Automobile Services Assistor

Course Description

AER0014 / AER0014C – Automobile Services Assistor (also titled Automobile Service Assistor or Helper/Assistant) is a Postsecondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) clock-hour course in the Engineering Technology: Automotive Service taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course is the foundational Occupational Completion Point (OCP) A within the Florida Department of Education's Automotive Service Technology career and technical program (CIP code 0647060400 / 0647060410). The course is recommended (and at most institutions required) as the first course in the program — students complete OCP A before progressing to specialized OCPs. Per the FLDOE Curriculum Framework, the sequence of subsequent OCPs (B-I) is at the discretion of the instructor.

AER0014 is offered at 41 Florida public technical colleges, district career centers, and state college workforce programs and transfers as equivalent across the state. The course covers equipment skills and safety regulations; routine maintenance and consumer services; and math, communication, employability, and basic science skills as related to the automotive industry. It introduces the foundational competencies that are reinforced throughout the remaining 1,500 hours of the Automotive Service Technology program. As a 300-hour course, AER0014 is the longest single course in the program — reflecting its role as the gateway that establishes safe shop practice, customer service, and basic technical literacy before students move to specialized diagnostic and repair coursework. Note on transferability: as a clock-hour PSAV course (course prefix 0), AER0014 is not college-level and does not transfer for college credit.

Learning Outcomes

The following outcomes align with the Florida Department of Education Curriculum Framework for Automotive Service Technology, the ASE Education Foundation Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) task list, and the Common Career Technical Core Career Ready Practices.

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Comply with personal and environmental safety practices associated with clothing; eye protection; hand tools; power equipment; proper ventilation; and the handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and materials in accordance with local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations (OSHA general industry, EPA, RCRA, manufacturer's SDS).
• Demonstrate knowledge of fire extinguishers and other safety equipment, including selection by fire class (A, B, C, D, K), inspection, and proper use procedures.
• Demonstrate proficient explanation and application of required shop and personal safety tasks relating to the automotive industry.
• Identify and properly use basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, pry bars, punches, drifts) and shop power equipment (impact tools, drills, grinders, presses).
• Use vehicle lifts, jacks, and jack stands safely; identify proper lift points on common vehicles; demonstrate emergency lowering procedures.
• Perform routine vehicle maintenance services: engine oil and filter changes; air filter and cabin air filter inspection and replacement; tire rotation and inflation; battery testing and service; wiper blade replacement; bulb replacement; fluid level checks (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, washer fluid).
• Perform basic tire service: dismounting and mounting tires using a tire machine; balancing wheels; inspecting tires for wear patterns; identifying TPMS sensor service requirements.
• Identify and properly handle automotive fluids: motor oil grades (SAE viscosity, API service rating); coolant types and compatibility; brake fluid types (DOT 3, 4, 5.1, 5); automatic transmission fluid; power steering fluid; refrigerants — including spill cleanup and disposal protocols.
• Apply customer service skills: greet customers; document customer concerns accurately; explain repair recommendations; communicate professionally in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Apply basic automotive math: fractions and decimals; metric and U.S. customary units and conversion; ratios and proportions; basic statistics for measurement; reading torque specifications and clearances.
• Apply basic automotive science: principles of mechanics, hydraulics, and pneumatics; electrical fundamentals (voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's law); thermodynamics fundamentals (heat transfer, expansion); chemistry of combustion at an introductory level.
• Demonstrate workplace communication skills: technical reading of service manuals and bulletins; clear written work-order documentation; effective oral communication with technicians, supervisors, and customers.
• Demonstrate the Common Career Technical Core Career Ready Practices: act as a responsible and contributing employee; apply appropriate academic and technical skills; attend to personal health and financial well-being; communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason; consider environmental, social, and economic impacts; demonstrate creativity and innovation; employ valid and reliable research strategies; utilize critical thinking; model integrity and ethical leadership; plan education and career path; use technology to enhance productivity; work productively in teams.
• Maintain accurate work orders, repair documentation, and parts and labor records using shop management software conventions.
• Identify career pathways and ASE certifications in the automotive service industry; develop a personal career plan.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on shop equipment and instructor specialization, students may also:

• Perform multi-point inspections (MPI) following dealership-style protocols; document findings using shop software.
• Use OBD-II scan tools at an introductory level to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and freeze-frame data.
• Perform basic brake inspections (visual inspection of pads, rotors, fluid level, parking brake) without performing full brake service (which is covered in OCP F).
• Perform basic belt and hose inspections (visual inspection only — service is covered in OCP B for engine).
• Use vehicle electronic service information systems (Mitchell1, AllData) at an introductory level for service procedures and specifications.
• Participate in SkillsUSA career and technical student organization activities, including state and national competitions.
• Engage in on-the-job training (OJT) at a sponsoring employer site, where offered.
• Operate the institution's student-run automotive shop (e.g., AutoTech@iTECH at Immokalee Technical College) for hands-on experience with real customer vehicles.

Major Topics

Required Topics (per FLDOE Curriculum Framework)

• Workplace and Personal Safety: OSHA general industry safety; personal protective equipment (eye, ear, hand, foot, body); hand tool and power tool safety; electrical safety; lifting techniques; lockout/tagout; SDS reading and chemical hazard awareness; first aid awareness.
• Fire Safety: Fire classes (A, B, C, D, K); fire extinguisher selection; inspection; proper use (PASS technique); evacuation procedures.
• Environmental Compliance: Waste oil disposal; coolant disposal; refrigerant handling (Section 609 awareness); battery disposal; tire disposal; EPA regulations affecting automotive shops.
• Hand Tools and Equipment: Identification and proper use of basic hand tools; care and maintenance; tool box organization; introduction to specialty tools.
• Shop Power Equipment: Air compressor systems; impact wrenches and ratchets; drill presses and bench grinders; bench vises; safe operation procedures.
• Vehicle Lifting: Floor jacks; jack stands; vehicle lifts (two-post, four-post, scissor); proper lift points by vehicle type; emergency procedures.
• Routine Maintenance: Oil and filter changes (correct viscosity and type); air filter inspection and replacement; cabin filter service; tire rotation patterns and inflation; battery inspection, testing, and replacement; wiper blade replacement; lighting inspection and bulb replacement; multi-point inspection process.
• Tire Service: Tire identification and sizing (P-metric, LT, etc.); tire wear pattern analysis; tire dismounting and mounting using a tire machine; wheel balancing (static and dynamic); TPMS awareness; tire repair guidelines (USTMA standards).
• Automotive Fluids: Motor oils (SAE J300, API service classifications, synthetic vs. conventional); engine coolants (IAT, OAT, HOAT); brake fluid types and compatibility; automatic transmission fluids; gear oils; power steering fluids; refrigerants (R-134a, R-1234yf — handling awareness); washer fluid.
• Customer Service and Communication: Greeting customers; active listening; documenting concerns accurately; technical writing for work orders; phone etiquette; explaining repairs in non-technical language; handling customer complaints; the role of trust in repeat business.
• Applied Automotive Math: Fractions, decimals, and percentages; metric and U.S. customary unit conversions; ratios and proportions (gear ratios, fluid mixing); basic geometry for measurement; reading torque charts and clearance specifications; calculating parts and labor costs.
• Applied Automotive Science: Basic mechanics (force, work, power, simple machines); hydraulics and pneumatics fundamentals; introduction to electrical theory (voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's law, series and parallel circuits); heat and thermodynamics overview; introduction to combustion chemistry.
• Service Information Systems: Introduction to OEM service manuals; electronic service information systems (Mitchell1, AllData, IATN); reading wiring diagrams (overview); locating torque specifications and procedures.
• Career Awareness and Employability: Career pathways within automotive service (technician progression, parts, service writing, management); ASE certification overview (A1-A8 and beyond); resume writing; interviewing; workplace ethics; working in teams; the role of continuing education in a rapidly changing industry.

Optional Topics

• Multi-Point Inspection Process: Dealership-style inspection forms; documenting findings; recommending services without overselling.
• OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code Retrieval: Connecting scan tools; reading and interpreting basic DTCs; freeze-frame data introduction.
• Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Awareness: Identification of hybrid and electric vehicles; high-voltage safety awareness; service center precautions.
• SkillsUSA Activities: SkillsUSA technical and leadership skills training and competition preparation.
• Customer Vehicle Shop Experience: Hands-on work in the institution's student-run automotive shop on real customer vehicles, under instructor supervision.

Resources & Tools

• Required Reference Standards: ASE Education Foundation MAST Program Standards; FLDOE Automotive Service Technology Curriculum Framework (current year, fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/curriculum-frameworks).
• Standard Textbooks: Today's Technician: Basic Automotive Service and Systems by Hollembeak (Cengage); Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service by Halderman (Pearson); Modern Automotive Technology by Duffy (Goodheart-Willcox); Auto Fundamentals by Stockel, Stockel, and Johanson (Goodheart-Willcox); Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair by Erjavec and Thompson (Cengage).
• Service Information Systems: Mitchell1 ProDemand; AllData; ALLDATAdiy.com; Identifix; OEM repair information; Hunter Engineering training resources.
• Required Hand Tools and Equipment: Personal hand tool set (sockets in metric and SAE, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers); shop-supplied power tools; vehicle lift; floor jacks and jack stands; OBD-II scan tool; tire machine and balancer; battery tester; basic specialty tools.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety glasses (Z87.1-rated); safety shoes (ASTM F2413); appropriate work clothing; nitrile gloves for chemicals; hearing protection where indicated.
• Career and Industry Organizations: ASE Education Foundation (aseeducationfoundation.org); National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ase.com); SkillsUSA (skillsusa.org); Automotive Service Association (asashop.org); MyCareerShines (Florida career exploration platform); CareerSource Florida.
• State Resources: FLDOE Career and Adult Education (fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu); Florida Statute 1004.925 (Automotive service technology education programs; certification); CareerSource Florida; the local Florida Workforce Development Region.

Career Pathways

AER0014 is the gateway course for the entire 1,800-hour Automotive Service Technology program and provides employability with the OCP A completion alone:

• OCP A Completion (300 hours) – Documented occupational completion point qualifying students for entry-level positions including lube technician, oil change technician, tire technician, service helper, and detail technician. Some students enter the workforce at this point and continue to subsequent OCPs through evening or part-time enrollment.
• Foundation for Subsequent OCPs – Per FLDOE framework, AER0014 is recommended as the prerequisite for all subsequent Automotive Service Technology OCPs:
  • OCP B – Engine Repair Technician (AER0110, 150 hours)
  • OCP C – Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Technician (AER0257, 150 hours)
  • OCP D – Manual Drivetrain and Axle Technician (AER0274, 150 hours)
  • OCP E – Suspension and Steering Technician (AER0453, 150 hours)
  • OCP F – Brake System Technician (AER0418, 150 hours)
  • OCP G – Electrical/Electronic System Technician (AER0360, 300 hours)
  • OCP H – Heating and Air Conditioning Technician (AER0172, 150 hours)
  • OCP I – Engine Performance Technician (AER0503, 300 hours)
• Master Automotive Service Technology Certificate – Full program completion (1,800 hours total) leading to ASE A1-A8 master technician certification preparation.
• Earnings Outlook – Florida average wage for automotive service technicians is approximately $23.88 per hour or $49,670 annually (per Lindsey Hopkins Technical College published data); Florida programs typically report starting wages of $20+ per hour for program completers.
• Florida Industry Application – Florida's substantial vehicle population, year-round driving conditions, and significant retiree market support strong demand for entry-level automotive service. Employers include franchised dealerships (AutoNation in Fort Lauderdale, JM Family Enterprises, Holman, Sun Toyota, Maroone Automotive, Morgan Auto Group); independent shops; chain operations (Pep Boys, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Goodyear, Tire Kingdom, Tires Plus); fleet services (rental car operations near major airports — Hertz, Enterprise, Avis); cruise line ground transportation in South Florida and Port Canaveral; and government fleet maintenance for state, county, and municipal agencies.

Special Information

Florida Statute 1004.925 — Industry Certification Required

Per Florida Statute 1004.925, all automotive service technology education programs in Florida must be industry certified in accordance with rules adopted by the State Board of Education. Most Florida programs hold ASE Education Foundation Master Automotive Service Technology (MAST) certification; some hold ASE Education Foundation Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) or Automobile Service Technology (AST) accreditation as intermediate levels.

Foundation Course — Strongly Recommended Sequencing

Per the FLDOE Curriculum Framework, it is recommended that students complete OCP A (Automobile Services Assistor) and/or demonstrate mastery of the OCP A outcomes prior to enrolling in additional Automotive Service Technology courses. The sequence of subsequent OCPs (B-I) is at the discretion of the instructor. Most Florida programs strictly enforce this sequencing — AER0014 is the gateway course that all students take first.

Course Length

AER0014 is the longest course in the Automotive Service Technology program at 300 clock-hours (twice the length of OCP B-F and tied with OCP G electrical and OCP I engine performance). The substantial length reflects its role establishing safe shop practice, foundational mechanical and electrical principles, customer service, employability skills, and basic maintenance competencies before students move to specialized work.

Basic Skills Requirements

Per Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C., in Career Certificate Programs offered for 450 hours or more (the full Automotive Service Technology program is 1,800 hours), students must demonstrate minimum basic skills grade levels in Computation (Mathematics) and Communications (Reading and Language) — typically 9th-grade level on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or equivalent — for awarding a Full Program Completion Certificate. Industry certification (such as passing an ASE exam) may also satisfy this requirement.

Instructor Certification Requirements

Per FLDOE framework, instructors teaching this course must hold appropriate teacher certification: Auto Industry @7 %7 %G or Auto Mech @7 7G. Instructors are recommended to hold ASE Master Automobile Technician certification (A1-A8) and/or Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1) certification.

Student-Run Shops

Several Florida programs operate student-run automotive shops where AER0014 students gain hands-on experience servicing real customer vehicles under instructor supervision (e.g., AutoTech@iTECH at Immokalee Technical College). These programs provide invaluable customer-interaction experience that complements the technical curriculum.

Transferability Notice

As a clock-hour PSAV course (course prefix 0), AER0014 is not college-level and does not transfer for college credit to A.A. or B.A./B.S. degree programs. Some Florida State Colleges have established articulation agreements that award college credit toward the A.S. in Automotive Service Management Technology or related applied science degrees for students who complete the full Automotive Service Technology PSAV program. At Hillsborough Community College the course carries 10.0 vocational credit value internally.

Industry Outlook

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections show steady demand for automotive service technicians, with Florida among the leading states for employment given vehicle population, climate, and demographic factors. Modern vehicles increasingly incorporate complex electronic and computerized systems, making continued education through subsequent OCPs and ASE certification recertification (every five years) essential for career advancement.