Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Los Angeles Ranked For 2026

The core Automotive & EV Technology program takes 51 weeks and awards an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree.

Students combine online instructor-led training with hands-on application in automotive labs.

Course topics include Battery Electric Vehicle Technology, Advanced Technology/Hybrid & Service Advising, and professional automotive service writing alongside mechanical and electrical systems.

Rancho Cucamonga offers the separate 15-week Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) program.

The 51-week Automotive & EV Technology program awards an Associate of Occupational Studies degree.

Core courses include engine building, bolt-on performance, computer performance tuning, advanced electrical applications, hybrid technology, and battery-electric vehicles.

The program prepares graduates for ASE testing, and training can replace one of the two years of work experience required for ASE certification.

BMW FastTrack adds 12 weeks of brand-specific study beyond the core automotive program. Completing it earns seven factory credentials.

Pasadena pairs the All Automotive Systems Certificate of Achievement with an Associate in Science route for students who add general education units.

The program and instructors meet ASE Education Foundation standards for Master Automotive Service Technician instruction, equipment, and curriculum.

The All Automotive Systems curriculum includes ASE Student Certification Exams intended to help students master the National ASE test as part of the broad certificate.

Pasadena says successful completion of the All Automotive Systems curriculum provides one year of industry credit toward an ASE credential.

West Covina lists a hybrid Automotive Technician program with nine modules and an approximate 10-month duration.

Manual Transmissions covers clutches, flywheels, differentials, CV joints, and transmission diagnosis, including disassembly, repair, and reassembly.

Automatic Transmissions examines torque converters, planetary gears, sensors, electronic controls, hybrid transmission design, and four-wheel and all-wheel drive systems.

The preventive-maintenance module includes hybrid diagnostic and safety procedures together with professional communication and service-team workflow.

You need a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll. The West Covina campus is institutionally accredited by ACCET.

The Garden Grove diploma uses online learning and on-site vehicle labs. UEI lists nine modules and completion in as few as 10 months.

Engine performance and ignition study uses onboard diagnostic information, scan testers, and symptom charts to evaluate engine problems and service ignition systems.

Fuel Systems and Emission Control covers electronic fuel delivery, injection diagnosis, intake and exhaust systems, and emissions-control service.

The steering and suspension module combines tire, wheel, and alignment procedures with diagnosis and service of automotive heating and air conditioning.

Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent. The Garden Grove campus is institutionally accredited by ACCET.

Cypress identifies the department as NATEF certified, with instructors who are ASE Master Technician Certified. The program is affiliated with Toyota's T-TEN network and Mazda's MAST program.

Named subjects include technician safety, repair lab, electrical systems, air conditioning, engine repair and machining, chassis and brakes, drivetrains and transmissions, performance, and electronic diagnostics.

The course list includes Toyota Automotive Technology, Toyota Electrical Systems, T-TEN drivetrain and transmissions, Toyota Portfolio, and Toyota Professional Series.

Cypress lists alternative fuels, electric-hybrid vehicles, hybrid vehicle maintenance, ASE test preparation, Automotive Internship, and an Automotive Service Seminar among its study options.

Gardena lists nine automotive modules in a hybrid format, with completion in as few as 10 months.

Engine Theory and Systems covers engine evaluation, diagnosis, disassembly, cleaning, and service of upper and lower engine components.

Engine performance training uses onboard diagnostic information, scan testers, and symptom charts to evaluate engine problems and study ignition service.

Preventative Maintenance and Hybrid Technology covers hybrid diagnostic and safety procedures, professional communication, managing workflow, and service-team responsibilities.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required for enrollment. The individual automotive module descriptions list no prerequisites.

LATTC lists an Automotive and Related Technology A.S. and 36-unit certificate, plus 18-unit certificates focused on transmission repair and tune-up.

The program overview describes instruction in maintenance, diagnosis, and overhaul procedures for electrical and fuel-injection systems, along with basic shop practices.

Program outcomes require students to diagnose and repair vehicles with specialty shop tools and diagnostic equipment and use manufacturer technical programs during repairs.

LATTC includes the ability to write mechanical repair estimates according to current industry standards among its listed program learning outcomes.

Golden West labels its Automotive Technology offerings free noncredit classes. The published options begin with Automotive Safety and continue through lube, tire and wheel, clean-air, and smog-inspection training.

Automotive Safety covers personal protection equipment, tool and hoist use, and hazardous-waste procedures. Automotive Lube Technician covers vehicle service information and periodic maintenance procedures.

The Tire and Wheel Service course teaches safety, aftermarket wheel and tire replacement, and equipment use for repairing and replacing tires on light trucks and passenger vehicles.

Basic Clean Air introduces California Smog Check rules, five-gas analysis, emissions devices, and OBD II. Smog Level 2 Check Inspector covers OIS and ASM procedures and prepares students for the state inspector examination.

The 2025–2026 catalog lists 46–47 units in the Automotive Service Technology AS major, with general education requirements in addition to that major coursework.

The certificate introduced for spring 2026 totals 16 units: four-unit courses in charging and plug-in technology, advanced zero-emission chassis electronics, battery management, and sustainable automotive service.

The 2025–2026 AS major requires Shop Operations and Management I and II, each carrying four units, alongside the repair-system courses.

The 2025–2026 Powertrain Specialist certificate requires five-unit Automotive Engines, three-unit Standard Transmissions, Clutches, Drive Lines and Differentials, and five-unit Automatic Transmissions. It prepares students for heavy-line automotive repair.

Cerritos describes instruction and hands-on experience in diagnostics, repair, and maintenance across a wide range of vehicle systems for automotive students.

The department partners with General Motors through GM ASEP and Ford through Ford ASSET for cohort-based, brand-specific technician training opportunities.

Cerritos says students may pursue a certificate, associate degree, or transfer to a four-year institution, with automotive roadmaps for several certificate paths.

Cerritos offers dual enrollment with Artesia High School, allowing participating high-school students to earn college units and high-school credit together.

The program map shows a sample two-year A.S. plan with four semesters averaging 15 units; individual schedules can differ.

Three-unit Automotive Workplace Skills teaches concern, cause, and correction documentation, technical writing, and communication with service writers, customers, and coworkers.

Five-unit Engine Repair emphasizes engine teardown, measurement, reassembly, diagnosis, and repair. Students must bring approved safety glasses to the lab.

Three-unit Automotive Emerging Technologies covers connected vehicles, CAN systems, driver assistance and collision avoidance, electric motors, and high-voltage systems.

The Automobile Diagnostic Technician Certificate of Achievement requires 59 units. The curriculum begins with Fundamentals of Automotive Service, Diagnosis and Repair and continues through system-specific courses.

Student outcomes include verifying a customer's complaint, diagnosing the failure, estimating labor and parts, documenting the cause, completing an authorized repair, and confirming the repair corrected the complaint.

Required subjects include engine service, chassis, two electrical and electronic systems courses, manual drivetrain, HVAC, engine controls, and automatic transmissions and transaxles.

The certificate requires four units selected from Automotive Service and Repair Work Experience courses. Citrus says the certificate meets NATEF standards and supports preparation for ASE Master Technician work.

The 2026–27 catalog offers an automotive A.S. and eight Certificates of Achievement.

Six-unit Introduction to Automotive Technology includes 87.5 lecture hours and 52.5 laboratory hours, covering basic service procedures and repair documents.

Oxnard states that all Automotive Technology instructors are ASE certified.

Advanced Engine Performance requires the earlier Engine Performance course and uses manufacturer-approved scan tools, lab scopes, and digital voltmeters to diagnose vehicle control systems.

The Automotive Technology A.S. combines general education with suspension, brakes, alignment, electrical and fuel systems, transmissions and drivetrains, engine repair and rebuilding, and related electives such as welding.

El Camino lists certificates in technician work, accident reconstruction, air conditioning, brakes and suspension, engine management, engine repair and rebuilding, painting, transmissions, tune-ups, and hybrid, electric, and alternative fuels.

The college says all of its automotive technology programs have earned Automotive Service Excellence accreditation and prepare students for third-party industry certification tests.

El Camino says students can complete one or two courses in a matter of months or pursue a comprehensive two-year degree or certificate, allowing working technicians to choose a shorter commitment.

The program lists general service and master technician associate routes, plus certificates in electrical systems, engine rebuilding, high-performance engine building, general service, and master technician preparation.

The department describes a fully supplied tool room for student use and a vehicle collection that includes hybrid and all-electric models.

A faculty member explains that Toyota and Ford provide students with access to online manufacturer training modules through the college.

The program describes an apprenticeship initiative developed by automotive instructors to create a more formal connection between students and employers.

LBCC lists an Automotive Technology A.S., a broad Certificate of Achievement, engine and transmission service, engine performance, maintenance, and quick-service credentials at certificate or accomplishment levels.

Course offerings include lubrication, tire service, brake inspection, engine repair, automatic and manual transmissions, wheel alignment, electrical systems, air conditioning, fuel systems, light diesel, emissions, and automotive computers.

The program provides hands-on experience and prepares students for NC3 and Snap-On Tools industry certifications as well as the ASE Certification Exam.

LBCC says a certificate can take as little as one semester depending on the units taken, while a full-time associate degree program can take about two years.

Honda PACT is a two-year specialization that awards an Associate of Science degree in Automotive Technology for Honda and Acura technician preparation. A new Honda PACT cohort begins each summer semester.

American Honda-designed courses incorporate the NATEF curriculum and give students hands-on experience with Honda advanced technology and products during training.

While pursuing the PACT degree or certificate, students can intern at a dealership to learn how a Honda or Acura dealership operates firsthand.

Río Hondo lists certificates for Honda and Acura brakes, suspension and chassis electrical systems; engine repair and engine electrical systems; HVAC; and powertrain and transmission systems.

ELAC says its Automobile Technology program is NATEF certified in all eight areas of auto repair and includes advanced diagnostic equipment and repair facilities.

The program describes ten repair bays, two alignment racks, a chassis dynamometer, and an engine machine shop for hands-on automotive study.

ELAC lists engine fundamentals, engine repair and performance, brakes, climate control, transmissions, steering, suspension, alignment, and electrical systems in its comprehensive program.

The college says four fast-track skill-set certificates can prepare graduates for specific automotive jobs, alongside the broader Automobile Technology program.

Automotive Technology and Advanced Repair and Diagnostics each list 37 units of required major coursework. Associate-degree students also complete general education.

The Automotive Technology degree includes engine fundamentals and overhaul, basic electrical systems, engine performance, suspension and steering, brakes, HVAC, light repair, and a transmission or drivetrain choice.

The Advanced Repair and Diagnostics degree adds advanced electrical systems, advanced engine performance and emission control, computer networking and diagnosis, and hybrid and electric vehicle study.

Each associate pathway includes a one-unit Cooperative Work Experience Education course in Automotive Technology among its listed required classes in the curriculum.

The Automotive Technology Certificate of Achievement requires 33.5 to 41.5 units and is mapped as a three-term pathway in the college's current pathway listing.

Fullerton says students may study in all areas of automotive repair or focus on a series of courses in a particular repair area. Electives can come from related career-technical fields.

Students learn to evaluate vehicle malfunctions, use diagnostic procedures, interpret test results, recommend repairs, and perform work to vehicle manufacturers' specifications.

The learning outcomes include writing vehicle repair estimates with parts and labor, collaborating with staff to inform customers, and summarizing completed work on a repair order using industry-standard practice.

The program lists safety, service, testing, troubleshooting, brakes, suspension, alignment, engine tune-up, electrical and fuel systems, emissions, transmissions, drivetrains, engine rebuilding, machining, and air conditioning.

Compton says competencies are assessed regularly against Automotive Service Excellence standards. Program outcomes include passing a practice exam or official ASE certification test and building skills for automotive job entry.

The Engine Rebuilding and Repair Technician certificate covers maintenance, diagnosis, and overhaul of electrical and fuel-injection systems, with engine disassembly and reassembly using manufacturer specialty tools and techniques.

The Brakes/Suspension Transmission/Drive Train certificate introduces operating principles and beginning maintenance skills for modern automobile brake, suspension, transmission, and drivetrain systems.

The All Automotive Systems certificate requires 48 units. The A.S. has the same 48-unit automotive core plus general education.

The certificate’s recommended first term pairs four-unit Introduction to Automotive Technology with four-unit Automotive Electrical Fundamentals.

The core includes engine operation and repair, automatic and manual transmissions, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical systems, HVAC, and engine performance.

A grade of C or better is required in every core course for the degree or certificate.

The Automotive Service Program takes 950 clock hours and can be completed in four quarters.

Classes meet Monday through Friday, 3:30–9:30 p.m.

You receive a personal tool set at the beginning and must wear black spill-resistant and oil-resistant shoes.

Students gain practical experience working on both personal and customer vehicles while building technical skills in a professional shop environment.