Programs of Study


Automotive Electrical/Electronics Certificate

Program Description

The Automotive Systems Technology curriculum prepares students for employment as automotive service technicians. The program introduces automotive careers and increases student awareness of the challenges associated with this fast-paced and ever-changing field. 

Classroom and lab experiences integrate technical and academic coursework. Emphasis is placed on automotive technology theory, servicing and operation of brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, steering/suspension, automatic transmissions, transaxles, engine repair, climate control, and manual drive trains. 

Upon completion of this curriculum, students should be prepared to take the ASE exam and be ready for full-time employment in dealerships and repair facilities throughout the automotive service industry. This curriculum complies with the standard approved by the State Board of Community Colleges.

Admission Criteria

Admission to this program requires that students be high school graduates or have a recognized equivalency.  

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Follow recognized automotive industry standards to demonstrate proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing automotive transmissions, drivetrains, transaxles and axles.
  • Demonstrate the use of automotive industry standards for engine repair and performance.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of transportation technologies, to include climate control, electrical and electronic systems, and emerging technologies.
  • Diagnose and repair suspension/steering and brakes systems.

Career Opportunities

Upon completing the program; students may be hired by:

  • automobile dealership
  • automotive repair and maintenance facilities
  • automotive parts, accessories, and tire facilities
  • federal government
  • local government

Transfer Opportunities

While the AAS is a degree leading to immediate job placement upon graduation, Craven Community College has a special relationship for transfer to a BS degree in Industrial Technology with East Carolina University.

Contact Information

Executive Director of Career Programs
252-638-7372

Admissions Office
252-638-7430

Certificate Requirements

Courses in this program

Certificate Classes

Course Course Code Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers electronic theory, wiring, diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of electronics, lighting, gauges, horn, wiper, accessories, and body modules. Topics include networking and module communication, circuit construction, wiring, diagrams, circuit testing, and troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair wiring, lighting, gauges, accessories, modules, and electronic concerns.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 2  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take TRN-120
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include networking and module communication, circuit, construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, troubleshooting and emerging electrical/electronic systems technologies. Upon completion, students, should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair wiring, lighting, gauges, accessories, modules, and electronic concerns.

Lecture Hours: 0  Lab Hours: 3  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 1 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take AUT-163
  • Corequisites:
    Take AUT-163

This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring, diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit, construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring, diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns.

Lecture Hours: 4  Lab Hours: 4  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 5 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course covers the introduction, theory of operation, and basic diagnostic procedures required to restore engine performance to vehicles equipped with complex engine control systems. Topics include an overview of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components and systems and emission control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to describe operation and diagnose/repair, basic ignition, fuel and emission related driveability problems using appropriate test equipment/service information.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 2  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course is an optional lab to be used as an alternative to co-op placement in meeting the NATEF standards for total hours. Topics include overviews of engine operation, ignition components and systems, fuel delivery, injection components, and systems and emission control devices and emerging engine performance technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to describe operation and diagnose/repair basic ignition, fuel, and emission related driveability problems using appropriate test equipment/service information.

Lecture Hours: 0  Lab Hours: 3  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 1 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    Take AUT-181

This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials, environmental regulations, hand tools, service information, basic concepts, vehicle systems, and common transportation industry terminology. Topics include familiarization with major vehicle systems, proper use of various hand and power tools, material safety data sheets, and personal protective equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures, identify and use basic shop tools, and describe government regulations regarding transportation repair facilities.

Lecture Hours: 1  Lab Hours: 1  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 2 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None