Automotive Service Technician Trade Profile

Automotive service technicians possess the knowledge and abilities required to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose problems and repair vehicle systems including engines, vehicle management, hybrids, steering, braking, tires, wheels, drivetrains, suspension, electrical, electronics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, restraints, trim and accessories of automotive vehicles and light trucks. Technicians have a work environment that may include noise, fumes, odors, hazardous compounds, drafts, vibrations, and confined spaces. The work often requires considerable standing, bending, crawling, lifting, pulling and reaching. Automotive service technicians may be employed by repair and specialty repair shops, dealerships, organizations with a fleet of vehicles, and motor vehicle body repair companies. An increasing number of technicians specialize in specific areas of automotive vehicle repair due to the complexity of today’s motor vehicle systems.

With additional training, experienced automotive service technicians may advance to shop supervisor or service manager positions. Technicians can also transfer their skills and knowledge to occupations such as automotive instructor, truck and transport mechanic, agricultural equipment technician, or heavy-duty equipment technician. Some technicians may be self-employed with their own garage or automotive specialty shop.   (https://www.red-seal.ca/docms/ast_tp2016_eng.pdf)

APPRENTICESHIP TERM:  4 years, 7200 hours   (Plan of Training – 2019)
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
 Pre-Employment (35 wks) 11 weeks 8 weeks 9 weeks
8 weeks** 11 weeks 8 weeks 9 weeks
**Refer to the Pathways to Certification diagram

Trade Resources

Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS)

Pre-Employment – Plan of Training (POT)

Atlantic Apprenticeship Curriculum Standard (AACS) – Plan of Training – 2019

Atlantic Apprenticeship Curriculum Standard (AACS) Practical Hours Addendum – 2022

Progression Schedule

Level Exam Resources

PREPARING FOR A LEVEL EXAM (video)
Preparing for a Level Exam
Exam Breakdowns: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3

Level Exam Study Guide

Study Strategies and Exam Prep Guide

Red Seal Exam Resources

PREPARING FOR A RED SEAL EXAM (video)
Preparing for a Red Seal Exam
Red Seal Exam Breakdown

Exam Weighting Chart

Red Seal Exam Self-Assessment

Task Matrix – Automotive Service Technician

Study Guide – Automotive Service Technician

Study Strategies and Exam Prep Guide

Red Seal Examination Prep Guide

Essential Skills Outline

Red Seal Exam Practice Questions – Automotive Service Technician

Trade Acronyms – Automotive Service Technician

Tools and Equipment List – Automotive Service Technician

Glossary Terms – Automotive Service Technician