How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Arizona

Those with a keen eye for details and who like to work with their hands have many career opportunities available to choose from.

Being an auto mechanic is one of these options and in Arizona, the demand for such professionals is pretty strong.

If you want to learn how to become an auto mechanic in Arizona, read on!

Auto Mechanic Training in Arizona

To become an auto mechanic, you need some training that can be found in specialized programs.

These programs are available through a technical, community, or junior college, or even at a variety of training centers.

By enrolling in any of the programs available, you’ll attend both theory and laboratory classes where you’ll gain hands-on experience.

At the end of your training, you can earn:

• An ASE certification
• An associate’s degree

Most of the programs last for 2 years, though the ASE certification is usually obtained at a later point in your career.

Many employers will often hire candidates with certifications or a degree, depending on the job.

The admission into these programs varies from school to school.

You might be asked to prove you are:

• A high school graduate or have a GED
• Good at math
• Computer proficient
• Good with physics

The credit hours from program to program will also differ, however, the subjects are the same.

You have to make sure you enroll in a program approved by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).

It’s also common for the classes to be restricted to a low number of students.

This way, each student can benefit from full guidance from the teacher.

Earning an ASE Certification

The ASE certification can be earned only:

• After a minimum of 2 years of work experience
• If you pass an exam

The ASE is an industry-standard and there are several types of certifications issued.

Here are some of the fields for which ASE certifications are available:

• Automobile and light truck
• Collision repair and refinish
• Truck equipment
• Medium-heavy truck

The issuer for these diplomas is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Individuals can earn as many certifications as they want.

The exams for these certifications can only be taken in person.

Fortunately, there are many testing centers across Arizona, so finding one near you is not an issue.

609-Refrigerant Certification

Performing work on the MVAC system of a vehicle can be dangerous.

Those who need to perform such work need a specific certification that shows they have the knowledge and skill for the task.

This type of work involves handling the 609 refrigerant for which specific knowledge is needed.

The certification for the 609 refrigerant is earned after passing an exam that can be taken online.

For this, you’ll first have to attend dedicated coursework.

You don’t need to renew this certification.

Manufacturer Certification

It’s important to know that some vehicle manufacturers offer or sponsor training programs at some of the schools where auto mechanic programs are available.

By enrolling and getting accepted into a degree sponsored by a manufacturer you will:

• Be accepted into an internship at that manufacturer
• Specialize in working on the cars it produces
• Be able to work for that car brand

This is a good option for those who actually want to work with certain brands or for certain companies.

Training as an Apprentice

Apprenticeships for auto mechanic professionals are rare.

Most often, the apprenticeship period is completed during the internship, as part of the training program.

There are certain aspects of the trade that other auto mechanics cannot teach as it can only be learned in a classroom setting.

Auto Mechanic Schools in Arizona

Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Arizona

Auto mechanics can get hired by a variety of companies and their daily duties can be varied as well.

Some of these businesses include:

• Dealerships,
• Body repair shops
• Tire shops
• Independent establishments
• Gas stations

When searching for a job, you can look for specific titles, such as:

• Automotive service technicians, or auto mechanics
• Diesel mechanics
• Auto body and collision repair workers
• Glass installers and repairers

Your salary will depend greatly on your experience, the number of certifications, as well as the niche in which you work.

If you want to earn even more, you could consider becoming a master auto mechanic.

Regional Salary in Arizona

Additional Information about Auto Mechanics in Arizona

Getting several ASE certifications in a single test series will give you the title of a master.

This title is difficult to earn, therefore those who get it, re well respected in their field.

The tests and the series for this distinction are pre-set by ASE and here are some examples:

• Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series)
• Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification Test (B6)
• Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test (C1)
• Truck Equipment Certification Tests (E Series)
• Alternate Fuels Certification Test (F1)
• Transit Bus Certification Tests (H Series)
• Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification Test (L1)
• Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification Test (L2)

Mechanic Schools by City

Mechanic Schools by State