If you’re interested in becoming an auto mechanic, then MechanicSchoolsNearMe.com is the place to begin!
In addition to providing all of the latest information on auto mechanic schools and certification courses in your area, we also review local employment and salary data, and much, much more.
So what are you waiting for? Take the first step now and request information from an automotive school near you!
Choosing an Auto Mechanic School
With so many mechanic schools offering certification courses across the United States, deciding which one is right for you can seem confusing. By following a few simple guidelines, however, this process can actually be relatively easy.
There are three primary things to look for when choosing an auto mechanic school. Click on any of the tabs below to read more. You can also click on the search feature on this page if you prefer to begin your search by looking for schools near you.
Accreditation
NATEF Accreditation
One of the most-important things to look for when trying to narrow down a list of schools is the institutions’ accreditation status. In the case of automotive schools, the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) is the body respected as the national authority on accreditation.
Accredited schools are those which have been determined to meet the highest industry standards, and whose graduates are best-prepared for success in the modern automotive workforce.
Contact information for the NATEF is provided below for your convenience.
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)
101 Blue Seal Drive, S.E. Suite 101
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: (703) 669-6650
Fax: (703) 669-6125
Types of Courses
Which Certification Courses are Offered?
The next important thing to consider is whether or not the school in question offers the type(s) of certification program(s) you’re looking for.
While not required by law in all states, most employers do require their automotive technicians to be professionally certified within the field they work. For this reason, it is important that you identify and pursue certification in the appropriate automotive field before entering the workforce.
ASE Certification
The recognized leader in professional automotive certification is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The organization offers more than 40 automotive-related certifications and is responsible for the content and administering of the necessary exams in all 50 states.
The primary areas of certification overseen by the ASE are:
- Automobile and Truck Parts
- Car and Light Truck Repair
- Collision Repair and Body Work
- Medium-Heavy Truck Repair
- Truck Equipment
- School and Transit Bus Repair
Financial Aid
Is Financial Aid Available?
If you’re like most students, one of your biggest concerns about attending school is finding a way to pay for it. For this reason, you should always look into the financial aid opportunities available from the mechanic schools you’re considering.
Student Loans
One of the most-common ways to pay for your education is by securing student loans. You will find that some auto mechanic and vocational schools offer financial assistance to qualified applicants.
The terms and amounts of these loans vary by institution, so you should speak directly with someone from the school in order to find out what is available.
Scholarships
Scholarships provide a great way for students to pay for school. Unlike loans, they don’t have to be paid back, and the money can often be used for a variety of different purposes as long as they are related to the recipient’s education.
Automotive scholarships are available from a wide range of different organizations. Several of the most-popular are listed below.
- AutoZone Scholarship
- CARQUEST Scholarship Program
- Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) Scholarship
Automotive School Resources
Before getting started in training to become an auto mechanic, you probably have more than a few questions about what to expect. The following resources are featured on this site to help you find the answers you need.
We’ll cover everything from auto mechanic salaries and daily responsibilities, to what you need to know when preparing for ASE certification!
Again, we’d like to thank you for visiting MechanicSchoolsNearMe.com and wish you the best of luck in your future automotive career!