Automotive Essentials

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2024-2025!  APPLY ONLINE HERE

Learn the basics needed to get your career started in an entry level position. This 200 hours course provides training with the potential of 5+ Certifications!

List of topics covered as follows:

  • Safety (S/P2 Certification in 3 different criteria)
  • Shopkey Certification (levels 1 and 2)
  • Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
  • Precision Measuring Tools
  • Maintenance and Light Repair
  • Electrical
  • Engine Operation
  • Wheels and Tires
  • Brakes
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Alignment
  • Emissions Inspector Certification
  • Safety Inspector Certification
  • Snap-On Zeus Certification (levels 1 and 2)
  • Snap-On Multimeter Certification
  • Engine Performance
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Manual Transmission
  • Driveline
  • Automotive
  • Service Department Management.

Course Info

Hours: 200 Hour

October 24, 2023 to May 2, 2024, Tuesday & Thursday Evenings, 5:00pm to 9:00pm. CLOSED. ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2024-2025 

ESTIMATED COST OF PROGRAM*              $3,000.00

Please note: While every effort is made not to delay or cancel classes, DCTS reserves the right to do so due to low enrollment. 
*Amounts noted are approximations of typical expenses, but inform applicants of types of expenses to be expected. All figures are subject to change without notice. NO REFUNDS will be issued after the start of class.

Online Application

Acceptable Forms of Payment

Personal Pay: Credit/Debit, Money Order, or Cash. Please be aware, a 3% processing fee will be added to all credit card payments as of July 1, 2023.

Company Pay: Company Credit Card or Company Check. Please be aware, a 3% processing fee will be added to all credit card payments as of July 1, 2023.

The current tuition rate for the Automotive Essentials Program is $3,000.00.

  1. A $1,000 deposit is required to hold a spot in the course.  The class is limited to ten participants.  Applicants exceeding ten will be placed on a “wait list” and notified in order of receipt of applications if spots open.
  2.  Payment in full ($3,000) is required prior to the start of class.
  3. Refunds (minus $50 processing fee) will be issued up to one week prior to the start of class.
  4. No Refunds will be issued after the start of class.
  5. Adult learners must attend 80% of the classes (online and hands-on) and 70% course grade to receive a course Certificate of Completion.

Financial Education funding opportunities can be discussed by contacting Tricia Heisey heiseyt@belco.org at Belco Financial.

•Checks should be made out to DCTS ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION and mailed to 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109 or call (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902 to make payment by credit card.


Registration and fee deadline is two weeks prior to the first class. Individuals are not considered registered with DCTS until payment is made and a completed application is submitted to the Adult & Continuing Education Office.

Space is limited so sign up early to confirm your seat. APPLY ONLINE HERE

Due to safety considerations, no one under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be permitted to attend class or be on the premises of Dauphin County Technical School property. It is the discretion of the instructor in making any and all determination and identification of individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This may include prescription drugs if, in the opinion of the instructor the drugs impair the judgment of the participant. Copies of the DCTS Use of Tobacco Policy #222 and Drug and Alcohol Policy #227 are listed below.

*Your signature is required on the registration form to indicate that you have read, understand, and will abide by these policies.

Online Application

TOBACCO PRODUCTS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY (Policy #222)

The Joint Operating Committee recognizes that tobacco, nicotine, and nicotine delivery products present a health and safety hazard that can have serious consequences for both users and nonusers and the safety and environment of the school. For purposes of this policy, tobacco includes a lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, cigarillo, little cigar, pipe, or other smoking product or material and smokeless tobacco in any form including chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, or dissolvable tobacco pieces.[1] For purposes of this policy, nicotine shall mean a product that contains or consists of nicotine in a form that can be ingested by chewing, smoking, inhaling, or through other means. For purposes of this policy, a nicotine delivery product shall mean a product or device used, intended for use, or designed for the purpose of ingesting nicotine or another substance. This definition includes, but is not limited to, any device or associated product used for what is commonly referred to as vaping or juuling.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (Policy #227)

It is the goal of the Dauphin County Technical School to maintain a drug-free and alcohol-free school environment. In order to further this goal, the Alcohol, Drugs, and Controlled Substances Policy No. 227. A student shall not possess, use, transmit, deliver, sell or be under the influence of any controlled substance. Controlled substances shall be defined as A. All dangerous controlled substances prohibited by law within the meaning of the Controlled Substance, Drug-Device, and Cosmetic Act as amended. B. All over-the-counter medications. C. All alcoholic beverages. D. Any anabolic steroids. E. Any synthetic compound, or any herbal substance sold as an incense, bath salts, or smoking material that mimics the effects of marijuana. F. Any drug paraphernalia. Drug paraphernalia includes equipment, apparatus, and/or gear generally associated with the use/abuse of alcohol, narcotic drugs, and mood-altering chemicals. Examples may include items such as “pot pipes,” cigarette-rolling papers, roach clips, weighing scales, and any other device used to measure, inject, inhale, ingest, package, deliver or facilitate the use, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance. G. All legal or illegal hemp products. H. Volatile solvents or inhalants to include glue and aerosol propellants. I. Any prescription, patent drug, caffeine pills/capsules, epinephrine, or other stimulants except those for which permission for use in school has been granted pursuant to Joint Operating Committee Policy. J. Any look-a-like substance that resembles any item above including any non-controlled substance that in its overall finished dosage appearance is substantially similar in size, shape, color, marking, or packaging to any controlled substance.