The demand for mechanics has increased over the years. There are a lot of automobiles on the road now, and there is a need for a technical person to service and fix them when they are not functioning properly.
To become a good mechanic, you need to get the proper skills and knowledge, and you can only get that when you attend a good mechanic trade school.
Now, you don’t have to be physically present in a location to learn mechanics. Most schools have begun to teach automotive courses online. In some, it is entirely online, while in some, it is a hybrid program.
However, not all online programs are suitable; there are a lot of online schools out there that don’t teach what is appropriate, so you have to choose the right schools or institutions.
Below are the best mechanic trade school programs and certifications online.
1. Society of Automotive Engineers
First on the list of the best mechanic trade school program is the Society of Automotive Engineers. The school is situated in Warrendale, PA, and offers specialized certifications in design engineering, development, and styling management.
The society of Automotive Engineers has one of the top-notch technologies and resources you will need to build a career in the automotive industry.
To become a student in this institute, you must fill out an online application and pay a non-refundable membership fee.
The society of Automotive Engineers is fully accredited by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
2. Ashworth College
Ashworth College is one of the best mechanic trade school programs in Norcross, GA. The school is well recognized and respected for its Automotive Technician Career Diploma Program.
Their online auto mechanic courses are designed to follow the guidelines of
NATEP and are fully accredited.
The school does not have any special requirements, and the acceptance rate is 100%. The payment depends on your chosen mode of payment. For manual monthly payments, the tuition fee is $899. For monthly auto payments, the tuition fee is $659, and $769 for full payments.
Ashworth College is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
3. Ferris State University
Ferris State University offers one of the best mechanic trade school programs. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Management.
Ferris State University is duly recognized regionally by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Also, the automotive courses are fully accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
The tuition fee for the B.Sc. in Automotive Management is about $11,788.
4. Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster Career School is located in Scranton, PA. The online mechanic trade school program at the Penn Foster Career School is designed by leading experts in the automotive industry and Automotive Service Excellence Master Technicians.
In addition to the online course, the school offers you suitable learning aids, books, and study guides. The school went further in offering a work experience option where the students can have an opportunity to gain a practical experience in the field.
To enroll for the online automotive course at this school, you must be at least 17 years and have done up to 8th grade. You will be mandated to submit your educational transcripts.
Some of the courses you will learn in this program include engine performance, engine repair, and electronic/electrical systems.
Penn Foster Career School is fully accredited nationally by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission and it is an authorized provider by the IACET.
5. Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR)
Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) is an academic organization situated in Hoffman Estates, IL. The organization offers several online distance learning course programs, including mechanic trade programs.
The online trade mechanic courses take you through several coursework programs including collision repair and auto insurance. The tuition fees range between $36 and $38 per credit hour.
To apply for a course in I-CAR, you must fill out and submit an online application stating the area you want to specialize. You will apply together with the application fee.
The online mechanic trade programs at I-CAR are fully accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Foundations.
6. Northampton Community College
Northampton Community College (NCC) offers one of the best mechanic trade school programs. Their online mechanic trade program is recommended for ASE-certified technicians. The online program is an associate applied science program that aims to proffer knowledge of automotive technology to certified mechanics.
ASEP fully recognizes the online automatic courses in Northampton Community
College. Also, the school is in a partnership with General Motors.
7. Stratford Career Institute
Stratford Career Institute is a great vocational institute for anyone looking for the best mechanic trade school programs. The main online automotive course taught at Stratford Career Institute is an Auto Mechanic Program. Also, they offer other courses such as Small Engine Repair and Motorcycle /ATV Repair. The cost for enrolling for the online automotive course is $895 when paid in full or $43.75 installment payments for 24 months.
8. Bergwall
Bergwall is one of the best vocational schools offering mechanic trade programs. Here, the online courses are taught through reading materials and videos. To be part of the programs at Bergwall, you will have to make a monthly subscription of $10 or $100 per year.
This subscription gives you access to study four courses, and they are Shop Talk, |
ASE Test Prep, OBD-II, Shop Safety and Math, |
The Shop Talk exposes you to all the standard automotive components. and the
ASE Test Prep teaches you all the standard L1, C1, P2, and A1 to A8 ASE tests.
However, you must know that you will not be issued any diploma after this course.
The course is taught following the guidelines of ASE, and you can sit to write the
ASE certification test.
9. Automotive Engine Rebuilder’s Association
This is one of the best schools where you study online automotive certification courses without hands-on work. It combines pre-recorded videos and written information to allow you to learn at your own pace.
Upon completing the course, you will be rewarded with a certificate in Engine Machinist and Cylinder Heads. AERA is a unique program suitable for mechanics who wants to learn everything about engine rebuilds.
10. Alison
Alison offers one of the best mechanic trade school programs for free. Yes, totally free? You don’t have to pay to learn online automotive courses.
Alison’s online automotive courses offer you the necessary knowledge and skills to become a professional auto service mechanic. The course will expose you to the rudiments of electronics, safety, and automobile mechanics.
Also, you will get to learn how cars work and the theory behind each car component. The online course spans 10 to 15 hours and it is absolutely free.
The auto mechanic course is divided into modules so that you can easily follow the learning. You get a certificate after completing the course programs. You may not be a full-fledged mechanic upon completion, but it is ideal for beginners and those who want to build a career in mechanics
How Long Does it Take to Be a Certified Auto Mechanic?
To be a certified auto mechanic, you must have written the ASE certification examinations and have at least two work experiences. After you are done studying at any of the online or offline automotive programs, you proceed to register for the ASE exams. Becoming a certified auto mechanic might take you one, two, or three years depending on the duration and nature of your automotive course program.
How Can One Be a Mechanic?
To be a mechanic, the first step to do is to build interest to become one. After this, you must endeavor to finish your high school or GED. Once you graduate, look for a school offering automotive programs and register for it.
Some universities offer the courses as a stand-alone certification program, while others are blended. However, you have to make your choice on which to go to while choosing. Also, ensure you check for the accreditation of the programs. If the programs are not accredited, you might not be allowed to sit for the ASE programs and become a certified mechanic.
Conclusion
Studying automotive course programs online can be very convenient. Its flexibility allows you to combine it with field experience. Another advantage of the online automotive course programs is that they are cheaper than the on-campus and hybrid programs and have fair pricing. However they are not without disadvantages, Some of the disadvantages are a lack of hands-on desk experience and a lack of face-to-face practical instruction.
While choosing the online school program to go for, ensure you check for the accreditation and reputation of the institution offering the programs.