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Diesel Technician Certificate Program with Externship


Program includes National Certification & Externship Opportunity


The Diesel Technician Profession

Diesel Technicians work in a variety of settings overseeing and improving the performance of modern diesel engines and commercial vehicles, as well as sophisticated heavy equipment systems with electronic functions and advanced computer controls. Employed by major trucking companies, delivery enterprises, municipal transit systems and other transportation organizations, diesel technicians serve their customers with job titles such as Diesel Service Technician, Diesel Technician and Diesel Mechanic.

This program provides students the entry level skills required to start a career in automotive repair and maintenance. The program is delivered through an intensive hands-on lab approach allowing students to concentrate on practical skills education and execution. The students will become proficient in preventative maintenance and inspections by performing procedures in electrical, brakes, transmission, rear end and brakes. This course is designed to prepare students to pursue the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Auto Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) Certification. Students are eligible for an optional externship with a local employer after successful course completion.


Program Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Explain the role of the automotive and diesel technician in the automotive industry
  • Identify the parts of the vehicle
  • Identify and correctly/safely use hand and shop tools, precision tools, and measuring tools used in vehicle diagnosis and repair
  • Perform basic maintenance program tasks on vehicles per preventive maintenance schedules
  • Perform basic electrical circuit calculations on vehicle electrical systems
  • Verify battery performance and jump start vehicles with dead battery
  • Perform basic troubleshooting and maintenance tasks on vehicle hydraulic systems
  • Troubleshoot clutch for wear and damage
  • Perform basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on vehicle transmission systems
  • Remove and reinstall various components of rear and front-end drivetrain, axle, and steering and suspension systems
  • Perform basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on wheels and tires
  • Perform basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on vehicle braking systems
  • Perform basic chassis frame maintenance and performance checks
  • Inspect and service common types of fifth wheels and couplers
  • Perform simple HVAC diagnoses procedures
  • Perform basic engine system analysis and repair tasks
  • Practice customer service in dealings with vehicle owners, vendors, and coworkers

Lesson Checklist

Each lesson includes a prescribed checklist of activities for successful completion of the lesson. This includes lesson objectives, readings, and recommended assignments. Although assignments are optional, the instructor will grade and provide feedback on submitted assignments.

Course Materials:

  • Cengage Heavy Duty Truck Systems

Module/Lesson Structure

The Diesel Technician program modules contain one or more lesson presentations to view. These lesson presentations are the “lectures” which, along with the textbook readings and resources, will help you learn the material. The lesson presentations aim to address a variety of learning styles and preferences using text, audio, video, etc. Each lesson contains at least one Check Your Understanding interactive self-assessment that will help you gauge your comprehension of that lesson’s content. Some lessons include supplemental resources such as games, animations, videos, and interactive activities. Utilizing these additional materials will deepen your understanding of the content. Each module has a Module test, the last Module concludes with a Final Exam.

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to Servicing Heavy-Duty Trucks
  • Lesson 2: Shop Safety and Operations
  • Lesson 3: Tools and Fasteners
  • Lesson 4: Parts of a Truck
  • Lesson 5: Maintenance Programs
  • Lesson 6: Fundamentals of Electricity
  • Lesson 7: Fundamentals of Electronics and Computers
  • Lesson 8: Batteries
  • Lesson 9: Charging Systems
  • Lesson 10: Cranking Systems
  • Lesson 11: Chassis Electrical Circuits
  • Lesson 12: Diagnosis and Repair of Electronic Circuits
  • Lesson 13: Multiplexing
  • Lesson 14: Hydraulics
  • Lesson 15: Clutches
  • Lesson 16: Standard Transmission
  • Lesson 17: Standard Transmission Servicing
  • Lesson 18: Torque Converters
  • Lesson 19: Automatic Transmissions
  • Lesson 20: Automatic Transmission Maintenance
  • Lesson 21: Automated Manual and Hybrid Transmissions
  • Lesson 22: Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmissions (ECATs)
  • Lesson 23: Driveshaft Assemblies
  • Lesson 24: Heavy-Duty Truck Axles
  • Lesson 25: Heavy-Duty Truck Axle Service and Repair
  • Lesson 26: Steering and Alignment
  • Lesson 27: Suspension Systems
  • Lesson 28: Wheels and Tires
  • Lesson 29: Truck Brake Systems
  • Lesson 30: Hydraulic Brakes and Air-over-Hydraulic Brake Systems
  • Lesson 31: ABS and EBS
  • Lesson 32: Air Brake Servicing
  • Lesson 33: Heavy Duty Truck Trailers
  • Lesson 34: Fifth Wheels and Coupling Systems
  • Lesson 35: Heavy Duty Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
  • Lesson 36: Engines

Note: This program can be completed in 6 months. However, students will have online access to this program for a 24-month period.

Education and National Certifications

  • Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED .
  • There is a National Certification exam available to students who successfully complete this program:
    • Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) Certification Exam
      Students will be eligible to sit for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) certification exam. Certification will issue once candidates complete and submit the 1-year work experience requirement.

National Certification

Students who complete this Auburn University Diesel Technician program will be prepared to sit for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) Certification Exam.Students who complete this program are encouraged to complete the externship option with their program.

Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum

Although not a requirement, once students complete the program, they can participate in an externship and/or hands-on practicum to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a professional in this field. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in this field. All students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an externship and will be placed with a participating organization near their location. works with national organizations and can place students in externship opportunities nationwide.

Note: No refunds can be issued after the start date published in your Financial Award document.