7 Steps To Become an Auto Mechanic

All mechanics start somewhere, and it’s never too late to get started.

However, you may be wondering how to become a mechanic if you have no experience.

It is possible, but the journey to get there can seem hazy without guidance.

However, our post on how to become a car mechanic can help jump-start your pursuit. Keep reading to learn what auto mechanics do, their required skill set and how to become one yourself!

Key Summary Points

• Becoming a mechanic is possible even without prior experience, but it requires the right knowledge and steps.
• Auto mechanics maintain, diagnose and repair automobiles, and their job duties include routine maintenance, safety procedures and communication with customers.
• Skills needed to become an auto mechanic include a desire to learn, technical aptitude, math skills and adaptability.
• The journey to becoming a mechanic starts with obtaining a high school diploma or GED and enrolling in a trade program for technical training.
• Specialized training programs, hands-on experience, certification and following local regulations are important steps in becoming a mechanic.

What Do Auto Mechanics Do?

Auto mechanics maintain, diagnose and repair various types of automobiles and can work in diverse environments including repair shops, dealerships, tire shops or part shops.

While their duties can vary, most auto mechanic job descriptions include the following:

• Conduct routine maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations and fluid checks.
• Adhere to industry-standard safety procedures.
• Use diagnostic tools to identify issues and determine a plan for repair.
• Communicate with customers to explain and provide estimates for repairs.
• Test vehicles for state emissions and safety standards.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance and repairs performed.

What Skills Are Needed To Become an Auto Mechanic?

Auto mechanics, also called auto technicians, must understand the mechanical and electrical systems within an automobile. As technologies in the industry innovate, these systems become more complex. Keeping up with them requires a certain set of mechanic skills and other traits like:

• Desire to learn: This ever-evolving field demands an initiative to keep up with new tools technologies, equipment and industry standards. 
• Technical aptitude: Auto technicians deal with intricate components and systems, so developing technical aptitude is crucial. 
• Math skills: Mechanics must have basic math skills to determine the proper size of tools to use, calculate torque and horsepower, and more. 
• Adaptability: Every day is different in the automotive industry. This fast-moving career calls for the ability to overcome challenges and meet customer expectations all while performing adequate work.

Need help sharpening these skills? Keep reading for our step-by-step explanation on how to become a mechanic.

How To Be a Mechanic

1. Have a high school diploma or GED

So, is becoming an auto mechanic possible without going to school? The truth is employers often exclude applicants for auto mechanic roles if they haven’t graduated high school.

Even if you already have practical mechanic skills, your automotive mechanic resume could get overlooked if you don’t have this credential, especially at top companies and dealerships. Most trade schools also require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.

These documents indicate a certain level of discipline and reasoning ability. Even if you’re a very diligent worker, it can be harder to prove that to an employer or postsecondary school without official documentation that you have what it takes to complete a structured curriculum.

Getting a diploma or GED takes time. However, without either, it may take much longer to find your footing in the automotive technology industry. To broaden your career options, get your diploma or GED first!

Read: What Are the Admissions Requirements at UTI?

2. Enroll in a trade program

Without technical training, becoming a mechanic with no experience is possible. However, doing so could be difficult since many of these roles – even entry-level ones – still require previous hands-on experience.

Technical trade programs can provide this experience. These programs teach their students the skills and knowledge needed for entry-level roles in automotive technology through hands-on instruction.¹⁸ They can also offer degrees, diplomas or certifications that confirm their graduates have built a technical foundation.

Most of Universal Technical Institute’s Automotive Technology programs offer degrees. Depending on the program they attend, a graduate can receive:

• Associate of occupational studies (AOS)
• Associate in specialized technology (AST)
• Occupational associate degree (OAD)

Certain automotive technology programs may offer a diploma instead. Our campus in Bloomfield, New Jersey, provides its automotive graduates with a certificate of completion.

These documents can make a difference in an automotive technician’s professional journey. Employers are generally more confident in the aptitude of mechanics with schooling credentials. For that reason, they may be more likely to hire mechanics who have completed structured training programs over those without education credentials.

Trade schools may also provide information to their students about competitive job opportunities. For example, at UTI, our Career Services team can help students and graduates prepare for interviews and compile other application materials during their job search.¹

Fortunately, you can enroll in an automotive mechanic schooleven if you have no prior experience. But if you're itching for hands-on training and the thought of hitting the books leaves you restless, don’t worry!

Students in these programs receive training through a blended-learning model that combines online, remote learning and hands-on instruction – both of which teach skills commonly used in the field. They’ll also have access to the tools, machinery and equipment needed for effective on-campus training.

Technical schooling also typically takes less time to complete than a four-year university program. At Universal Technical Institute, it can take 51 weeks. So, training to become an auto mechanic could take a little less than a year.⁷

3. Continue schooling with specialized training

Specialized training programs whose curriculum is tailored to specific manufacturers can help graduates further develop their skill set. Most of UTI’s specialized auto training programs last 12 to 15 weeks.⁸ Some programs, like the Mercedes-Benz Drive (MB Drive) and the Porsche Technology Apprenticeship Program (PTAP), may last longer.¹⁵

These programs teach students how to service vehicles for specific brands and manufacturers. Some programs specialize in just one automotive brand, while others cover multiple brands. Program completion provides graduates with credibility and training they can use when applying for jobs in the auto industry.

Here at UTI, both student-paid and manufacturer-paid programs allow students to explore specialized training. Student-paid training has fewer application requirements, which means that more students can apply for a spot. Some manufacturer-paid curriculums, while attached with certain GPA and attendance requirements, also include post-program employment agreements.

Read: Student-Paid vs. Manufacturer-Paid Programs

4. Double your learning

On campus, students receive hands-on auto mechanic training in our labs. However, many students also wonder how to become a mechanic while training at UTI.

A number of UTI graduates have obtained part-time jobs while attending mechanic classes for beginners. It's an excellent way to learn while earning an income. Students can explore such opportunities with our Early Employment Program.³⁶

It’s important to note that eligibility requirements and conditions for these positions are established by participating employers and are between the employer and the student. In addition to employer-specific requirements, eligible applicants for the Early Employment Program must be enrolled at or currently attending UTI (program currently offered at select UTI campuses based on employer availability and hiring needs).

5. Learn with the right tools

Your automotive mechanic courses will provide most of the tools and equipment you need during on-campus training. The tools and equipment used in our labs are also similar or the same technology that industry manufacturers use in the field to help students build confidence before becoming auto mechanics.

However, you’ll also need your own auto mechanic tools, especially after graduation. Fortunately, UTI has a relationship with Snap-on^®, a leading manufacturer of professional high-end tools and equipment – a brand that the military trusts. Automotive Technology II and/or Diesel Technology II students nearing graduation with no outstanding obligations will be given a Career Starter Tool Set Voucher, which can be redeemed for a variety of Snap-on^® tool sets.¹⁹ Snap-on^® offers a wide tool selection including:

• Wrenches.
• Pliers.
• Ratchet sets.
• Socket sets.

6. Apply and test for certification

Obtaining certification is another way to boost your credibility when becoming a mechanic since it indicates a specific level of knowledge in the field. Several states require technicians to obtain certifications to perform certain technical tasks.

Although there’s no government-mandated definition of a mechanic, getting certified demonstrates that you have objectively met a specific set of criteria and can validate your knowledge and abilities in automotive technology. This validation could be helpful in a job search.

You might be wondering how to become a certified mechanic without school. Although it’s possible, getting certified without technical training can be pretty tricky. But with the right training, graduates can feel prepared to apply and test for certifications.

UTI's Automotive Technology training program is Master Certified by the ASE Education Foundation, a division of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).¹⁶That means our automotive technology graduates are considered well-prepared to take ASE exams. They can also use their training to replace one of the two years of work experience required to test for ASE certification.

Even at entry level, becoming an auto mechanic can be difficult if you don't stand out on paper. However, those who complete a training program and pass certification exams can provide the documents some employers require when applying for jobs in the industry.

7. Follow local regulations

As mentioned before, “mechanic” isn’t a federally regulated term. However, becoming a mechanic in some states may require obtaining credentials that verify prior hands-on automotive experience. Other states may require credentials only for more advanced or specialized auto technician positions.

These credentials could include specific certifications and, in some cases, licensing. Technicians may also need to renew their certifications every year or so.

In certain states, technicians may also need to retest every few years to get recertified and continue working in the state. This is especially true with ASE certification renewal.

However, keep in mind that some states waive certain experience or testing requirements for ASE-certified individuals. This is excellent news for anyone attending an auto mechanical trade school that prepares students for the ASE certification process, like UTI.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Mechanic?

The amount of time it takes to become an automotive mechanic depends on the path you take to get there. While some aspiring mechanics pursue the career straight out of high school, they may have trouble landing their first position without hands-on experience, as the competition can be steep.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employers prefer candidates who have attended an auto mechanic school because they receive practical hands-on training. With that said, auto mechanic training programs can last anywhere from one to two years. 

The BLS also mentions that many employers value industry credentials, such as ASE certification. As mentioned above, becoming ASE certified requires two years of hands-on experience, and UTI graduates can substitute their education for one of those years.

To sum things up, with help from UTI’s auto mechanic school, graduates can begin pursuing a career in less than a year or less.⁷

How Much Do Auto Mechanics Make?

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $47,770 in May 2023.²⁵ This means that half of automotive technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary can vary based on several factors, including location, industry, level of experience and employer.

Read: Automotive Technician Salary in the U.S.: A 2023 Guide

Auto Mechanic FAQs

1. What education or training is required to become a mechanic?

Most mechanics start with a high school diploma or equivalent. They then typically complete a vocational training program in automotive technology or a related field.

2. Are there any specific certifications or licenses needed to work as a mechanic?

Mechanics often need to obtain certifications from organizations like the ASE. Some specializations, such as working for electric vehicle systems, require additional licensing.

3. How long does it typically take to complete mechanic training?

Training programs can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete, depending on the program's depth. Additional time may be required to earn specific certifications. At UTI, core training takes just 51 weeks to complete! ⁷

4. Are there any specific skills or qualities that are important for a mechanic to have?

Mechanics need strong problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude to diagnose and fix issues. Attention to detail, good manual dexterity and customer service skills are also important.

5. What are some common challenges or difficulties faced by mechanics in their profession?

Mechanics often encounter physically demanding work, long hours and the need to keep up with rapidly advancing technology. They may also face tight deadlines and the pressure to meet customer expectations for timely and effective repairs.

Learn How To Become a Mechanic With No Experience at UTI!

Here it is – our step-by-step reference for becoming an auto mechanic from the ground up! Itching to get started? Then it’s time to get ready for school.

Universal Technical Institute offers a 51-week Automotive Technology program.⁷ Here, industry experts can teach students with no experience how to become a mechanic, helping them develop the skills and knowledge required to pursue auto mechanic jobs.

Find us at one of our Universal Technical Institute locations near you. Speak with an Admissions representative by requesting more information online or calling 1-800-834-7308! Once you’re ready to enroll and begin your training, fill out an automotive trade school application!