Best Manufacturer-Sponsored Auto Mechanic Programs for Dealership Training Ranked for 2026

Certificate · Associate DegreePrivate for-profit

Lincoln Tech's Denver campus offers a 55-credit Automotive Service Technology diploma with day, afternoon, and evening schedules planned for about 57 weeks. The curriculum covers engine performance, electrical systems, diagnostics, drivetrain, heating and air conditioning, and steering and suspension. Denver also offers Automotive Service Management Technology and Mopar CAP training, with instruction in a 60-bay, 18-lift facility.

Denver offers Mopar Career Automotive Program training for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram work, and Lincoln identifies a separate 16-week Tesla START track for students accepted into that partnership. Both sit beside the 55-credit diploma in a 60-bay, 18-lift facility. Two factory pathways under one roof make it easier to decide on a brand after you start.

Automotive Awards

207

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

71%

Institution-wide · 150% time

CertificatePrivate for-profit

Advanced Training Institute’s Las Vegas automotive diploma takes 1,200 clock hours and can be completed in 14 months. Morning, afternoon, and evening schedules meet approximately five hours per day Monday through Thursday. Students train through ATI’s Mopar CAP partnership, prepare for emissions-inspection work, and receive a tool kit at graduation.

ATI trains through its Mopar CAP partnership in a 1,200-clock-hour diploma that can be completed in 14 months, and the program includes exposure to Ford vehicle systems and diagnostic approaches. Engine Performance II prepares you for Nevada's 1G emissions-inspector credential, and graduates receive a tool kit, which helps when you start at a dealership.

Automotive Awards

128

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Pasadena City College’s Automotive Technology program offers an All Automotive Systems certificate with an associate degree path, plus certificates in electrical systems, engine performance, powertrain, undercar systems, and Honda PACT. The college says the broad certificate includes ASE student certification exams and one year of industry credit toward an ASE credential. Its instruction follows ASE Education Foundation standards for Master Automotive Service Technician training.

Pasadena offers a Honda PACT certificate next to its All Automotive Systems certificate, an associate degree path, and certificates in electrical systems, engine performance, powertrain, and undercar systems. The college says the broad certificate includes ASE student certification exams and one year of industry credit toward an ASE credential, giving Honda-focused students a general base first.

Annual In-State Tuition

$1,104

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

214

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

48%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Associate DegreePrivate for-profit

Western Technical College’s Automotive Technology degree uses an 80/20 hybrid format: 80% classroom and shop, 20% online, with day, afternoon, and evening schedules designed around a 19-month completion. The program covers eight ASE areas and adds manufacturer training through Ford ACE, GM STEP, Mopar, Subaru, and Toyota, plus a pre-graduation internship opportunity.

Western Tech lists the widest brand menu on this page: Ford ACE with up to 80 Ford service modules, GM STEP in fundamentals, maintenance inspection, electrical, brakes, and steering, plus Mopar, Subaru University, and Toyota TECS. Students heading to an internship receive a fully equipped MATCO toolbox to keep once graduation requirements are met.

Automotive Awards

90

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

72%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Cypress College's Automotive Technology department is an ASE Master Technician-led, NATEF-certified program affiliated with Toyota T-TEN and Mazda MAST. The course list reaches from repair labs, safety, electrical systems, and brakes through Toyota systems, drivetrains, diagnostics, alternative fuels, hybrid vehicles, internships, and service advising. Cypress also includes Toyota-specific training and ASE test preparation.

Cypress is affiliated with Toyota's T-TEN network and Mazda's MAST program, and its course list includes Toyota Automotive Technology, Toyota Electrical Systems, T-TEN drivetrain and transmissions, and Toyota Professional Series. Instructors are ASE Master Technician certified, and the department is NATEF certified, so the brand coursework rests on a general accredited base.

Annual In-State Tuition

$1,104

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

258

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

37%

Institution-wide · 150% time

CertificatePrivate for-profit

Arizona Automotive Institute in Glendale offers a 13-month Automotive Service Technician diploma with rolling starts every five weeks. The curriculum moves from engines and electrical diagnosis through transmissions, AWD and 4WD, climate systems, and scan-tool performance diagnosis. Ford ACE access and exam preparation add an industry-specific angle.

Arizona Automotive Institute in Glendale is a Ford ACE partner school with access to selected Ford training modules. The 13-month, 71.5-credit diploma starts new students every five weeks and prepares them for ASE exams and EPA 609 air-conditioning certification. It is a faster, diploma-length way to add Ford content than a two-year sponsored degree.

Automotive Awards

110

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

61%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Cosumnes River College separates its flexible traditional Automotive Technology route from Ford ASSET, an intensive cohort sponsored by a participating dealership. ASSET students earn an A.S. and Ford STST certificates in two years and one summer, attend campus three days a week, and work the remaining days at the dealership. The program requires screening, interviews, and strong preparation in English and math.

At Cosumnes River, Ford ASSET students are sponsored by and employed at a participating Ford or Lincoln dealership while earning an A.S. and Ford STST certificates in two years and one summer. Classes run three days a week and students work the other days. Expect screening, interviews for dealership matching, and strong English and math preparation.

Annual In-State Tuition

$0

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

90

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

40%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Cerritos College pairs hands-on Automotive Technology training with manufacturer-specific GM ASEP and Ford ASSET cohorts. The department says students build diagnostic, repair, and maintenance skills across vehicle systems and can choose certificates, an associate degree, or transfer preparation. Cerritos also lists dual enrollment with Artesia High School, allowing participating students to earn college and high-school credit together.

Cerritos runs cohort-based, brand-specific training through GM ASEP and Ford ASSET alongside its general Automotive Technology certificates and associate degree. Because both factory cohorts live inside one department, you can compare them with the general track before committing. Dual enrollment with Artesia High School also lets participating students earn college units and high school credit together.

Annual In-State Tuition

$1,288

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

184

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

31%

Institution-wide · 150% time

CertificatePublic

Sheridan’s Nissan/Infiniti academy pairs two days on campus with supervised work at a sponsoring dealership, allowing students to study while gaining manufacturer-specific experience.

Sheridan's Nissan/Infiniti academy totals 2,400 hours over about 80 weeks. Students attend campus Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and work roughly 20 hours a week at a sponsoring dealership under a Master Technician. Applicants must be at least 18 with fewer than four points on their license, and completers may earn Broward College credit.

Automotive Awards

56

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

69%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

GateWay Community College’s Washington campus in Phoenix houses a Nissan Technician Training Academy inside its Automotive Service AAS. The two-year route alternates Nissan classroom training with paid dealership periods and leads to a degree plan requiring 64 to 77 credits. Nissan sponsorship and the published in-county cost estimate shape this option.

GateWay's Nissan Technician Training Academy at the Washington campus in Phoenix alternates eight-week classroom blocks with eight-week paid periods at a sponsoring Nissan dealership, and GateWay helps connect students with participating dealers. The Automotive Service AAS needs 64 to 77 credits, and the published in-county estimate for the Nissan pathway is $6,626, excluding books.

Annual In-State Tuition

$2,328

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

413

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

29%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Central Piedmont Community College’s automotive associate degree offers General Motors ASEP and BMW ADP training options. Students provide their own hand tools, protective clothing, and textbooks. Nine credits of technical electives can include work-based learning, shop management, or specialized labs. In-person automotive classes and labs are held at Levine and Merancas campuses, with combined classroom, lab, and online delivery also available.

Central Piedmont offers General Motors ASEP and BMW ADP as manufacturer options inside its automotive associate degree. Students supply their own hand tools, protective clothing, and textbooks, and nine credits of technical electives can include work-based learning. In-person classes and labs meet at the Levine and Merancas campuses.

Annual In-State Tuition

$2,432

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

249

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

31%

Institution-wide · 150% time

CertificatePublic

Atlanta Technical College's 2026-2027 catalog describes a five-term Automotive Technology Diploma with ASE Education Foundation accreditation in Maintenance and Light Repair. Students can add Nissan Technician Training Academy certifications, and the occupational sequence names electrical, brakes, engine performance, suspension, climate, engine repair, manual drive, and automatic transmissions.

Atlanta Technical College lets students add Nissan Technician Training Academy certifications while completing its five-term Automotive Technology Diploma. The diploma is ASE Education Foundation accredited in Maintenance and Light Repair, and the required sequence covers electrical systems, brakes, engine performance, suspension and steering, climate control, engine repair, and manual and automatic transmissions.

Annual In-State Tuition

$2,568

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

82

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

49%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

College of the Desert's Automotive Technology A.S. is NATEF certified, a National Coalition of Certification Centers member, and a local Mopar CAP program. The curriculum combines electronic and advanced diagnostic technologies with electrical, engine, emissions, brakes, steering, transmissions, and HVAC. Short-term certificates give working technicians a more limited commitment while preserving the same systems-focused approach.

College of the Desert's A.S. is NATEF certified, includes membership in the National Coalition of Certification Centers, and runs as a local Mopar CAP program. Short certificates offer working technicians a smaller commitment with the same systems focus. The curriculum leans on electronic and advanced diagnostic technologies used in current light-duty vehicles.

Annual In-State Tuition

$1,288

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

109

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

31%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Gwinnett Technical College's Automotive Technology program trains students on current cars and trucks at the Lawrenceville campus, with day and evening class scheduling and fall or spring entry. The program is ASE-NATEF accredited and offers the Nissan Technician Training Academy as a specialized path for students targeting Nissan and Infiniti dealerships.

Gwinnett's degree-level general automotive students may declare an intention to pursue Nissan Technician Training Academy training, a specialized path for students aiming at Nissan and Infiniti dealerships. The program at the Lawrenceville campus is accredited through NATEF and ASE, with day and evening scheduling and fall or spring entry.

Annual In-State Tuition

$2,568

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

203

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

32%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Glendale Community College offers an Automotive Service AAS with general day and evening routes plus Ford ASSET and GM ASEP pathways. GM ASEP divides each semester between intensive classes and paid dealership work on current GM vehicles. Automotive instruction takes place in the Dr. Phillip D. Randolph Automotive Technology Center.

Glendale's GM ASEP combines four semesters of classroom and lab work with paid dealership internships on current GM vehicles; the first eight weeks of each semester are intensive classes, then students work with technician mentors. It requires dealership sponsorship, and GM supplies training vehicles, components, and special tools. Ford ASSET is listed as a separate pathway.

Annual In-State Tuition

$2,328

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

225

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

16%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Forsyth Technical Community College offers a Toyota T-TEN associate degree with day and online classes over two years. The published plan includes work-based learning in both terms of the second year and a four-credit hybrid-electric transportation course. Training is based at the Transportation Technology Center in Winston-Salem, and the first fall pairs electrical and electronics classes with separate laboratory courses.

Forsyth's Toyota T-TEN AAS takes two years with day and online classes, and the published plan includes work-based learning in both terms of the second year. A four-credit Hybrid-Electric Transportation course closes the final spring. Training is based at the Transportation Technology Center on North Patterson Avenue in Winston-Salem.

Annual In-State Tuition

$1,824

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

85

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

34%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate Degree · Bachelor’s DegreePublic

Río Hondo College’s Honda Professional Career Training Program Specialization is a two-year Automotive Technology A.S. centered on Honda and Acura vehicles. American Honda-designed courses provide hands-on experience with the manufacturer’s technology, while students may intern at a dealership. The program also offers separate certificates in brakes and chassis electrical systems, engine and engine electrical systems, HVAC, and powertrain and transmissions.

Rio Hondo's Honda Professional Career Training Program is a two-year A.S. centered on Honda and Acura vehicles, with a new cohort starting each summer semester. American Honda-designed courses give hands-on experience with Honda technology, and students can intern at a dealership. Separate certificates cover brakes and chassis electrical, engine, HVAC, and powertrain systems.

Annual In-State Tuition

$1,306

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

101

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

25%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Austin pairs automotive repair training with Honda, Toyota, and battery electric vehicle specializations. Its published BEV degree plan includes internships in three semesters and practice on customers' vehicles.

Austin lists separate Honda PACT and Toyota T-TEN specializations that lead to associate degrees and manufacturer industry certifications, next to a battery electric vehicle A.A.S. with internships in three semesters. For a student undecided between two brands, having both specializations at one district makes a direct comparison of course plans possible.

Annual In-State Tuition

$2,010

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

147

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

20%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Tyler Junior College trains automotive students on more than 40 late-model vehicles, including hybrids and diesels. Its 60-credit AAS at TJC West includes summer-only climate-control and alternative-fuels courses. Applicants take a mechanical comprehension test, but the college says the score does not exclude students from enrollment.

Tyler Junior College's ASE-accredited MAST program offers optional Mopar CAP LOCAL participation and industry certifications through its NC3 partnership. The 60-credit AAS at TJC West trains on more than 40 late-model vehicles, including hybrids and diesels. The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test is required, but TJC says scores will not exclude you.

Annual In-State Tuition

$960

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

67

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

27%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Metropolitan Community College’s Automotive Technology program in Omaha combines an AAS with certificates in automotive maintenance and light repair, technician assistance, under-vehicle work, and Toyota T-TEN. Students train in the Automotive Training Center with modern labs, ASE Education Foundation Master Level accreditation, NC3 certifications, and paid manufacturer internships.

Metropolitan Community College in Omaha houses Toyota T-TEN inside its Automotive Training Center on the South Omaha Campus. T-TEN students receive hands-on training and paid internships throughout the degree, aimed at Toyota and Lexus factory work. Mopar CAP adds Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Fiat diagnostics, and the program lists more than 19 NC3 certifications.

Annual In-State Tuition

$3,150

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

309

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

29%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Wayne Community College’s multiple-manufacturer automotive degree requires 68 credits in a five-semester plan. Students can complete the degree on campus or choose work-based learning at a local repair facility, with driving-record and employer screening requirements for that option. The program also offers Mopar CAP training. Students supply a laptop, hand tools, safety glasses, and uniforms for the automotive coursework.

Wayne's multiple-manufacturer ATEP degree lists 68 credits over five semesters and offers Mopar training for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT, and Alfa Romeo vehicles. Students may complete the AAS on campus or take work-based learning at a local repair facility, which requires a valid license, an employable driving record, and possible drug testing or a background check.

Annual In-State Tuition

$2,432

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

47

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

49%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Ivy Tech offers a standard Automotive Technology AAS across 10 Indiana locations, plus GM ASEP and Toyota T-TEN AAS routes. The standard degree is 60 credits over five semesters and combines high-tech vehicle diagnostics with electrical systems, engine performance, transmissions, brakes, steering, suspension, air conditioning, and engine repair.

Ivy Tech lists a 69-credit GM ASEP AAS at $12,308 and a 60-credit Toyota T-TEN AAS, each five semesters, beside a standard 60-credit AAS at $10,703. That puts the extra cost of the sponsored GM route at $1,605 on the published pages. The standard degree is offered at 10 Indiana locations.

Annual In-State Tuition

$5,154

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

729

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

40%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Odessa's Sewell Auto Tech Center offers GM ASEP, Ford ASSET, and Toyota and Lexus TECS Elite training. The Ford and GM routes alternate college instruction with paid work at a sponsoring dealership over two years.

Odessa's Sewell Auto Tech Center lists Ford ASSET, GM ASEP, and Toyota and Lexus TECS Elite. Ford ASSET alternates six to eight weeks in class with six to eight weeks at a sponsoring dealer over two years and is estimated at $9,255 with tuition, fees, and supplies. Ford credentials include diesel engine repair and plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles.

Annual In-State Tuition

$3,240

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

78

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

37%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Collin's 15-credit Express Maintenance Technician certificate uses short course blocks and a choice of capstone. Students can also pursue separate Honda PACT and Toyota T-TEN degrees with dealership training requirements.

Collin offers separate Honda PACT and Toyota T-TEN degrees. T-TEN includes at least 640 dealership internship hours, at least two ASE certifications, and nine Toyota certifications. Both tracks require departmental permission, and dealership employment eligibility may involve background checks, drug screening, and a driving-record review. A 15-credit express certificate offers a shorter way into the field.

Annual In-State Tuition

$3,750

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

122

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

20%

Institution-wide · 150% time

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

San Jacinto's general FAST automotive degree includes two internships and requires no separate program admission process beyond college enrollment. Students can also explore distinct manufacturer tracks at Central Campus.

San Jacinto's Central Campus lists Ford ASSET, GM ASEP, Honda PACT, Mopar CAP, and Toyota T-TEN, each alternating classroom and lab instruction with paid dealership internships. The general FAST degree beside them has two required internships and no admission step beyond college enrollment. All of San Jacinto's automotive programs are ASE Education Foundation accredited.

Annual In-State Tuition

$4,320

Institution-wide · 2024–25

Automotive Awards

117

Certificates & degrees · 2023–24

Schoolwide Graduation

30%

Institution-wide · 150% time