Automotive Undercar Certificate

Automotive student working under lifted car

Automotive Undercar Certificate

Program Code: C60160CC / C60160HB

Our Automotive Systems Technology – Undercar program includes technical and academic coursework through classroom and lab experiences. Emphasis is placed on suspension and steering, brake systems, engine performance, and transport technology.

This is a certificate program and requires fewer credits and less time to complete than a degree or diploma program. Certificate programs can be taken alone but are often taken along with other Automotive programs.

The Automotive Systems Technology program also offers degree, diploma, and additional certificate options.

This certificate is also available to high school students through our Career & College Promise program.

Skills You’ll Learn

The Automotive Systems Technology program is focused on job-related skills in the following areas:

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

Career Opportunities

There are many employment opportunities for Automotive Systems Technology graduates, including:

  • Area garages
  • Automotive dealerships
  • Brake shops and tire stores
  • Self-employment
  • Service manager, parts manager, or service writer
  • View more career opportunities

Certificate requirements

14 Credit Hours

Courses in this program

Course Course Code Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers principles of operation and types, diagnosis, service, and repair of brake systems. Topics include drum and disc brakes, involving hydraulic, vacuum boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered boost, and anti-lock and parking brake systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.

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 drum and disc brakes involving hydraulic, vacuum-boost, hydra-boost, electrically powered, boost, and anti-lock parking brake systems and emerging brake systems technologies. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose, service, and repair various automotive braking systems.

Lecture Hours: 0  Lab Hours: 3  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 1 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    Take AUT-151

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

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 manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.

Lecture Hours: 0  Lab Hours: 3  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 1 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    Take AUT-141

This course covers principles of operation, types and diagnosis/repair of suspension and steering systems to include steering geometry. Topics include manual and power steering systems and standard and electronically controlled suspension and steering systems. Upon completion, students should be able to service and repair steering and suspension components, check and adjust alignment angles, repair tires, and balance wheels.

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

Questions others are asking.

We offer several credentials that provide the flexibility you need. Most degree programs last two years and provide the most in-depth study of a particular subject. Diplomas and certificates take less time and are often taken in conjunction with other degree programs. Specialized training is also available for workforce development programs that are completed in less than a year.

Contact Information

Career Programs
Advanced Manufacturing Center
New Bern Campus
252-638-7370

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