Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Sacramento Ranked For 2026

The Automotive & EV Technology program takes 51 weeks and leads to an Associate of Occupational Studies degree.

The course list includes Engine Build, Bolt-On Performance, Computer Performance Tuning, advanced electrical applications, hybrid technology, and Battery Electric Vehicle Technology.

Graduates are prepared to test for ASE certification and can substitute their training for one of the two years of required work experience.

The optional 15-week Ford FACT program follows core automotive study and uses the Ford Service Technician Specialty Training provided to dealership technicians.

CRC describes the traditional program as flexible training for general automotive needs. Ford ASSET follows a different, Ford-focused curriculum and uses a fixed cohort model with the class progressing together.

ASSET students are sponsored by and employed by a participating Ford or Lincoln dealership. CRC says students can spend two or three additional days each week working at that dealership during the semester.

The ASSET route leads to an A.S. degree and Ford Service Technician Specialized Training certificates after two years and one summer of study. All automotive classes must be taken within ASSET.

Automotive classes generally run from 7:00 a.m. to about 1:30 p.m., followed by general education until roughly 5:40 p.m., three days a week. Applicants complete screening and interviews for dealership matching.

Sacramento’s Automotive Technician program has nine modules in a hybrid format and an approximate length of 10 months.

Engine Theory and Systems introduces design, evaluation, diagnosis, teardown, cleaning, and upper- and lower-engine service, together with tool use and shop safety.

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

The preventive-maintenance module teaches basic service, hybrid diagnostic and safety procedures, professional communication, workflow management, and teamwork.

Enrollment requires a high school diploma or equivalent. The automotive module descriptions list no course prerequisites.

Delta lists Automotive Technology as an Associate Degree requiring 69 units and describes competence across multiple automotive repair areas at Delta College.

The A.S. mechanical emphasis includes engine repair, automatic transmissions and transaxles, manual drivetrains and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical systems, HVAC, and engine performance.

The Automotive Lubrication Technician Certificate requires 18 units and covers lubrication service, battery starting and charging repairs, brakes, tires, suspension, and preliminary engine-management diagnosis.

The 33-unit Automotive Mechanics Technology Certificate covers engine repair, automatic transmission and transaxle, manual drivetrain and axles, suspension and steering, and brakes.

The A.S. requires a 45-unit automotive major plus general education and electives needed for at least 60 total units. Major courses require C or better, or P for pass/no-pass study.

Solano identifies its automotive learning facility in Vallejo.

Four-unit Automotive Electrical Systems includes 32–36 lecture hours and 96–108 lab hours, emphasizing fault diagnosis with meters, circuit testers, and service information.

The major includes two-unit Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technologies, covering high-voltage batteries, motor-generators, inverter power transfer, maintenance, and repair.

ARC lists A.S. degrees in Automotive Analysis, Component Service Technician, Automotive Technology, and Green Vehicle Technology, alongside certificates in emissions, powertrain remanufacturing, transmissions, undercar service, and related areas.

The program combines classroom and hands-on shop experience. Students use traditional and computerized manuals, handheld meters and scanners, and specialized power and hand tools.

American River identifies NATEF certification in brakes, electrical systems, engine performance, suspension and steering, transmissions, engine repair, HVAC, and manual drivetrains, with ASE-certified instructors and programs.

Students may begin five-week courses three times during a semester. ARC says that schedule lets students complete some certificate programs in one semester while retaining small classes and equipment access.

Los Medanos lists preparation in engine repair, automatic transmissions, manual drivetrains, steering and suspension, brakes, electrical systems, air conditioning, engine performance, and advanced performance.

The program describes hands-on instruction and state-of-the-art training in emissions, engine diagnosis, electrical and body communication, brakes, suspension, and hybrid systems.

Students can earn an Automotive A.S. by adding general education, while the certificate of achievement requires 18 units including English, math, and computer competency.

Los Medanos says the program provides training opportunities for people already working in the field who want to upgrade their skills.

The Automotive Technology A.S. requires a 41-unit major plus the college’s general education and graduation requirements.

The major includes a one-unit choice among Engine Repair Experience, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Experience, and Manual Drivetrain/Axles Experience.

Two-unit Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles has 27 lecture hours and 27 lab hours. Labs perform scheduled hybrid maintenance; topics include high-voltage safety, batteries, inverter power transfer, and fuel cells.

The degree prepares students for ASE A1–A8 certifications and the Advanced Engine Performance L1 exam.

Sierra offers Automotive Basics as a seven-unit Skills Certificate and a zero-unit Noncredit Certificate of Completion, with separate credit and noncredit course codes.

AUTO 0100 teaches vehicle operation, tool use, measuring, fasteners, electrical meters, common services, and problem-solving through lecture and automotive shop projects.

AUTO 0140 covers diagnosis, service, and repair for brakes, suspension, heating, air conditioning, electrical systems, engines, and transmissions after the introductory course.

Both automotive skill-development descriptions emphasize ASE maintenance and light-repair standards and say the course helps students prepare for the ASE G1 service exam.