Take the Brakes off and Jump-Start Your Career Today!

Drive your career to new heights! Automotive Technology courses provide the basic knowledge and skills to start a rewarding career as an entry-level service technician in the high-demand automotive service and repair industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of jobs for automotive service technicians and mechanics will increase by six percent between 2016 and 2026, translating into 47,600 new jobs and job openings created by retiring technicians.

Our courses focus on ASE certification content areas for beginners and advanced students. Our highly qualified instructors teach Basic Theory, Brake Systems, Engine Performance, and Electrical Systems classes.

ASE certifies individuals who have completed an automotive repair training program and tests to ensure they know how to work on mechanical, electrical, and other automotive systems. When someone holds the ASE certification, they are considered an expert in the automotive industry.

Program Benefits

  • Get a competitive advantage when starting a new career or upgrading existing skills.
  • Learn to use tools and equipment, read gauges, install batteries, select the right part, and understand the mechanics.
  • Convenient evening classes.
  • Certification is voluntary; however, most service and repair facilities and dealerships require technicians to be certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Certification typically leads to higher salaries.

Courses We Offer

  • AUT-300 Auto Technician: Basic Theory 
  • AUT-308 Auto Tech: Brakes Systems 
  • AUT-306 Auto Tech: Engine Performance 
  • AUT-304 Auto Tech: Electrical Systems 
  • AUT-311 Auto Tech: Introduction to Light Diesel 

Ready to Get Started?

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Students are eligible to receive a certificate upon the successful completion of each course.

Click here to learn more about the ASE Certification or view the Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Job Outlook.

Course Descriptions

AUT-300 Auto Technician: Basic Theory

This course provides a hands-on study of all major automotive units' construction, operation, and function. Topics include engine fundamentals, emission control, fuel system, electrical system, ignition system, engine tune-up instruments and procedures, brake systems, suspension, and alignment. Students will discuss the textbook during the first class session.

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12 sessions
Cost: $560 (includes $60 lab fee)

Session Details

Spring 2025 Semester

SYN #15415
Dates: 1/14/2025 - 2/20/2025 | Lectures Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 6:00-9:30 p.m.
Location: Annex C, Room 002 (Largo Campus)

AUT-308 Auto Technician: Brake Systems

Knowledge of automotive brake systems is of the utmost importance due to the critical safety issues in vehicle operating. This class provides students with in-depth knowledge of the latest brake theory, troubleshooting, and hands-on experience servicing and repairing today's brake systems. Shop safety regulations are also addressed. This course is based on information on Auto-Service Excellence (ASE) content area testing; the textbook will be discussed on the first day of class.

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6 sessions
Cost: $280 (includes $60 lab fee)

Session Details

Spring 2025 Semester

SYN #14263
Dates: 3/17/2025 - 4/2/2025 | Lectures Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Annex C, Room 002 (Largo Campus)

AUT-306 Auto Technician: Engine Performance

This class provides in-depth automotive technician theory in engine performance, covering engine design and operations, ignition systems, emission controls, and On-Board Diagnostics (OBDII) systems. Other topics include engine types/construction/support systems, diagnosing engine problems, fuel system construction/operation/maintenance, ignition system/coils/distributors/wiring, testing equipment, and troubleshooting. This course is based on Auto Service Excellence (ASE) content area testing information. The textbook is discussed on the first day of class.

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6 sessions
Cost: $280 (includes $60 lab fee)

Session Details

Spring 2025 Semester

SYN #14260
Dates: 2/12/2025 - 3/5/2025 | Lectures Mondays and Wednesdays
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Annex C, Room 002 (Largo Campus)

AUT-304 Auto Technician: Electrical Systems

An in-depth, hands-on study of today's automotive electrical systems. Topics include electrical system diagnosis, battery diagnosis, battery service, starting system, charging system, lighting systems (head and tail, parking, dash and courtesy, stop and hazard), turn signals and backup light, gauges warning devices, driver information system and diagnosis and repair, horn, wiper and washer, body and miscellaneous accessories diagnostic and repair. This course is based on Auto Service Excellence (ASE) content area testing information.

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6 sessions
Cost: $280 (includes $60 lab fee)

Session Details

Spring 2025 Semester

SYN #14261
Dates: 1/22/2025 - 2/10/2025 | Lectures Mondays and Wednesdays
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Annex C, Room 002 (Largo Campus)

AUT-311 Auto Technician: Introduction to Light Diesel

This course will introduce the student to basic diesel engine operation and diagnosis. Students will be exposed to diesel technology used in the light-duty diesel market. Students will study fuel controls, diagnostics systems, and emission controls. Students will learn service procedures for common diesel faults. This course will follow ASE standards for light-duty diesel A9 ASE.

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10 sessions
$490 (includes $60 lab fee)

Session Details

Spring 2025 Semester

SYN #14257
Dates: 3/18/2025 - 4/17/2025 | Lectures Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Annex C, Room 002 (Largo Campus)

Contact Us

301-546-0062 | tdi@pgcc.edu

Barbara McCreary, Program Director

Prince George's Community College
Annex C, Room 002
301 Largo Road
Largo, MD 20785

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