How to Become an Auto Mechanic in North Dakota

There is always a demand for auto mechanics in North Dakota, thus this occupation is a good career choice for those who like working with cars.

Read on if you want to know the process of becoming an auto mechanic in North Dakota!

Be prepared to be part of a team but also to be able to work alone!

Auto Mechanic Training in North Dakota

All auto mechanics in North Dakota received some training, usually in high school.

The majority of auto mechanics graduated from high school or obtained a GED.

This occupation doesn’t require a special license, but there are certifications you can obtain to improve your career options.

Most certifications in this field are obtained through ASE.

Individuals can also enroll in a community college to obtain an associate’s degree in automotive technology.

These are some of the colleges in North Dakota that could interest you in a degree:

• Williston State College
• Lake Region State College
• Bismarck State College
• Cankdeska Cikana Community College
• United Tribes Technical College

Beware of the admission requirements:

• Computer proficiency
• Passing grades in maths and physics

No matter where you choose to enroll, the program must be approved by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

Like this, you know the curriculum meets the standards and you will be ready for any entry-level position in the field.

There are two types of classes in all the offered programs:

• Theory
• Practice

You’ll develop these skills:

• Oil changes and tire rotation
• Brake repair and fluid level checks
• Ignition system checks
• Exhaust and muffler repair
• Catalytic converter replacement
• Replace spark plugs, fuel sensors
• Alternator and battery replacement
• Conduct system tests
• Transmission replacements
• Air conditioner repair
• Engine rebuilds

Earning an ASE Certification in North Dakota

ASE offers more than 40 certifications for experienced auto mechanics.

These are some of them:

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

You’ll first have to meet these requirements before getting certified:

• At least 2 years of experience
• Signing up and paying the fee for the exam
• Passing the related exam

For some of the offered credentials, you must accumulate just 1 year of work experience while for others you will need more than 2 years.

What you must remember is that the exam is only available on-site.

ASE mandates that those who obtained their certifications will have to pass the exam again after 5 years.

You are allowed to obtain as many certificates as you want.

If you want to become a master auto mechanic, you can do so through ASE as well.

For this, ASE prepared a series of 8 exams.

Some of the exams are below:

• 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)
• Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Test (L3)
• Engine Machinist Certification Tests (M Series)
• Parts Specialist Certification Tests (P Series)
• School Bus Certification Tests (S Series)
• Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests (T Series)
• Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems Test (X1)

Earning a 609-Refrigerant Certification

All auto mechanics across the nation have to obtain a 609-refrigerant certification if they need to work on an MVAC system.

This is a certificate that doesn’t need to be renewed.

You’ll first have to study for an exam.

The study material can be found online even through ASE.

Candidates are allowed to take the test online as well.

Auto Mechanic Schools in North Dakota

Employment and Salary Information for Auto Mechanics in North Dakota

Auto mechanics can easily find a job in one of these establishments:

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

When searching for a job, the titles below will be mentioned:

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

If you want a higher salary from the start, you can search for a position in cities like Bismarck or Mandan.

Regional Salary in North Dakota

Additional Information about Auto Mechanics in North Dakota

If you want to work for a car dealership a manufacturer’s certification is very helpful to have.

Usually, these are available through the training program you attend, if it is sponsored by a car maker.

You can obtain this credential even at a later time during your career, as some auto mechanics prefer doing.

Mechanic Schools by City

Mechanic Schools by State