British Columbia training and certification guide

Automotive Technician

Inspects, maintains, diagnoses and repairs cars, light trucks and modern vehicle systems, including engines, vehicle management, brakes, steering, suspension, drivetrains, electrical/electronic systems, HVAC, hybrid/electric systems, restraints and advanced driver-assistance systems.

AutomotiveBC apprenticeshipTraining levelsChallenge pathway
01

At a glance

Automotive Technician training pathway

Use these summary cards for a quick overview, then open the organized sections below for full details.

Typical duration

Approximately four years.

Technical training

Four levels of 210 hours each (840 technical hours).

Work-based training

6,360 hours of work-based training.

Passing standard

Minimum 70% at each level and on the Red Seal exam.

Challenge experience

At least 9,540 directly related hours.

02

Detailed guide

Training, examinations and certification

Select a section to open it. The first section is open by default so users immediately see the main pathway.

01Apprenticeship pathway and certification requirementsProgram length, technical training, workplace hours and certification conditions.
  • Approximately four years.
  • Four levels of 210 hours each (840 technical hours).
  • 6,360 hours of work-based training.
  • Minimum 70% at each level and on the Red Seal exam.
  • Employer sponsor and Recommendation for Certification.
  • Grade 12 English, trade mathematics and applied physics/science recommended.
02Technical-training levelsWhat is generally covered at each stage of training.
Level 1

Safety, tools, inspections, maintenance, basic electrical, brakes, steering/suspension, tires, engines and service information.

Level 2

Engine, fuel/vehicle management, starting/charging, electrical diagnosis, brakes, steering/suspension, drivetrain and HVAC.

Level 3

Advanced electrical/electronic diagnosis, engine performance, computerized controls, emissions, drivetrain, HVAC, safety and hybrid/EV concepts.

Level 4

Integrated systems, advanced diagnostics, current technologies, hybrid/electric vehicles and driver-assistance systems.

03Examinations, grading and passing requirementsSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • Levels 1–3 include SkilledTradesBC standardized written exams.
  • Level 4 leads to the Red Seal exam.
  • Minimum 70% at each technical level and on the Red Seal exam.
04Foundation or entry-training pathwaySelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • Approximately 900 hours.
  • Minimum 70%.
  • Certificate of Completion, Level 1 credit and 450 work-based hours.
05Challenging individual training levelsSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • Levels 1–3 may be challenged; Level 4 is not listed.
  • A successful level challenge does not remove remaining hours, training, examination or recommendation requirements.
06Experienced-worker certification challengeSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • At least 9,540 directly related hours.
  • Experience should span the complete trade rather than only narrow services.
  • Supporting records may include employer declarations, employment letters, hours statements, job descriptions, invoices, work orders and supervisor verification.
  • Pass the Red Seal exam with at least 70%.
07Related-trade and prior-learning creditsSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Certificate of Qualification: 1,590 apprenticeship workplace hours.
  • Truck and Transport Mechanic Certificate of Qualification: 1,590 apprenticeship workplace hours.
  • Holding both does not increase the maximum beyond 1,590 hours.
08Additional notesSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • Possible careers include general technician, diagnostic/electrical specialist, hybrid/EV technician, fleet technician, service advisor, foreperson, instructor, service manager or shop owner.
03

Exam preparation

Topics to review

These study areas support exam preparation. Users should also review official occupational standards, code requirements and training-provider materials.

  • Shop safety, tools, service information, and scan tools
  • Engines, fuel systems, emissions, and drivability
  • Electrical, electronic, charging, and starting systems
  • Brakes, steering, suspension, and driveline systems
  • Heating, cooling, HVAC, maintenance, and diagnostics
04

Practice options

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05

Complete preparation library

Explore every Automotive Technician exam resource

Open separate pages for mock tests, apprenticeship levels, study planning, certification and passing-score guidance.

06

Common questions

Automotive Technician FAQ

Can I try questions for free?

Yes. Use the free quiz link on this page to try sample Red Seal-style questions for Automotive Technician.

Where should I confirm current BC requirements?

Confirm current hours, examinations, credits, fees and training availability directly with SkilledTradesBC, Technical Safety BC where applicable, and the selected training provider.

Are these official exam questions?

No. Red Seal Practice is an independent exam-preparation website. The questions are Red Seal-style study questions and are not official government exam questions.

Important: Program requirements can change. This page organizes the supplied British Columbia information for convenient reference and should not replace current official guidance.