Career Prospects

• Auto mechanics are typically in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth is in this area is expected to be at 5 percent through 2018. As baby boomers reach retirement, job growth should remain high. There is also a certain amount of job security in the fact that auto mechanic is not a job that can be outsourced overseas.
  
  

Specialization

• According to Education-portal.com, certificate programs are narrowly focused on specific aspects of repair such as brakes, fuel systems or transmissions. Which certificate you are seeking plays a large role in determining the price and the time required. Courses may range from a few weeks to two years and cost from just a few dollars to a hundred dollars or more.
  
  

ASE

• Certificates offered by online programs are not the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certificate. Students interested in this should investigate local programs that feature a combination of online and hands-on learning.