Automotive Dealership Fundamentals is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The program takes 5 Months to complete, with tuition of $12,908 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
Prerequisites
None required for major courses.
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
Technology Requirement
This 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 operating system, internet connection, and the ability to download software programs and data files. Students also need to be able to listen to student presentations and present material to the class (headset preferred).
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.
State Licensure Disclosure
Accreditation Statuses
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring your education meets rigorous academic standards.
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
Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.
Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.
General Requirements
- High School Diploma or GEDVerification of high school graduation (transcript, diploma, etc.), verification of GED completion (GED scores or GED diploma), or proof of graduation from a foreign institution…
- Entrance ExaminationApplicants must take Keiser University’s entrance examination or provide results of the SAT, ACT or ASVAB. The University requires a combined score of 910 on the SAT, a composite…
- Application and Registration FeesA one-time $55 application fee and a one-time $145 registration fee are charged upon enrollment.
- FAFSA (for Financial Aid)Students seeking financial aid complete the FAFSA using Keiser University’s federal school code, 015159.
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 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) | $12,908.00 |
| Three-quarter time (9 to 11.99 credits) | $9,681.00 |
| Half time (6 to 8.99 credits) | $6,454.00 |
| Less than half time (0 to 5.99 credits) | $3,227.00 |
| Full time + (18 to 24 credits, approval required) | $16,135.00 |
Required fees
- Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
- Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
- Education fee — $550.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.
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.
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) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist and doctorate degrees.
The Keiser University catalog lists no separate programmatic accreditation for this program.
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Credits earned toward a respected credential
Testimonials

Top Questions About Earning an Automotive Dealership Fundamentals Certificate
School Information
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist and doctorate degrees.
The Keiser University catalog lists no separate programmatic accreditation for this program.
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Credits earned toward a respected credential



