10 Best Auto Mechanic Online Schools and Certification Programs
see also: 10 Best Books to Learn Auto Mechanic by Yourself
In today’s automotive world, knowledge is gold. The time when someone could pick up a wrench and open is own shop is over. But thanks to the internet, you’ll find plenty of resources to help you learn everything you need to know to become an auto mechanic and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in automotive technology. Whether you are an aspiring car mechanic looking for some quick auto mechanic training or a full-fledged automotive technician looking to sharpen your skills, here’s 10 of the best auto mechanic online schools and certification program to help you be the best mechanic in the shop.
This one comes first, well, because it’s free! It’s a 10 to 15 hours long free online course and it’s a perfect starting point for beginners. The course is divided into different modules guiding you through the basic of auto mechanics in an easy to understand manner. The first module includes an overview of what it’s like to work as an auto mechanic, how to use the tools of the trade and an introduction to automotive technology. The good stuff comes after that. Everything from engines inner workings, fuel system, cooling system, braking, exhaust, suspension, and steering system.
Name it, they have it! And all that for free!
You may not become a full-fledged auto mechanic with a 15 hours course but it’s good enough to give you a headstart if you plan on going to a regular auto mechanic trade school in the future or if you are about to begin an apprenticeship and you don’t want to look like a total noob.
Pricing
Free!
Penn Foster Career School
If you’ve searched for auto mechanic online courses for a while now, you may well be aware of Penn Foster Career School. They are everywhere! You’ll see their ads pop-up all over the web as soon as you enter “auto mechanic school” in Google. I still needed to include them here because they offer a complete line-up of online automotive courses ranging from auto mechanics, auto body repair, and diesel mechanics to auto detailing, small engine repair, and even motorcycle repair technicians.
As for the auto repair technician career diploma, here’s what you program includes:
- an ASE certification preparation integrated throughout the course
- Up to two ASE Certification Practice test vouchers
- Instructional support
- Access 24/7 to Penn Foster’s online community
- 75% off! of Classic Car Restoration Club premium online how-to videos
- All books, learning aids, and even a digital multimeter
- Access to Snap-On Student Excellence Program offering up to a 50% discount on Snap-On products
Penn Foster Career School also offers:
- Automotive HVAC Essentials Certificates
- Automotive Transmission Essentials Certificates
Pricing
| Pay in Full | Monthly Auto Pay | Monthly Mail Pay |
|---|---|---|
| $749 | $799 | $829 |
I-CAR
I-CAR is an auto body repair specialist and has a complete selection of auto body repair programs and certifications. Their online program features a virtual classroom system which, in my opinion, is awesome. That’s even better than traditionally recorded lectures. I-CAR may be better suited for people with at least some knowledge of auto body repair work since they mostly offer advanced classes and certifications.
I-CAR also offers OEM specific training and certification, welding courses and certifications as well as ASE test preparation
Pricing
Because of the wide array of different courses and programs offered by I-CAR, take a look here for a detailed list of pricing for each program.
Bergwall
Bergwall offers a lot of auto mechanic online courses, ASE test preparation, and classes. The teaching is done through videos and reading materials, letting you work at your own pace. The courses are divided into 4 main categories: ASE Test Prep, Shop Talk, Shop Safety & Math, and OBD-II.
Worth mentioning, this is not a typical online school program. The curriculum isn’t divided into modules and doesn’t grant you any diploma when completed. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a good way to learn the basics of auto mechanics without paying the big bucks, Bergwall could well be the answer. Here’s a quick example at some of the courses they are offering in video format:
Pricing
| Monthly Subscription | Yearly Subscription |
|---|---|
| $10/Month | $100/Year |
PCDI Canada
This one is for those of you looking to get some more training with HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems. PCDI offers you to learn at your own pace in the comfort of your couch and to graduate in as few as 4 months. All the teaching is done with online lessons and textbooks.
PCDI also offers a Motorcycle Mechanics program. Just so you know.
Pricing
| Pay in Full | Monthly Auto Pay | Monthly Mail Pay |
|---|---|---|
| $690 | $790 | $814 |
The Society of Automotive Engineers
This one is interesting. It’s not a school of any kind but more a comprehensive collection of videos, seminars, classes, recorded lectures and such covering every aspect of automotive technology. You can find educational material on a wide array of subjects. From seminars on drivetrains and direct injection to electric vehicle technology and even acoustic fundamentals to solve noise and vibration problems.
Some of the stuff found on this website digs deep. Real deep. It may not be suitable for beginners. But if you already have an auto mechanic diploma and you are looking to sharpen your skills, this is for you. I’ve been looking for an actual school giving any kind of training on Electric Vehicles for some time now and I couldn’t find any in my area. This is probably where I’ll get it in the near future. I’ll keep you updated.
Pricing
This is probably the most expensive service on the list. It works on a per-course or per-seminar basis starting around $100 each to over $270 each. This way, the total cost of tuition may add up pretty quickly if you plan to take several courses. May not be for everyone.
Career Now
Career now is a search engine for trade schools, as well as vocational and technical colleges. Their trade school finder makes it easy for you to find all the information you need in one place. No need to scout every website of every trade school near you anymore!
Simply fill the contact form below and someone will be in touch with you with plenty of information regarding trade school that could be a good fit for you based on your needs and budget.
Pretty neat, right?!
Stratford Career Institute
Stratford’s comprehensive course covers a wide range of topics including:
- Suspension and steering systems
- Audio systems
- Brake systems
- Preventative maintenance
- Engine rebuilding
- Engine performance diagnosis
- And much more…
Here’s what you get when you sign up with Stratford:
- All textbooks, study guides, and learning aids
- Online exams
- Unlimited access to qualified instructors when needed
- Free tools and equipment (not sure what those are. I can’t really imagine they are sending you a fully equipped tool chest.)
- A personalized career diploma upon graduation
Worth mentioning, Stratford is also offering:
Pricing
| Paid in Full | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| $895 | 24 X $43.76 |
Automotive Training Centers
With ATC’s auto mechanics online course, you can study at your own pace and have up to one year to complete the training which is faster than most other programs on this list. On graduation, you will receive an Automotive Mechanic/Technician Certificate from the Automotive Training Centre.
Here are some of the subjects covered by ATC’s training program:
- Brake systems
- Steering, suspension, and tires
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Gas engine & fuel systems
- Emissions tuning
- Safety and environmental procedures
- And everything you need to know to become a good technician
Pricing
$999.00 CAD
ICS Canada
If you want a fast training this one may be for you. With ICS you could complete the program and get an auto mechanics diploma in as little as 6 months. Everything is backed with hands-on exercises to make sure you acquire all the skills you need to fix cars like a professional.
If you would like to see what an actual ICS Automotive Mechanics lesson looks like, click here.
Pricing
| Pay in Full | Monthly Auto Pay | Monthly Mail Pay |
|---|---|---|
| $1,049 CDN | $1,169 CDN | $1,249 CDN |
Ashworth College
Ashworth College is another online school that offers an Automotive Technician training program. This program covers all the basics of maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting. Everything is included with your subscription including communication with professors, online videos, and textbooks, fully interactive online, NATEF-aligned lessons and step-by-step lab simulations. You’ll also receive an Automotive training diploma at the end of the program.
Pricing
| Pay in Full | Monthly Auto Pay | Monthly Mail Pay |
|---|---|---|
| $709 | $759 | $849 |
Last Words
Obviously, I can’t test all these online programs by myself. If any of you already took some of these distance learning courses, I would really appreciate that you let me know how it went for you. Send me an email to [email protected] or leave a comment in the box below so I can better adjust this list and maybe create a top ten based on students reviews.
As always, I hope it helps.
Cheers and have a nice day!
