Mechanics play a crucial role in society by maintaining and repairing vehicles, offering considerate customer service, and frequently interested in automobiles’ mechanical and electronic systems.
Those with little to no relevant expertise may find an exciting and rewarding career in this field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for automotive technicians and mechanics in 2025 was $70,760. To become a mechanic, you must complete post-secondary education or training, costing $5,000 to $20,000.
Well, in this reading, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step guide on how to become a certified mechanic.
Let’s begin!
Contents
How to Become a Mechanic
Future mechanics must be talented and have a passion for fixing engines. Education and thorough training are required to succeed in the challenging automotive industry. Qualified mechanics encourage regular check-ups and can address minor issues before they grow into larger ones.
What distinguishes a mechanic from an automotive technician? The term “mechanic” typically refers to anyone skilled in repairing and assembling the internal components of vehicles or other machinery.
Automotive technicians possess these skills but are also trained to diagnose and address issues in modern, highly computerized vehicles. In professional contexts, most training, education, and certification programs refer to this role as an “automotive technician” or simply “auto technician.”
The following are the steps to follow to become a certified mechanic:
- Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Enroll in a Mechanic Training Program
- Earn Entry-Level Certification
- Complete an Apprenticeship or Internship
- Secure Employment as a Mechanic
- Achieve Professional Technician Certification
- Pursue Ongoing Education and Skill Development
You can also check out the Highest and Best Paying Jobs and Salaries for 2025
Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
Read popular car magazines like Car and Driver and Auto Service Professional to prepare for a career in auto service.
Practice on your car if you grew up fixing cars, or if you don’t, practice on your own. If you don’t have a head start, ask around at local repair shops to see if they allow you to do some work without education and certification.
Start with detailing work, such as vacuuming, cleaning, and washing cars, to experience the job environment and ask pros questions.
Enroll in a Mechanic Training Program
Employers often prefer applicants with a high school diploma or equivalency to demonstrate basic math, science, and reasoning knowledge.
In most states, the GED tests can be completed in a few months for around $80 to $140. Auto mechanics may be excluded from positions without a high school diploma or GED, as employers often exclude applicants without such a credential.
Your resume could be overlooked without this credential even if you already have practical mechanic skills. Most trade schools also require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
These documents indicate a certain discipline and reasoning ability level, making it harder to prove to employers or postsecondary schools without official documentation. Obtaining a diploma or GED takes time, and it may take longer to establish yourself in the automotive technology industry.
Earn Entry-Level Certification
Automotive technicians can prove their proficiency in various specialties by taking examinations created by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
There are eight examinations required for the ASE entry-level certification. It includes electrical systems, suspension, steering, brakes, and engine maintenance.
The entry-level exam does not require any prior experience. Therefore, take the test whenever you feel prepared, either during or after your educational program. The ASE website offers test-prep checklists and sample exams as well.
Complete an Apprenticeship or Internship
Apprenticeships are not always completed by mechanics. You will probably have to complete a semester of fieldwork or an internship as part of an associate degree program.
Let’s say you are hired as an entry-level mechanic by a large auto dealership. If so, you might have to complete eight weeks or more of apprenticeship work before you can become a certified automotive technician.
Secure Employment as a Mechanic
About one-third of auto mechanics work at dealerships, and another third work at repair shops, according to the BLS. In either setting, you will begin working on less diagnostic and more predictable tasks, such as changing oil and lubricant and helping certified technicians.
You must have one to two years of work experience before you can sit for the ASE certification exam.
Achieve Professional Technician Certification
After two years of combined study and experience, you can sit for the ASE test series to get your certification as a professional technician. (In other words, you can finish a one-year degree plus one year of training, or you can work for two years.)
Having the ASE badge shows that you possess the fundamental skills and expertise needed to operate as an automobile mechanic.
Pursue Ongoing Education and Skill Development
Technology evolves rapidly, especially when it comes to vehicles. As an automotive mechanic, you’ll need to stay up with the newest advances.
Continue learning throughout your career by attending seminars and conferences, joining committees, and engaging in professional networking events.
You can begin your journey of becoming a great mechanic from this website!
FAQs
How do I teach myself to be a mechanic?
This type of course is usually offered by a vocational school or community college. Some car dealerships and manufacturers also provide this type of training. Earning a degree or certificate will add credibility to your resume.
What qualities do I need to be a mechanic?
To become a Mechanic, you’ll need:
Good practical skills.
An interest in understanding how machines work.
To understand technical information and diagrams.
To be able to write reports, describing the repairs and services you have carried out.
To understand and follow health and safety regulations.
How to learn mechanics easily?
Books and Manuals: Invest in automotive repair manuals and textbooks. Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or specialized automotive sites offer courses in various topics.
YouTube: Many experienced mechanics share tutorials and tips that can be very helpful for visual learners.
How to become the best mechanic?
Simple Ways To Become a Better Mechanic
Show up on Time.
Ask For Help.
Offer Help.
Follow Proper Tool Borrowing Etiquette.
Be Professional.
Take Training That is Offered.
Work Hard.
No Shortcuts or Patch Jobs! Is mechanics easy to learn?
Without technical training, becoming a mechanic with no experience is possible. However, doing so could be difficult since many of these roles – even entry-level ones – still require previous hands-on experience. Technical trade programs can provide this experience.
