Automotive Mechanic Schools and Programs in Hawaii

Auto mechanics work on a variety of vehicles, using diagnostic tools to detect and examine vehicles brought in for repair. This career requires a person who pays attention to detail and enjoys finding practical, hands-on solutions to problems.

Master mechanics have the training and skill to repair the entire vehicle, though some choose to specialize on a particular part, such as the transmission.

Hawaii Auto Mechanic Schools

It's a good idea to seek out professional training or certification to prepare for this career. The University of Hawaii offers a number of automotive technology programs at their various location on the different islands. Depending on where you live, you may consider one of the following:

• The University of Hawaii, Maui College: Here they offer students an automotive technology (AMT) degree program. Students have three degree choices: Certificate of Competence, Certificate of Achievement, and Associate in Applied Science.
  
  
• The University of Hawaii, Honolulu Community College: At this location, students may consider the Automotive Technology degree, a five-semester program certified by the National Automotive Technology Education Foundation (NATEF). Students earn a Certificate of Achievement after a single semester and an Associate in Applied Science upon course completion.
  
  
• The University of Hawaii, Kauai Community College: This location also offers the Automotive Technology program. Students who complete the program earn the skills necessary to build a successful career as an automotive technician.
  
  
• The University of Hawaii, Leeward Community College: This location offers the same Automotive Technology degree program, providing students hands-on training by instructors certified in Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
  
  
• The University of Hawaii, Hawaii Community College: This branch also offers the AMT degree program, designed to prepare students for a career as either a general or specialty mechanic.

What to Expect from Hawaii Auto Mechanic Programs

Each of these degree programs offers students the same basic courses and skills training. These include the following competencies prescribed by NATEF and ASE for auto technician certification:

• Automatic transmission/transaxle
• Brakes
• Heating and air conditioning
• Engine performance
• Engine repair
• Electrical systems
• Manual drive train and axles
• Suspension and steering

Students who complete the entire five-semester program should be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary for a career as an automotive technician, including safety procedures and practical application of skills learned.

Hawaii Auto Mechanic License

Once you take and pass the ASE Exam, you may apply for Hawaii Mechanic License. To apply, complete the application form, either online or in written form.

When submitting your application, include your application fee, a copy of your ASE Certificate, and your social security number.

The application includes seven Yes/No questions. Answering Yes to questions five, six, or seven does not preclude you from receiving a license. However, you must include required documents, including a signed statement detailing circumstances, copies of pertinent documents from the relevant agency, your résumé of employment since the action, and a Traffic Abstract if your driver's license was suspended or revoked.

For criminal convictions, you must also include related court documents, terms of your probation or parole, and a copy of your current criminal history from Hawaii and any other state in which you have a criminal history.

Resources for Auto Mechanics in Hawaii

• For licensing requirements and information in Hawaii, visit the state government website.
• The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division provides numerous links and contact information.
• The Requirements for License, including the actual application, can be found here, as well as on the above link.
• Visit ASE to schedule your ASE Exam.