Diesel Repair Technician (CA)

The Diesel Repair Technician Certificate of Achievement from Solano Community College includes courses of study that provide instruction in the five areas of the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) technician industry certification series. Students that earn this certificate are prepared for the ASE certification tests A9 as the ASE Diesel Automobile Technician Certification. This program prepares graduates for entry-level employment as a diesel automotive technician. Successful completers are prepared for entry-level positions and for progression toward professional ASE certification. 

This is a preparatory certificate that will get you ready for the A9 exam. To become ASE certified, you must pass an ASE test and have relevant hands-on work experience. You may register and take tests (except for the X1 test) before you have the necessary experience. If you do so, you will receive a score report, but you will not earn certification or receive certificates until you fulfill the experience requirement.

The Certificate of Achievement can be obtained upon successful completion of the 17-unit major. All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of a C or or a P if taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Year 1: 10-12

Year 2: 12-20

Established: 20-30 annually

The Diesel Technology Certificate of Achievement is designed to support students with accessible, high-quality career technical education that prepares them for employment, career advancement, and lifelong learning in the diesel service and repair industry. The program provides students with the technical knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional competencies necessary to diagnose, maintain, and repair medium-duty diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.

The Diesel technology Certificate of Achievement is designed to support the college’s mission by providing students with accessible, high quality career technical education that prepares them for employment and career advancement. It opens the opportunity for lifelong learning in the diesel service and repair industry. The program contributes to the college’s commitment to workforce development by equipping students with technical knowledge, practical skills, and problems solving abilities needed to succeed in the transportation, agriculture, construction, and heavy equipment sectors.  

This program aligns with the California Community Colleges (CCC) mission, as established in Educational Code Section 66010.4, by offering career education that addresses regional workforce needs while supporting students achievement and economic mobility. The program provides instruction in diesel engine operation, preventative maintenance, electrical/electronic systems, fuel systems, emissions controls, drivetrain systems, and diagnostic procedures. This will hopefully prepare graduates for employment in fleet maintenance facilities, truck dealerships, agricultural equipment operations, construction equipment service centers, public transportation agencies, and related industries. 

This certificate provides students with a structured pathway to develop industry relevant technical skills and competencies. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory instruction, industry standard diagnostic procedures, preventative maintenance practices, and troubleshooting techniques necessary for entry level employment as diesel technicians. The program may also serve as the foundation for specialized training, advanced certifications, or future completion. 

The curriculum reflects recommendations identified through the college's program review process and consultation with industry advisory committee members, representing agriculture, construction, transportation, dealerships, fleet operations, and public agencies. Faculty, administrators, and industry representatives reviewed course content, SLOs (Student learning outcomes), and employer expectations to ensure the programs' continued relevance. Advisory committee members emphasized the importance of diesel engine diagnostics, emissions systems, electronic controls, preventative maintenance practices, workplace safety, and professional competencies. These recommendations have been incorporated into the curriculum and reflect mandates through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

The program fulfills a documented workforce need within the college service area and the surrounding region. Employers throughout the transportation, logistics, agriculture, construction, and public works sectors continue to report demand for qualified diesel technicians. Advances in diesel engine technology, emissions systems, and electronically controlled vehicle systems have increased the need for technicians who possess strong diagnostic, analytical, and technical skills. The certificate is designed to address these workforce needs while supporting regional economic development.

The program does not create undue competition with neighboring colleges. Rather, it complements existing career technical education offerings within the region by providing students with additional educational opportunities and supporting local employer demand for skilled diesel service technicians. The curriculum has been developed to align with industry standards and regional workforce priorities.

The program will utilize existing classroom and laboratory facilities, instructional equipment, diagnostic tools, service information systems, and training resources where appropriate. Additional diesel-specific equipment and instructional resources may be acquired through institutional funding, grants, and industry partnerships to support program implementation and maintain alignment with current industry practices. Any future equipment acquisitions will directly support student learning outcomes and workforce preparation.

The program remains open to all eligible students and complies with California Community College open enrollment requirements as specified in Title 5 regulations. Any work-based learning, internship, apprenticeship, fleet partnership, dealership partnership, or employer-sponsored training opportunities associated with the program supplement classroom and laboratory instruction and do not restrict student access to enrollment.

Through continuous program review, industry engagement, and curriculum improvement, the Diesel Technology Certificate of Achievement will continue to provide students with the technical expertise, professional skills, and workforce preparation necessary for successful employment and career advancement within the diesel service, transportation, agriculture, construction, and heavy equipment industries.

This program will only stand to support and diversify the current Automotive program. The current advisory board requested these developments to help address the technician shortage. No other programs will be affected by the creation of this program. 

This is a specialized field that would only stand to benefit from multiple sponsors within the educational system. American River College is 64 miles away from our school and offers a Diesel Technology certificate. Our students who face transportation issues would be negatively affected in participation in ARC’s Diesel program. Alameda College is 35 miles away, but it would add a bridge toll to participating students. I'm not sure if this would have any bearing on the verdict, but traffic going to both of these locations should also be considered. Students would be disenfranchised due to economic and commuting obstacles if this program is not approved. 

I reached out to Santa Rosa Junior College, Rachel Smith, CE Workforce/Grants Director, rsmith@santarosa.edu 707.521.7913. She forwarded my request to Benjamin Goldstein and the program coordinator, Jesse Kosten, but I have not received a response or comment. I did call several times, but this is outside of the regular Academic calendar.