Automotive Service 

Technician 

Automotive Service Technicians combine a love of vehicles with a deep understanding of mechanics. They make fixing the vehicles we all depend on look easy, ensuring that every vehicle is cared for. 

Automotive Service Technicians in garage working on hood of cars

As an Automotive Service Technician, you’ll work in a garage or on a factory floor with vehicles of all shapes and sizes—from a vintage roadster to an electric car.  

You can work for a vehicle manufacturing company, a dealer, or anywhere else vehicles are serviced. Every vehicle is different and it’s up to you to isolate the problem, find a solution and send drivers safely on their way.  

What You'll Learn

  • How to inspect, diagnose and service cars and light trucks
  • How to repair engines, steering systems, braking systems, vehicle suspensions, electrical systems and more
  • How to use computerized diagnostic equipment to test and adjust key vehicle components
  • How to perform preventative maintenance, including wheel alignments, oil changes and tune-ups 

Key Job Skills

  • Vehicle repair and maintenance
  • Troubleshooting
  • Specialized tools and equipment
  • Brake, steering, suspension and electrical systems
  • Engine mechanics and components  

Start Your Apprenticeship

Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.

Technical Training 28 weeks over 4 years
Work-Based Training
6360 HOURS
General Skills
Analytical Coordinated Resourceful Systematic

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Program Information (2024) and Resources

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

 

Active as of January 1, 2026 :


Active as of January 1, 2026:

Active until December 31, 2026: 

 

 

Active as of January 1, 2026

Active until December 31, 2025

Program and Exam Updates

  • March 2024: OPSN 2024 009 (2024 Program Launch, Updated Program Profile, Program Outlines, and Competency Migration Chart)

  • August 2022: An updated AST Single Credential Program Profile and Outline were implemented on January 1, 2023. Please see OPSN 2022 019 for details.

  • OPSN Archives

 

  • January 2026: OPSN 2025 026 (Standardized Level Exams for levels 1 and 2 implemented on January 1, 2026).

  • January 2026: OPSN 2025 024 (IP Exams aligned to the 2023 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between 2016 RSOS and the 2023 RSOS can be found here. 

  • August 2024: Standardized Level Exam (SLE) for level 3 will be implemented on September 1, 2024. Please see OPSN 2024 016 for details.

  • March 2023: Standardized Level Exams (SLEs) for levels 1, 2, and 3 were implemented as of January 1, 2023. Please see program update for details.

  • August 2022: Standardized Level Exams (SLEs) for levels 1, 2, and 3 will be implemented on January 1, 2023. Please see OPSN 2022 019 for details.

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.