How to Stand Out With Manufacturer-Specific Diesel Certifications

In the competitive world of diesel technology, getting specialized training can help you stand out from the crowd. Additionally, earning manufacturer-specific diesel certifications is a powerful way to showcase your skills, proving to employers that you have the brand-specific knowledge needed to work on their engines.¹

Keep reading to learn about how these diesel mechanic certifications can help you in your pursuit of a diesel technician career and how you can take steps toward earning them.

What Are Manufacturer-Specific Certifications?

Earning manufacturer-specific certifications shows that a diesel technician is trained and skilled to work on specific brands of vehicles. The training needed to achieve these certifications provides in-depth knowledge of a specific brand’s diesel engines, diagnostics and repair procedures, helping set certified technicians apart from general diesel mechanics.

Why Manufacturer-Specific Certifications Matter

Manufacturer-specific recognitions

Aspiring diesel technicians may be able to earn specific recognitions depending on the program they’re in. For example, those enrolled in the Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) Finish First program earn six certifications and Professional Level Technician status, and students who take the Cummins Engines program are classified as CMI Level 1 Technicians.

More competitive skill set

Many dealerships and fleet service centers prefer or require technicians to have some level of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) training. Holding these certifications may help make technicians more competitive in the job market, especially compared to techs without this specialized knowledge.⁶

Experience with brand-specific tools, technology and training

Diesel technicians with manufacturer-specific certifications typically have more experience using specialized  diagnostic tools and software and know how to perform more advanced repair procedures. This specialized knowledge allows them to efficiently diagnose and repair a manufacturer’s diesel systems, improving service quality and efficiency.

Popular Manufacturer-Specific Programs for Diesel Technicians

There are several programs that can help aspiring diesel technicians gain training with a specific brand, and some schools offer specialized training where students get the chance to earn manufacturer-specific certification.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) offers a 45-week Diesel Technology training program that provides foundational training for the diesel industry.⁷ Combining hands-on training with online learning, graduates gain the skills needed for careers in the industry.¹⁸

Should they choose to further their education, UTI offers the following Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training programs:

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) Finish First

The DTNA Finish First program provides specialized training for brands like Western Star, Cascadia and Freightliner. Over 12 weeks, students learn about topics like heavy-duty truck systems, electrical and electronics troubleshooting, HVAC diagnostics and more. Plus, graduates earn Professional Level Technician status and come away with six certifications.

Cummins Engines

The Cummins Engines program focuses on maintenance, repair and optimization of Cummins-powered engines and equipment. This 12-week program results in graduates being classified as CMI Level 1 Technicians.⁴⁶

Cummins Power Generation

The 12-week Cummins Power Generation specialized training program helps students learn the fundamentals of power generation, focusing on equipment and controls alongside engine maintenance.⁴⁶ Graduates are classified as CMI Level 1 Technicians and get the chance to earn several diesel mechanic certifications.

Peterbilt Technician Institute (PTI)

Peterbilt Technician Institute is designed for technicians who want to specialize in Peterbilt trucks, offering hands-on training with advanced diagnostics, emissions control and repair techniques.¹⁵ The program is 12 weeks and graduates earn nine certifications.

How to Earn a Manufacturer-Specific Certification

Enrolling in a core training program

The first step to earning a manufacturer-specific diesel certification is often to enroll in a training program to get a core foundation of knowledge as a diesel technician, like what’s offered in the Diesel Technology program at UTI.

Getting this type of education can help make it easier to apply for manufacturer-specific training programs with leading brands, where you can pursue manufacturer-specific certifications.

Completing hands-on training and testing¹⁸

Most manufacturer-specific certifications require practical experience with the brand’s diesel systems and components. Often the completion of a specialized training program will result in the graduate obtaining certifications and even certain levels of technician status for the brand specifically.

Invest in Your Skill Set With Manufacturer-Specific Training

Earning a manufacturer-specific certification is an investment in your pursuit of a career as a diesel technician. These credentials can help take your skills to the next level and can be a great way to boost your resume.

You can get started by enrolling in UTI’s Diesel Technology program and get the background of knowledge and training that can help you when pursuing manufacturer-specific training. Learn more by connecting with an Admissions Rep today!