Automotive
Automotive Service Technology Program
The Automotive Service Technology (AST) program provides a quality, accessible education, utilizing theory, design, practical application, and live work to prepare students for entry-level employment as qualified automotive technicians.
Program offers training in all nine ASE areas of automotive diagnostics and repair with emphasis on electronic and computer-integrated systems found on today’s automobiles. The AST program requires two years to complete. Enrollment is open to those who qualify at the beginning of fall, winter, and spring quarters of each academic year. An Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Service Technology is awarded upon the successful completion of the program.
The AST program has been evaluated and accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation (formerly NATEF) at the highest level of the Master Automotive Service Technology Training (MAST) Program.
What is ASE Education Foundation Accreditation and the differences between its three levels?
The number of hours, level and amount of subject material, equipment and facilities, and outcomes to list a few. See ASE Education Foundation’s website for a complete list of program standards.
Degree & Certificates
Students in their first year of the AST program can obtain a certificate in the specialized ASE area of Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems (A6). The certificate will be awarded to the student who successfully completes this coursework with a C+ (2.5) GPA or better.
Students in their first year of the AST program can obtain a certificate in the specialized ASE areas of Automotive Steering/Suspension Systems (A4) and Brake Systems (A5). The certificate will be awarded to the student who successfully completes this coursework with a C+ (2.5) GPA or better.
Automotive Service Excellence Certification
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. By passing, national tests, ASE-certified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, employers, and customers. There are specialty exams covering all major areas of repair. Technicians who pass at least one exam and fulfill the two-year work experience requirement become ASE-certified. The AST program will count as one year of experience.
The curriculum is structured to help all students reach their potential. All instructors, at a minimum, are ASE Certified in the subject they teach and have formal AST training and years of industry experience.
- Courses are presented in either two classrooms or a 20-bay shop with our own fleet of vehicles and industry relevant equipment.
- Two-thirds of the AST core courses are designated to hands-on practical application in our lab.
- Classes address each of the vehicle systems, their operation and components in individual ASE area modules.
- Each 16 credit quarter presents one subject at a time, with emphasis on electrical and electronic integration.
- Each subject has an 8 credit lecture and a corresponding 8 credit lab course.
- We provide access to ASE entry-level certification.
Additional Information
Student Tool List
When you complete YVC’s AST program you will have the training and tools to go to work that day. See AST instructors for details.
Tool vendors offering student discounts
AST has a required tool list. Entry-level technicians seeking employment in the automotive service industry need these basic tools. Companies offer student discounts and some allow the student to view this pricing by registering online, at no charge. See AST instructors for details.
- Snap-on Industrial, Matco, Cornwell, and MAC Tools.
- AMB, CarquestAdvance, O’Reilly’s, NAPA, Federated, and Autozone.
- Craftsman, Harbor Freight, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
*Not all tools are created equally.
Tuition & Fees
Learn more about YVC tuition and fees.
Textbooks may be purchased through the college bookstore or online through other book selling sources. The textbook is good for the full two years of the program.
The textbook may be purchased or rented in digital format.
- By Jack Erjavec, Rob Thompson
- Edition: 7th
- Publisher: Cengage
- ISBN: 9781337794213
Auto Repair Services
Students in the Automotive Service Technology program gain practical experience by working on customers’ vehicles in our lab courses. In an effort to teach current technology that students will be working on in the field, vehicles need to be 2000 models or newer. Work is scheduled by appointment with the AST Stockroom Attendant to coincide with the subjects taught each quarter. Work is supervised, inspected, and signed off by our ASE certified and experienced instructors.
Services Offered
- Preventative maintenance solutions
- Check engine lights and drivability diagnosis and repair
- Transmission services
- Brake service
- Oil & lube
- Tune ups
Why you save
- You are contributing to the education of future auto repair professionals.
- You only pay for a lab service fee and parts.
- You do not pay for shop labor.
All customers receive an estimate prior to any repair for approval before repairs are made. Note, we are not competitors with local repair facilities.
Please have your vehicle available to the program for a few days, as our students are only in lab for a limited time per day. This allows students’ time for family, studies, and work while attending school.
We appreciate the opportunity to provide our students live work. Work is accepted by appointment only on a first-come, first-served basis in each subject taught that quarter. Not all types of work are taken for the program. Time and relevancy to instruction are considered.
For more information or to schedule service contact:
509.574.4760
Vehicle and Other Donations
- Donations are greatly appreciated!
- Relevancy to instruction is considered.
- We provide you with tax contributions forms.
- Vehicles must be registered in Washington State and have the registered owner’s signature on the title releasing it to YVC.
- In an effort to teach current technology, vehicles need to be 2000 models or newer.
- We do not consider or accept donations that are not directly from the owner.
For more information contact:
Murray Ruggles
AST Department Head
509.574.6869
- Vintiques of Yakima supports YVC’s AST program through scholarships. More information
is available online.
- The Sun Country Mustang Club also provides scholarships to our students. More information is available online.
- Dealerships
- National Chains
- Parts Specialist
- Independent Shops
- Municipalities
- Aftermarket Parts Retailer
- Fleet Shops
- Specialty Repair Shop
- Machine Shops