About the program:

If you want a rewarding career with many diverse opportunities to become both personally and financially successful then come down and take a look at the Automotive Technology Department. You will see a state of the art training center where you will learn everything you need to know to become a successful technician, parts person, service manager, manufacturer representative, after-market sales associate, and much more… The Community College of Philadelphia offers an extensive Automotive Technology Program to students interested in pursuing an Associate Degree Level education. The Automotive Technology Department is NATEF certified by the Automotive Service Excellence National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

What is your program based on?

Our program is developed around the eight areas of ASE certification: Brakes, Suspension and Steering, Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Air Conditioning and Heating, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission and Electrical/Electronic Systems. Each class will prepare you for the ASE Certification test along with training you to diagnose and repair automobiles.

Do you offer scholarships?

For High School seniors our program offers scholarship opportunities through Volvo of North America. Seniors are tested, interviewed and evaluated throughout their senior year and the top three students in the Philadelphia School District are given a fully paid scholarship to attend the Automotive Technology Program.

Will you count my current ASEs as college credit?

For those of you already in the field, our program rewards those who have already earned ASE Certifications. You will receive college credits towards your graduation for each ASE certification giving you a chance to graduate from the program within a limited time. In order to climb the corporate ladder and earn an excellent salary, degrees are sometimes required. Now that degree is within your grasp along with the chance to transfer to an Area College and earn your Bachelors Degree. If you have any questions about this or any of our programs please call (267)299-5873/75

Where can I get a job after graduation?

After you graduate from our program, placement in the right environment is important. We have strong connections with Fleet Management (City of Philadelphia), SEPTA, PGW, UPS, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Ford, Pep Boys, Firestone, Goodyear, R & S Strauss and of course Volvo of North America. Since our NATEF certification we have had an excellent placement rate. Nearly 100% of all graduates will be given ample opportunities for a successful career.

Best of all you will find an excellent education program for about 1/3 the cost of those other institutions. Please compare the programs, ask some key questions: How much hands on training is available at these other institutions? What is the student to instructor ratio? How much does this program cost? Are the classes I take here transferable to other institutions for higher learning? Take a tour of all the facilities, and please talk to some of the graduates and students involved in all the programs.

Ask your parents to come and be a part of your selection process. We will be glad to discuss any questions associated with our program or help answer any other questions you may have.

How is this program different from other area schools?

After comparing our program to the Philadelphia areas other training programs (Lincoln Technological Institute, Pennco Tech) here are some of the things you will find that our program offers and others do not. Upon graduation you will receive an Associate Degree that can be transferred to other Colleges and Universities if you plan to continue your education, not just a certificate. You will have the ability to transfer all your credits to one of the finest Engineering Universities in the country, Drexel University, in order to continue your education toward a Bachelors degree in Applied Technologies. At Community College of Philadelphia you will find a faculty of highly skilled, dealership trained, college graduates here to assist you in the education process, not just a bunch of old mechanics getting ready to retire like some of the other training facilities in the city. You will find that we have the top equipment in the industry, including our new $40,000 dynamometer for the State Emission Program, not a bunch of half-empty worn out toolboxes. Up to date Digital Oscilloscopes, New scan data retrieval and diagnostic tools and state of the art software linked to a newly installed, fully networked, computer system. And much more...

What does it take to be a successful auto technician?

It used to be that the only tools required of automotive technicians were in their tool boxes. Today, good technicians will find their most important tool is in their heads. A successful technician must be a strong critical thinker and have a solid base knowledge that includes : automotive design and repair procedures, electrical theory and repair skills, physics theory and computer literacy, as well as fundamental English, math and communication skills. Also required is the ability to work with hand tools and diagnostic equipment. The level of success achieved in this field is directly related to the expertise of the technician.

What are the program entry requirements?

This program is open to interested students, as long as space is available. New students of the College are generally required to take the College's placement tests at their time of entry. Students identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete their appropriate English and Mathematics courses as part their college degree program. Students wishing to enter the Automotive Technology Program should have some mechanical aptitude and be committed to the completion of all required courses.

How much "hands on work" is there?

Quite a bit! About 1/2 of the program is "hands on" and 1/2 is theory.  Out instructors pride themselves on being able to teach in a classroom setting as well as being able to show a student how to properly perform a task.  The student is then asked to demonstrate their knowledge of the task.  NATEF guidelines require our program to teach many different tasks for each area of the automobile.  The student must demonstrate mastery of these tasks.

Will I have to buy tools?

The College has tools for students to use while working in the classroom. However it is strongly suggested that a student purchase a tool set for work in the real world. We have several discount programs available through major tool manufactures for students that are enrolled in the program.

Are there opportunities for women in the automotive field?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the number of professionally employed women automotive technicians has almost doubled since 1989. As of 2001 there were 13,000 women working in the field. More and more companies are realizing that women are taking their own cars in for service and buying their own parts. It only makes sense to hire women to work for these businesses that are trying to do a better job catering to the female customer. So, whether you're interested in working on cars, working in parts or working in service, there's a growing opportunity for women in the industry.

What do I need to start?

Community College of Philadelphia is an associate degree-granting institution with open admission for all who may benefit. Which means everyone who signs up gets enrolled in the college. Students interested in enrolling to the college must have a High School Diploma, or GED. If you have been to college before, some of your classes may count towards this degree, you only need to send your transcripts to the admissions center with your application. When you fill out the application there will be sections to include this information if you have it. SATs are not required.

Note: Non-Credit classes do not require a H.S. Diploma, or GED, or a placement test.

Inquiries regarding admission to the college should be directed to the College Information Center, (215) 751-8010. Applicants who require help may consult directly with a member of the Admissions Office staff (215) 751-8230 or visit the Welcome Center (M1-17).

More information can be found here:
http://www.ccp.edu/site/prospective/admissions_process.php

What are the steps to getting enrolled into your program?

1 – Apply for admission
2 – Take the placement test or have other college transcripts sent
3 – Visit the financial aid office
4 – Sign up for classes
5 – Come and learn

When do classes start?

The auto tech program follows the college calendar. Typically classes start in the Fall, Spring, and then a limited schedule is available over the summer.

If you are interested in taking classes, it is important to keep track of when the classes are going to start. Sign up early, some classes fill up quickly. The link below will show the current college calendar for when classes start.

http://www.ccp.edu/site/academic/academic_calendar.php

What classes do you offer this semester?

While it is best to check the college schedule for classes, typically our schedule of classes is as follows;

Fall – (September)

AT 100 - Introduction to Automotive Technology
AT 111 - Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems
AT 121 - Principles of Automotive Electricity and Electronics
AT 181 - Automotive Engine Mechanical Repair
AT 131 - Automotive Manual Transmission and Drivelines
AT 150 - Automotive Braking Systems

Spring – (January)

AT 100 - Introduction to Automotive Technology
AT 121 - Principles of Automotive Electricity and Electronics
AT 181 - Automotive Engine Mechanical Repair
AT 250 - Advanced Braking Systems and Controls
AT 261 - Engine Performance and Diagnosis
AT 271 - Air Conditioning & Heating Systems
AT 241 - Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles

Summer 1 – (May)
AT 150 - Automotive Braking Systems
AT 281 - Advanced Engine Performance and Diagnosis
AT 298 - Internship (14 weeks)

Summer 2 – (July)
AT 221 - Advanced Automotive Electrical Systems
AT 111 - Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems

For a current class list this semester, please click the link below, and then choose “Automotive Technology”

http://www.ccp.edu/site/academic/courses/offerings.php

What about the placement test?

The placement test is a test that is used to gauge your current math and English skills. Regardless of how you do, you still get into the college. Don’t worry if you scored low, there are plenty of classes you can take to get up to speed!

For more information on times and about the test, see the link below,
http://www.ccp.edu/site/prospective/assessment/

How much does it cost?

For a current listing of all fees and tuitions, please see the link below, keep in mind that financial aid is also available for many students. However we are thousands less than other local trade schools.
http://www.ccp.edu/site/prospective/financial_aid/tuition.php

Apply Online!

Get started today, by filling out the form on the link below – you will be sent to a secure server at the college where you can apply with a credit card and get started today!

http://www.ccp.edu/site/prospective/admissions_process.php

Sill need help?

Give us a call at (267) 299-5873