Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Certificate (I-BEST)

Program Details Page Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Certificate (I-BEST)

Welcome to the page dedicated to Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair, which is part of the Automotive Technology 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

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?

• 2 quarters (6 to 8 months) with 36 total credits; you can continue in the Automotive Technology Certificate or AAS pathways

When do classes meet? 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays - Wednesday in person, Thursday hybrid.

Are summer classes required? No! There are no summer classes for this certificate. 

Prepare for an entry-level career in automotive repair and technology with training in basic diagnostics, brakes, steering, suspension, heating and air conditioning. Classes use the standards of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Links to an external site. so you can be confident that you are learning the skills needed to start your career.

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?

$60,240 annually Links to an external site. in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most automotive service technicians earn at least $38,530; 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:

1. Webcam
2. Headset with microphone
3. Working internet connection
4. Uniform ($50)
5. 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 listhere)
6. Textbook ($300)
7. 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

For optimal experience, please rotate your phone sideways to view the page in landscape mode.

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