Automotive Service Technology Diploma

Geared towards those interested in employment in the automotive industry as technicians or in managerial roles, this program provides foundational apprenticeship training followed by writing, business and management courses. 

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Students learn foundational apprenticeship training in the shop

Campus

  • Kelowna
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Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered

Credential

Diploma

Delivery options

Full-Time

  • International students eligible

Tuition and fees

2023-2024: $13,706.36 (entire two-year program)

Program details

If you have any questions about how a course or program is delivered, you can check the Trades website, email the Department Chair or email the Trades & Apprenticeship office:

Apprenticeship: apprenticeship@okanagan.bc.ca
Foundation and General Interest: trades@okanagan.bc.ca


This two-year diploma program is designed for students who wish to obtain employment in the automotive industry as an Automotive Service Technician, or seek a management role in service, sales or operations. The program begins by providing the student with the first year of apprenticeship training followed by second-year courses in advanced level automotive service and repair with a focus on industry required skills in technical writing, business practices, office skills and management. This unique program provides training in technical areas that include automotive service and repair, technical writing and communication and business practices. Upon successful completion of the technical training, students will be eligible to write the provincial SkilledTradesBC standardized examinations for AST HL1 and receive 450 hours of practical work based hours towards the AST HL1 certification.

There are a number of physical activities involved in training for a skilled trade, please review the physical activities of the program and the recommended student characteristics as listed below. Okanagan College strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience disability related academic barriers (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please contact Accessibility Services at your campus so that you can privately discuss options.

Physical activities of the trade:

  • Lift and carry tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 10 Kgs.
  • Lift, carry, hold and operate hand, air and power tools from below grade to above shoulders
  • Stand on concrete and asphalt for extended periods of time
  • Bend, stoop, kneel and crawl to perform various tasks

Recommended student characteristics:

  • Good general health and respiratory condition
  • Capable of doing physical work
  • Physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy equipment and materials Ability to tolerate noise and vibration
  • Good manual dexterity
  • Satisfactory eyesight, line, form and depth perception

Required textbooks and supplies for Automotive Service Technician Diploma program.

  • CDX Fundamentals of Automotive Technology 3rd Edition eText $224.49
  • CDX Service Advising and Management 1st Edition eText $7.25

5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change.


Other required supplies
  • PC or access to a PC that is Windows or MacOS (not Chromebook) for distance delivery
  • coveralls
  • safety glasses
  • CSA approved work boots (steel toed)
  • binder
  • earbuds or headphones for computer-room assignments
  • pencils, pens, erasers
  • hearing protection (ear plugs or ear muffs)
  • lock for locker

Government-issued picture ID is required to write the provincial and national exams: driver's licence, photo ID or valid passport. Student ID cards are not acceptable.

Applicants who have not satisfied the Math admission requirement within the last seven years, and/or do not meet the English admission requirement, must write the TEA Math and/or English test. Both of the assessments are online, multiple-choice and timed. Applicants are allotted 1 hour to complete each section (2 hours for both). A practice assessment and study resources are offered to all applicants who register to write the TEA.  Calculators are not allowed while completing the Math section; applicants who are observed to use a calculator of any sort will receive a grade of zero.  Applicants who do not achieve the minimum passing requirement on their initial attempt, are offered a second attempt at no additional cost after a two-week study period. 

Please ensure you write the assessment, and any required re-writes, prior to the deadline for admissions requirements provided by the Registrar’s office. For more information or to register for the Trades Entrance Assessment, click here. Further questions can be directed to the Trades and Apprenticeship office at trades@okanagan.bc.ca.

Please note: Applicants who successfully completed the ABLE test at Okanagan College within the two years prior to application for admission shall have their results accepted as equivalent to the Trades Entrance Assessment. 

The textbook list above was current at the time it was posted and may be used for initial planning purposes. Please check back with the bookstore 2 weeks before your program starts under Current Book List for a final, updated list of book titles and prices, and to order!

Textbooks available online only at OC Campus Store. If you have any questions, call 250-862-5638 or email campusstores@okanagan.bc.ca.

It takes approximately two to three business days to fill the online orders, please be sure to purchase the necessary items prior to the 1st day of class.

AutomotiveServiceTechnologyDiploma

Admission requirements

  • B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
  • English 11 with minimum 50% or alternatives.
  • Math requirement:
    • A minimum of 50% in any of:
      • Pre-calculus Grade 11
      • Foundations of Mathematics Grade 11
      • Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics Grade 11
      • Workplace Mathematics 11
      • Adult Basic Education MATH 011
      • Adult Basic Education MATH 084 and MATH 085
      • Adult Basic Education IALG 011
      • Or a minimum of 63% on the Trades Entrance Assessment (TEA) mathematics Test scores are only good for two (2) years.
      • Applicants who have not satisfied the Math requirement within the last seven (7) years must write the TEA Mathematics test and must receive a minimum of 63%.
  • Relevant trades experience may be assessed for entry into this program.

Year 2 Entry:

  • A student who has successfully completed the Automotive Service Technician Harmonized Foundation Program (ASTF) within the previous five years is also eligible for admittance into the second year of this diploma program.

Program outline

ASTD 100 - Workplace Safety-Related Functions
ASTD 101 - Automotive Tools and Equipment
ASTD 102 - Math for Automotive Systems
ASTD 103 - Automotive Information Systems
ASTD 104 - Automotive Electrical Systems I
ASTD 105 - Technical Communication for Automotive Systems
ASTD 106 - Automotive Driveline Systems I
ASTD 107 - Automotive Body Components
ASTD 108 - Automotive Chassis Systems I
ASTD 109 - Automotive Brake Systems I
ASTD 110 - Automotive Steering and Control Systems I
ASTD 111 - Automotive Suspension and Control Systems I
ASTD 112 - Automotive Maintenance
ASTD 200 - Automotive Business Practices I
ASTD 201 - Automotive Electronic System I
ASTD 202 - Automotive Engine Systems
ASTD 203 - Automotive Brake Systems II
ASTD 204 - Automotive Chassis Systems II
ASTD 205 - Automotive Driveline Systems II
ASTD 206 - Automotive Electrical Systems II
ASTD 207 - Automotive Engine Management
ASTD 208 - Automotive Electronic Systems II
ASTD 209 - Automotive Diesel Engine Systems
ASTD 210 - Automotive Business Practices II
ASTD 211 - Technical Writing for Automotive Systems
ASTD 212 - Automotive Hybrid Electric Vehicle Systems
Graduates must complete the 26 courses with a minimum passing grade of 60% in each course. Students must achieve an average grade of no less than 70% in each year.
Additional information

View the official Calendar details and policies
Learn more about the department
View the Tuition and fees page

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