Course Overview
Learn the basics needed to get your career started in an entry level automotive position. Participants currently working during the day can easily learn new skills or improve their knowledge in automotive. Automotive Essentials meets two evenings each week for 200 hours to provide training with the potential of 5+ Certifications. Topics covered include: safety, hand & power tools, a general understanding of automotive systems. Learn oil changes, tire rotations, wheel alignments, fluid and filter changes, and more.
Participants may be able to receive various Snap-On certifications in addition to PA Safety and Emissions Certifications and understand the basics of Service Department Management.
Course Info
- October 22, 2025 – April 9, 2026
- Wednesday & Thursday Evenings
- 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Safety Inspection Certification
- April 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 2026
- Emissions Inspection Certification
- April 21, 23, 28, 2026
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.
Adult learners must attend 80% of the classes (online and hands-on) and 70% course grade to receive a course Certificate of Completion
- 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
- Service Department Management
- Cost: $4,000 ($1,000 deposit due upon application to hold a spot)
- Tuition must be paid in full before the start of the course. Consider a payment plan by opening a 0% interest for 18 months credit card with Mid Penn Bank. Learn More
- Registration and fee deadline is two week prior to the first class.
- Individuals are not considered registered with DCTS until payment is made and a completed application, as well as a copy of your current driver’s license, is submitted to the Adult & Continuing Education Office.
- Applications and a copy of your driver’s license can be emailed to AdultEd@dcts.org.
Course Information
- Cost: $4,000
- Hours: 200 hours
- Availability: Wednesday & Thursday Evenings
How To Apply
- Submit your Online Application
- Call our office to schedule a payment (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902
Payment Information
Payment Methods
- Personal Pay: Credit/Debit (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Money Order, or Cash
- Company Pay: Company Credit Card or Company Check
- Payment in full is two weeks prior to the first class. Submission of an application alone does not guarantee a spot in the class
- 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. No refunds will be issued after the start of class.
Paperwork & Cancellations
- Refunds (minus credit card fees) will be offered up until the start of the class.
- No refunds will be offered after the start of class..
- A $50 administrative fee will be charged for cancellations.
- Cancellation requests must be received via email at AdultEd@dcts.org two weeks before the class start date.