Automotive Technology: General Motors Automotive Service Certificate

Program code: AUTO-CC-GMS

Location: Gateway

Program Description

The Automotive Service Certificate was designed by General Motors (GM) and Gateway Community College, now Gateway campus of CT State Community College. This unique, cooperative program educates students for an entry level maintenance position in General Motors or AC Delco sponsored automotive repair facilities. Through a special arrangement, students attend classes and labs at the North Haven Campus and then obtain internship experience at a sponsoring GM or AC Delco facility. Students in the GM Certificate program receive instruction on General Motors’ products. Vehicles, parts, engines, specialized tools, service information, and materials are provided by General Motors Corporation. For more information, contact Professor Daniel Fuller, Program Coordinator at (203) 285-2370 or e-mail at (daniel.fuller@ctstate.edu).

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate will:

  1. Meet ASE Accredited Training Program required outcomes for Automotive Service Technician (AST) certified programs.
  2. Demonstrate workplace skills including but not limited to resume preparation, seeking employment, maintaining a safe and healthy workplace environment, demonstrating workplace ethics, and teamwork.
  3. Apply knowledge of automotive theory to safely perform the duties of an entry level automotive technician.
  4. Identify and use appropriate tools, testing, and measurement equipment to perform the duties of an entry level service technician.
  5. Use current reference and training materials from accepted industry publications and standards to accomplish duties required of an entry level service technician.
  6. Receive corporate credit for web based and embedded classroom / laboratory training in the GM Center of Learning Training Web Site.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all fundamental automotive concepts as outlined by ASE Accredited Training Program requirements.
  8. Meet the industry ASE accreditation training outcome requirements for General Motors Steering and Suspension, Braking, Engine Propulsion, Electrical, Engine Performance, Transmission/Transaxle and Climate Control/Safety systems as assessed by existing instruments in the current course.
  9. Demonstrate practical application of all above outcomes by successful completion of an in-dealership internship as assessed by existing instruments in current course.

Program Entry Requirements

This program is offered only at the North Haven campus. Prospective students must obtain sponsorship through a GM dealership or AC Delco affiliated independent service center. Students must meet employment eligibility guidelines for the sponsoring employer. Students must Have a valid driver’s license issued by one of the 50 states in United States that does not have any restrictions that would prohibit the student from operating an automotive on public roads. Students must purchase required tool set that meets program standards.

The Automotive Technology: General Motors - Automotive Service Education (ASEP) program at Gateway Community College is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation as an ASE Accredited Training Program. During their final semester students are encouraged to take the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams for each of the eight automotive subject areas for national certification. Once students are selected for enrollment into the program, they will have until August 30 to find a sponsor for their internships at a GM automotive dealership or AC Delco repair facility to remain in the degree program. Sponsorship of students is a requirement throughout the program to include at the time of graduation.

This program prepares students to sit for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams A1-A8, G1 and L1.

Students may also receive industry credentials through ProCut (on vehicle rotor service), Snap-on (ShopKey Information System) AllData (Service Information), and Fluke (Digital Meter). Students also receive credit from the General Motors Center of Learning for GM courses that are embedded in the curriculum. Successful Students receive credit for approximately 80% of the GM Service Training Standard courses and are well on their way to Master Certification.

Students receive industry experience through mandatory paid internships at participating General Motors dealerships or qualified AC Delco independent service facilities. This experience is credited toward the ASE hands-on requirements that must be met prior to sitting for the certification exams.

Internship Requirements

Students will be required to successfully complete paid internships at sponsoring GM dealerships or AC Delco repair facilities. Internships will be tracked and monitored by the program coordinator. Successful internship completion requires that all assigned General Motors Center of Learning training courses be completed with a minimum grade of Pass.

Students seeking acceptance into the General Motors Automotive Service Certificate will have to apply to the program by July 1 prior to their enrollment in the program. Requirements to apply are:

  • Interview with the GM Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP) Program Coordinator to verify eligibility
  • Be eligible for college level Math
  • Be eligible for college level English
  • Complete the Automotive Program placement exam if required
  • Have a valid driver’s license issued by one of the 50 states that does not have any restrictions that would prohibit the student from operating an automotive on public roads

Certificate Requirements

Required Courses
AUTO 1010Introduction to General Motors Automotive Systems2
AUTO 1014General Motors Steering and Suspension Systems3
AUTO 1012General Motors Braking Systems3
AUTO 1195AGeneral Motors Internship 1A1
AUTO 1195BGeneral Motors Internship 1B1
AUTO 1018General Motors Engine Propulsion Systems3
AUTO 1016General Motors Electrical Systems3
AUTO 1195CGeneral Motors Internship 1C1
AUTO 1295General Motors Internship 23
AUTO 2001General Motors Powertrain Control System3
AUTO 2003General Motors Manual Drivetrain Systems3
AUTO 2395AGeneral Motors Internship 3A1
AUTO 2395BGeneral Motors Internship 3B1
AUTO 2395CGeneral Motors Internship 3C1
AUTO 2005General Motors Automotive Drivetrain Systems3
AUTO 2007General Motors Climate Control and Safety Systems3
Total Credits35

The Automotive Technology curriculum offers four degree options. Students may not complete more than one associate's degree in this area but additional certificates may be earned.