Program Description

A Certificate earned at the KVCC Automotive Academy indicates readiness to perform the full range of duties expected of an entry level Automotive Technician.   The Core Competencies align with industry recognized standards defined by the National Automotive Technology Education Foundation (NATEF) and as such provide the necessary foundation for success on the ASE certification examinations.

The KVCC Automotive Academy provides an accelerated, competency based program through which participants can expect to gain the skills and credentials necessary to begin a successful career.    A Task Force, made up of Kalamazoo area employers of Automotive Technicians has provided guidance to assure the alignment of instructional focus, competencies and skill assessment are in keeping with the needs of the local job market.  In addition, local employers have helped to define the employability factors that are critical to this career choice. 

These guiding principles define the KVCC Automotive Academy.

One
Provide a world class environment for career preparation as an Automotive Technician through extensive hands on training which includes exposure to the cutting edge technologies present in vehicles today and the use of the most current diagnostic equipment in the industry.

Two
Classroom and lab activities will align to support the knowledge necessary for success on the tests required by the State of Michigan for licensing and on the industry gold standard, ASE certification examinations.

Three

Encourage critical thinking skills, lifelong learning habits and high ethical standards that will serve as a foundation for success in a field which is defined by the rapid pace in which technologies change and evolve.

Successful Completion
Earning a certificate in the Automotive Academy and earning a certificate in individual areas (Brakes, Electrical…etc) is based on success in the following four areas of study:

1)  Average of 70% on 8 ASE style written tests.  
              Only one retake per subject will be allowed

  1. Brakes
  2. Electrical / Electronics Systems
  3. Engine Repair
  4. Automatic Transmissions
  5. Manual Drive Train and Axle
  6. Suspension and Steering
  7. Heating and Air Conditioning
  8. Engine Performance

2)  Earning a passing score on 85% of all lab activities assigned.
           Score of a 4 or 5 required for each lab to be considered passing

0= Task was not attempted

1 = Task was attempted, student was unable to finish

2 = Task was completed with substantial help

3 = Task was completed with very little help

4 = Task was completed with no help

5 = Task was completed with no help and in a proficient manner

Participants are allowed unlimited attempts to successfully complete the lab activities.

3)  Achieve a passing score on all Areas of Study Practical Tests in each certificate area.
      A score of 4 or 5 is considered passing.

4)  Employability (ie. attendance, completed assignments, quizzes, safety)

    • Tracking attendance through daily progress review assessments.
    • Safety infractions will reduce lab/practical exam scores by one point for each infraction.
    • This includes improper use of equipment, speeding, and improper use of safety equipment.