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Certificate of Achievement
Automotive Technology- General Automotive Service

The courses listed in the Certificate of Achievement are comprised of a comprehensive list of job skills needed to enter the automotive field.  The skills developed during class will enhance the student’s ability to complete the industry-recognized Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification Tests A-1 through A-8, Automotive Technician. The Certificate is designed to prepare an individual for entry-level employment as an Automobile 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 introductory course is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the engine and its subsystems of the 21st century automobile. Students learn basic automotive tool and equipment use and how to safely perform basic repair and maintenance operations. Students also have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on their own vehicles to complete required tasks. This course is required for the General Service Technician Certificate of Achievement. It 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.

AUTO 103 - Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Undercar ServiceM3.0
AUTO 103 - Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Undercar 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 students with the fundamentals of the drive train, steering, suspension, and brake systems of the 21st century automobile. Students have access to training vehicles to complete required tasks by which they learn basic automotive tool and equipment use and how to safely perform basic repair and maintenance operations. This course is required for the General Service Technician Certificate of Achievement. It is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 101 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.

AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic ProceduresM3.0
AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic Procedures (3.0 units)

Advisory:AUTO 101 or AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This introductory course is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the electrical systems of the 21st century automobile. Emphasis is placed on electrical fundamentals, symbols and circuit diagrams, batteries, starting, charging, ignition, and lighting systems. Students learn the proper use of automotive electrical tools and equipment and how to safely perform basic vehicle electrical repair and maintenance operations. Students also have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on their own vehicles to complete required tasks. This course is required for the General Service Technician Certificate of Achievement. It is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 101 and AUTO 103, 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.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
2nd Semester
AUTO 210 - Automotive Brake SystemsM4.0
AUTO 210 - Automotive Brake Systems (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This course examines the theory of operation, service and repair procedures, related tool and equipment use, and strategy-based problem diagnosis related to modern disc and drum brakes. The procedures for imported and domestic automobiles and light trucks are developed through classroom discussions, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences. The course is designed for students who want to work in the automotive sector or automotive technicians who need to improve their skills and knowledge in brake service. This course prepares the student for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A4 exam and is intended for automotive majors. Students may re-enroll in the course only one time, and only with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (C.T.E.), in order to meet certification and licensure standards.

AUTO 140 - Body and Chassis Electrical SystemsM4.0
AUTO 140 - Body and Chassis Electrical Systems (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 106
Advisory:Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an overview of the 21st century automobile’s electrical system as related to the body and chassis of the vehicle. The course covers the theory of operation, operational characteristics, and methods of problem diagnostics and repair of systems including lighting; instruments; windshield wipers; power windows, seats, and mirrors; convertible tops; safety restraints; and audio, anti-theft, and supplemental restraint systems (S.R.S). This course prepares students for the Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) A-6 exam and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

AUTO 230 - Automatic Transmission/TransaxleM4.0
AUTO 230 - Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide instruction in automatic transmission/transaxle systems. Topics include application of friction materials, planetary gear components, hydraulic components (both hydraulically and electronically controlled), fluid types, and sealing materials. In the course, students learn skills in diagnosing, removing, disassembling, reassembling, and rebuilding transmission units to manufacturer’s specifications, as well as part nomenclature and function.This course prepares the student for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) A2 exam and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
Summer 1
AUTO 107 - Introduction to Automotive Light ServiceM3.0
AUTO 107 - Introduction to Automotive Light Service (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 101, AUTO 103, and AUTO 106
Transfers to: CSU

This introductory course provides students with working knowledge of light duty service. Students will learn underhood and undercar systems service, battery and basic electrical service, pre-delivery inspection procedures, and preventative maintenance operations. Emphasis will be placed on the safe operation of light-duty service tools and equipment, and general repair procedures of wheels and tires, suspension & steering components, engine and transmission components, engine & vehicle electrical components, and brake system components. This course offers further practice and more experience in the subjects taught in three other introduction courses (AUTO 101, AUTO 103, & AUTO 106).

Total Semester Units:3.0 
3rd Semester
AUTO 200 - Suspension, Steering, and Alignment ServiceM4.0
AUTO 200 - Suspension, Steering, and Alignment Service (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This course covers the principles of suspension, steering, and wheel alignment for 21st century imported and domestic automobiles and light trucks. Emphasis is placed on developing skills required in the diagnosis, and/or repair and adjustment to steering systems and wheel alignment angles. Complete suspension and steering system overhaul is covered in the laboratory, and computerized wheel alignment and computerized wheel balancing equipment are techniques that will be utilized and demonstrated. This course is designed for students who want to work in the automotive sector, or automotive technicians who need to improve their skills and knowledge in suspension, steering, and alignment. Students may re-enroll in the course only one time, and only with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (C.T.E.), in order to meet certification and licensure standards.

AUTO 220 - Manual Drive Trains and AxlesM4.0
AUTO 220 - Manual Drive Trains and Axles (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This course covers the theory of operation, methods of repair, service, equipment operation, and techniques of problem diagnosis related to modern manual transmissions, transaxles, drivelines, differentials, and four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive (4WD/AWD) systems. Procedures for imported and domestic vehicles are developed through classroom discussion, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences. This course prepares students for the Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) A-3 Exam and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

AUTO 240 - Heating and Air ConditioningM4.0
AUTO 240 - Heating and Air Conditioning (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This course covers the operating principles of common automotive heating and air conditioning systems. Topics include new service equipment, contamination issues, servicing and diagnosing manual and automatic systems, retrofitting R-12 refrigeration systems to R-134a, and Air Quality Management District (A.Q.M.D.) and Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) rules. Students who take the course also have the opportunity to earn their certification license (E.P.A. Rule 1411). Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
4th Semester
AUTO 150 - Engine Electrical SystemsM4.0
AUTO 150 - Engine Electrical Systems (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 106
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an overview of the 21st century automobile’s electrical system as related to the engine and engine-related systems. The course covers the theory of operation, operational characteristics, methods of problem diagnosis, and repair of systems including electronic ignition, electronic fuel injection, engine management, emission control, charging, cooling, and starting. This course prepares students for the Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) A8 Engine Performance test, and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

AUTO 160 - Upper End Engine Rebuilding and MachiningM4.0
AUTO 160 - Upper End Engine Rebuilding and Machining (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides occupational preparation by teaching the skills required for the adjustment and repair of the 21st century automobile engine's upper end and valve train assembly. Emphasis is placed on problem diagnosis, repair techniques, service procedures, and machining operations. This course prepares students for the Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) A-1 exam and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

Total Semester Units:8.0 
Total Units for Automotive Technology- General Automotive Service COA program 44.0 
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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