The Automotive Performance Technician Certificate of Achievement Program provides technical preparation for the skills necessary for a performance level technician. Internship hours as an automotive technician are required to complete this program. Students will learn how to perform inspection, service, repair, and diagnosis of engine mechanical systems, electrical and electronic systems, heating and air-conditioning systems, driver and passenger comfort systems, and drivetrain and powertrain control systems. Assessments occur through written exams and skills competency assessments with an emphasis on diagnostic procedures. Critical thinking skills, practical hands-on skills, safety, and employability (soft) skills are practiced throughout the curriculum. Students who successfully complete this program may continue their automotive education by pursuing an AS degree and transfer opportunities.

The Automotive Performance Technician COA program is designed to provide the skills necessary to perform as a performance level technician in automotive repair facilities and encompasses maintenance, electrical system, engine, and automatic / manual transmission / transaxle service and repair skill sets. This is an experience based program and requires 450 hours of work experience led and validated through the AUTO V96 Automotive Internship II course. Options for higher level certificates and / or degrees are available and can be sequenced from the Automotive Maintenance Technician COA Program.

Automotive Performance Technician Program Requirements:

Fall Semester (Semester 1):

ACE V12: Automotive Electrical Systems I, 4.0 units / 140 hours

ACE V13: Automotive Engine Repair, 4.0 units / 140 hours

AUTO V96 Automotive Internship: (6.0 unit total requirement / 450 hours - 2 semesters of internship)

Spring Semester (Semester 2):

1. ACE V23: Automotive Electrical Systems II, 4.0 units / 140 hours (can be taken during the 2nd or 3rd semester)

2. ACE V31: Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning, 4.0 units / 140 hours

3. AUTO V96 Automotive Internship: (6.0 unit total requirement / 450 hours - 2 semesters of internship)

Fall Semester (Semester 3):

1. ACE V32: Automotive Engine Management, 4.0 units / 140 hours

2. AUTO V96 Automotive Internship (if the 6.0 total unit requirement was not completed in previous semesters)

Spring Semester (Semester 4):

1. ACE V41: Automotive Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, 4.0 units / 140 hours

2. ACE V42: Automotive Engine Driveability, 4.0 units / 140 hours

3. AUTO V96 Automotive Internship (if the 6.0 total unit requirement was not completed in previous semesters)

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Perform maintenance service and repair procedures in a timely manner and to industry standards.
• Perform electrical and electronic system diagnosis in a timely manner and to industry standards.
• Perform heating, air-conditioning, and driver/passenger comfort system diagnosis in a timely manner and to industry standards.
• Perform powertrain and drivetrain diagnosis in a timely manner and to industry standards.