Automotive Technology Program Standards

All students in the Automotive Technology program are expected to meet certain technical standards that are essential to the successful completion of all phases of the program, and that reflect industry requirements and standards. 

To verify the student’s ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards outlined in this document. Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee:

  • successful completion of the program, 
  • eligibility for any certification exams, or 
  • employment in this field upon graduation. 

Essential Function/Technical Standard

Standard Performed Description

  • Demonstrate ability to use logic and technical analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to complete automotive tasks
  • Exhibit ability to translate written and/or verbal information into actual projects
  • Demonstrate ability to execute work requirements in accordance with written instructions
  • Exhibit deductive reasoning

Examples of Activities (Not all inclusive)

  • Demonstrate judgment and decision making as required to organize various tasks to complete automotive assignments and projects
  • Exhibit the ability to analyze documentation like repair automotive procedures specifications and use knowledge to complete a repair
  • Accept constructive criticism from instructor and implement recommendations and/or solutions for improvement

Standard Performed Description

  • Demonstrate ability to follow verbal directions
  • Demonstrate ability to follow written directions
  • Discuss directions and methods required to complete a specific automotive task

Examples of Activities (Not all inclusive)

  • Use a variety of strategies to convey the necessary automotive information required to complete a specific automotive task or project
  • Discuss available alternatives and methods that may be used to accomplish the objective
  • Use oral expression, reading, and writing comprehension to verify that information was received 

Standard Performed Description

  • Demonstrate the ability to identify the nature of problems 
  • Demonstrate ability to collaborate with others in a group
  • Demonstrate ability to maintain and control self-behavior in a group setting 

Examples of Activities (Not all inclusive)

  • Demonstrate respect for individual differences
  • Respond appropriately to emergencies 
  • Work cooperatively within a group to achieve a goal
  • Maintain appropriate self-behavior in a group and/or social environment like a classroom lecture or laboratory demonstration

Standard Performed Description

  • Visual skills adequate to safely work in an industry environment, classroom, and/or lab 

Examples of Activities (Not all inclusive)

  • Interpret information from diagrams, scan tools, and test equipment
  • Be able to see in low or poor lighting conditions under a vehicle hood or underneath a vehicle
  • Have the ability to perceive different depths and dimensions

Standard Performed Description

  • Auditory abilities are sufficient to work safety in an industrial environment, classroom, and/or lab

Examples of Activities (Not all inclusive)

  • Hear/detect safety hazards
  • Hear/detect automobiles and industrial equipment problems, overloading, and/or failures
  • Detects sounds such as squeaks and rattles
  • Detects sounds being emitted from the brake system, suspension system, and drive train
  • Ability to hear verbal instructions when line of sight may not be possible 

Standard Performed Description

  • Demonstrate tactile ability sufficient for physical control of tools and equipment
  • Demonstrate manual hand dexterity with repetitive precision movements and techniques
  • Demonstrate ability to manually manipulate small objects like nuts and bolts
  • Demonstrate ability to tactically use multiple extremities simultaneously
  • Demonstrate ability to use finger and hand pressure to grip various shaped objects

Examples of Activities (Not all inclusive)

  • Perform functions of physical control with various hand tools and equipment 
  • Perform repetitive automotive techniques in multiple positions with both hands simultaneously 
  • Demonstrate ability to have individual hands perform different manual functions simultaneously with very small pieces and fasteners

Standard Performed Description

  • Demonstrate sufficient physical endurance to complete assigned work and/or automotive projects
  • Demonstrate ability to perform repetitive manual tasks for extended periods of time
  • Perform industrial work activities for up to 8 hours while wearing required safety equipment (face shields, gloves, boots)
  • Demonstrate ability to work with hands and arms extended overhead or below the waist for long periods of time
  • Demonstrate physical endurance to perform welding work duties in a range of environments, such as when temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit

Examples of Activities (Not all inclusive)

  • Sit/stand for up to 8 hours a day with arms extended to waist level 
  • Make repetitive motions for several hours with the hands, wrists, arms, and feet
  • Perform auto repair operations for up to 8 hours while utilizing automotive equipment 

Standard Performed Description

  • Function safely under varying environmental factors 

Examples of Activities (Not all inclusive)

  • Perform automotive activities in adverse conditions and environments (hot, cold, windy, noisy, etc.)
  • Maintain focus and productivity in a shop or workplace with a variety of distractions (sound, movement, lighting, etc.) 
  • Work inside or outside under variable conditions

Standard Performed Description

  • Possess the ability to lift, stand, stretch, squat, and crawl or contort to positions required in an automotive repair situation in the classroom, lab, and work-based learning environment

Examples of Activities (Not all inclusive)

  • Demonstrate ability to pick up and carry automotive parts
  • Demonstrate ability to work in various positions (on the ground, overhead, around parts and other structures)
  • Demonstrate ability to move (push and pull) automotive equipment
  • Navigate around objects or obstacles on the floor and overhead
  • Lift a minimum of 50 pounds to chest level from the floor level 
  • Reach/bend over fenders or an extended period of time 
  • Move about the shop floor under a variety of floor conditions
  • Work in confining or tight spaces
  • Operate hand and power tools continually
  • Work up to 90 minutes without sitting 
  • Demonstrate ability to perform repetitive physical movements and motor skills intermittently and/or continuously for extended periods of time 

 

Disability Statement

If you currently have a documented disability or acquire one, you may be entitled to accommodations intended to assure equitable access within your academic program.  Reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities are determined on an individual basis taking into consideration the technical standards and essential functions required to meet program objectives. 

Eastern Iowa Community College is invested in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  To learn more about requesting accommodations with Disability Services, please visit eicc.edu/support or contact the Disability Service Provider on your campus.  It is recommended that students register with Disability Services prior to the start of classes.

All prospective Automotive Technology students must be able to meet these standards with or without reasonable accommodations. 

Charlott Glowacki

Charlott Glowacki, Disability Service Provider

Clinton Community College

cccdisabilityresourcesFREEEICC
563-244-7012



Kerry Dalbey

Kerry Dalbey, Disability Service Provider

Muscatine Community College, Loper – 109

mccdisabilityresourcesFREEEICC
563-288-6013



Alyse Schmidt

Alyse Schmidt, Disability Service Provider

Scott Community College, Academic Support Center – Room 2013 A

sccdisabilityresourcesFREEEICC
563-441-4027