Automotive Dealership Fundamentals is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by Keiser University in West Palm Beach, FL. The program takes 5 Months to complete, with tuition of $19,844 per semester.
Program Overview
Keiser University designed the Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Certificate program to provide aspiring automotive leaders with the skills necessary for success in management of today’s complex and changing automotive dealerships and distribution systems. Coursework examines customer and employee retention strategies, service and parts functions including repairs and maintenance operations, sales operations that help dealers sell more cars, finance and insurance products, financial analysis, forecasting techniques, and leadership principles specific to automotive retail. Students select from three specialized tracks to align their training with career goals in fixed operations, variable operations, or general management.
The program addresses regulatory compliance including DMV requirements, dealer laws, and ethical business practices. Students learn to prepare employees for success, understand the business side of automotive retail, and assist customers throughout their vehicle ownership experience.
Program Mission
The Mission of the Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Program focuses on providing a quality overall education experience, which provides students with the skills necessary for success in employment, management, or ownership of today’s complex and changing automotive and vehicle retail distribution systems. The program aims to develop trusted professionals who can join the automotive retail industry with confidence.
Program Goals
- Comprehend and apply current concepts of automotive dealership and vehicle retail management operations
- Comprehend, discuss, and apply regulatory and ethical practices Enhance research, communication, and presentation skills using professional literature
- Improve written and verbal competencies, as well as analytical skills
- Demonstrate the integration of knowledge and professional skills in specific areas of this certificate
Program Highlights
- Online courses and classes offer flexible scheduling for working professionals
- Four-week course format allows rapid skill development and training
- Choice of three specialized tracks tailors training to career goals
- Campus residency provides hands-on application and networking opportunities with industry professionals
- Curriculum developed with input from automotive industry leaders and dealers
- Focus on practical skills that can apply immediately in dealership settings
- Coverage of key performance indicators that managers use to scale operations
- Training in financial analysis and business forecasting that contribute to dealership profitability
- Emphasis on customer service excellence and building consumer trust
What sets this Program apart
Gain Job-Ready Skills for an Automotive Dealership Career
- Customer service excellence and retention techniques for consumers
- Team leadership and employee motivation strategies
- Financial analysis and key performance indicators
- Inventory management for cars, vehicles, and parts
- Sales processes and techniques to sell effectively and close deals
- Service department workflow optimization including repairs scheduling
- Finance and insurance product knowledge
- Regulatory compliance including dealer laws and DMV requirements
- Conflict resolution and negotiation tactics
- Strategic planning and business forecasting
- Marketing strategies for dealership promotion
Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support services, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels. Our commitment to student success provides graduates with a competitive advantage as they enter or advance in their chosen fields.
Admission Requirements and Process
Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate.
Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.
General Requirements
- Completed ApplicationA completed Keiser University application or Common Application.
- High School GPA of 2.7An official high school transcript with GPA at or above 2.7.
- Test Scores Below 2.7 GPAFor those students who do not meet the 2.7 HS GPA, a Math and Verbal SAT score equal to or above 830, an ACT composite score equal to or above 17 or a score of 16 or higher on the…
- Transfer Applicant GPAA minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all college coursework.
- Official College TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from each college previously attended. Official transcripts must be mailed directly to the Admissions Office.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ CreditsTransfer applicants who have completed 24 or more semester credits of college coursework (non-remedial) with a grade of C or higher from a U.S. college recognized by the USDE are…
- Technology RequirementThis program uses a number of business and accounting related software programs in the courses, including Microsoft Office. Students must have access to a PC with a Windows based…
Application Process
- 1Contact an Admissions CounselorContact one of Keiser University’s admissions counselors to talk through the program and your options.
- 2Attend an Open House or Campus VisitAttend an open house or plan a campus visit. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
- 3Meet With Your Admissions CounselorSchedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
- 4Submit an ApplicationSubmit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.Apply Now
Program Schedule
- October 26th, 2026
- November 23rd, 2026
- January 11th, 2027
- February 08th, 2027
- March 08th, 2027
- April 05th, 2027
- May 10th, 2027
- June 07th, 2027
- July 05th, 2027
- August 02nd, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Flagship (Residential) campus Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.
| Semester credit load | Tuition per semester |
|---|---|
| Full time (12 to 17.99 credits) | $19,844.00 |
| Three-quarter time (9 to 11.99 credits) | $14,883.00 |
| Half time (6 to 8.99 credits) | $9,922.00 |
| Less than half time (0 to 5.99 credits) | $4,961.00 |
| Over full time (18 to 24 credits, Dean’s approval, minimum 3.0 CGPA) | $24,805.00 |
Required fees
- Tuition deposit — $150.00, refundable before May 1 for fall and November 1 for spring
- Housing deposit — $250.00, refundable before July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring
- Education fee — $976.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
- Technology fee — $309.00 per semester
- Health insurance — $2,169.00 per academic year, or $1,370.00 for spring and summer only
Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, orientation $100.00, re-entry $150.00, car permit $50.00 ($15.00 for an additional permit), returned check $40.00, dorm key replacement $30.00, library late fee $10.00, student ID replacement $30.00, late payment $25.00 and transcript $10.00. Program supplies and kits vary by program; textbooks are estimated at up to $2,000.00 per semester.
Financial aid
Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.
Estimated Student Costs
The Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Certificate program includes 15 credit hours of coursework plus a campus residency component. Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take. For additional guidance, students should speak with an admissions counselor for accurate cost estimates and to explore financial aid, scholarships, and grants available for students who qualify to help manage the cost of your education.
Curriculum
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Graduates of Keiser University’s certificate program prepare to pursue management positions within car dealerships and vehicle retail distribution systems. This certification supports current automotive professionals and career changers by enhancing their ability to manage operations, lead employees, analyze performance data, and implement strategies that improve customer satisfaction and dealership profitability. Jobs in dealership management are in high demand as the industry seeks qualified professionals who understand both business fundamentals and automotive-specific operations.
Career Pathways in Automotive Dealership Management
- Service manager positions at dealerships and automotive service centers
- Fixed operations director
- Parts manager overseeing inventory and staff
- Sales manager leading sales team performance
- General manager
- Dealership owner/operator
- Customer relations manager
- Inventory control specialist managing cars and vehicles
- Warranty administrator
- Fleet manager
- Training and development coordinator for dealership employees
- Business development manager
- Licensed vehicle sales positions with management responsibilities
What to expect as a Keiser University student
Keiser University’s Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Certificate program offers professionals and career changers a focused educational path to advance within the automotive retail industry. With flexible online courses and practical campus residency training, the program aligns with your professional goals and schedule. Whether you aim to move into service manager roles, sales leadership positions, or general dealership operations, Keiser provides the specialized education and industry insight needed to make a lasting impact in automotive retail distribution. Graduates receive a certificate recognized by dealers and automotive companies throughout the industry.
School Information
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring your education meets rigorous academic standards.
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Credits earned toward a respected credential
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