Automotive Service Technology

Credential:: diploma
Program length:: 2 years
Location:: In person (Main Campus)
International applicants:: Accepted PGWP eligible
Faculty:: School of Transportation

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

Bachelor Degree

SAIT has bachelor's degree programs in business, construction, and hospitality and tourism management.

Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

SAIT's full-time applied degree programs involve one year of study through classes and lab work followed by one year of directed studies in a workplace setting. This builds on the completion of a recognized two-year diploma, which you must have to be admitted to an applied degree program.

You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

At SAIT, over 40 full-time diploma programs cover a broad range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism.

Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade and is entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. You must complete all apprenticeship periods and pass the exams to earn a journeyperson designation.

Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Overview

If you’re passionate about cars and want to build a rewarding career in the automotive industry, this two-year diploma program will set you up for success.

With guidance from our industry-experienced instructors, you will:

learn automotive vehicle maintenance, diagnosis and repairs
study manufacturer specifications
gain customer service and communication skills
work on actual cars and gain real-world experience.

Once you graduate, you’ll have various career options, including working as an apprentice or service advisor in a general or specialty automotive shop.

Many of our graduates choose to continue their training through an apprenticeship. Graduates are eligible to challenge the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) Automotive Service Technician periods one through four exams, a big step towards becoming a journeyperson certified automotive service technician.

As a journeyperson technician, you can specialize in engines, driveability, electrical systems, chassis systems, wheel alignment and automatic transmissions. You’ll also have the potential to advance beyond mechanics into management positions like shop foreman or service manager.

With a high demand for automotive service technicians, you’ll have a great chance of finding a job in the trade.

Automotive service technicians tend to be objective, innovative and methodical.

You need:

an Alberta driver’s license
good hearing, eyesight and manual dexterity
mechanical aptitude and interest
a working knowledge of electricity, electronics and computers
customer service skills.

You should enjoy performing tasks that require precision, working with your hands and working independently.

This program aligns with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) curriculum for Automotive Service Technicians, periods one through four.

Graduates are eligible to challenge the technical training exams.

Upon passing, you can register as an apprentice and complete the on-the-job training hours to earn your journeyperson designation. Graduates are eligible to receive a 156-hour, on-the-job training credit towards each of the four periods of the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship.

In the second year of this program, you’ll participate in a capstone project where you’ll work in teams to complete research, collect and analyze data and produce a project proposal.

Your team will then execute your proposal, develop progress reports, and a final report and present your outcomes and findings.

Upon successfully completing this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Automotive Service Technology diploma.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni.

people icon 96% graduate employment rate

salary icon $40,000 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 72020, 72410, 72411, 72422, 72423, 74203.

Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Automotive Service Technology program requires 60 credits (20 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.

View classes by semester

Suggested schedule of study

First year

Semester 1

Course code	Course name	Credit
ELTR-248	Electrical/Electronics I	1.5
MATH-202	Mathematics	1.5
MOTR-220	Automotive Shop I	6.0
MOTR-221	Automotive Theory IA	3.0
MOTR-222	Automotive Theory IB	3.0
Semester 1 total		15.0

Semester 2

Course code	Course name	Credit
APSC-250	Science for Trades and Technicians	1.5
COMM-238	Technical Communications I	3.0
ELTR-288	Electrical/Electronics II	1.5
MOTR-260	Automotive Shop II	6.0
MOTR-261	Automotive Theory II	3.0
Semester 2 total		15.0

Second year

Semester 3

Course code	Course name	Credit
ELTR-328	Electrical/Electronics III	1.5
MNGT-200	Introduction to Business	3.0
MOTR-320	Automotive Shop III	6.0
MOTR-321	Automotive Theory III	3.0
MOTR-370	Vehicle Modifications	1.5
Semester 3 total		15.0

Semester 4

Course code	Course name	Credit
ELTR-348	Electrical/Electronics IV	1.5
MOTR-303	Climate Control	1.5
MOTR-360	Automotive Shop IV	6.0
MOTR-361	Automotive Theory IV	3.0
PROJ-348	Automotive Service Technology Capstone Project	3.0
Semester 4 total		15.0
Program total		60.0

Course	Credits
This course introduces an exploration of physical and chemical concepts in technical applications, including vectors, forces, friction, torque, hydrodynamics, materials (stress and strain, expansion), and chemical properties of fluids. Pre-requisites: MATH 202	1.5
This course is designed to develop technical writing and presentation skills to ensure workplace readiness. Students will learn how to evaluate communication situations, analyze documents, assess research sources and develop organizational skills to apply in their work. They will learn about and practice designing, formatting and writing a range of professional documents. Students will also develop confidence (through practice) in the development and delivery of effective and engaging presentations.	3
Basic electrical principles are emphasized in this practical, hands-on course which focuses on the automotive applications of these electrical principles. Principles of magnetism are also explained. All theory is reinforced in the laboratory by diagnosing and repairing simple electrical circuits, performing electrical wire repairs, diagnosing and servicing batteries, and taking electrical circuit measurements.	1.5
Semi-conductors, soldering, engine fundamentals, electrical circuits, and diagnosis of electrical systems are introduced in this course.	1.5
This course is designed to give learners experience in performing electrical diagnosis testing on the many electrical accessories in modern vehicles. Learners will also discover the potential of voltage drop testing during the diagnostic processes.	1.5
Learners will build on existing electrical/electronics knowledge while exploring hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) designs. Motor generators, electrical controls including inverters, converters, and safety procedures for working on HEV vehicles will be covered. Learners will also gain a better understanding of how these systems are integrated within the vehicle.	1.5
This course is available to students in the Automotive Service Technology program and covers the following topics: algebra, equations, angles, trigonometry, force, moments, stress and strain.	1.5
The Introduction to Business course will provide you with tools to understand multiple business functions including: management, human resources, marketing, supply chain, and personal finance. You will also explore the Canadian business and economic system, as well as the importance of business ethics and social responsibility in an increasingly global environment. Working through a team project and business simulation, you will begin to develop a 21st Century skill set including communication, critical thinking, collaboration and effective teamwork. By the end of this course, you should have the foundations for understanding business and business ownership. Equivalents: MNGT 1200	3
Safety, communication, measuring and hand tools, fasteners related to chassis components, suspension systems, steering systems, wheel alignment, drive shafts, and braking systems will be introduced in this course.	6
Construction, function, and operation of components used in automotive suspension systems, electric and hydraulic assist steering systems, and automotive brake systems are introduced in this course.	3
Oxy-Acetylene and MIG equipment; testing and analysis of metal behaviour.	3
Theory and service procedures regarding the use and care of power, hand tools, and fasteners as they relate to engine work and to the operating principles, maintenance, and over haul procedures for automotive engine assemblies and transmissions and transaxles will be introduced. In addition, disassembly, parts recognition, inspection, measurement, and reassembly of automotive engines, battery, starters and alternators will be covered, as well as diagnosing manual transmissions, manual transaxles and clutches.	6
Theory and service procedures for hand tools and fasteners, operating principles, maintenance, service procedure for automotive engine assemblies, diagnosing manual transmissions, manual transaxles, and clutches, parts recognition, inspection, measurements, servicing, battery, starters, and alternators are introduced in this course.	3
This course covers the principles of heat transfer and how this can be accomplished with the use of refrigerants. Learners will identify high pressure side and low pressure side components which includes the condenser, accumulator, compressor, and metering devices. Control modules, actuator motors, and switches will also be covered. Throughout the course, there will be an emphasis on safety while working on various air conditioning systems.	1.5
This course will offer a practical approach to electrical testing through the use of various pieces of test equipment. Learners will discover how vehicle subsystems operate, how they are tested, and how to make minor repairs to these systems. The systems may include: battery, starter, charging, ignition, fuel, emission, anti-lock brakes, and supplemental restraint systems.	6
This course will provide the learner with the theory and operation of the electrical, ignition, alternate fuel systems, emissions and various other accessory systems used on vehicles today. Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) and supplemental restraint systems (SRS) will also be covered. Diagnostic processes will also be a focus for each of these systems.	3
This course provides learners with a background in basic operation, disassembly, and overhaul of automatic transmission/transaxle assemblies. Diagnostic skills and repair procedures will be covered. Learners will also be introduced to other systems, including diesel injection systems, and emission controls.	6
Learners will be introduced to automatic transmission/transaxle basic theory of operation. This includes planetary gear train operation, torque converter operation, hydraulic pump and pressure regulation, and hydraulic shift control. Electronic shift control, friction element operation, operational diagnosis, diesel injection systems, and emission controls will also be covered.	3
Learners will be introduced to a variety of after-market vehicle modifications that are available in today’s market. Modifications reviewed may include engine performance upgrades, changes to vehicle ride height, brake system upgrades, and the pros and cons of these after-market systems.	1.5
In the AST capstone project, working in teams, learners will be selecting the topic; completing research, data collection, data analysis, and producing a proposal, progress reports, a final report, and an oral presentation.	3

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit.

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

Available Open Studies courses

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

at least 50% in Math 20-1 or 20-2 or 20-3 and
at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 and
at least 50% in a Grade 11 science

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Spring 2024

Start dates:

May 06, 2024

Domestic students: Closed: Application deadline: Feb. 23, 2024
International students: Closed: Application deadline: Jan. 22, 2024

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Sep 03, 2024

Domestic students: Closed: Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed: Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Jan 06, 2025

Domestic students: Waitlisted: Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
International students: Open: Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$7,050	$1,608	$8,658
2	2	$7,050	$1,608	$8,658
Total cost:				$17,316

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$20,370	$1,608	$21,978
2	2	$20,370	$1,608	$21,978
Total cost:				$43,956

Books and supplies are approximately $450 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.

You will need:

CSA-approved steel-toe boots and safety glasses
welding gloves
earplugs (supplied)
coveralls.

Service technician coveralls will be available for purchase at the start of the semester. Tools will be provided.

Required equipment/tools

Tools will be provided throughout your program.

A driver's license and the ability to maneuver a vehicle in tight spaces and drive a manual transmission vehicle are highly recommended to succeed in this program and industry.

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$6,660	$1,570	$8,230
2	2	$6,660	$1,570	$8,230
Total cost:				$16,460

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$20,363.40	$1,570	$21,933.40
2	2	$20,363.40	$1,570	$21,933.40
Total cost:				$43,866.80

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the transportation.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal.

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart
An introduction to the program and area of study
Admission requirements
Future career paths
Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Automotive Service Technology

On this page:

Overview