Auto Technician is a Diploma program offered by Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, VA. The program takes 48 weeks / 12 months to complete, with a total tuition of $28,512.
Program Overview
The Auto Technician program teaches the fundamentals of automotive maintenance and repair and provides students the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment in an automotive career. Students gain hands-on experience in the inspection, diagnosis, and repair of automotive systems — including brakes, suspension and steering, engines, and automatic and manual transmissions. The program also builds the skills associated with career success, such as organization, effective communication, professionalism, time management, and strong work habits.
What sets this Program apart
The Auto Technician program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence), so training is aligned to current, industry-recognized standards.
Students train hands-on in Tidewater Tech’s Auto Lab, equipped with vehicle lifts, a four-post alignment rack, and automotive testing and service equipment comparable to what contemporary technicians use, plus hands-on trainers for each area of study.
The curriculum emphasizes diagnosis and troubleshooting — not just repair — and includes modern systems such as hybrid and EV technology alongside traditional internal-combustion engines.
Admission Requirements and Process
Applicants must submit an Application for Admissions and a $25 application fee in order to be considered for admission; the application fee is waived for veterans with proof of service. The Admissions Department will assist with completing the application process, and all applicants must complete an interview with an Admissions Representative.
General Requirements
- Age or Approved CosignerApplicants must be beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance and have an approved cosigner if under the age of 18.
- High School Diploma or GEDApplicants must provide acceptable proof of graduation from high school, a General Education Diploma, or equivalent. An international/foreign transcript must be translated into…
- Government Photo IDApplicants must submit a government issued photo ID, such as a copy of a state issued driver's license, state issued identification card, or passport.
- Application and FeeApplicants must submit an Application for Admissions and a $25 application fee in order to be considered for admission. The application fee is waived for veterans with proof of…
- Admissions InterviewAll applicants must complete an interview with an Admissions Representative. If the applicant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian should be present.
Application Process
- 1Schedule a Campus TourThe best way to see if Tidewater Tech is right for you is to see it for yourself. Schedule a campus tour with our Admissions team.
- 2Interview with AdmissionsComplete an interview with an Admissions Representative, who will assist you with the application process. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian should be present.
- 3Submit Your ApplicationContact Admissions to complete an Application for Admission along with the $25 application fee (waived for veterans with proof of service).
- 4Meet Financial Aid and File the FAFSAOnce your application is submitted, you will meet with a Financial Aid Advisor and complete the FAFSA. Bring proof of US Citizenship and your High School Diploma or GED Certificate; if you are filing as a dependent, arrange for your parent or guardian to join you.FAFSA Code for Main Campus: 016418Fill Out the FAFSA
- 5Acceptance and Enrollment AgreementApplicants who have met all admissions criteria will be recommended for acceptance. Your signed Student Enrollment Agreement becomes a contract once approved by the Campus Executive Director or designee, and you will be notified of the admission decision in writing.
- 6Attend Student OrientationStudent Orientation introduces incoming students to key administrative staff and faculty, the school's policies and procedures, and the resources available for your personal, academic, and professional success.
Program Schedule
The Auto Technician program runs 48 weeks (approximately 12 months) and totals 1,080 clock hours / 36 semester credit hours, delivered hands-on at Tidewater Tech’s Main Campus in Norfolk. New cohorts begin roughly once a month.
- December 07th, 2026
- January 19th, 2027
- February 22nd, 2027
- March 29th, 2027
- May 10th, 2027
- June 14th, 2027
Curriculum
The Auto Technician program consists of 9 courses totaling 1,080 clock hours and 36 semester credit hours:
The required courses below are from Tidewater Tech's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AUTS 120 | Steering and Suspension Systems | 4 |
| AUTS 140 | Brakes and Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) | 4 |
| AUTS 160 | Engine Repair | 4 |
| AUTS 180 | Electrical and Electronic Systems I | 4 |
| AUTS 200 | Electrical and Electronics Systems II | 4 |
| AUTS 220 | Engine Performance I | 4 |
| AUTS 240 | Engine Performance II | 4 |
| AUTS 260 | Heating and Air Conditioning Systems | 4 |
| AUTS 280 | Drive Trains and Hybrid Vehicles | 4 |
| Totals | 36 |
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited institution means your education has met rigorous, independently reviewed quality standards designed to protect students.
This program: Tidewater Tech is institutionally accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE); the Auto Technician program is additionally accredited by the ASE Education Foundation.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- Credits earned toward a respected credential
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Main Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of Attendance
Program costs for the Auto Technician diploma are as follows:
- Tuition: $28,512 ($792 per credit hour × 36 credit hours)
- Application Fee: $25 (one-time; waived for veterans with proof of service)
- Administrative Fee: $125 (one-time)
- Library Fee: $12 (one-time)
- Materials Fee: varies by program (covers consumable training materials and safety equipment)
- Textbooks & tool kits: billed separately; specific costs are listed on the student’s Enrollment Agreement
Tuition is charged on a cost-per-credit basis. For a personalized estimate, use Tidewater Tech’s cost calculator.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Tidewater Tech participates in federal Title IV programs and offers a range of options:
- Federal Pell Grant and FSEOG
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans
- VA education benefits (GI Bill®) and Military Tuition Assistance
- WIOA funding through Opportunity Inc. / Virginia Career Works Hampton Roads
- Vocational Rehabilitation and state grants/loans
- Scholarships, including the Scholarship Match Program (dollar-for-dollar match up to 10% of tuition, books, and fees) and the AmeriCorps Education Award match
- Institutional payment plans
Program tuition is $28,512 ($792 per credit hour); textbooks, tool kits, and program fees are billed separately.
Career Outcomes
The Auto Technician diploma prepares graduates for entry-level employment in the automotive industry. Building on the program’s coursework, graduates pursue roles such as:
- Automotive Service Technician
- Automotive Mechanic
- Brake and Alignment Technician
- Engine Performance / Driveability Technician
- Transmission Technician
- Automotive Electrical & Electronics Technician
- Service Writer / Shop Advisor
Students also have the opportunity to earn industry certifications after completing specific courses, including the OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification, EPA Section 609 (MVAC refrigerant) Certification, and Student ASE certification.
What to expect as a Tidewater Tech student
As a Tidewater Tech student, you will spend most of your time doing the work — hands-on in the shop and lab rather than in lectures — learning on the kind of equipment technicians use on the job. Classes are taught by industry-experienced instructors and are focused squarely on getting you job-ready.
Programs are short and start often: new cohorts begin roughly every month, and the Auto Technician diploma is completed in about 12 months. Tidewater Tech is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and is a commuter campus in Norfolk, Virginia.
Tidewater Tech welcomes veterans and active-duty military and participates in VA education benefits and Military Tuition Assistance, and a financial aid team helps you build a plan before you start.