Institute for Business & Technology

Automotive Technology (Diploma)

San Jose Campus
San Jose, CA
Diploma · On Campus
Automotive Technology (Diploma)
IBT and its affiliated campuses are accredited by ACCSC and ACCET.
The governing catalog identifies this as a traditional in-classroom program.
$27,600
The governing 2026 catalog publishes a normal full-time length of 60 weeks.
A $65 registration fee is charged.
IBT participates in federal Title IV financial aid programs for students who qualify.

Automotive Technology (Diploma) is a Diploma program offered by Institute for Business & Technology in San Jose, CA. The program takes 60 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $27,600.

Program Overview

IBT's Automotive Technology program prepares students for entry-level automotive technician positions with knowledge and skills to diagnose mechanical and electrical malfunctions, make repairs and replacements, perform care and maintenance, and explain automotive problems and repairs to clients.

Training covers traditional mechanical components, electronic systems, computerized diagnostics, alternative-fuel vehicles, and shop tools. Graduates may seek work with repair facilities, dealerships, manufacturers, corporate fleets, or public transportation facilities.

Admission Requirements

Our admissions process is simple and supportive. Apply today to begin hands-on training at our North San Jose campus, explore all available career training programs, or review financial aid options for those who qualify before you apply.

General Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    High school diploma or a recognized high school graduation equivalent is required for admittance. Ability-to-benefit students are not admitted to IBT for purposes of Title IV.
  • Minimum age
    Applicants must be at least 18 (or 17, with written parent or guardian approval, and must turn 18 before their expected IBT graduation date or before beginning any externships or…
  • Campus tour and interview
    Applicants must visit and tour the School and complete a personal interview with a School admissions representative.
  • Identification documents
    Show a valid Social Security Card and a valid government issued photo identification card or driver's license.
  • EduReady entrance exam (75)
    All applicants must take and pass the EduReady Admissions Assessment as an entrance exam, with a minimum acceptable score of 75. If the minimum score is not achieved, two re-tests…
  • Valid driver's license
    Students enrolling in the Automotive Technology, Electrician, and Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning programs must provide evidence that they have a valid,…
  • Online readiness assessment
    Students applying to programs offering distance education classes will complete an Online Readiness Assessment and will receive the Distance Education System/Technology…
  • Financial aid interview
    Attend a financial aid interview and complete required financial aid paperwork.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Request Information
    Complete our online inquiry form or call 408-727-1060 to speak with an admissions representative.
  2. 2
    Meet with an Admissions Representative
    An admissions representative will conduct an interview, discuss your career goals, and review program options.
  3. 3
    Tour the Campus
    Visit our 84,049 sq ft facility with classrooms, laboratories, a student lounge, and a Learning Resource Center.
  4. 4
    Complete Entrance Assessment & Provide Documents
    Prove academic readiness by achieving the required test score(s) for your intended program and submit required documentation.
  5. 5
    Sign Enrollment Agreement & Apply for Financial Aid
    Upon acceptance, complete an enrollment agreement. Financial aid is available for those who qualify; students apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    FAFSA Code for San Jose Campus: 014673
    Fill Out the FAFSA
  6. 6
    Start Training
    Applicants are informed of their acceptance status within 15 days after all required information is received. Attend orientation and begin your program!

Program Schedule

Day and evening classes run 60 weeks: 10 six-week modules, five hours per day Monday through Thursday. Students have a 20-hour weekly on-campus lecture and lab commitment.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • November 16th, 2026

Tuition, Costs, and Financial Aid

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $27,600
Total Program Cost
≈ $28,126
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator
  • Tuition: $27,600
  • Registration fee: $65
  • Books: $236
  • Uniforms: $225
  • Total: $28,126

The registration fee is not an application fee. IBT participates in federal financial aid programs for students who qualify.

Current tuition is $27,600; published total program charges are $28,126.

Required Courses

Subject #Name
AT201Automotive Industry and Basic Engines
AT202Basic Electricity for Automotive
AT203Brakes
AT204Chassis
AT205Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
AT206Clutch, Drive Train, and Transmissions
AT207Engine Performance 1
AT208Engine Performance 2
AT211Advanced Engine Performance
AT212Hybrid and Alternate Fuel Vehicles
Totals

Career Outcomes

Potential entry-level work includes automotive repair facilities, dealerships, tune-up facilities, manufacturers, corporate or in-house fleets, and public transportation facilities.

Accreditation and Approval

IBT and its affiliated campuses are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET). IBT is approved to operate as a degree- and non-degree-granting private institution by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

San Jose Campus

San Jose Campus
91 East Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134

Student Demographics

These are demographics for all students at the San Jose Campus (IPEDS, 2024).

Gender Distribution
Women16.7%(128)
Men83.3%(637)
Race/Ethnicity Distribution
Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
68.4% · 523 students
Hispanic/Latino68.4% · 523
White10.3% · 79
Asian6.7% · 51
International Students6.7% · 51
Black/African American4.8% · 37
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander1.7% · 13
Two or More Races1.2% · 9
American Indian/Alaska Native0.3% · 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Institute for Business & Technology accredited?
Yes. Institute for Business & Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET). Both are nationally recognized accrediting agencies listed by the U.S. Department of Education.
What does ACCSC accreditation mean?
ACCSC accreditation means that Institute for Business & Technology has been evaluated against established standards for educational quality, student services, financial responsibility, and program outcomes. Accreditation is required for participation in federal financial aid programs.
Is IBT approved by the State of California?
Yes. Institute for Business & Technology is approved to operate as a degree- and non-degree-granting private institution by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), pursuant to the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.
Are IBT's programs approved for federal financial aid?
Yes. Institute for Business & Technology's diploma programs are eligible for federal Title IV financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, for students who qualify.
Does IBT help graduates find jobs?
Yes. Institute for Business & Technology's Career Services team works with graduates on resume preparation, interview practice, and connections to Silicon Valley-area employers. Career Services provides placement assistance; IBT does not guarantee employment.
What career services does IBT provide?
IBT provides resume writing assistance, mock interview practice, job search guidance, employer introductions, and ongoing alumni career support. Career Services is available to current students and graduates.
Does IBT guarantee employment?
No. Institute for Business & Technology does not guarantee employment. IBT provides comprehensive career services support including resume preparation, interview coaching, and employer relationships, but graduates are responsible for their own job search outcomes.
Can current students access Career Services at IBT?
Yes. Career Services is available to current IBT students, not only graduates. Current students can use Career Services for resume preparation, interview practice, and externship placement support.
Does IBT work with local San Jose employers?
Yes. Institute for Business & Technology maintains employer relationships throughout the Silicon Valley area, including healthcare practices, electrical contractors, HVAC companies, and automotive service centers. Career Services connects graduates with employers actively hiring in their field.
Does Institute for Business & Technology accept federal financial aid?
Yes. Institute for Business & Technology is approved to participate in federal Title IV financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and federal Direct Student Loans, for students who qualify.
What financial aid programs are available at IBT?
Available financial aid programs include the federal Pell Grant, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and institutional payment plans. The financial aid team reviews each student's eligibility individually.
How does someone apply for financial aid at IBT?
Students apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. IBT's financial aid team helps students through the FAFSA process and follow-up paperwork.
Does IBT offer payment plans?
Yes. Institute for Business & Technology offers institutional payment plans for students who need to spread tuition over the program. The financial aid team reviews payment plan options individually with each student.
Are veterans benefits accepted at IBT?
Institute for Business & Technology participates in federal financial aid programs. Veterans should contact the financial aid team at 408-727-1060 to discuss specific VA benefits eligibility and which benefits apply to their program of choice.
What programs does Institute for Business & Technology offer?
Institute for Business & Technology offers six hands-on programs at its North San Jose campus: five diploma programs — Medical Assistant; Lab Assistant, EKG Tech / Phlebotomist; Electrician; Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC); and Automotive Technology — plus an Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree in Cardiovascular Sonography. See the 2026 IBT catalog for program lengths and module details.
Where is Institute for Business & Technology located?
Institute for Business & Technology is located at 91 East Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134, in North San Jose near Milpitas.
Is Institute for Business & Technology accredited?
Yes. Institute for Business & Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Does IBT accept financial aid?
Yes. Institute for Business & Technology is approved for federal financial aid programs including Pell Grants and federal student loans for students who qualify.
How long are IBT's programs?
Institute for Business & Technology's diploma programs can be completed in as few as 9 months, with hands-on, on-campus training.
Does IBT help graduates find jobs?
Institute for Business & Technology's Career Services team provides graduates with resume help, interview preparation, and connections to Silicon Valley-area employers. Career Services provides placement assistance; IBT does not guarantee employment.
How does someone apply to Institute for Business & Technology?
Prospective students can apply by calling 408-727-1060 or submitting a contact form. IBT's admissions team meets individually with each applicant to review documents, discuss financial aid options, and confirm a start date.
What are IBT's admission requirements?
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). Some programs may have additional requirements; the admissions team confirms specific requirements during the individual admissions appointment.
What documents are needed to enroll at IBT?
Required enrollment documents typically include proof of high school completion (diploma or GED), a government-issued ID, and any required financial aid paperwork. The admissions team provides a complete checklist during the admissions appointment.
When can students start at IBT?
Institute for Business & Technology offers multiple start dates throughout the year. The admissions team confirms the next available start date for each program during the admissions appointment.
Does IBT require an entrance exam?
IBT's admissions process does not require a standardized entrance exam such as the SAT or ACT. The admissions team reviews each applicant's documents and discusses program fit during an individual appointment.
Does IBT accept transfer credits?
Transfer credit policies are reviewed by the admissions team on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have completed prior coursework should bring transcripts to the admissions appointment for evaluation.
How long is IBT's Automotive Technology program?
Institute for Business & Technology's Automotive Technology program is a 1,200-clock-hour diploma program offered with day or evening schedules at the San Jose campus.
What does the curriculum cover?
The program covers engine repair, brakes, suspension and steering, electrical and electronic systems, drivetrain, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, and automotive diagnostics.
What credentials does the program prepare graduates for?
Coursework in the Engine Performance 2 module prepares students for the State of California 1G Emissions Inspector preparatory certification. IBT does not guarantee certification or employment.
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants need a high school diploma or GED equivalent. IBT's admissions team meets individually with each applicant to review documents and discuss start dates.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Institute for Business & Technology is approved for federal financial aid including Pell Grants and federal student loans for qualifying students.
Ready to get started?
Request information about Automotive Technology (Diploma) at San Jose Campus.
Automotive Technology (Diploma)