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. 

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  

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

For a list of all approved non-public training providers, visit this page.

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

Program 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.

  • October 2021: All Current (pre-harmonized) levels have been phased out. Apprentices who have completed Current Level 2 (CL2) or Current Level 3 (CL3) and are interested in registering for Harmonized Level 3 (HL3) or Harmonized Level 4 (HL4) of training are asked to contact their Apprenticeship Advisor before registering to discuss potential gaps in their training. Please see the Transition Update or the Transition Plan for details.

  • OPSN Archives

Program Information (2024) and Resources

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Automotive Service Technicians possess the full range of knowledge and abilities required to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose problems and repair vehicle systems including engines, vehicle management, hybrids, steering, braking, tires, wheels, drivetrains, suspension, electrical, electronics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), restraints, trim and accessories of automotive vehicles and light trucks with a gross vehicle weight less than 5,500 kg.

View PDF

Exam Information and Resources

Updates:

  • 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.

Information:

Updates:

  • 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.

Information:

Updates:

  • 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.

Information:

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Updates:

  • None

Information:

Program Information and Resources

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Automotive Service Technicians possess the full range of knowledge and abilities required to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose problems and repair vehicle systems including engines, vehicle management, hybrids, steering, braking, tires, wheels, drivetrains, suspension, electrical, electronics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), restraints, trim and accessories of automotive vehicles and light trucks with a gross vehicle weight less than 5,500 kg.

View PDF

Challenge the Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please contact customer service for more information.