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Program Requirements

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Program Requirements

Automotive Technician

Technical Diploma 32-404-2

www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882

Start Dates: August

Effective: August 2025

First Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
404-335 Automotive Fundamentals 1 Fall only | Program student A course of study designed to provide the student with an overview of the automotive program along with shop equipment and safety. Computer-based SP2 online safety training will be utilized. Also included is instruction on hand & power tool operation, fastener identification, vehicle lifting procedures, ASE certification criteria, career exploration, and history of the automobile industry. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-335
Title: Automotive Fundamentals
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments: Fall only | Program student A course of study designed to provide the student with an overview of the automotive program along with shop equipment and safety. Computer-based SP2 online safety training will be utilized. Also included is instruction on hand & power tool operation, fastener identification, vehicle lifting procedures, ASE certification criteria, career exploration, and history of the automobile industry. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
404-336 Basic Vehicle Maintenance 3 404-335 or concurrent; Corequisite: 404-337, 404-339, 404-351 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to perform vehicle maintenance operations such as oil changes, chassis lubrication, tire rotations and inspections. Students will inspect chassis and brake systems, perform safety inspections, maintenance light reset procedures, and retrieve OBD II DTCs. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-336
Title: Basic Vehicle Maintenance
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-335 or concurrent; Corequisite: 404-337, 404-339, 404-351 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills necessary to perform vehicle maintenance operations such as oil changes, chassis lubrication, tire rotations and inspections. Students will inspect chassis and brake systems, perform safety inspections, maintenance light reset procedures, and retrieve OBD II DTCs. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
404-337 Automotive Electricity 1 2 Program student A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to understand electrical fundamentals, including electrical/electronic terminology, electrical components, circuits, measurements, and Ohm's Law relationships. Classroom instruction and hands-on training are provided on how to use electrical wiring diagrams, component locators, and basic testing using industry standard tools to identify and isolate 'open', 'short' and 'high resistance' faults in automotive electrical system circuits. Automotive electrical circuits are studied with related lab work involving locating/replacing circuit components, wire & terminal repair using industry-approved techniques; battery diagnosis, testing & replacement; and electrical cooling fan diagnosis.
Course #: 404-337
Title: Automotive Electricity 1
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to understand electrical fundamentals, including electrical/electronic terminology, electrical components, circuits, measurements, and Ohm's Law relationships. Classroom instruction and hands-on training are provided on how to use electrical wiring diagrams, component locators, and basic testing using industry standard tools to identify and isolate 'open', 'short' and 'high resistance' faults in automotive electrical system circuits. Automotive electrical circuits are studied with related lab work involving locating/replacing circuit components, wire & terminal repair using industry-approved techniques; battery diagnosis, testing & replacement; and electrical cooling fan diagnosis.
404-339 Automotive Brake Systems 4 404-335 or concurrent; Corequisite: 404-336, 404-337, 404-351 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair foundation brake systems found on cars and light-duty trucks using industry standard equipment. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-339
Title: Automotive Brake Systems
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-335 or concurrent; Corequisite: 404-336, 404-337, 404-351 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair foundation brake systems found on cars and light-duty trucks using industry standard equipment. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
404-351 Auto Engine Performance 1 3 404-335 or concurrent; Corequisite: 404-336, 404-337, 404-339 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to explain how an internal combustion engine operates and develops horsepower and torque. Students will disassemble an internal combustion engine, identify & measure components, reassemble engine using industry standard tools and procedures, and perform basic engine tests. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-351
Title: Auto Engine Performance 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-335 or concurrent; Corequisite: 404-336, 404-337, 404-339 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to explain how an internal combustion engine operates and develops horsepower and torque. Students will disassemble an internal combustion engine, identify & measure components, reassemble engine using industry standard tools and procedures, and perform basic engine tests. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
804-360 Math for Technical Trades 2   This course prepares learners to apply fundamental mathematic concepts to real-world trade-based scenarios. Math for Technical Trades is an applied technical math course. The course includes arithmetic, measurement calculation, formula manipulation, basic geometry, right triangle trigonometry, and interpretation of visual displays of data, with an emphasis on contextualized technical applications.
Course #: 804-360
Title: Math for Technical Trades
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course prepares learners to apply fundamental mathematic concepts to real-world trade-based scenarios. Math for Technical Trades is an applied technical math course. The course includes arithmetic, measurement calculation, formula manipulation, basic geometry, right triangle trigonometry, and interpretation of visual displays of data, with an emphasis on contextualized technical applications.
  Total Credits: 15  
Total Credits: 15

Second Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
404-338 Automotive Electricity 2 3 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-339 and 404-351; Corequisite: 404-350, 404-352, 404-355 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to read and apply technical information, specifications, and strategy based diagnostic procedures for use in troubleshooting chassis electrical systems: starting, charging, instrument panel, lighting, powered accessories, and relay controlled circuits. Chassis electrical systems coverage includes testing with industry standard testing equipment. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-338
Title: Automotive Electricity 2
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-339 and 404-351; Corequisite: 404-350, 404-352, 404-355 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to read and apply technical information, specifications, and strategy based diagnostic procedures for use in troubleshooting chassis electrical systems: starting, charging, instrument panel, lighting, powered accessories, and relay controlled circuits. Chassis electrical systems coverage includes testing with industry standard testing equipment. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
404-350 Auto Steering & Suspension Sys 4 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-339 and 404-351; Corequisite: 404-338, 404-352, 404-355 This course of study is designed to provide the learner with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair suspension systems found on cars and light-duty trucks using industry standard equipment, with an emphasis on component identification, inspection, diagnosis and replacement. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-350
Title: Auto Steering & Suspension Sys
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-339 and 404-351; Corequisite: 404-338, 404-352, 404-355 This course of study is designed to provide the learner with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair suspension systems found on cars and light-duty trucks using industry standard equipment, with an emphasis on component identification, inspection, diagnosis and replacement. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
404-352 Auto Engine Performance 2 3 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-339 and 404-351; Corequisite: 404-338, 404-350, 404-355 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service & repair automotive ignition and fuel systems. The student will learn maintenance and troubleshooting and procedures for late-model vehicles using various types of engine, fuel pressure and exhaust diagnostic equipment. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered via the internet.
Course #: 404-352
Title: Auto Engine Performance 2
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-339 and 404-351; Corequisite: 404-338, 404-350, 404-355 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service & repair automotive ignition and fuel systems. The student will learn maintenance and troubleshooting and procedures for late-model vehicles using various types of engine, fuel pressure and exhaust diagnostic equipment. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered via the internet.
404-355 Automotive Computer Systems 2 404-336 and 404-337 and (404-339 or 404-351) A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair automotive computer controls and emission control systems. Basic electronic components and circuits are reviewed, leading to an understanding of automotive computer systems operations. Fundamentals of electricity, electronics, semiconductor materials, diodes, transistors, analog & digital signals, computer memory, sensors, actuators, and processor inputs/outputs will be related to basic computer operation. Specific instructions for locating diagnostic resources, vehicle data access, fault code interpretation, and diagnostic strategy will be related to On-Board Diagnostics engine control systems. Testing will include industry standard generic as well as manufacturer specific scan tool use and testing procedures. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the Internet.
Course #: 404-355
Title: Automotive Computer Systems
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-336 and 404-337 and (404-339 or 404-351) A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair automotive computer controls and emission control systems. Basic electronic components and circuits are reviewed, leading to an understanding of automotive computer systems operations. Fundamentals of electricity, electronics, semiconductor materials, diodes, transistors, analog & digital signals, computer memory, sensors, actuators, and processor inputs/outputs will be related to basic computer operation. Specific instructions for locating diagnostic resources, vehicle data access, fault code interpretation, and diagnostic strategy will be related to On-Board Diagnostics engine control systems. Testing will include industry standard generic as well as manufacturer specific scan tool use and testing procedures. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the Internet.
442-313 Welding-Automotive Technician 1 Program or pre-program student The purpose of this course is to help learners acquire basic welding skills on light gauge metals and other materials used in the automotive repair industry using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC), and Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC). Additionally, skills will be developed on removing stuck vehicle parts and fasteners. It is a hands-on, self-paced learning environment to learn basic welding skills and safe welding practices.
Course #: 442-313
Title: Welding-Automotive Technician
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments: Program or pre-program student The purpose of this course is to help learners acquire basic welding skills on light gauge metals and other materials used in the automotive repair industry using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC), and Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC). Additionally, skills will be developed on removing stuck vehicle parts and fasteners. It is a hands-on, self-paced learning environment to learn basic welding skills and safe welding practices.
801-357 Applied Written/Job Seek Comm 1   This course emphasizes the importance of effective workplace writing and the practical components of job-seeking skills. Students will acquire practical, business-related skills through reading, writing, revising, and grammar exercises. Additionally, they will polish a resume, practice their interview skills, explore a company's background, assess and refine their personal career goals, and establish a purpose for writing in their career field.
Course #: 801-357
Title: Applied Written/Job Seek Comm
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course emphasizes the importance of effective workplace writing and the practical components of job-seeking skills. Students will acquire practical, business-related skills through reading, writing, revising, and grammar exercises. Additionally, they will polish a resume, practice their interview skills, explore a company's background, assess and refine their personal career goals, and establish a purpose for writing in their career field.
  Total Credits: 14  
Total Credits: 14

Third Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
404-356 Automotive HVAC Systems 3 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-338 and 404-339 and 404-350 and 404-351 and 404-352 and 404-355; Corequisite: 404-360, 404-361, 404-362 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems in automobiles. The student will be able to evacuate and recharge A/C systems, convert A/C systems from R-12 to R134a refrigerant according to industry standards, and perform component replacement. Students will be able to diagnose and repair computerized climate control systems. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be licensed to perform A/C repairs in the state of Wisconsin. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-356
Title: Automotive HVAC Systems
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-338 and 404-339 and 404-350 and 404-351 and 404-352 and 404-355; Corequisite: 404-360, 404-361, 404-362 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service and repair heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems in automobiles. The student will be able to evacuate and recharge A/C systems, convert A/C systems from R-12 to R134a refrigerant according to industry standards, and perform component replacement. Students will be able to diagnose and repair computerized climate control systems. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be licensed to perform A/C repairs in the state of Wisconsin. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
404-360 Auto Axles & Drive Trains 2 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-338 and 404-339 and 404-350 and 404-351 and 404-352 and 404-355; Corequisite: 404-356, 404-361, 404-362 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair automotive axles and drive trains. Coursework includes: wheel bearings, constant velocity joints, drive shafts & u-joints, and differential units. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-360
Title: Auto Axles & Drive Trains
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-338 and 404-339 and 404-350 and 404-351 and 404-352 and 404-355; Corequisite: 404-356, 404-361, 404-362 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair automotive axles and drive trains. Coursework includes: wheel bearings, constant velocity joints, drive shafts & u-joints, and differential units. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
404-361 Manual Trnsmission & Trnsaxles 3 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-338 and 404-339 and 404-350 and 404-351 and 404-352 and 404-355; Corequisite: 404-356, 404-360, 404-362 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair manual transmissions & transaxles on late-model vehicles. Coursework includes: hydraulic clutches, manual transmission theory & application, and the repair & overhaul of a manual transmission. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-361
Title: Manual Trnsmission & Trnsaxles
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-338 and 404-339 and 404-350 and 404-351 and 404-352 and 404-355; Corequisite: 404-356, 404-360, 404-362 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair manual transmissions & transaxles on late-model vehicles. Coursework includes: hydraulic clutches, manual transmission theory & application, and the repair & overhaul of a manual transmission. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
404-362 Auto Trnsmission & Trnsaxles 4 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-338 and 404-339 and 404-350 and 404-351 and 404-352 and 404-355; Corequisite: 404-356, 404-360, 404-361 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair automatic transmissions & transaxles on late-model vehicles. Students will explore the principles of hydraulic and electronic controls as it relates to the automatic transmission. This includes operation of solenoids, sensors, seals, hydraulic clutches, servos, planetary gear sets & drives, and performing a failure evaluation along with a major overhaul of a late-model automatic transmission. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-362
Title: Auto Trnsmission & Trnsaxles
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-336 and 404-337 and 404-338 and 404-339 and 404-350 and 404-351 and 404-352 and 404-355; Corequisite: 404-356, 404-360, 404-361 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair automatic transmissions & transaxles on late-model vehicles. Students will explore the principles of hydraulic and electronic controls as it relates to the automatic transmission. This includes operation of solenoids, sensors, seals, hydraulic clutches, servos, planetary gear sets & drives, and performing a failure evaluation along with a major overhaul of a late-model automatic transmission. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
806-342 Science for Technical Trades 2 804-360 or 804-134 Provides an introduction to basic physical principles involved in precision measurement, mechanics, hydraulics, thermodynamics, and electronics to students. Practical utilization of these principles in various technologies is analyzed with reinforcement from problem solving and laboratory exercises.
Course #: 806-342
Title: Science for Technical Trades
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 804-360 or 804-134 Provides an introduction to basic physical principles involved in precision measurement, mechanics, hydraulics, thermodynamics, and electronics to students. Practical utilization of these principles in various technologies is analyzed with reinforcement from problem solving and laboratory exercises.
  Total Credits: 14  
Total Credits: 14

Fourth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
404-357 Auto Safety & Security Systems 2 404-356 and 404-360 and 404-361 and 404-362; Corequisite: 404-363, 404-370, 404-371 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair safety and security systems on late-model vehicles. Passenger restraints, theft deterrent, and collision avoidance systems will be explored. Instructions on diagnosing, service and repair of body system control electronic systems circuits using a scan tool will be covered. This is a blended course. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-357
Title: Auto Safety & Security Systems
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-356 and 404-360 and 404-361 and 404-362; Corequisite: 404-363, 404-370, 404-371 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair safety and security systems on late-model vehicles. Passenger restraints, theft deterrent, and collision avoidance systems will be explored. Instructions on diagnosing, service and repair of body system control electronic systems circuits using a scan tool will be covered. This is a blended course. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
404-363 Engine Repair 4 404-356 and 404-360 and 404-361 and 404-362; Corequisite: 404-357, 404-370, 404-371 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair internal combustion, engines found on late-model vehicles. Coursework includes: lubrication systems, valve timing, leak diagnosis and repair, engine noise & failure diagnosis, valve service, cylinder head replacement, and engine removal/replacement procedures. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-363
Title: Engine Repair
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-356 and 404-360 and 404-361 and 404-362; Corequisite: 404-357, 404-370, 404-371 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair internal combustion, engines found on late-model vehicles. Coursework includes: lubrication systems, valve timing, leak diagnosis and repair, engine noise & failure diagnosis, valve service, cylinder head replacement, and engine removal/replacement procedures. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
404-370 Adv Auto Chassis Systems 3 404-356 and 404-360 and 404-361 and 404-362; Corequisite: 404-357, 404-363, 404-371 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair advanced suspension components found on late-model vehicles. Coursework includes: wheel alignment, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring, electric steering, active suspension, and vehicle stability control, and traction control systems. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-370
Title: Adv Auto Chassis Systems
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-356 and 404-360 and 404-361 and 404-362; Corequisite: 404-357, 404-363, 404-371 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair advanced suspension components found on late-model vehicles. Coursework includes: wheel alignment, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring, electric steering, active suspension, and vehicle stability control, and traction control systems. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
404-371 Adv Engine Perf & Alt Fuels 3 404-356 and 404-360 and 404-361 and 404-362; Corequisite: 404-357, 404-363, 404-370 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to operate a 4 or 5 gas analyzers and explain how they are used to analyze engine performance. Diesel engines will be explored. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), ethanol, hybrid vehicles, fuel cells, and other alternative fuels will be discussed. Technician and Responder safety when working with these issues will also be included. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
Course #: 404-371
Title: Adv Engine Perf & Alt Fuels
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 404-356 and 404-360 and 404-361 and 404-362; Corequisite: 404-357, 404-363, 404-370 A course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to operate a 4 or 5 gas analyzers and explain how they are used to analyze engine performance. Diesel engines will be explored. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), ethanol, hybrid vehicles, fuel cells, and other alternative fuels will be discussed. Technician and Responder safety when working with these issues will also be included. This course is web-enhanced. Some content will be delivered and available via the internet.
809-351 Occupational Relations 2   This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the human relations skills necessary to succeed in a total quality work environment. This will include workplace trends, team-building skills, customer and co-worker relations, attitude and motivation, safety and stress management, diversity, employment law, and financial and benefits planning.
Course #: 809-351
Title: Occupational Relations
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the human relations skills necessary to succeed in a total quality work environment. This will include workplace trends, team-building skills, customer and co-worker relations, attitude and motivation, safety and stress management, diversity, employment law, and financial and benefits planning.
  Total Credits: 14  
Total Credits: 14

Course Title

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Course Description

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Minimum Program Credits Required: 57

2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.

Updated: 8/6/2025 10:30 a.m.  |  Printed: 8/23/2025 1:09 p.m.

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