Fleet Maintenance Technicians

Certification or Licensing

Many employers require their technicians to obtain certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field and pass the examinations related to their specialty. The institute offers nearly 60 certification tests for mechanics who repair and maintain cars and light trucks, medium-heavy trucks, school and transit buses, and military tactical-wheeled vehicles. Credentials are also available in specialized knowledge areas such as collision repair, damage analysis, alternate fuels, advanced engine performance, and hybrid/electric vehicle technology. Visit https://www.ase.com/test-series for more information.

The NAFA Fleet Management Association, U.S. General Services Administration, and the North American Transportation Management Institute offer certification credentials for fleet managers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that technicians who buy or work with refrigerants become certified in proper refrigerant handling.

Other Requirements

Most employers require technicians to have a driver’s license. Diesel and other types of specialized mechanics may need a commercial driver’s license, which allows them to operate any vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds.