systems^[4]
4
Get an associate's degree if you want a well-rounded education. An alternative option is to acquire an associate's degree in a relevant field. Similar to certificate programs, you'll learn both inside and outside the classroom. It may take a little longer to get than a certificate and may also cost more. However, you'll learn about much more than vehicles, and having a college degree may boost your chances of getting a job.^[5] Some associate degree options include:
- Advanced Transmission Diagnostics
- Automotive Mechanics Technology
- Automotive Service Management
- Alternative Fueled and Hybrid Vehicles^[6]
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1

Work as an assistant, helper, or trainee. As soon as you're done with your postsecondary education, you'll likely start off at an entry level position. Apply to work in any position at car shops or dealerships where you'll get the chance to develop some skills and become experienced. This will help qualify you for better positions.^[7]
2
Acquire mechanical skills. If you want to be a good auto mechanic, it's vital that you're able to take apart and put back together the working parts of a machine. Use your knowledge of different parts and how they interact to work on developing your mechanical abilities.^[8]
- Pay close attention to the lead mechanics that you work with when they work on repairs. Politely ask any questions you have about the names or uses of different car parts or tools.
- Look up instructional videos on YouTube of how to make certain repairs in different types of vehicles to widen your knowledge base.
3
Work on your troubleshooting abilities. Auto mechanics identify and fix problems. Even if your current position doesn't put this responsibility on you, pay attention to each case and try to guess what could be wrong with each vehicle. Becoming comfortable and confident with diagnosing issues is essential.
- Typically when a vehicle has a problem, something in the way it feels, sounds, smells or looks is most likely wrong or off. Become more familiar with these different sounds, smells, etc. and use them to practice diagnosing.^[9]
4

Practice good customer service. As an auto mechanic, you'll have to communicate well with customers to explain problems, solutions, prices, and more. Practice good listening and politeness so that the customers will want to come back.^[10]
5
Gain physical strength and endurance. Auto mechanics often have to stand and walk for much of the day, lift heavy parts, and work in awkward positions. By heading to the gym and/or working in an auto service area for much of the day each day, you can build up the necessary strength and endurance to meet expectations and get things done.
- Go on long walks around your neighborhood each evening to improve your ability to walk and stand for longer periods.
- Do strength exercises at the gym such as bench presses, deadlifts, and squats.
6

Prioritize staying organized. It can be frustrating, inefficient, and expensive to misplace tools and parts in your work space. Avoid these issues by keeping all tools and parts organized.^[11]
7
Work on improving your dexterity. As a mechanic, you'll often be expected to work with small parts and in tight spaces. Work on developing good eye-hand coordination and keep a steady hand while working to ensure that you'll be able to handle these challenges.^[12]
- You can improve your dexterity by doing a variety of exercises, including squeezing a stress ball and stretching your wrists.^[13]
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1
Pass all necessary state exams. To get licensed in the state you live in, you'll likely have to take and pass one or more certification exams.^[14] Look up your state's occupational license database online to learn what requirements apply to you.
- For example, this is the database for the state of Colorado: https://choosecolorado.com/occupational-license-database/.
2
Become certified in handling refrigerant. Since handling refrigerant can be dangerous, you'll probably have to acquire certification in order to legally work in an environment where this kind of handling is likely. You can get certified through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by taking and passing an exam.
- You aren't required to receive any formal training, but many trade schools and unions offer training for this exam.^[15]
3
Increase your salary with an ASE certification. While it isn't often required, getting certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) can really help you grow and establish yourself in your career. This type of certification may qualify you to make more money.
- You can get certified in nine different specialized auto service areas. Some of these include: automatic transmissions, electrical systems, and engine repair.^[16]
4

Increase your value by getting manufacturer-specific certification. If you want to work on vehicles made by a specific manufacturer, it's in your best interest to get certification specific to that manufacturer. This will increase your likelihood of employment if you apply to work at a dealership that sells and services vehicles made by that manufacturer.^[17]

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Add New Question

Question

Do you need to go to college?

No, you do not need a college degree. Usually trade school helps with enhanced knowledge and education in the field.
Question

Is it necessary to have math skills in order to be an auto mechanic?

It helps a lot to be able to do the basics. If you don't have math skills you can't really expect to grow in this field; chances are you will be a parts-changer. This isn't bad, but the real money comes when you move up the food chain and do more sophisticated work.
Question

I'm new at a garage, and I'm having a hard time keeping up with the other mechanics. What can I do?

Chris Adamo

Community Answer

Ask the other mechanics for tips and spend time outside work reading up on your field.
Question

What is the age requirement to become a mechanic? When can you start finding jobs in that field?

There is no age limit other than that mandated by the state in which you live. The more experience you gain and training/classes you have, the more able you will be to find a job in the automotive field.
Question

Do I have to study for five years before becoming a technician?

No, programs and training don't have to take five years to complete. On average, most people take somewhere between 2 and 5 years to get the education and training needed to become an auto mechanic/technician. If you want to speed the process up a bit, opt for a vocational or certificate program instead of acquiring a college degree.
Question

What are some examples of injuries that auto mechanics can get?

Some common injuries are busted hands, bumps, bruises and cuts that may or may not require stitches. Rust and metal splinters can get in your eye, so using eye protection is a must. Longer term issues are cancer, bad back, arthritis and lung problems. A worst case scenario could be death, from something like getting crushed by a vehicle.
Question

Can I become a mechanic if I am not good at math?

Sure you can. However math is a good skill to have because you will need to do (or know) some basic algebra for oil changes, sizing tires, using certain tools, etc.
Question

How can I go about becoming a mechanic with a modern workshop?

Get a lift kit installed in your workshop. This will make life a lot easier for you. Having the lift allows you to easily work underneath the vehicle and especially helps with major mechanical works (i.e. transmission work, oil changes, tires, brakes, CV axles, drive shaft work, exhaust system, etc.).
Question

What subjects do I need to become a mechanic?

You need to graduate from high school and then take BE (automobiles).
Question

Can I become a master automobile technician and start a career at the same time?

While this may be very challenging and require a lot of hard work, yes, you may be able to strive for both of these things at the same time. Each state varies in their qualifications for master status, so check with your state on what you need to do. In the state of Michigan, for example, to become a master, you must pass at least 8 out of the 11 certification exams that the state offers.

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Even at top level, you will work in a very physical environment and very rarely make over 80k a year.
If you work in this field, you'll likely be exposed to harsh chemicals and fumes daily.

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Article SummaryX

To become a mechanic, you will need to get a high school diploma and complete a vocational or certification program. Then, you can start gaining experience as an assistant at a car shop or dealership to get better at finding and fixing a variety of problems. Remember: this job will keep you on your feet all day, so take that into consideration when you're applying for a job in this field. To learn more about the required experience and certifications, scroll down!

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