Automotive Technology

9 Months – Total Clock Hours:  900

Starts: 8/27/2025

2025 – 2026 Tuitions Fees: $9,208

Admission Requirements

Application Fee, Application for Admission, Enrollment Agreement, High School Diploma or GED, Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Clearance.

Program Overview

Automotive service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, electricity, or alternative fuels such as ethanol.  Automotive service technicians and mechanics’ responsibilities have evolved from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work. Today, integrated electronic systems and complex computers regulate vehicles and their performance while on the road. Technicians must have an increasingly broad knowledge of how vehicles’ complex components work and interact.

They also must be able to work with electronic diagnostic equipment, digital manuals, and reference materials. The increasing sophistication of automobiles requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools.

CPI’s Automotive Technology Program is designed to provide the necessary educational background and practical training to repair today’s automobiles and light trucks.

Theoretical knowledge and practical experience are combined to provide students with the occupational skills needed to be successful. PA State Inspection.  Emissions, MACS, SP2, and ASE included.

Automotive service technician students will learn to inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, electricity, or alternative fuels such as ethanol. Students will learn various skills from simple mechanical repairs to high-level technology-related work including the use of computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components. They will also learn how to work with electronic diagnostic equipment, digital manuals, and reference materials.

Maximum # of Students Per Class:  15

Program starts in September. Please check with CPI Admissions and review the Program Enrollment Agreement for specific start dates.

Entry-Level Career Opportunities:

• Automotive Service Technician
• Automotive Mechanic

• Automotive Glass Installer
• Transportation Vehicle Equipment and Systems Inspectors

Courses In This Program Include:

Course Descriptions 

AIT-110 – Introduction to Automotive Technology
In Introduction to Automotive Technology, students are introduced to the basics of shop management, including gathering information regarding vehicle issues, identifying, and ordering needed parts for repair and maintenance, utilizing proper safety procedures, and demonstrating appropriate customer service. They will also be taught the foundational terminology and concepts involved in the automotive technology field and become familiar with essential tools, equipment, and resources required for program success. Along with use of various hand and power tools, students will identify hazardous materials with knowledge of proper disposal, practice safety procedures and utilize protective apparatus, securely elevate, and work beneath vehicles, properly use welding equipment, and demonstrate proficiency identifying fasteners while using related tools. This course also covers recognition of steering and suspension issues, including inspection and correction of their systems. Through gained comprehension of various mechanisms and parts involved, students interpret whether maintenance, replacement, or adjustment of components is required. They will also gain through the instructor teaching the student a thorough understanding of braking systems, the purpose of their components and fluids, correction procedures for optimal results, and the ability to remove and install related system parts. This section also reviews the basics of engine repair, automatic and manual transmissions, and vehicle climate control.
(120 Lecture Hours – 180 Lab Hours)

AED-178 – Automotive Engine Diagnostics and Performance
Automotive Engine Diagnostics and Performance involves a review and expansion of topics, concepts, and procedures from AIT-110 and covers the broad topics of electrical/electronic systems and engine performance. Students are taught to interpret wiring diagrams and system concerns, perform circuit tests, and locate causes of malfunctions, diagnose issues with breakers, fuses, relays, switches, and current shortages, and be able to resolve related electrical problems on various vehicles, including hybrids. In-depth learning about batteries and battery-related issues are covered at length, including state-of-charge and capacity testing, proper battery inspection, maintenance, and vehicle application, and identification and utilization of accessories and tools required for optimal battery performance. This section also emphasizes the ability to differentiate between related electrical and mechanical parts issues, such as starter relays, solenoids, alternator, lamps and bulbs, security systems, and warning and safety components.  Exercises focus heavily on identification of engine components and diagnoses of performance concerns. This includes the ability to accurately inspect and fix vehicles with leaks and loss of engine pressure, test, and correct cylinder issues, and determine and resolve causes of abnormal noises, vibrations, and odors. At the end of the course, students review testing, inspection, and diagnoses of fuel and ignition concerns, perform cooling system parts and pressure checks, resolve timing issues, correct engine inefficiencies, and change of fluids and associated filters.
(70 Lecture Hours – 230 Lab Hours)

AMT-206 – Manual Drive Train and Axles
The Manual Drive Train & Axles course focuses on mastery of skills covered in previous automotive coursework.  In addition, students will receive advanced training in the areas of engine repair and heating and air conditioning. Areas covered will also better prepare them for examinations for the Pennsylvania Safety Inspection Certification, EPA 609 Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling Certification, and Emission Inspection Certification.  Students should be able to correctly verify operation through engine warning indicators, install required parts and components for proper engine seal, make necessary adjustments or replacements to fine-tune an engine and ensure cooling systems are well functioning.  Students receive an overview of automatic transmission, transaxle, manual drive trains, and axles, which includes instruction on related fluids, filters, seals, gaskets, and bushings, components, and configurations, and learn the basics of adjusting linkages, powertrain mounts, and differential housing. (52 Lecture Hours – 248 Lab Hours)