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Certificate of Achievement
Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START)

This Certificate of Achievement is intended to educate the entry-level technician in Tesla Motors technology. Topics will include: safety when working in or around high voltage, maintenance, regeneration braking, inverter power transfer, battery technologies, battery management systems, high-voltage bus and charging, pack connector and penthouse controls, and autonomous technology. Electric vehicle applications and their integrated systems from Tesla Motors will be used to discuss physics of battery storage and material composition and high-voltage generation systems. This course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric vehicle/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field. Completion of this training is required by Tesla for employment as a Level I, Level II, or Level III technician, Mobile Service Technician, or a Field Service 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
TESL 101A - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - AM3.0
TESL 101A - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - A (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:AUTO 260
Transfers to: CSU

This course is the first in a series of four courses intended to teach entry-level students about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field and students who have completed a two-year automotive program. This first course covers the history of the Tesla company, a product and model overview, and an introduction to Tesla's service network, laptop diagnostic system, and service/parts access. Technical skills covered in this series include high-voltage tools and safety systems, diagnoses using software applications (e.g., Fast Lane), service repair basics, basic chassis, driver systems, and thermal and heating ventilation air conditions (HVAC) system services. Río Hondo's Tesla START program provides students with skills needed for a successful career with Tesla, Inc. A formal application and interview process is required for acceptance into this course/program.

TESL 101B - Tesla Studnet Automotive Technician (START) Program - BM3.0
TESL 101B - Tesla Studnet Automotive Technician (START) Program - B (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:TESL 101A
Transfers to: CSU

This course is the second in a series of four courses intended to teach entry-level students about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field and students who have completed a two-year automotive program. The course covers a product and model overview, ongoing product changes, computer firmware applications, and and introduction to the Tesla service network through service center shadowing. Laptop diagnostic systems, service/parts access, and factory repair times (FRT) skills are also introduced. Technical skills covered in this series include high-voltage interlock loop (HVIL) and driver safety systems, diagnoses using software applications (e.g., Fast Lane), customer interactions, alignment, chassis, sensor systems, heat pump basics, thermal and heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system services, and drive motor basics. Río Hondo’s Tesla START program provides students with skills needed for a successful career with Tesla, Inc. A formal application and interview process is required for acceptance into this course/program.

TESL 101C - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - CM3.0
TESL 101C - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - C (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:TESL 101B
Transfers to: CSU

This course is the third in a series of four courses intended to improve student’s skills about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course covers service readiness, service center procedures, high voltage charging including equipment needed to charge the battery, introduction to the CAN language used in the vehicle and vehicle interface with charger unit, introduction to the penthouse controls and charging power control center, HV controller, and driver interaction with the vehicle commands, meter and scope introduced to the inverter and DC/DC power control diagnosis. New model Palladium features are also introduced as they are being used in several vehicles now.

TESL 101D - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - DM3.0
TESL 101D - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - D (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:TESL 101C
Transfers to:CSU

This course is the final one in a series of four courses intended to teach entry-level students about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field and students who have completed a two-year automotive program. This final course improves students' skills and speed in servicing Tesla electric vehicles. The course focuses on infotainment systems, voice commands, navigation, full driverless controls, vehicle reconditioning, advanced braking and suspension system skills with lift and lowering controls, computer area networks (CAN), and vehicle remote access for diagnostics. Upon completing the course, students are granted an interview with Tesla, Inc. for placement at a permanent service center. Río Hondo's Tesla START program provides students with skills needed for a successful career with Tesla, Inc. A formal application and interview process is required for acceptance into this course/program.

AUTO 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Automotive Technology Related FieldsM1.0
AUTO 290 - Cooperative Work Experience/Internship for Automotive Technology Related Fields (1.0 units)

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

This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under the supervision of a college instructor, and is facilitated by the use of learning objectives. The student will be working in a skilled or professional level assignment in their area of vocational interest, and will meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the automotive/transportation field and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. Contact the CWE office regarding re-enrollment procedures.

Student Unpaid Internship:
1 Unit/60 hours; 2 Units/120 hours;
3 Units/180 hours; 4 Units/240 hours
Student Paid Internship:
1 Unit/75 hours; 2 Units/150 hours;
3 Units/225 hours; 4 Units/300 hours.

Total Semester Units:13.0 
Total Units for Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) COA program 13.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Courses Required AFTER Program Admission - By Permit ONLY.
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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