Automotive Technology: Honda Professional Auto Career Training (PACT) Auto Service Certificate

Program code: AUTO-CC-PCT

Location: Gateway

Program Description

The Automotive Technology: Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT) certificate program is a collaborative initiative between American Honda Motor Co.(AHM) and CT State Community College. This specialized program is designed to prepare students for entry-level maintenance and repair positions at Honda and Acura-sponsored service facilities. Students complete their coursework and hands-on lab training at the North Haven Campus, followed by practicum experience at a participating Honda or Acura dealership or service center. Throughout the program, students receive in-depth instruction on Honda and Acura vehicles, with access to AHM-provided vehicles, parts, engines, specialized tools, and service materials. The program provides the technical skills and industry knowledge necessary for success in Honda and Acura service operations.

Program Contact: Professor Giuseppe Vertucci, Program Coordinator at (203) 285-2434 or e-mail at (giuseppe.vertucci@ctstate.edu).

Program Entry Requirements

Students interested in the Automotive Technology: Honda PACT certificate program must complete an application and meet the following criteria for acceptance:

  • Interview with the Honda PACT 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

Sponsorship Requirement

Practicum Sponsorship: Once accepted into the program, students must secure a sponsor at an AHM (American Honda Motor Co.) dealership for their practicums in order to remain enrolled. Sponsorship is required throughout the program and must be maintained through graduation.

Practicum Requirement

Students will be required to successfully complete paid practicums at sponsoring AHM dealerships. Practicums will be tracked and monitored by the Honda PACT program coordinator. Successful practicum completion requires that all assigned Honda Interactive Network (IN) training courses be completed with a minimum grade of Pass.

Additional Requirements

Sponsorship: Students must secure ongoing sponsorship from an AHM dealership and meet the employment eligibility criteria established by the sponsoring employer.

Driver’s License: Students must maintain a valid driver’s license from one of the 50 U.S. states, with no restrictions that would prevent them from driving on public roads.

Tools and Equipment: Students are responsible for providing their own hand tools and personal protective equipment.

Program Completion

  • Upon successful completion of the Automotive Technology program, students will receive a degree from CT State Community College along with Honda PACT Certification.
  • This program is accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) as an ASE Accredited Training Program.
  • During the final semester, students are encouraged to take the ASE exams in the eight core automotive subject areas to obtain national certification.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Achieve the required outcomes of an ASE-accredited Master Automotive Service Technician (MAST) certification program.
  2. Demonstrate essential workplace skills, such as preparing a resume, job hunting, maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, practicing professional ethics, and collaborating effectively in teams.
  3. Apply automotive theory knowledge to perform entry-level technician tasks safely and competently.
  4. Select and utilize the appropriate tools, testing instruments, and measurement equipment required for entry-level service technician responsibilities.
  5. Refer to and apply up-to-date training materials and industry standards to perform tasks expected of an entry-level service technician.
  6. Achieve the ASE accreditation training requirements for specific automotive systems, including Steering and Suspension, Braking, Powertrain, Electrical, Engine Performance, Drivetrain, and Climate Control/Safety, as assessed in the course.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to apply all learned outcomes through successful completion of a dealership practicum, as assessed using course evaluation tools.

The Automotive Technology: Honda PACT program at Connecticut State Community College, Gateway Campus 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 practicums at an AHM automotive dealership to remain in the certificate 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.

By completing this program, students will gain the knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry certifications required to pursue careers in Honda and Acura service operations.

Certificate Requirements

Required Courses
AUTO 1101Honda Express Service Theory1
AUTO 1101LHonda Express Service Lab2
AUTO 1105Honda Power Plant System Theory1
AUTO 1105LHonda Power Plant Systems Lab2
AUTO 1110Honda Electrical Systems Theory1
AUTO 1110LHonda Electrical Systems Lab2
AUTO 1115Honda Dealership Skills Theory1
AUTO 1115LHonda Dealership Skills Lab2
AUTO 1120Honda Steering and Suspension Systems Theory1
AUTO 1120LHonda Steering and Suspension Systems Lab2
AUTO 1125Honda Braking Systems Theory1
AUTO 1125LHonda Braking Systems Lab2
AUTO 1595Honda Practicum 11
AUTO 2101Honda Engine Performance Theory1
AUTO 2101LHonda Engine Performance Lab2
AUTO 2105Honda Drivetrain Systems Theory1
AUTO 2105LHonda Drivetrain Systems Lab2
AUTO 2110Honda Advanced Diagnostic Systems Theory1
AUTO 2110LHonda Advanced Diagnostic Systems Lab2
AUTO 2115Honda Comfort and Convenience Theory1
AUTO 2115LHonda Comfort and Convenience Lab2
AUTO 2120Honda Safety Systems Theory1
AUTO 2120LHonda Safety Systems Lab2
AUTO 2595Honda Practicum 21
AUTO 2695Honda Practicum 31
AUTO 2795Honda Practicum 41
AUTO 2895Honda Practicum 51
AUTO 2090Honda PACT Auto Portfolio1
Total Credits39

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.

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