State School Rankings

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Tennessee Ranked For 2026

Explore 23 automotive schools in Tennessee, with certificate and degree options, tuition, and facts about automotive training.

Tennessee geographic illustration for the best auto mechanic schools in Tennessee guide
Tennessee · Geographic Illustration
Schools Compared
23
Across The State
Annual Tuition From
$4,440
Institution-Wide · 2024–25
Tennessee Median Pay
$50,290
Automotive Mechanics · May 2025
Tennessee Employment
16,210
Occupation-Wide · BLS OEWS

The best auto mechanic schools in Tennessee include 23 schools and 41 automotive certificate and degree options. The state figures report 527 awards in 2023-24. Tennessee's May 2025 BLS OEWS median wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $50,290.

TCAT Athens reports a 95% schoolwide graduation rate and a certificate lasting 1 to under 2 years. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro reports an 84% schoolwide rate and certificates. William R Moore College of Technology in Memphis reports 18 awards, a 50% rate, $8,505 annual in-state tuition, and associate degrees and certificates.

Compare The Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Tennessee

Ranked schools receive a comparison score from automotive credential awards (50%), annual institution-wide tuition (30%), and schoolwide graduation rate (20%). These measures help compare reported scale, cost, and institutional completion. Read The Full Ranking Method.

Tuition is the institution’s annual undergraduate figure for 2024–25, excluding fees, tools, housing, and other expenses. Awards are credentials reported in 2023–24, not a count of unique graduates. Blank cells indicate an omitted measure.

01

Nashville, TN

Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville

89.2Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePrivate for-profit

Repair Training With Shop Management

Lincoln’s Nashville degree suits a student who wants repair skills alongside service writing, personnel management, and business operations. The diploma provides a shorter technical route through the same campus.

Lincoln Tech’s Nashville campus offers a 57-week automotive diploma and an 83-week service management associate degree. Both combine campus shop instruction with some online coursework and offer day, afternoon, and evening schedules. The degree adds general education to the technical sequence, including speech communication for management.

Automotive Awards
154
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
68%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Diploma And Degree Lengths

The diploma lists 55 semester credits and 1,320 instructional hours over approximately 57 weeks. The AAS lists 70 credits and 1,545 hours over approximately 83 weeks, including holidays and scheduled breaks.

Three Daily Schedules

Day, afternoon, and evening programs combine hands-on campus instruction with some coursework online. Lincoln publishes the same approximate completion time for all three schedules within each credential.

Service Shop Management

The five-credit AUX124 course covers service write-ups, customer relations, personnel management, business records, insurance, and safety. Its 120 hours divide evenly between lecture and lab or shop work.

Applied Shop Operations

AUX223 requires several earlier technical courses before students practice shop procedures, complete repair orders, and retrieve vehicle service information. The five-credit course includes 60 lecture and 60 shop hours.

Communication For Management

The AAS includes three-credit English Composition I and three-credit Speech Communication for Management courses, extending the technical curriculum into written and spoken workplace communication.

02

Smyrna, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Murfreesboro

82.0Score

CertificatePublic

A Twelve-Month Smyrna Program With Two Schedules

This program suits students seeking a one-year automotive diploma who can choose between early daytime classes and an afternoon-to-evening block in Smyrna.

TCAT Murfreesboro teaches Automotive Service Technology at its Smyrna Campus. The 1,296-hour diploma takes approximately 12 months, with a weekday day schedule or a Monday-through-Thursday afternoon/evening schedule. Students can earn Undercar Specialist and Automotive Service Apprentice certificates before completing the diploma.

Automotive Awards
71
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
76%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Diploma Length

Automotive Service Technology is a full-time, 1,296-hour program with a typical length of 12 months.

Class Times

Day classes run Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m.–2:30 p.m. The night option runs Monday through Thursday, 1–9 p.m.

Smyrna Location

Automotive training is at the Smyrna Campus, 663 Ken Pilkerton Drive.

Earlier Awards

The program lists Undercar Specialist at 432 hours and Automotive Service Apprentice at 864 hours before the 1,296-hour technician diploma.

Published Costs

The overview lists $4,623 tuition and fees, plus $2,177 for textbooks and supplies.

03

Nashville, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville

68.0Score

CertificatePublic

Daytime Automotive Study With Named Equipment Credentials

Nashville suits students seeking a full-time day program with brake-lathe and AC Delco training alongside a progressive repair curriculum.

TCAT Nashville’s automotive sequence ends with manual and automatic drivetrains, advanced engine performance, and hybrid/electric vehicles. Daytime full-time training takes approximately 16 months and 1,728 hours at White Bridge Pike. Its listed credentials include Pro Cut on-car brake-lathe training and AC Delco electrical, steering, and suspension training.

Automotive Awards
35
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
70%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Length And Location

The full-time day program lists 16 months and 1,728 clock hours at 100 White Bridge Pike in Nashville.

Credential Milestones

The published options run from Automotive Service Fundamentals at 432 hours through the Automotive and Hybrid/EV Technician diploma at 1,728 hours.

Named Training Credentials

The program lists Pro Cut On-Car Brake Lathe Training and AC Delco electrical/electronics, steering, and suspension credentials.

Fourth-Trimester Work

The last trimester includes Engine Performance II, Manual Drive Trains and Axles, Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles, and Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.

Program Budget

The overview lists $6,124 tuition and fees and $560 for textbooks and supplies.

04

Dickson, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson

65.7Score

CertificatePublic

A Fourteen-Month Diploma With Scanner And Torque Training

Dickson suits students available for a five-day daytime schedule who want a defined technician diploma with named diagnostic-tool and shop-safety credentials.

TCAT Dickson’s Automotive Technician diploma uses a 1,512-hour, approximately 14-month plan. Classes meet five weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with training listed at Dickson and Clarksville. Its credential list includes OSHA 10 and NC3 training in mechanical torque, multimeters, and scanner diagnostics.

Automotive Awards
30
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
74%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Diploma Schedule

The full-time day program lists 1,512 clock hours over 14 months, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Training Locations

The program lists the Dickson main campus at 740 Highway 46 South and the Clarksville Campus at 135 International Boulevard.

Additional Credentials

Listed credentials include OSHA 10, NC3 Mechanical Torque, NC3 Scanner Diagnostics, and NC3 multimeter certifications.

Published Expenses

The overview separates $5,518 tuition and fees from $4,376.79 for textbooks and supplies.

Earlier Certificates

Before the technician diploma, the listed awards are Automotive Service Fundamentals at 432 hours, Automotive Technician Apprentice at 864, and Automotive Service Technician at 1,296.

05

Elizabethton, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton

59.1Score

CertificatePublic

Day Or Evening Study With Two Listed Locations

Elizabethton suits students who need to compare day and evening attendance and can meet its adult-entry or approved dual-enrollment requirements.

TCAT Elizabethton lists day and evening automotive options, full-time or part-time attendance, and training locations in Elizabethton and Kingsport. The complete 1,728-hour diploma includes hybrid/electric vehicles. Adult entry normally starts at age 18, while high-school participation requires approval through the college’s dual-enrollment process.

Automotive Awards
21
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
81%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Attendance And Duration

The program lists full-time and part-time options, day and night classes, and a typical 16-month, 1,728-hour length.

Adult And High-School Entry

Adult students must be at least 18 and out of public school. High-school students may attend through dual enrollment with counselor, school-administrator, and college-president approval.

Program Locations

Automotive training is listed at the Elizabethton main campus and the Instructional Service Center at Kingsport.

Advanced Repair Sequence

The final trimester covers advanced engine performance, manual and automatic drivetrains, and hybrid/electric vehicles.

Published Costs

The program overview lists $6,164 tuition and fees and $3,508.30 for textbooks and supplies.

06

Jackson, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson

57.3Score

CertificatePublic

Three Daytime Training Locations

Jackson suits licensed drivers who want to choose among the main, Stanton, and Whiteville campuses while following the same published automotive and hybrid/EV course sequence.

TCAT Jackson offers full-time daytime automotive sections at its main campus and the Stanton and Whiteville extensions. Students need a valid driver’s license. Each section lists 1,728 hours, with extensive electrical instruction and 216 hours of hybrid/electric-vehicle study; published tuition and supply estimates vary by campus.

Automotive Awards
20
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
80%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Campus Choices

Full-time day sections are listed at the main campus, Stanton Extension Campus, and Whiteville Extension Campus.

Required Driver’s License

The program requires automotive students to have a valid driver’s license.

Training Hours

The 1,728-hour plan assigns 210 hours to Electrical and Electronic Systems I, 168 to the second electrical course, and 216 to Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.

Main-Campus Costs

The main-campus section lists $6,209 tuition and fees plus $4,269.23 for books and supplies.

Extension-Campus Costs

Stanton lists $6,265 tuition and fees plus $4,213 in books and supplies; Whiteville lists $6,265 and $4,213.80, respectively.

07

Morristown, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Morristown

55.0Score

CertificatePublic

Two Diploma Lengths With Day And Night Options

Morristown suits students who want full-time automotive study with a choice of daytime or nighttime attendance and an additional diploma stage covering electrified vehicles.

TCAT Morristown trains automotive students on work ranging from oil changes to engine and transmission overhauls and computerized diagnosis. Full-time day and night options lead to a 1,512-hour Automotive Technician diploma or a 1,728-hour automotive and hybrid/electric-vehicle diploma. The longer plan places hybrid and electric systems in the final trimester.

Automotive Awards
18
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
80%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Diploma Choices

The published awards are Automotive Technician at 1,512 hours and Automotive and Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Technician at 1,728 hours.

Attendance Format

The overview lists full-time day and night classes and a typical 16-month length for the complete program.

Repair Practice

Students perform service jobs including lubrication, brake repair, engine and transmission overhauls, and diagnosis of electrical and computer systems.

Program Expenses

The published overview lists $6,164 tuition and fees and $3,870 for textbooks and supplies.

08

Hartsville, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Hartsville

54.1Score

CertificatePublic

A Main-Campus Route With Separate Dual Enrollment

Hartsville suits adult students seeking daytime automotive training at the main campus; its Tri-County location is specifically a dual-enrollment option.

TCAT Hartsville’s ASE Education Foundation-accredited automotive program runs for 1,728 hours through the hybrid/electric-vehicle diploma. Adult training is based at the main campus, while the Tri-County site in Red Boiling Springs serves dual-enrollment students. The program lists full-time day classes and NC3 multimeter certification.

Automotive Awards
17
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
82%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Main And Dual-Enrollment Sites

The main campus is at 716 McMurry Boulevard East in Hartsville. The Tri-County site at 2575 North Springs Road in Red Boiling Springs is designated Dual Enrollment Only.

Length And Final Award

The full-time daytime program lists 16 months and 1,728 hours for the Automotive and Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Technician diploma.

Accreditation

TCAT Hartsville identifies the automotive program as accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.

Tool Credential

The program lists NC3 multimeter certifications alongside its electrical and electronic-systems curriculum.

Published Costs

The overview lists $6,048 tuition and fees plus $577 for textbooks and supplies.

09

Jacksboro, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro

52.9Score

CertificatePublic

Daytime Study With Several Tool And Safety Credentials

Jacksboro suits students who want flexibility in daytime attendance and a program that explicitly lists tool, electrical, refrigerant, and shop-safety credentials.

TCAT Jacksboro offers full-time or part-time automotive study during the day. Its credential list reaches beyond vehicle-system exams to OSHA 10, NC3 multimeter work, EPA 609, and Snap-on battery, starting, and charging training. The complete program spans 1,728 hours, with certificates and a technician diploma available along the way.

Automotive Awards
16
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
84%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Daytime Commitment

The program offers full-time and part-time daytime study, with a typical 16-month length and 1,728 total clock hours.

Technical Award Steps

Listed awards include certificates at 432, 864, and 1,296 hours, a technician diploma at 1,512, and a hybrid/electric-vehicle diploma at 1,728.

Credential Opportunities

The program lists OSHA 10, NC3 multimeter certifications, EPA 609, Snap-on Battery Starting and Charging, and ASE student certifications.

Program Cost Estimate

The overview lists $6,264 tuition and fees and $1,969 for textbooks and supplies.

10

Hohenwald, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Hohenwald

52.6Score

CertificatePublic

Evening Or Day Study With Early Certificate Exits

Hohenwald suits full-time students who need a choice of day or night classes and want shorter certificate milestones within the complete automotive and electric-hybrid diploma.

TCAT Hohenwald’s daytime and evening automotive program offers two early certificate exits before the complete 1,728-hour diploma. Students move from brakes, chassis, and basic electrical work through engine repair and electrical diagnosis, finishing with transmissions and hybrid/electric vehicles. The published overview identifies a full-time commitment and a typical 16-month length.

Automotive Awards
19
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
65%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Attendance Options

The full-time program lists day and night classes, 1,728 clock hours, and a typical length of 16 months.

Early Certificates

The published awards include Brake and Chassis Technician at 432 hours and Automotive Technician Apprentice at 864 hours.

Final Technical Work

The last trimester includes Engine Performance II, manual drivetrains, automatic transmissions, and Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.

Program Charges

The overview separates $6,164 tuition and fees from $1,297 for textbooks and supplies.

NC3 Certification

NC3 multimeter certifications are listed among the program’s credentials.

11

Crossville, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Upper Cumberland

50.3Score

CertificatePublic

Monthly Entry And A Crossville Evening Option

Upper Cumberland suits students who want a chance to enter throughout the year or need evening classes at Crossville, with daytime study also available in Livingston.

TCAT Upper Cumberland admits new automotive students each month when space permits. Daytime instruction is available in Crossville and Livingston, while evening classes are limited to the Crossville main campus. Students advance after mastering each instructional area, with live-vehicle repair leading to the 1,728-hour automotive and hybrid/electric-vehicle diploma.

Automotive Awards
14
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
84%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Monthly Admission

New students can enroll every month as space becomes available.

Campus-Specific Schedules

Full-time day students meet 30 hours per week: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m.–2:15 p.m. at Crossville and 7:45 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Livingston. Evening classes are offered only at Crossville.

Mastery Progression

Students diagnose and repair live vehicles and advance to the next instructional area after mastering the preceding area.

Complete Diploma

The full automotive and hybrid/electric-vehicle route contains 1,728 hours, with a typical published length of 16 months.

Program Estimates

The overview lists $9,139 tuition and fees and $1,909 for textbooks and supplies.

12

Athens, TN

TCAT Athens

45.4Score

CertificatePublic

A Four-Day Schedule With Defined Training Hours

Athens suits students who can attend four full weekdays and want to see how their training time is allocated across chassis, electrical, engine-performance, and electrified-vehicle work.

TCAT Athens schedules full-time automotive classes Monday through Thursday, with a 1,728-hour route through hybrid and electric vehicles. The published plan gives brakes and steering/suspension 150 hours each, followed by extensive electrical and engine-performance work. Students can earn three certificates before reaching the technician and hybrid/EV diplomas.

Automotive Awards
10
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
95%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Full-Time Schedule

The main-campus full-time section meets Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The complete program contains 1,728 clock hours.

Earlier Credentials

Certificate milestones are Brake and Chassis Technician at 432 hours, Automotive Technician Apprentice at 864, and Automotive Service Technician at 1,296.

Electrical And Hybrid Study

The plan assigns 210 hours to Electrical and Electronic Systems I, 168 to the second electrical course, and 216 to Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.

Published Program Costs

The section lists $6,164 tuition and fees plus $5,042.28 for books and supplies.

13

Memphis, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis

45.0Score

CertificatePublic

Campus And Attendance Choices In Memphis And Bartlett

TCAT Memphis suits students comparing a part-time night route at the main campus with full-time options at either training location.

TCAT Memphis offers automotive training at the main campus and Bartlett, with daytime and nighttime sections. The main-campus night option is part time, while Bartlett’s night section is listed as full time. All sections follow a 1,728-hour plan, and the school publishes different tuition-and-fee totals for day and night study.

Automotive Awards
15
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
55%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Campus And Shift Options

The main campus offers full-time day and part-time night sections. Bartlett offers full-time day and full-time night sections.

Full Technical Plan

The section plans contain 1,728 hours, including 216 hours of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.

Daytime Program Costs

The daytime sections list $11,375 tuition and fees plus $5,211 for books and supplies.

Nighttime Program Costs

The night sections list $9,716 tuition and fees plus $5,211 for books and supplies.

14

McMinnville, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McMinnville

44.1Score

CertificatePublic

Detailed Course Hours Through Hybrid And EV Study

McMinnville suits students who want a defined progression from chassis service to electrical diagnosis and a substantial final hybrid/electric-vehicle course.

TCAT McMinnville’s full-time daytime automotive section assigns 216 hours to hybrid and electric vehicles near the end of its 1,728-hour plan. Earlier training spends 150 hours each on brakes and steering/suspension, then progresses into electrical systems and engine performance. The school separately publishes tuition-and-fee and supply estimates for the main-campus section.

Automotive Awards
12
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
67%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Daytime Program

The main-campus section is full time during the day and contains 1,728 clock hours.

Chassis Foundation

The first trimester assigns 150 hours to Brakes and 150 to Suspension and Steering.

Hybrid And Electric Course

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles receives 216 hours in the final trimester, after electrical, engine, and drivetrain study.

Published Expenses

The section lists $8,162 tuition and fees, with $2,214 for books and supplies.

15

Newbern, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest

41.3Score

CertificatePublic

Daytime Options In Newbern And Covington

Northwest suits students choosing between two local training sites who want daytime study with either a full-time or part-time commitment.

TCAT Northwest offers daytime automotive training at Newbern and its Covington branch, with full-time and part-time options. The complete 1,728-hour sequence extends from brake and chassis service into hybrid/electric vehicles. NC3 multimeter certification is listed alongside the program’s electrical and electronic-systems courses.

Automotive Awards
10
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
69%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Campuses And Attendance

Automotive training is listed at Newbern’s main campus and the Covington branch. The program offers daytime full-time and part-time study.

Program Length

The complete route is 1,728 clock hours, with a typical published length of 16 months.

Stepped Awards

Students can reach certificates at 432, 864, and 1,296 hours, the Automotive Technician diploma at 1,512, and the hybrid/electric diploma at 1,728.

Multimeter Training

NC3 multimeter certifications are listed, with Electrical and Electronic Systems I and II required during the middle trimesters.

Listed Costs

The overview quotes $5,760 tuition and fees plus $2,665 for textbooks and supplies.

16

Shelbyville, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville

39.4Score

CertificatePublic

A Fixed Weekday Schedule With Performance Testing

Shelbyville suits students who can attend every weekday and want progress measured through both written knowledge checks and practical performance tests.

TCAT Shelbyville’s full-time automotive students attend Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Instruction starts with system theory and moves into repair practice, using written and performance tests to track progress. The 1,728-hour program lists both ASE G1 and WIN Work Ready credentials.

Automotive Awards
8
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
81%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Hours And Schedule

The complete program lists 1,728 hours over approximately 16 months, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Practical Assessment

Written and performance tests record each student’s progress as theory is applied to vehicle repairs and computerized service equipment.

Listed Credentials

The program identifies ASE Auto Maintenance and Light Repair G1 and WIN Work Ready credentials.

Published Program Budget

The overview lists $6,164 tuition and fees plus $4,604 for textbooks and supplies.

Early Awards

The route includes certificates at 432, 864, and 1,296 hours and an Automotive Technician diploma at 1,512 before the complete hybrid/electric diploma.

17

Huntsville, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Oneida-Huntsville

38.1Score

CertificatePublic

A Separate Final Period For Hybrid And EV Training

Oneida-Huntsville suits students who want broad conventional-vehicle study followed by a dedicated final hybrid/electric-vehicle course at the Huntsville campus.

TCAT Oneida-Huntsville’s automotive program is taught at the Huntsville main campus. The published sequence separates its final hybrid/electric-vehicle course into a fifth training period after engines, electrical systems, transmissions, and drivetrains. Full-time daytime study leads through several certificate stages to a 1,728-hour automotive and hybrid/electric-vehicle diploma.

Automotive Awards
8
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
74%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Campus And Format

The program is full time during the day at 355 Scott High Drive in Huntsville.

Full Credential

The complete Automotive and Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Technician diploma requires 1,728 clock hours.

Final Course Placement

The curriculum places Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in a fifth training period, after the fourth-period engine-performance, manual-drivetrain, and automatic-transmission courses.

Listed Program Costs

The overview quotes $6,164 tuition and fees and $830 for textbooks and supplies.

Certificate Stages

Published certificate options include Brake and Chassis Technician at 432 hours, Automotive Technician Apprentice at 864, and Automotive Service Technician at 1,296.

18

Memphis, TN

William R Moore College of Technology

35.4Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePrivate nonprofit

Dealership Employment Built Into The Degree

Moore Tech suits students ready to meet a dealership’s hiring requirements and maintain automotive employment while completing their technical education.

Moore Tech’s two-year automotive program requires dealership employment beginning in the third term and ends with a full-time dealership internship. The Associate of Applied Technology totals 87 credits; diploma students follow the technical schedule without the general-education courses. All automotive instruction is based at the dedicated South Mendenhall campus in Memphis.

Annual In-State Tuition
$8,505
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
18
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
50%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Degree And Diploma

The two-year AAT requires six 12-credit automotive classes and five three-credit general-education classes, totaling 87 credits. The diploma follows the technical schedule without general education.

Required Dealership Work

Students begin a co-op position in the third term and must maintain employment at a GMADA member new-car dealership.

Final Internship

The last term is a 12-credit internship at a member dealership, scheduled at 40 hours per week.

Driver And Employer Requirements

Students need a valid driver’s license and a driving record meeting specified standards, and must pass the dealership’s background, insurance, drug-testing, and other employment requirements.

Class Shifts And Campus

Classes meet Monday through Friday, either 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., at 2785 South Mendenhall in Memphis. Work-based schedules depend on the dealership.

19

Blountville, TN

Northeast State Community College

34.0Score

CertificatePublic

Service Skills With Motorsports Choices

Northeast State suits students who want to shape an automotive degree around service work and selected motorsports subjects. The shorter service certificate offers a more concentrated repair sequence with management and maintenance coursework.

Northeast State’s Automotive Specialist degree lets students combine service training with selected motorsports or collision-repair courses. Its 2026–2027 plan totals 60 credits over two years and requires Vehicle Electrification and Computer Engine Controls early in the sequence. A separate 31-credit Automotive Service certificate concentrates on repair and maintenance across fall and spring.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,440
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
13
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
33%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Two-Year Specialist Degree

The 2026–2027 Automotive Specialist plan totals 60 credits. It combines general education, common automotive requirements, and technical choices from service, motorsports, and collision repair.

Required Electrical Foundation

Vehicle Electrification and Engine Analysis each carry four credits in the first fall. Four-credit Computer Engine Controls follows in spring, alongside a choice of advanced engine analysis, body and chassis electronics, or management and maintenance.

Motorsports Course Choices

The second-year elective groups include Chassis Motor Sports I, Power Trains Motor Sports I, and Performance Motor Sports I and II. These are options within the specialist degree, so the selected courses determine the motorsports content.

Applied Math And Science

The degree requires four-credit Trigonometric Applications and a four-credit choice between Survey of Physics and Principles of Physical Science, alongside English, communication, and other general education.

31-Credit Service Certificate

The separate two-semester certificate requires alignment and brakes, power trains, vehicle electrification, engine analysis, computer controls, body and chassis electronics, and a three-credit Management and Maintenance course.

20

Knoxville, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Knoxville

32.9Score

CertificatePublic

Master-Level Training At Two Daytime Locations

Knoxville suits students choosing between Knoxville and Clinton who want an accredited master-level automotive curriculum with a separately listed Mopar credential.

TCAT Knoxville’s automotive program holds Master Automobile Service Technology accreditation and offers daytime training at Knoxville and the Anderson County Higher Education Center in Clinton. The complete hybrid/electric-vehicle route spans 1,728 hours. Its award list also includes a 432-hour Mopar certificate, while admission proceeds as seats become available.

Automotive Awards
6
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
71%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Program Format

The full-time daytime program lists a typical 16-month length and 1,728 clock hours.

Knoxville And Clinton Sites

Training locations are the main campus at 1100 Liberty Street in Knoxville and the Anderson County Higher Education Center at 220 Frank L. Diggs Drive in Clinton.

Master Accreditation

The automotive program is ASE Education Foundation accredited at the Master Automobile Service Technology level in all training areas.

Listed Mopar Award

The published credential options include a 432-hour Mopar certificate alongside the general automotive certificate and diploma sequence.

Seat And Orientation Process

Accepted applicants receive an email once a seat becomes available and then register for and attend orientation. Early applicants receive priority.

21

McKenzie, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie

30.3Score

CertificatePublic

A McKenzie Diploma With A Published Supply Budget

The McKenzie route suits students seeking full-time daytime training and a program page that separately identifies tuition, supplies, and the hours assigned to technical courses.

Automotive training at TCAT Henry/Carroll’s McKenzie Affiliate Campus leads to a 1,512-hour technician diploma. The full-time day section lists $5,404 in tuition and fees and $601.19 for books and supplies. Electrical study develops through two substantial courses before the final engine-performance and drivetrain work.

Automotive Awards
3
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
81%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Current Campus And Diploma

The McKenzie Affiliate Campus of TCAT Henry/Carroll offers full-time daytime Automotive Technology leading to a 1,512-hour diploma.

Program Charges

The section lists $5,404 tuition and fees plus $601.19 for books and supplies.

Electrical Workload

Electrical and Electronic Systems I carries 210 clock hours, followed by 168 hours in Electric and Electronic Systems II.

Earlier Certificate Exits

The program lists Brake and Chassis Technician at 432 hours, Automotive Technician Apprentice at 864, and Automotive Service Technician at 1,296.

22

Harriman, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman

27.8Score

CertificatePublic

A Defined Practical-Training Share

Harriman suits licensed drivers seeking full-time daytime automotive training with a stated 60% practical component and a complete path through hybrid/electric systems.

TCAT Harriman assigns 60% of automotive class time to practical training and requires a valid driver’s license before admission. The full-time daytime sequence lasts approximately 16 months, with technician credentials leading to a 1,728-hour hybrid/electric diploma. Its published books-and-supplies estimate is a substantial part of the program budget.

Automotive Awards
3
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
69%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Practical Training

Students spend 60% of class time in hands-on training and the remainder on theory.

License Requirement

A valid driver’s license is required before admission to Automotive Technology.

Full Program

The full-time day program lists 16 months and 1,728 clock hours, including the Auto and Hybrid Electric Vehicles diploma.

Published Budget

The overview lists $6,404 tuition and fees and a separate $9,299.26 textbook-and-supplies estimate.

Final Repair Topics

Manual drivetrains, automatic transmissions, advanced engine performance, and hybrid/electric vehicles appear in the last trimester.

23

Memphis, TN

Southwest Tennessee Community College

20.0Score

Associate DegreePublic

An Embedded EV Certificate In Memphis

Southwest is a useful choice if you want an automotive associate degree with a shorter EV maintenance credential along the way. Cooperative education also gives students an option to connect the campus curriculum with work at a participating service business.

Southwest Tennessee Community College’s 60-credit Automotive Service Technology AAS spreads engine-and-lab courses across all four semesters. Its 2026–2027 catalog embeds a 24-credit Electric Vehicle Maintenance certificate in the degree and offers cooperative education with participating automotive businesses. The certificate builds electrical and engine-performance preparation toward the ASE testing sequence for hybrid and electric vehicle specialists.

Annual In-State Tuition
$4,452
Institution-wide · 2024–25
Automotive Awards
6
Certificates & degrees · 2023–24
Schoolwide Graduation
19%
Institution-wide · 150% time

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026
Four-Semester AAS

The 2026–2027 degree requires 60 credits over two years, with semester loads of 18, 15, 12, and 15 credits. English, communication, mathematics or natural science, and other general education accompany the automotive courses.

Embedded EV Certificate

The 24-credit Electric Vehicle Maintenance certificate is offered at Macon Cove Campus. Its two 12-credit semesters include engines, electrical systems, brakes, suspension, and steering; these courses also apply to the AAS.

ASE Preparation Sequence

The EV certificate prepares students for ASE A6 Electrical/Electronic Systems and A8 Engine Performance exams, which the college identifies as prerequisites for the L3 Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist exam.

Cooperative Education Option

Cooperative education courses are available for this major. The college encourages work with a participating automotive service business to apply the classroom and laboratory training.

Engine Labs Across The Degree

Automotive Engines I, II, III, and IV each include a lab and occupy successive semesters. The later terms also cover manual drivetrains, suspension and steering, and automatic transmissions with lab work.

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Tennessee

Tennessee's 527 awards cover 41 programs, so the technical-college reports are part of a wider statewide catalog. TCAT Athens and TCAT Jacksboro show certificate routes, while William R Moore shows associate's and certificates.

Tennessee's reports center the decision on technical certificates versus a broader college award. The two TCAT examples show certificate routes with schoolwide graduation rates of 95% and 84%. William R Moore College of Technology reports the associate's example and $8,505 annual in-state tuition. Northeast State Community College reports 13 awards, $4,440 tuition, and a 33% schoolwide rate across certificates. These figures describe the institution and its automotive programs, so keep the scope visible.

The pathway guide explains how school training connects to shop work. Tennessee's $50,290 wage median is occupation context beside a realistic school budget.

Auto Mechanic Pay In Tennessee

The May 2025 BLS survey reports a $50,290 median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Tennessee, across 16,210 jobs. The median is the midpoint for the occupation, not an offer to new graduates.

10th Percentile
$34,820
Median
$50,290
90th Percentile
$79,930

Experience, employer, and the work you do affect where you fall in that spread. Explore Auto Mechanic Salaries.

School Credentials And ASE Certification

A college certificate is an academic credential; professional ASE certification requires passing the relevant ASE test and satisfying its work experience rule. For the A1–A9 automobile tests, that rule is two years of qualifying repair experience. You can take most tests before completing the experience requirement, but passing alone does not make you certified.

Completing an ASE-accredited automotive program can count for one year of that experience. An eligible ASE-accredited manufacturer co-op program can count for the full two years when it includes the required hands-on work. These substitutions cannot be combined. Source: ASE Work Experience Rules.

Our certificate and associate degree comparison explains the academic routes, while the ASE certification guide covers professional credentials. The school cost guide separates tuition, fees, and tools.

Tennessee Auto Mechanic School Questions

What Is The May 2025 Tennessee Wage Median?
The May 2025 BLS OEWS median for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Tennessee is $50,290. The middle figure is a statewide occupation measure, with the 10th percentile at $34,820 and the 90th percentile at $79,930.
Where Does Tennessee Report Associate Degree Awards?
Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville (certificate and associate degree, 154 awards), William R Moore College of Technology (certificate and associate degree, 18 awards), Southwest Tennessee Community College (associate degree, 6 awards) show associate degree credentials among the published school figures.
How Many Automotive Awards Are Reported In Tennessee?
The Tennessee schools span certificate and associate degree credentials across 41 automotive options and 527 awards in 2023-24. Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville has the largest listed award count at 154. Northeast State Community College lists $4,440 in annual in-state institution tuition.

Sources For These School Comparisons

School records and program sources checked September 8, 2026. Federal figures retain their original reporting years; program details cite the school’s published requirements and costs. Send A Correction.

Continue Comparing Auto Mechanic Schools