How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Arkansas

The occupation of an auto mechanic is ideal for someone who likes working with their hands and has an eye for details.

If you like working with cars and you recognize yourself in the above description, this article is for you!

Here is where you’ll learn more about how can you become an auto mechanic in Arkansas.

Auto Mechanic Training in Arkansas

All auto mechanics need some sort of training for this job.

Some individuals choose to learn the trade on their own while others enroll in a training program.

Those who choose the training through an educational program are usually preferred in an interview and receive higher salaries.

The formal educational route is offered through vocational high schools and community colleges.

Each institution has its own set of requirements upon admission.

Some of the requirements could be:

• A high school graduate or have a GED
• Computer proficient
• Passing grades in math classes

It’s also important to know that there are not many students accepted in any given program.

This way, each student can receive maximum and equal guidance from the teachers.

Rarely these programs last for more than 2 years.

In a college setting, at the end of the program, you’ll graduate with an associate’s degree.

In some cases, earning a certification is also possible.

Earning an ASE Certification

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is the body that sets up standards for auto mechanics.

This is also the body that issues the diplomas to these professionals.

You can become certified by ASE only after:

• A minimum of 2 years of work experience
• Passing an exam

The exam for the ASE certificate is exclusively taken in person.

You can earn an ASE diploma in areas like:

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

There is no limit to how many certifications a person can earn.

Holders of these diplomas need to re-pass the certification exam every 5 years.

This enables them to continue to hold the qualification.

Earning the EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification

Many car owners also have an MVAC system installed.

The personnel installing or repairing this system needs to have a 609 certification.

This ensures the work performed meets the standards set by EPA.

Individuals interested in this certification need to first attend a class and then pass the exam.

The exam for this diploma is available online.

Unlike other qualifications, this certification doesn’t need renewal.

Manufacturer Certification

There are a number of car producers that sponsor the educational programs mentioned earlier.

Those who enroll have the possibility of completing their internship at the company sponsoring the program.

These students will also have a higher chance of getting hired by the company.

Additionally, if they want to work elsewhere, their knowledge will be specific to the vehicles produced by the company.

Training as an Apprentice

Training as an apprentice is the preferred way of learning a trade, for many occupations.

With auto mechanics, this is not the case.

Most of the knowledge needed for your future job is learned in the traditional classroom setting.

All students in the auto mechanic programs are expected to complete an internship which equals the apprenticeship for other trades.

Auto Mechanic Schools in Arkansas

Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Arkansas

As an auto mechanic, you have a plethora of positions and companies to choose from after you graduate.

Some of the companies hiring auto mechanics include:

• Car dealerships
• Body repair shops
• Tire shops
• Independent establishments
• Gas stations

There are also a variety of job titles you could be looking at.

Here are some of them:

• Automotive service technician, or auto mechanic
• Diesel mechanic
• Auto body and collision repair worker
• Glass installers and repairers

Like with most other occupations, your experience o qualifications will dictate how much you can earn.

You’ll also notice that in some cities salaries are higher than in other cities.

Regional Salary in Arkansas

Additional Information about Auto Mechanics in Arkansas

ASE offers several test series.

Passing all of the test series means you can earn the master title.

ASE pre-determined the certifications to be earned as well as the series of tests to pass for the mater title.

Below are some test series 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)
• School Bus Certification Tests (S Series)
• Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests (T Series)
• Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems Test (X1)

Mechanic Schools by City

Mechanic Schools by State