Certification of the technician is achieved by attending the CAA certified technician certification program. This program consists of classroom instruction and practical experience. The program is taught by certified professionals who have been a part of the CAPP Industry Council. This council was formed to advance the education of technicians. The program is designed in a manner that provides students with hands-on learning that prepares them to be successful professionals. They are also provided with a strong foundation of knowledge about how to become certified.
The program consists of five major components: Fundamentals of CAA Automotive Technician, Theory Test of CAA Automotive Technician, Practical Exam of CAA Automotive Technician, Application Essentials of CAA Automotive Technician, and Assessment and Results of CAA Automotive Technician. There are different levels of training. Students can get certification as an apprentice, progressing into the CAA Automotive Technician Associate (ATA), or as a student with two years of training and then being licensed as an AATA. This is the highest level of training and certification.
Practical testing for each component of the CAA Automotive Technician program is conducted under the supervision of an independent examiner who has a CAA Accreditation Agreement. Practical testing is one of the most important aspects of this certification. Practical exams cover concepts such as mechanical diagnosis, vehicle diagnostics, automotive electronics, troubleshooting, and troubleshooting process, as well as the proper operation of automobile systems. They also cover the safety management system, emissions, and fuel management.
This certification provides a professional and comprehensive means to perform the duties of a qualified technician. The exam is not only based on theoretical knowledge but is based on real life performance. AATAs pass this exam with flying colors and become certified in this field of knowledge. They are able to complete the exam in as fast as a year and a half.
AATA exam candidates are required to have passed a written and driving exam on the topic in question. AATA candidates have to pass a practical exam before they can get their certificate. Once they have been certified, they must maintain it by continuing their education by taking refresher courses and passing the exam again. They are responsible for the maintenance of their certification by making sure it remains current. They must also submit their certificates to the regulatory agencies.
Once they have passed their certification exams, AATA technicians can obtain employment either at a facility owned by the company they worked for in the past, as an independent contractor, or by becoming an independent mechanic. Independent contractors will work directly with companies that contract with the automotive industry or with any dealership that working with a manufacturer of vehicles.
It is important that an individual who takes this program become thoroughly familiar with his or her industry. This training program is not for everyone. Before taking the certification, he or she should be aware of its curriculum and objectives. The goal of the program is to give the student a solid foundation in the areas of repair and maintenance, as well as the technical skills necessary to effectively handle a repair or service job. The knowledge of the program is helpful, but only as long as the individual keeps up to date with the newest technology.
