Your Guide to a Diesel Mechanic Certification

Wondering what a diesel mechanic certification can do for you?

The diesel engine industry provides exciting prospects for mechanics and technicians. Becoming a diesel mechanic can lead to tremendous income and growth opportunities for those interested in a career in the field. 

After deciding this is what you want to do professionally, it’s important to learn how to rise through the ranks. A diesel mechanic certification, for instance, is an excellent way to advance your career. 

What is a Diesel Mechanic Certification?

A diesel mechanic certificate demonstrates your proficiency and skill level specific to diesel engines. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers a wide range of certification tests for diesel mechanics and technicians in relevant disciplines.

These certifications will set you apart from other candidates and help you apply for higher-paying jobs. If you’re currently working as a mechanic, a certificate can pave the way for promotions and better career opportunities.

Get a head start in the diesel industry with NEIT’s comprehensive associate’s degrees in automotive technology. The program combines advanced theory with hands-on, practical training.

What are the Top Diesel Mechanic Certifications?

The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Institute is an independent, non-profit organization that certifies automotive professionals. It offers more than 50 certifications for automotive technicians and mechanics.

ASE has divided these tests into 17 series, where each sequence corresponds to a particular class of vehicles and services. Passing all the tests in a specific series can grant you the status of a master technician.

Each certification test in a series covers all the major aspects of a specific discipline that a diesel mechanic should know. Obtaining an ASE certification shows that a diesel mechanic has achieved above-average skills in a particular domain. These are the top certifications that a diesel mechanic can apply for:

A9 Light Vehicle Diesel Engines

The A9 certification falls under the Automobile and Light Truck Series. ASE grants this certificate to diesel mechanics who can demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose, service, and repair diesel engines of cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks.

T2 Medium Heavy Truck Diesel Engines

Diesel Mechanics who can work with medium and heavy trucks and tractors can apply for this certification. The T2 certificate covers the various diesel engine systems in Class 4 to Class 8 trucks and tractors.

H2 Transit Bus Diesel Engines

If you want to pursue a career in the repair and maintenance of transit buses’ diesel engines, you can apply for the H2 certificate.

ASE conducts this certification test with the support of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). This certification is completely distinct from medium-heavy trucks and buses, with unique concentrations.

S2 School Bus Diesel Engines

ASE initiated the school bus certifications at the request of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT). A diesel mechanic with demonstrated knowledge in repair, maintenance, and service of Type A, B, C, and D school buses’ engines can apply for this certificate.

L2 Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist

L2 is an advanced certification test that aims to identify mechanics who can diagnose complex engine performance problems on medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Mechanics who wish to register for this test must have passed one of the Diesel Engine tests (A9, H2, S2, or T2) and one of the Electrical/Electronic Systems tests (A6, H6, S6, or T6).

Electrical Certification Tests for Diesel Mechanics

Modern diesel technology features a complex network of electrical and electronic systems. A diesel mechanic can select from the following certifications to highlight their knowledge of advanced electronic systems in cars and trucks.

The electrical certifications fall under the same series that offer diesel mechanic certifications. These are the electrical/electronic certifications for diesel mechanics:

These tests cover a diesel engine’s various electrical and electronic aspects, such as battery system, charging system, starting system, lighting systems, electronic system, and related vehicle systems.

What are the Requirements for ASE Certifications?

ASE mandates that you have relevant work experience or qualifications before applying for their certification exams. You have to submit proof showing that you’ve been working in the industry or receiving appropriate diesel mechanic training.

Work Experience

Diesel mechanics can obtain their ASE certification only if they pass the test and possess the necessary work experience. Each certification test has work experience requirements that the candidate must fulfill. Most certificates call for 1 to 3 years of work experience.

Education

Enrolling in training and certificate programs or associate’s degree programs can also help strengthen your knowledge and skills in preparation of a certification test.

A formal degree program generally consists of the theory of operation, design, and servicing techniques, handling diagnostic equipment, troubleshooting, and other aspects of diesel engine operations.

You can also apply for apprenticeship training programs to enhance your skills and prepare you for certification tests. If you have not completed any formal diesel mechanic courses, you must acquire additional work experience before applying for an ASE examination.

Completing an ASE-Accredited OEM-Sponsored Co-op Program can help graduates reduce up to 2 years of the work experience requirement.

NEIT’s Automotive Technology program is Master-Certified by the National Automotive Technician’s Education Foundation (NATEF). Our associate’s degree programs in automotive technology can help fulfill your certification requirements and boost your chances of employment.

Want to learn more about ASE Certifications? Read our comprehensive blog for more information on the process.

Benefits of Diesel Mechanic Certifications

Certifications distinguish diesel service technicians from other mechanics. There are several career advantages if you pass an ASE certification exam, such as:

Applying for certification can boost your knowledge and help you stay up-to-date with current trends. You can also experience high levels of personal satisfaction after passing a certification exam.

Customers feel more comfortable if a certified mechanic repairs their vehicle or equipment. In the repair industry, business owners use certified mechanics to assert their claims of better service. Employers prefer hiring certified diesel mechanics because of the immense value that they add to a business.

Career Opportunities for a Certified Diesel Mechanic

Diesel mechanics have a wide range of options to advance their careers. Some of the most high-paying sectors in the repair industry include:

Railway and Railroads: The locomotive industry requires mechanics in various positions to monitor diesel-powered rail engines’ repair and preventive maintenance.

Marine Equipment: Diesel-powered ships, submarines, and boats. Diesel mechanics ensure that these engines are in healthy, running condition.

Aviation: The Aviation industry requires mechanics in large numbers as aircraft engines require heavy maintenance according to the number of hours flown, inspection cycles, and preventive maintenance cycles. 

Certified mechanics can also open their repair shops for higher earnings. A bachelor’s degree or certification program can help service technicians land administrative and management roles. Other positions certified mechanics can pursue include:

Diesel Engine Mechanic: These service professionals help repair, maintain, and service all kinds of diesel vehicles, making them a valuable asset for auto repair shops, agriculture industries, and even the military.

Fleet Maintenance Mechanic: A fleet mechanic performs routine upkeep and maintenance of commercial vehicles in large-scale industries such as transport and e-commerce.

Diesel Locomotive Mechanic: Railroad mechanics test and repair the locomotive engine assembly. They also ensure that engines are safe, adhere to codes, and function smoothly.

Farm Equipment Mechanic: Diesel-powered tractors, harvesters, or irrigation systems require mechanics for uninterrupted functioning.

Heavy Equipment Maintenance Specialist: Diesel mechanics also work on heavy machinery and equipment that run on diesel, such as mining equipment, construction trenchers, and trailers.

According to BLS, the median annual pay for diesel service technicians and mechanics was $50,200 in May 2020, much higher than the national average of all occupations. The top 10 percent of diesel mechanics earned more than $76,460 annually.

The BLS also specifies that an ASE certification is the standard credential for diesel technicians and mechanics. Getting a certification can help you work in the trucking and fleet industry, where many employers pay a commission in addition to your base salary.

Salary

According to BLS, the median annual pay for diesel service technicians and mechanics was $50,200 in May 2020, much higher than the national average of all occupations. The top 10 percent of diesel mechanics earned more than $76,460 annually.

The BLS also specifies that an ASE certification is the standard credential for diesel technicians and mechanics. Getting a certification can help you work in the trucking and fleet industry, where many employers pay a commission in addition to your base salary.

Conclusion

There is a massive demand for qualified diesel mechanics in automobiles, farming, trucking, and locomotive industries. A diesel mechanic certification can help you achieve a secure and prosperous career. A formal education can help you obtain these certifications and improve your career prospects.

Discover the many programs at NEIT that can advance your career to greater heights.

FAQs

What is a diesel mechanic certification?

A diesel mechanic certificate issued by the ASE demonstrates your proficiency and skill level specific to diesel engines. An ASE certification highlights your credibility in your area of expertise and helps you apply for better jobs.

What qualifications do I need to be a diesel mechanic?

Employers prefer hiring diesel mechanics who have completed their high school diploma or GED and post-secondary training programs in engine repair. Obtaining an industry certification can improve your employment opportunities.

What is the highest paying diesel mechanic job?

According to the BLS, diesel mechanics working in natural gas distribution, federal agencies, local government, and bus transportation sectors earn the highest pay.

What is the best diesel mechanic school?

Institutes such as NEIT that are Master-Certified by NATEF are the best schools for becoming a diesel mechanic.