Automotive Technology Certificate & AAS (I-BEST)

Program Details Page Automotive Technology Certificate & AAS

Welcome to the Program Page dedicated to the Automotive Technology Certificate & AAS program! This page is designed to give an overview of what the quarter will look like based on the starting point in the year. Click on one of the desired tabs below to view the course schedule. This information may be subject to change at any time without notice, please contact your adviser for more information regarding the courses.

What is I-BEST?

Bookstore Information

a picture of an open book Information regarding the materials can be found at the RTC bookstore Links to an external site.. Just fill in the course information and you will be set!

The bookstore has what you need in regards to materials so be sure to check it out! It is always better to be prepared than to wait last second to buy your materials!

General Overview

When can I start? Fall (September), Winter (January), or Spring (April)

How long is the program?

5 quarters (up to 17 months) with 80 total credits for the Automotive Technology Certificate of Completion
7 quarters (up to 23 months) with 100 credits for the Automotive Technology AAS Degree

When do classes meet? 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays - Wednesdays in -person (until 2:00 p.m. during summer quarter). Thursdays hybrid.

You receive comprehensive training in all areas of automotive service and repair: basic diagnostics, brakes, steering, suspension, engines, engine performance, manual drive trains, automatic transmissions, electrical systems, heating, and air conditioning. Classes use the A-series standards of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Links to an external site.formerly called NATEF, so you can start working towards a certification in Automobile and Light Truck Technician.

You can learn more about the Automotive program in our $25 class CCP 029 Bridge to Transportation.

What does an automotive service technician do?

What is the average salary?

$58,370 annually Links to an external site. in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most automotive service technicians earn at least $37,160; there is a wide salary range.

Who can I contact for questions?

New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Automotive Technology.

(Links to an external site.)

Overall Materials Needed:

Webcam
Headset with microphone
Working internet connection
Uniform ($50)
Basic tool set ($2000 to $3500 -- you may be able to borrow tools in the beginning, and you can download the sample tool list Download download the sample tool list here)
Textbooks ($400)
Personal protective equipment ($50)

Materials Warning

If you rent a textbook, make sure you return it by the deadline. If you purchase a textbook, you can sell it back to the RTC bookstore -- but make sure that you won't need the book again for classes in the future!

Mobile Browser Information

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Key Course Icons (learn more)

green means the class has expensive materials red means the class has lots of assignments purple means the class has a lot of technical vocabulary orange means the class has complex content blue means the class moves at a fast pace gold means that this is the most challenging quarter in the whole program

Quarter 1

Fall Start

[Fall] Quarter 1 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,776**
**Description:** You will learn fundamental automotive safety and shop operations like writing and handling repair orders, changing oil and car batteries, and using diagnostic equipment.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
COL 101	College Success	NO	2
AUTC 101	Safety/Environmental Issues	YES	2
AUTC 112	Maintenance and Light Repair	YES	7
AUTC 117	Electrical Systems	YES	7
AUTC 171	Written Communications	NO	1
INDS 101	First Aid/CPR & AED	NO	1

Quarter 2

[Winter] Quarter 2 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,284**
**Description:** You will learn all about brakes (drum, disc, parking, and anti-lock brakes; hydraulic systems; power assist; and traction control systems) as well as steering, suspensions, wheel alignment, and tires. You also study ways to work productively with customers and other auto shop employees.

**It's time to apply for your certificate!** You finish the Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair certificate this quarter.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 118	Brakes	YES	7
AUTC 132	Steering and Suspension	YES	7
AUTC 180	Human Relations/Customer Relations	NO	1
AUTC 160	Automotive Mathematics	NO	1

Quarter 3

[Spring] Quarter 3 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,304**
**Description:** You are moving to more advanced automotive theory. In the first class, you learn to diagnose and fix problems with engines, engine blocks, cylinder heads, timing, and lubrication and cooling systems. In your second class this quarter, you work on manual transmissions, transaxles, driveshafts, velocity joints, differentials, and four-wheel/all-wheel-drive systems.
**Prerequisite notes: You cannot take AUTC 228 or AUTC 233 until you complete AUTC 101, 112, and 117 with a 2.0 or higher.**
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 228	Engine Repair and Shop Computations	YES	8
AUTC 233	Manual Drive Train and Axles	YES	8

Quarter 4

[Summer] Quarter 4 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,892**
**Description:** Your topics this quarter include refrigeration, heating, ventilation, engine cooling, and operational controls, as well as refrigerant recovery, recycling, and handling according to EPA regulations. You also learn to diagnose and repair batteries, accessories, and multiple auto systems (starting, charging, lighting, driver information, wiper/washer systems). Finally, you study advanced concepts like computerized control systems, sensor operation and diagnosis, actuator operation and diagnosis, and onboard diagnostic systems.
**Prerequisite notes: You cannot take AUTC 124 or AUTC 226 until you complete AUTC 101, 112, and 117 with a 2.0 or higher.**
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 124	Heating and Air Conditioning	NO	6
AUTC 226	Advanced Electronics	NO	6

Quarter 5

[Fall] Quarter 5 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,304**
**Description:** In this quarter, you learn to diagnose and repair all of the following: automatic transmissions and transaxles; ignition, fuel, emissions, and on-board diagnostic computer systems; and air induction, exhaust systems, and emissions controls, and related systems.
**Prerequisite notes: You cannot take AUTC 204 or AUTC 216 until you complete AUTC 101, 112, and 117 with a 2.0 or higher.**

**It's time to apply for your certificate of completion!** You finish the Automotive Technology certificate this quarter.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 204	Automatic Transmissions	TBD	6
AUTC 216	Engine Performance and Emissions	TBD	10

Estimated Cost for Your Certificate of Completion: $15,060
($12,060 for tuition, fees, and protective equipment, plus $3,000 for all tools)

Continue with Quarter 6 classes to earn your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Quarter 6

[Winter] Quarter 6 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,436**
**Description:** You take the first two of four General Education classes for your associate degree; one is math, and the other is social science. Recommendations are included below, but you have many choices.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AMATH 175	Financial Math or other General Education mathematics class	NO	5
ANTH&106	American Mosaic or other General Education social science class	NO	5

Quarter 7

[Spring] Quarter 7 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,436**
**Description:** You take the last two of four General Education classes for your associate degree; one is communication OR humanities, and the other is any general education elective. Recommendations are included below, but you have many choices.

**It's time to apply for graduation!** You finish the Automotive Technology AAS degree this quarter.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
COMP 100 or CMST&101	Applied Composition or Introduction to Communication or another communications or humanities class	NO	5
BUS&101	Introduction to Business or any other General Education Class	NO	5

Estimated Cost for Your AAS Degree: $17,931
($14,931 for tuition, fees, and protective equipment, plus $3,000 for all tools)

Quarter 1

Winter Start

[Winter] Quarter 1 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,776**
**Description:** You will learn fundamental automotive safety and shop operations like writing and handling repair orders, changing oil and car batteries, and using diagnostic equipment.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
COL 101	College Success	NO	2
AUTC 101	Safety/Environmental Issues	YES	2
AUTC 112	Maintenance and Light Repair	YES	7
AUTC 117	Electrical Systems	YES	7
AUTC 171	Written Communications	NO	1
INDS 101	First Aid/CPR & AED	NO	1

Quarter 2

[Spring] Quarter 2 Course Information
Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,284
Description: You will learn all about brakes (drum, disc, parking, and anti-lock brakes; hydraulic systems; power assist; and traction control systems) as well as steering, suspensions, wheel alignment, and tires. You also study ways to work productively with customers and other auto shop employees.

It's time to apply for certificate! You finish the Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair certificate this quarter.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 118	Brakes	YES	7
AUTC 132	Steering and Suspension	YES	7
AUTC 180	Human Relations/Customer Relations	TBD	1
AUTC 160	Automotive Mathematics	TBD	1

Quarter 3

[Summer] Quarter 3 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,892**
**Description:** Your topics this quarter include refrigeration, heating, ventilation, engine cooling, and operational controls, as well as refrigerant recovery, recycling, and handling according to EPA regulations. You also learn to diagnose and repair batteries, accessories, and multiple auto systems (starting, charging, lighting, driver information, wiper/washer systems). Finally, you study advanced concepts like computerized control systems, sensor operation and diagnosis, actuator operation and diagnosis, and onboard diagnostic systems.
**Note: The prerequisites of both classes are the completion of AUTC 101, 112, and 117 with a 2.0 or higher.**
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 124	Heating and Air Conditioning	NO	6
AUTC 226	Advanced Electronics	NO	6

Quarter 4

[Fall] Quarter 4 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,304**
**Description:** You are moving to more advanced automotive theory. In the first class, you learn to diagnose and fix problems with engines, engine blocks, cylinder heads, timing, and lubrication and cooling systems. In your second class this quarter, you work on manual transmissions, transaxles, driveshafts, velocity joints, differentials, and four-wheel/all-wheel-drive systems.
**Prerequisite notes: You cannot take AUTC 228 or AUTC 233 until you complete AUTC 101, 112, and 117 with a 2.0 or higher.**
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 228	Engine Repair and Shop Computations	YES	8
AUTC 233	Manual Drivetrain and Axles	YES	8

Quarter 5

[Winter] Quarter 5 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,304**
**Description:** In this quarter, you learn to diagnose and repair all of the following: automatic transmissions and transaxles; ignition, fuel, emissions, and on-board diagnostic computer systems; and air induction, exhaust systems, and emissions controls, and related systems.
**Prerequisite notes: You cannot take AUTC 204 or AUTC 216 until you complete AUTC 101, 112, and 117 with a 2.0 or higher.**

**It's time to apply for your certificate of completion!** You finish the Automotive Technology certificate this quarter.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 204	Automatic Transmissions	TBD	6
AUTC 216	Engine Performance and Emissions	TBD	10

Estimated Cost for Your Certificate of Completion: $15,060
($12,060 for tuition, fees, and protective equipment, plus $3,000 for all tools)

Continue with Quarter 6 classes to earn your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Quarter 6

[Spring] Quarter 6 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,436**
**Description:** You take the first two of four General Education classes for your associate degree; one is math, and the other is social science. Recommendations are included below, but you have many choices.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AMATH 175	Financial Math or other General Education mathematics class	NO	5
ANTH&106	American Mosaic or other General Education social science class	NO	5

Quarter 7

[Summer] Quarter 7 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,436**
**Description:** You take the last two of four General Education classes for your associate degree; one is communication OR humanities, and the other is any general education elective. Recommendations are included below, but you have many choices.

**It's time to apply for graduation!** You finish the Automotive Technology AAS degree this quarter.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
COMP 100 or CMST&101	Applied Composition or Introduction to Communication or another communications or humanities class	NO	5
BUS&101	Introduction to Business or any other General Education Class	NO	5

Estimated Cost for Your AAS Degree: $17,931
($14,931 for tuition, fees, and protective equipment, plus $3,000 for all tools)

Quarter 1

Spring Start

[Spring] Quarter 1 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,776**
**Description:** You will learn fundamental automotive safety and shop operations like writing and handling repair orders, changing oil and car batteries, and using diagnostic equipment.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
COL 101	College Success	NO	2
AUTC 101	Safety/Environmental Issues	YES	2
AUTC 112	Maintenance and Light Repair	YES	7
AUTC 117	Electrical Systems	YES	7
AUTC 171	Written Communications	NO	1
INDS 101	First Aid/CPR & AED	NO	1

Quarter 2

[Summer] Quarter 2 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,892**
**Description:** Your topics this quarter include refrigeration, heating, ventilation, engine cooling, and operational controls, as well as refrigerant recovery, recycling, and handling according to EPA regulations. You also learn to diagnose and repair batteries, accessories, and multiple auto systems (starting, charging, lighting, driver information, wiper/washer systems). Finally, you study advanced concepts like computerized control systems, sensor operation and diagnosis, actuator operation and diagnosis, and onboard diagnostic systems.
**Note: The prerequisites of both classes are the completion of AUTC 101, 112, and 117 with a 2.0 or higher.**
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 124	Heating and Air Conditioning	NO	6
AUTC 226	Advanced Electronics	NO	6

Quarter 3

[Fall] Quarter 3 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,284**
**Description:** You will learn all about brakes (drum, disc, parking, and anti-lock brakes; hydraulic systems; power assist; and traction control systems) as well as steering, suspensions, wheel alignment, and tires. You also study ways to work productively with customers and other auto shop employees.

**It's time to apply for your certificate!** You finish the Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair certificate this quarter.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 118	Brakes	YES	7
AUTC 132	Steering and Suspension	YES	7
AUTC 180	Human Relations/Customer Relations	TBD	1
AUTC 160	Automotive Mathematics	TBD	1

Quarter 4

[Winter] Quarter 4 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,304**
**Description:** You are moving to more advanced automotive theory. In the first class, you learn to diagnose and fix problems with engines, engine blocks, cylinder heads, timing, and lubrication and cooling systems. In your second class this quarter, you work on manual transmissions, transaxles, driveshafts, velocity joints, differentials, and four-wheel/all-wheel-drive systems.
**Prerequisite notes: You cannot take AUTC 228 or AUTC 233 until you complete AUTC 101, 112, and 117 with a 2.0 or higher.**
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 228	Engine Repair and Shop Computations	YES	8
AUTC 233	Manual Drivetrain and Axles	YES	8

Quarter 5

[Spring] Quarter 5 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $2,304**
**Description:** In this quarter, you learn to diagnose and repair all of the following: automatic transmissions and transaxles; ignition, fuel, emissions, and on-board diagnostic computer systems; and air induction, exhaust systems, and emissions controls, and related systems.
**Prerequisite notes: You cannot take AUTC 204 or AUTC 216 until you complete AUTC 101, 112, and 117 with a 2.0 or higher.**

**It's time to apply for your certificate of completion!** You finish the Automotive Technology certificate this quarter.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AUTC 204	Automatic Transmissions	TBD	6
AUTC 216	Engine Performance and Emissions	TBD	10

Estimated Cost for Your Certificate of Completion: $15,060
($12,060 for tuition, fees, and protective equipment, plus $3,000 for all tools)

Continue with Quarter 6 classes to earn your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Quarter 6

[Summer] Quarter 6 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,436**
**Description:** You take the first two of four General Education classes for your associate degree; one is math, and the other is social science. Recommendations are included below, but you have many choices.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
AMATH 175	Financial Math or other General Education mathematics class	NO	5
ANTH&106	American Mosaic or other General Education social science class	NO	5

Quarter 7

[Fall] Quarter 7 Course Information
**Estimated Tuition and Fees: $1,436**
**Description:** You take the last two of four General Education classes for your associate degree; one is communication OR humanities, and the other is any general education elective. Recommendations are included below, but you have many choices.

**It's time to apply for graduation! You finish the Automotive Technology AAS degree this quarter.**
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
COMP 100 or CMST&101	Applied Composition or Introduction to Communication or another communications or humanities class	NO	5
BUS&101	Introduction to Business or any other General Education Class	NO	5

Estimated Cost for Your AAS Degree: $17,931
($14,931 for tuition, fees, and protective equipment, plus $3,000 for all tools)

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