How to Become an Auto Mechanic in Louisiana

Becoming an auto mechanic doesn’t involve a lot of training and it’s a good career option for someone who likes working with cars.

If you want to know more about how to get into this trade in Louisiana, this article is for you!

Auto Mechanic Training in Louisiana

Most auto mechanics these days have a diploma, certificate, and/or even a degree in automotive technology.

These credentials are offered through community colleges and the courses last for around 2 years.

The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) developed a standard guideline for what these courses need to look like.

All the schools with an automotive technology program need approval from NATEF.

Here are some of the colleges with such programs:

• South Central Louisiana Technical College
• Delgado Community College
• Southwest Louisiana Technical Community College

These programs have these components:

• Theory classes
• Practice classes, or internship

Earning an ASE Certification

Becoming certified by ASE is not easy and therefore not mandatory for future auto mechanics.

In fact, the 40 certifications available, can only be obtained after the individual gained some experience of at least 2 years.

For some of the diplomas, only 1 year of experience is enough to be allowed to take the exam.

These are some of the ASE certifications you can obtain:

• Repair technician
• Service consultant
• Collision damage estimator
• Parts specialist

The exams for these credentials can only be attended in person.

You’ll be charged a fee when registering for the exam as well as being asked to show proof of your work experience.

It is perfectly fine to attempt to obtain as many of the offered diplomas as you can think useful for your career.

You will have to renew each of them every 5 years by passing the exam once again.

If you want to become a master auto mechanic, you need to pass a series of tests that ASE already set in place.

The series is formed of 8 exams.

Here are some of the series that you can consider:

• Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test (G1)
• Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests (A Series)
• 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)

Earning a 609-Refrigerant Certification

As most auto mechanics will have to work with the MVAC system of the vehicle, they need to have a 609-refrigerant credential.

This certificate is important because the refrigerant they’ll handle is a hazardous one and thus it is regulated.

ASE offers this certification to those interested.

For this, they have to attend a class that is available online.

Furthermore, they also have to pass the online test.

Once a person has the certification, they are allowed to purchase the regulated refrigerant as well as to handle it.

This 609-refrigerant certification doesn’t need to be renewed.

Auto Mechanic Schools in Louisiana

Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in Louisiana

There are many places where you can apply for a job as an auto mechanic:

• Dealerships
• Tire and parts shops
• Repair shops
• Gas stations
• Local governments

Job titles for this occupation include:

• Diesel specialist
• Bus and truck mechanic
• Automotive body repair worker
• Auto glass installer/repairer

When you’ll get hired, your salary will generally be lower than that of a more seasoned mechanic.

You can earn more with an associate’s degree in the field and if you earn a few ASE certificates.

You’ll also notice that in the larger cities of Louisiana, the average salaries are higher compared to other regions in the state.

Regional Salary in Louisiana

Additional Information about Auto Mechanics in Louisiana

You won’t have much luck in searching for an apprenticeship as an auto mechanic.

No mechanic is even willing to take an apprentice to teach them the trade.

This is mostly due to how much technology progressed especially when it comes to cars.

It is a good idea for auto mechanics to get certified by a car manufacturer, especially if they want to work in a dealership.

This deepens their know knowledge of specific car models offered by a manufacturer.

Most mechanics who choose this certification, obtain it after they also accumulate some experience in the field.

Mechanic Schools by City

Mechanic Schools by State