FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS AUTTF-CT Automotive Technician-Certificate

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Overview

  • One-year certificate
  • September entry date
  • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg 
  • Credit transfer opportunities:
    • High school credits
    • Credit toward the four-year motor vehicle mechanics apprenticeship
  • Due to high demand, this funded program is open to Manitoba residents only. Applications received from non-Manitoba residents for this program will be cancelled and the application fee will not be refunded.
  • International applicants please visit Academic Program, Dates and Fees for a listing of programs for international students, current availability and online application instructions.
  • Upon completion of this program consider taking the Automotive Technician Diploma 

Description
This program gives you an understanding of the basic purpose, construction, operation, and service of component parts and assemblies of an automobile.

You will develop the knowledge and skills required to disassemble, inspect, diagnose and repair motor vehicle units and components. You will study internal combustion engines, brakes, steering and suspensions, electrical circuits & wiring, and basic vehicle maintenance.

Most training will take place at RRC Polytech’s auto mechanics workshop, an environment that will give you the practical experience required for industry employment.

This is a not an apprenticeship program, but may provide credit transfer opportunities towards apprenticeship. The Government of Manitoba, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade offers apprenticeship training that combines on-the-job practical skills development with levels of technical training. If you are interested in applying to an apprenticeship program, please visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/wd/apprenticeship/discover/mbtrades/autoservicetech.html

Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following:
      • Grade 12 English (40S)
      • Grade 12 Math (40S)
      • Grade 10 Science (20F)
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
    • Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
      Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
      • If YES, you meet English language requirements.  Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
        or
      • If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option.  If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
        or 
      • If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review. 
    • * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.

Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

  1. Academic Requirement
    • High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in:
      • One credit in each of the following courses:
        • Grade 10 English (20F)
        • Grade 10 Science (20F)
        • Grade 10 Applied Math (20S) or Pre-Calculus Math (20S), or Grade 11 Consumer Math (30S) or Essential Math (30S)
          or
      • RRC's Academic Foundations program
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
  2. Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2

English Language Assessments

English Language AssessmentMinimum Required Levels
L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - WritingLSRW
AEPUCE (Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available.
8886
CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language)
60606050
CLB (LINC) (Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
8886
Duolingo (Duolingo English Test)

* MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.

There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.

Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted.

0*0*0*0*
IELTS - Academic (International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants
6.56.56.55.5
LSI (Language Studies International)
6.56.56.56.5
PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English)
58585842
Password Skills (An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room. Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor. If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
6.56.56.55.5
Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
6.56.56.55.5
TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas.
20201918

Who Should Enrol?

Automotive mechanical work requires good hearing and eyesight, good physical coordination of the whole body, and some strength. You should enjoy working with your hands. Because the work can be intricate, you should have good finger dexterity and be mechanically inclined. 

You will need a tolerance for working with grease and oil, and for exposure to various levels of exhaust fumes, dust, and dirt. Reading comprehension is important to successfully complete the required related courses: English, math, and science.

If you are seriously considering a career as an auto mechanic you should be prepared for some shift work, and should be able to work under some supervision. 

You should also be prepared for late shifts at the College during your training, as courses in the program may run until 6:00 p.m. from time to time.

Locations, Dates and Fees

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Notre Dame Campus Aug 25, 2025 Apply Now

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$6,130.00
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$1,180.00
Other Fees
Year 1
$1,000.001
Program/Student Fees (International)
Year 1
$19,645.00
1The College requires that students provide their own hand tools for this program. The approximate cost of tools may vary from $750 to $1500 depending on the quality of tools. A recommended list will be provided.

Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

Courses and Descriptions

(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
Year 1
Term 1Credit Hours
MATH-1196Math
3
SAFE-1028WHMIS
0
Term 2Credit Hours
AUTO-1217Brakes
6
SCIE-1023Science
3
Electives
3
6
Term 3Credit Hours
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
ACCR-9001AC-059 Accreditation Level 1
More Information

(No description available at this time)

AUTO-1214Vehicle Maintenance
More Information

This course will introduce students to the common service and maintenance procedures performed on vehicles and light trucks. Topics will include inspection, service and fluid exchange procedures for: engines, transmissions, differentials, transfer cases, power steering and brake systems. Basic undercarriage and underhood inspection as well as seasonal maintenance procedures will also be explored.

Prerequisites:
AUTO-1216Suspension and Steering
More Information

This course will cover the inspection, diagnosis, repair and maintenance of various steering and suspension systems and components.

Prerequisites:
AUTO-1217Brakes
More Information

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge about braking systems when working with today's automotive vehicles and light trucks. Beginning with terminology and safe work practices, the unit covers hydraulic principles and the types of braking systems including their components and operation. The unit also covers the procedures used to adjust, diagnose, repair and replace braking system components. A thorough review of math calculations will be included as well as Pascal's law of hydraulic fluids.

Prerequisites:
AUTO-1223Tires and Drivelines
More Information

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge about tires, wheels, driveshafts, and axles when working with modern vehicles and light trucks. Beginning with terminology and safe work practices, the unit covers tire codes and sidewall markings, types of driveshafts and axles, as well as the tools and equipment related to tires, wheels and drivelines. This course also covers procedures used to diagnose, repair, and replace tires, wheel assemblies, hubs, TPMS sensors, u-joints, and CV Axles.

Prerequisites:
AUTO-1279Service Advisor
More Information

This course is designed to introduce the students to the role of the Service Advisor in the Transportation industry.

Prerequisites:
SAFE-1101
FIEL-1279 and AUTO-1279 are corequisites.
AUTO-2093Advanced Drivelines
More Information

(No description available at this time)

Prerequisites:
Take SAFE-1101.
AUTO-2094Advanced Engine Repair
More Information

(No description available at this time)

Prerequisites:
AUTO-2095Advanced Electrical
More Information

(No description available at this time)

Prerequisites:
COMM-1173Communication StrategiesRPL
More Information

Everyone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. In this foundational course, students will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. By developing their communication skills, students will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare for success in the workplace and beyond. The strategies students will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry. 

FIEL-1279Service Advisor Field Experience
More Information

This is the field experience portion of the Service Advisor course. In this course the students will spend time in the industry, shadowing and learning from a service advisor.

Prerequisites:
SAFE-1101
FIEL-1279 and AUTO-1279 are corequisites.
FIEL-2000Field Experience
More Information

Students will have the opportunity of gaining valuable real-life field experience with an industry partner of their choice or one chosen by a core instructor. During this time, the student will shadow a licensed technician and observe actual repair and diagnostic techniques. Students will be responsible for recording all tasks and repairs into a College-issued Log Book during their time out in industry.

Prerequisites:
Academic Requisites/Eligibility: You must have successfully completed all first-year courses and maintained a GPA of 2.0 or better in your program. These requirements apply right up until the start of work placement. An arranged placement may be canceled should a student fail to fulfill the eligibility requirements.
HETC-2001Diesel Engine Overhaul
More Information

(No description available at this time)

Prerequisites:
HETC-2002Engine Management
More Information

(No description available at this time)

Prerequisites:
MARP-2079Powersports, Performance and Tuning
More Information

(No description available at this time)

Prerequisites:
Take SAFE-1101.
MARP-2080Lawn and Garden
More Information

(No description available at this time)

Prerequisites:
Take SAFE-1101.
MATH-1196Math
More Information

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to use mathematics with precision, resourcefulness and confidence as it applies to the automotive service trade. Beginning with a review of basic mathematical operations, this course of study will progress towards the more advanced mathematical topic areas that an automotive service technician needs to work with in order to perform the tasks of the trade in an effective and accurate fashion.

SAFE-1028WHMIS
More Information

The Workplace Hazardous Materials System (WHMIS) is a system for ensuring that important information about hazardous products is communicated where products are used, stored and handled. This course provides Information necessary to understand and interpret information about hazardous products, including pictograms (symbols), labels and Safety Data Sheets.

SAFE-1101Shop Safety and Tools
More Information

(No description available at this time)

SCIE-1023Science
More Information

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge about the basic scientific principles on which the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems of the automobile are based. Matter and energy, heat and thermodynamics, metallurgy, simple machines, basic hydraulics, basic electricity and basic engine fundamentals and engine performance calculations are the areas that will be covered in this course.

SEMR-9209General Safety Training
More Information

This General Safety Training (GST) teaches basic general safety content to arm students with the core information necessary for them to protect themselves in workplaces on all descriptions. Although some examples may consider Manitoba legislation, this course has been developed by occupational safety and health professionals using generic information that is not provincially specific.

TRAN-1003Electrical Foundations
More Information

This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge of relevant electrical principles and ideas used on modern vehicles and equipment. The course will look at terminology, design, and components used in electrical circuits. Series and parallel circuits, diagnostic test equipment usage, schematics, symbols, and theory and maintenance of batteries will be covered.

Prerequisites:
TRAN-1028Engine Fundamentals
More Information

This course will enable students to develop the necessary skills to distinguish between a four-cycle and two-cycle engine, and perform common engine calculations like displacement and compression ratio. Students will be able to identify engine components and their function, and maintenance requirements and relationship to engine operation. Shop activities will allow students to demonstrate proper procedures for measurement, diagnosis, and repair of internal combustion engines. Lubrication, cooling, intake, and exhaust systems will be discussed.

Prerequisites:
TRAN-2003Electrical Systems
More Information

This course is a continuation of TRAN-1003 Electrical Fundamentals. This course is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge of vehicle and equipment electrical systems. An introduction to starting, charging, and ignition systems will be covered. The diagnosis and repair of these systems and circuits using tools, schematics, and service information will be practiced. 

Prerequisites:

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

2.  A high speed internet connection

• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.


Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

Transfer Credit Opportunities

Transferring credits from high school

  • Graduates of Louis Riel - Arts & Technology Centre may be eligible for advanced credit in this program
  • Graduates of high school vocational programs may be eligible for advanced credit in this program

Transferring credits to other Red River College Polytechnic programs
Graduates will be qualified to apply for the Automotive Technician - Diploma program offered by the College. This 30-week program has been designed to meet the demand for training in new technology. It supplements the certificate program and will prepare you to work in the automotive electronic field.

Apprenticeship opportunities
Graduates may be granted up to one level of in-school training towards the four-year motor vehicle mechanics apprenticeship program. Time credit, which reduces the length of your apprenticeship, is at the discretion of the employer and Apprenticeship Manitoba. During the next three levels of the apprenticeship program (there are four in total), you will be required by Apprenticeship Manitoba to return to the College for additional theoretical and practical training.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

Other Information

Further information on this program is available on the Transportation Trades team site:



Graduation Requirements

For students registered in the Automotive Technician Certificate program with a 2021-2022 Catalogue year, the requirements to graduate are as follows:

  • A minimum overall program GPA of 2.0 (as per RRC Polytech Policy A12)
  • A minimum passing course grade requirement of D (50%)
  • Accreditation for AST level 1 is achieved by completion of all courses and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Students need to complete all compulsory courses plus ONE elective course.

Employment Potential

Graduates of this program have found employment in service stations, dealerships, large corporations, farming communities and allied industries where they work in service/repair, sales or parts distribution.

Graduates who have entered apprenticeship programs and reached the journeyperson level work as:

  • Journeyperson mechanics
  • Shop supervisors
  • Service managers
  • Parts managers
  • Machine operators
  • Service station operators
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