# Becoming an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in San Jose

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If you are looking to become an Automotive Technician or Mechanic in San Jose, there are many steps you need to take. First and foremost, you need to obtain the necessary certifications and training for your desired field. Additionally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific laws and regulations governing automotive repair and maintenance in your area.

## Requirements for becoming an Automotive Service Technician in San Jose

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) mandates that all individuals in San Jose who wish to offer maintenance and mechanical services for cars must sign up 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.

An automotive technology program typically covers some of the following topics:

- Air conditioning systems
- Engine repair
- Engine systems
- Automotive electrical systems
- Brake systems
- Auto maintenance
- Automotive suspension
- [Automotive systems](https://automechanicschools.com/auto-mechanic-training-and-certification/)
- Engine service
- Engine performance
- Fuel systems

## Auto Mechanic Schools in San Jose

Center for Employment training is one of the only accredited auto mechanic schools located in San Jose. They offer both short-term and long-term automotive repair programs, which are taught by certified instructors who have experience working on cars.

**Center for Employment Training.** [CET offers a comprehensive Automotive Technology Program](https://cetweb.edu/program/automotive-specialist/) that covers all of the information mentioned above. The program includes classroom instruction, hands-on training and internships at local automotive business in San Jose.

## ASE Certification

If you’re looking to become an official automotive technician, then the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is key. Those who pass these exams will receive recognition from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence confirming their expertise and competency in car and truck repair work. Passing ASE’s rigorous tests proves that you have what it takes to succeed as a certified auto mechanic!

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

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

## Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Employment for automotive technicians and mechanics in San Jose 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 San Jose earned an average annual wage of $61,870 as of May 2021, while bus and truck mechanics and diesel specialists earned an annual wage of $73,590. Automotive glass installers and automotive body and related repairers earned annual salaries of $37,610 and $38,160 respectively.

## Auto Mechanic Salaries in San Jose

| Region | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 2,860 | $30,20 | $61,870 |

## Working as an Auto Mechanic in San Jose

Working as an automotive technician or mechanic in San Jose can be a rewarding career. It is important to keep up with the latest technology, which will require additional certification and training. You will also need to stay up-to-date on local regulations and laws governing auto repair services. With enough dedication, you can become successful in your chosen field!

**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

## ASE-accredited automotive programs near San Jose

The 10 schools below hold current accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation, the body that sets the standard for automotive training in the United States. Accredited means the programme has been checked against what shops actually need and is re-checked on a schedule. Distances are measured from San Jose.

| School | City | Distance | Programs accredited |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Evergreen Valley College | San Jose, CA | 3 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Silicon Valley Career Technical Education Center | San Jose, CA | 3 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| De Anza College | Cupertino, CA | 13 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Chabot College | Hayward, CA | 29 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Eden Area ROP | Hayward, CA | 29 mi | Automobile (high school) |
| Las Positas College | Livermore, CA | 29 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| College of Alameda | Alameda, CA | 42 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Monterey Peninsula College | Monterey, CA | 48 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| Contra Costa College | San Pablo, CA | 55 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |
| San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton, CA | 56 mi | Automobile (post-secondary) |

Accreditation status is taken from the ASE Education Foundation. Programmes whose accreditation has expired are excluded. Check current status with the school before you apply.

## Sources

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) — wage and employment figures. https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — job outlook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- ASE Education Foundation — accredited automotive programme directory (1515 schools). https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org/
- National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) — certification. https://www.ase.com/
- CET offers a comprehensive Automotive Technology Program — https://cetweb.edu/program/automotive-specialist/

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Last checked: 2026-08-19