Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Alabama Ranked For 2026

The Advanced Automotive Technology program spans four semesters and leads to an Associate of Applied Science. The same page also lists short-term certificate routes.

The published short-term choices include Automotive Electrician Technician, Brakes and Suspension Technician, Engines Technician, and Tune Up or Drivability Technician.

Students learn to diagnose, repair, and maintain the parts and systems of modern automobiles. Training includes work on vehicles in service bays with diagnostic and repair tools and equipment.

The published schedule says classes start in fall, spring, and summer.

The catalog lists an Associate in Applied Science degree completed in four semesters, a certificate completed in four semesters, and short-term certificates completed in two semesters.

Short-term certificates apply toward both the Automotive Technology Certificate and the Associate in Applied Science degree, creating a documented progression from focused training to longer credentials.

The catalog names Under Car or Chassis Specialist, Under Hood or Drivability Specialist, and Electrical Vehicle Specialist in Automotive as short-term certificates within the program.

Course listings include electrical fundamentals, braking systems, steering and suspension, automotive engines, drivetrain and axles, transmissions and transaxles, engine diagnostics, emissions, and hybrid and electric vehicles.

Shelton State lists an Associate in Applied Science, a certificate, and a short-term certificate under Automotive Services Technology.

Students learn logical, step-by-step diagnostic procedures and repairs based on manufacturers' recommendations. Shop work includes disassembling, inspecting, adjusting, and testing different types of engines.

The published curriculum includes emission controls, sensing devices, electronic fuel injection, and computer-controlled timing. Those topics add electronic and computer-based diagnosis to the mechanical engine work.

Courses are taught year-round during the day. Shelton State says evening classes are offered as the need arises, giving the program a daytime baseline with a possible evening option.

Gadsden State lists a 60-credit Automotive Service Technology certificate and a separate 25-credit short-term certificate. Both are offered at the East Broad Campus, and the short-term option requires advisor-approved courses.

The 60-credit certificate requires Fundamentals of Automotive Technology, Electrical Fundamentals, Braking Systems, Steering and Suspension, Automotive Engines, Drive Train and Axles, Electrical and Electronic Systems, and transmission and engine-performance courses.

The short-term certificate includes Fundamentals, Electrical Fundamentals, Braking Systems, Steering and Suspension, Automotive Engines, Drive Train and Axles, Special Topics, and Advanced Automotive Engines.

Gadsden's catalog lists five lab hours for several three-credit courses, including electrical fundamentals, braking systems, steering and suspension, automotive engines, drivetrains, and electrical and electronic systems.

Northwest Shoals describes the program as using a full-systems approach to automotive service, covering the connected systems found in today's cars and trucks.

Students learn to diagnose, repair, and fine-tune a wide range of vehicles as part of the Automotive Service Technology training described by the college.

The program identifies foreign, domestic, and alternative-fuel vehicles among the vehicles students should understand and maintain before graduation.

Northwest Shoals identifies Eric Creekmore as its Automotive Service Technology instructor and says students train alongside an ASE Master Technician.

The program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in the automotive service industry, with entry-level work as its stated preparation point.

Southern Union identifies automotive service technician, service advisor, parts salesperson, and automobile specialist as career directions for students completing the program.

Instruction emphasizes a combination of automotive mechanics theory and practical application, giving students both technical concepts and applied service preparation.

The program says its instructional opportunities build academic, technical, and professional skills needed to keep pace with changing technology in automotive work.

LBW's current program page lists both a Certificate in Automotive Mechanics and a Short Certificate in Automotive Mechanics within the degree plan.

LBW's official Automotive Mechanics program sheet lists the short certificate at 18 hours in a sample sequence.

The 18-hour sample sequence names Fundamentals of Automotive, Electrical Fundamentals, Braking Systems, Steering and Suspension, Automotive Engines, and Engine Performance.

LBW states that Automotive Mechanics is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation and identifies the MacArthur Campus as the program location.

The program uses modern diagnostic and maintenance equipment while teaching the scientific principles and technical information behind automotive mechanics and service work.

Students learn to diagnose, repair, and test electrical and electronic systems, engine performance, and engine repair as part of the published Automotive Technology curriculum.

The program also covers brakes, steering and suspension, and both automatic and manual transmissions, giving the curriculum a broad chassis and drivability scope.

Bishop State includes teamwork, problem-solving, proper and special tool use, good work habits, strict safety standards, and effective customer relations in the program emphasis.

Lawson State lists a Short Certificate, a Certificate, and an Associate in Occupational Technologies degree in Automotive Mechanics. The degree can include a business or Medium/Heavy Truck Technician minor.

The Associate in Occupational Technologies degree requires 73 credit hours, the certificate requires 49 credit hours, and the short certificate requires 28 credit hours. Lawson describes the short certificate as two semesters of coursework.

Hands-on training addresses problems in engines, drivetrains, brakes, electrical systems, suspensions, and transmission systems. The program description says the training applies to all makes and models of vehicles.

The program prepares students for Automotive Service Excellence certifications. Lawson identifies car dealerships, independent repair shops, and related automotive workplaces as employment settings for graduates.

ISTC states that its open-admissions policy applies to incarcerated men and women within the geographical jurisdiction prescribed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.

Applicants must be at least 16, receive a correctional facility job-board recommendation, complete an application, meet ACCUPLACER or TABE requirements, and provide one primary form of identification.

The Automotive Mechanics program is described as a 60-semester-hour course designed for entry-level automotive mechanics employment.

The certificate of completion requires four academic courses totaling 12 semester hours plus all required career technical courses. ISTC also lists stackable short-term certificates and industry certifications.