Automotive Technology
Earn your two-year degree or certificates in automotive technology at Chemeketa.
topics Trades
Skills & InterestProblem Solving
CareersTechnology
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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).
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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.
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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” adapterTORX® 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 setMiscellaneous 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
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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 $19,500 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.
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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.
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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 $5,000 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.
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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 $10,000 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.
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Open-enrollment classes offered
*Class availability subject to change due to enrollment and scheduling.
AUM159 Automotive Chassis Systems
5 credits
OFFERED: winterAUM168 Automotive Electrical Systems 1
5 credits
OFFERED: springAUM185A Automotive Machining Fundamentals
3 credits
OFFERED: fallAUM186A Automotive Lathe Fundamentals
3 credits
OFFERED: springAUM187A Automotive Milling Machine Processes
3 credits
OFFERED: winterAUM188 Automotive Machine Shop – Upper Engine
3 credits
OFFERED: fallAUM189 Automotive Machine Shop – Lower Engine
3 credits
OFFERED: winterAUM190 Automotive Machine Shop – Engine Assembly
3 credits
OFFERED: springAUM286 Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
5 credits
OFFERED: summer -
Summer 2025 Open-Enrollment Class Schedule
Summer term begins June 23, 2025
AUM286 Auto Heating and Air Condition
CRN: 17443/17444 (Lecture/Lab)
Monday and Tuesday, 8:00-1:50 pm
Salem Campus -
Fall 2025 Open-Enrollment Class Schedule
Fall term begins September 29, 2025
AUM185A Auto Machining Fundamentals
CRN: 32969/32970 (Lecture/Lab)
Tuesday, 5:00-9:50 pm
Salem CampusAUM188 Auto Machine Shop-Upper Engine
CRN: 30655/30657 (Lecture/Lab)
Monday, 5:00-9:50 pm
Salem Campus