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Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in Long Beach

Are you seeking an occupation that involves both manual labor and customer service? If so, a career in automotive mechanics might be perfect for you. A job in this field is not limited to only auto mechanic positions, there are several other roles such as diesel technician, body or collision repairer and glass installer. Furthermore, if you live in California all it requires is simply a driver’s license and high school diploma/GED to begin your journey!

Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in Long Beach

It is a requirement that any individual or business conducting repairs, alterations or troubleshooting motor vehicles in Long Beach must register with the Bureau of Automotive Repair as an Automotive Repair Dealer (ARD). The license fee for this registration is $200 and it will need to be renewed on an annual basis.

To become a qualified automotive technician, you will need to complete an accredited Automotive Technician Training Program or ASE Certification.

You can expect to learn about some of the following topics in an automotive technology program:

  • Brake systems
  • Engine repair
  • Electrical systems
  • Suspension and steering
  • Drivetrain systems
  • Heating, air conditioning and climate control systems
  • Fuel injection systems
  • Safety inspections and emissions testing

Auto Mechanic Schools in Long Beach

Long Beach, California has various automotive technology schools and internship opportunities that can help you get started in your automotive mechanic career. Here are a few of the leading institutions:

  • Universal Technical Institute. This school offers a range of automotive technology degree programs, such as the 12-week BMW Fast Track program and 15-week Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) initiative. Additionally, they provide the General Motors Technician Career Program in only fifteen weeks! Furthermore, you can choose from specialized training initiatives with Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota Volvo and NASCAR among many others along with diesel classes.
  • Long Beach City College. Offers a variety of courses to help you become an automotive technician at their Automotive Technology Center. These courses include:
  • Associate in Science (AS), Automotive Technology
  • Certificate of Achievement (C-ACH), Automotive Technology
  • Certificate of Achievement (C-ACH), Automotive Engine & Transmission Service
  • Certificate of Achievement (C-ACH), Automotive Engine Performance Service
  • Certificate of Achievement (C-ACH), Automotive Maintenance Service
  • Certificate of Accomplishment (C-ACC), Automotive Quick Service
  • Certificate of Completion (C-COMPL), Automotive Quick Service

ASE Certification

Obtaining an ASE certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a guaranteed method of raising automotive repair technicians’ worth and respect within their field. By taking this single test, these professionals can prove they are knowledgeable in their work, making them highly appealing to employers who require only the best hires. Passing this exam could be your one-way ticket to career advancement or even promotion opportunities inside the auto repair sector!

The ASE offers more than 40 certification exams. Listed below are a few of the most popular ones.

  • School bus certification tests
  • Transit bus certification tests
  • Alternate fuels certification test
  • Parts specialist certification tests
  • Damage analysis and estimating certification test
  • Collision repair and refinish certification tests
  • Light truck certification tests
  • Engine machinist certification tests
  • Truck equipment certification tests
  • Light repair certification test

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Employment for automotive technicians and mechanics in Long Beach is expected to increase by 4% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The BLS also reports that automotive service technicians and mechanics in Long Beach earned an average annual wage of $49,930 as of May 2021, while bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists earned an annual wage of $62,140. Automotive glass installers and automotive body and related repairers earned annual salaries of $38,030 and $47,180 respectively.

Working as an Auto Mechanic in Long Beach

Working as an auto mechanic in Long Beach can be a rewarding career choice with lots of potential for growth. With the right training, certification and work experience, you can become one of the most trusted automotive technicians in your area.

There is a great demand for skilled mechanics who can conduct inspections and emissions testing, as well as repair and maintain vehicles. With many automotive schools in Long Beach offering certification programs, it’s easy to get the training you need to become an auto mechanic. Plus, with the BLS predicting job growth in the automotive industry, now may be the perfect time!

Sources:

  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493023.htm
  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm
  • Test Series, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, http://www.ase.com/Tests/ASE-Certification-Tests/Test-Series.aspx