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Rio Hondo College logo
Rio Hondo College logo
Certificate of Achievement
Advanced Engine Performance Technician

This Certificate of Achievement is designed for the experienced Automotive Technician who desires to expand and upgrade his/her skill level to include the ability to complete the industry-recognized Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification Test A6 (Electrical/Electronic Systems), A8 (Engine Performance) and L1 (Advanced Engine Performance) within the California Tune-Up and Driveability and Smog Check Program.  The certificate is designed to prepare an individual for entry-level employment as a State Certified Smog Check Technician.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2023-2024 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
AUTO 101 - Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Underhood ServiceM3.0
AUTO 101 - Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Underhood Service (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This is an introductory course designed to provide the student with the fundamentals of the engine and its subsystems of the modern automobile. Students will learn basic automotive tool and equipment use and how to safely perform basic repair and maintenance operations. Students will have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on their own vehicles to complete required tasks. This course is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 103 and AUTO 106, and is one of the three prerequisite courses for AUTO 107. Students are encouraged to complete all three courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in this subject, and it is required for the General Service Technician Certificate Program.

AUTO 065 - Smog Technician Diagnostic and Repair ProceduresM3.0
AUTO 065 - Smog Technician Diagnostic and Repair Procedures (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.

This course is designed to provide the student with the ability to satisfy the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check Technician training requirement of successfully completing the Specified Diagnostic and Repair Training Course when applying for the California Smog Check Technician licensing examination. Course content includes diagnostic and repair strategies in Electrical and Electronic Systems, Engine Performance, and Advanced Engine Performance. This course is also intended for the student as a test preparation course for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A6, A8, and L1 certification exams. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will receive a certificate of completion from the Rio Hondo Automotive Technology Department. Students, with permission from the Division, may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

AUTO 130 - Level-I Smog Technician Training Course: Engine and Emission Control FundamentalsM3.0
AUTO 130 - Level-I Smog Technician Training Course: Engine and Emission Control Fundamentals (3.0 units)

Advisory:AUTO 065
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide the student with the ability to satisfy the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check Technician training requirement to successfully complete the Level-I Smog Technician Training Course when applying for the California Smog Check Technician licensing examination. Course content includes engine theory, design and operation, ignition systems, fuel systems, engine management systems, and emission control systems. Emphasis is placed on proper engine diagnostic procedures and on-board diagnostic systems (OBD-I and OBD-II). Lab activities focus on the use of testing equipment, scan tools, and digital scopes and meters, as well as inspection and repair procedures of vehicles that fail the smog test. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will receive a certificate of completion from the Rio Hondo Automotive Technology Department. Students with permission from the division may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
2nd Semester
AUTO 135 - Level-II Smog Technician Training Course: Smog Check Inspection ProceduresM3.0
AUTO 135 - Level-II Smog Technician Training Course: Smog Check Inspection Procedures (3.0 units)

Advisory:AUTO 130
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide the student with the ability to satisfy the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check Technician training requirement to successfully complete the Level-II Smog Technician Training Course when applying for the California Smog Check Technician licensing examination. Course content includes customer awareness, program administration, equipment maintenance, inspection and testing procedures, and pass/fail reports. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of the loaded and non-loaded modes of emissions testing. Lab activities focus on vehicle identification, visual and functional inspections and calibration of testing equipment, as well as performing complete smog check inspections of vehicles. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will receive a certificate of completion from the Rio Hondo Automotive Technology Department. Students with permission from the division may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

AUTO 155 - Automotive On-Board Diagnostics Generations One and Two (OBD I and OBD II)M3.0
AUTO 155 - Automotive On-Board Diagnostics Generations One and Two (OBD I and OBD II) (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 101
Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate assessment; READ 043 or appropriate assessment; AUTO 106; AUTO 120
Transfers to: CSU

This course will provide students with the fundamentals of Automotive On-Board Diagnostics, Generations One and Two (OBD-I and OBD-II). Students will discuss the history, regulations, vocabulary, and diagnostic strategies of OBD-I and OBD-II equipped vehicles. Topics of discussion include Safety, Service Information Systems, Electrical Circuits, Symbols & Circuit Diagrams, and other Fuel & Ignition-related subjects. This course requires the student to have a solid background regarding the technical knowledge of basic Gasoline Engine Fuel and Ignition Systems. This course is designed for all automotive majors with a background in advanced emission repair.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
Total Units for Advanced Engine Performance Technician COA program 15.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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