Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) Certificate and Degree Program

Why Enroll in the ASEP Program?

If you enjoy working with cars and learning new technology, then the Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) is for you. Through ASEP, you'll learn to work on the latest GM cars—from Chevy Bolts to GMC trucks—and with the latest GM technology.

In the ASEP program, you will:

• Learn on the latest GM vehicles, components, and instructional materials.
• Practice using high-tech diagnostic equipment.
• Study how to complete repairs on GM vehicles.
• Complete rotations at a GM dealer with a paid internship.

With the ASEP program, you will alternate your learning between SJC's campus and at a sponsoring dealer. You will spend eight weeks in our classrooms and labs, followed by eight weeks at a GM dealer shop. This cycle will continue until you complete the two-year program. program. This schedule rotation maximizes your training so you can practice what you've been studying in your coursework. By the time you graduate, you will be ready to become a GM-certified technician and start your career.

Why Enter the Automotive Service Education Program at San Juan College?

Partnership with GM

SJC is proud to be one of 56 schools nationwide that offer the GM ASEP program. One of the advantages of ASEP is that every year, GM provides new vehicles and technology that is no older than five years to our students. You'll practice working with the latest models and be up-to-date on how to use the latest tools. With this partnership, you'll receive a high level of training and experience that will permit you to outperform other entry-level technicians. You will receive training in two years that would take 5-10 years starting at a dealer.

Degree and Certificate Program Options

At SJC, you can earn the Automotive Service Education Program Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degree or Automotive Service Education Program Certificate. Both programs take two years, but the AAS degree has additional courses. Choose the program that best fits your needs.

The ASEP AAS combines automotive technician courses with general education courses that give you a well-rounded college degree. After graduating, you can also transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor's degree in the automotive field. You'll also be more qualified for jobs that need an associate's degree.

In the ASEP Certificate, you only take automotive technician courses. You'll get the training you need to begin a career as a GM-certified technician at a GM dealer.

Paid Real-World Experience 

In the ASEP program, you'll take part in a paid internship program at a GM dealer shop. You will be working with a certified Master Technician to maintain and repair customer vehicles. You'll gain practical experience and learn about dealer operating procedures.

For your internship, you'll spend eight weeks on campus learning and then spend the next eight weeks working at the dealer. With this rotation, you'll reinforce what you learned in your courses and gain confidence in your skills. When you complete the program, you'll be ready to become a GM-certified technician.

Note: San Juan College can help you find a sponsoring dealership.

Affordable Option

Take advantage of SJC's low tuition rates with our Automotive Service Education Program. You'll get the training and experience you need at in-state tuition rates, plus you'll be able to cover some of your costs with your internship. You may even qualify to get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.

What You'll Learn in the Automotive Service Education Program

The ASEP AAS degree and certificate programs are supported by General Motors. You'll receive instruction using the latest GM cars and technology. Throughout the program, you'll alternate between learning on SJC's campus or at your sponsoring dealer.

You'll take the following courses:

• Intro to GM ASEP
• GM Electrical Systems
• GM Brake Systems
• GM Steering and Suspension Systems
• GM Engines and Related Systems
• GM Heating and Air Conditioning
• GM Manual Trans/Transaxles
• GM Automatic Trans/Transaxles
• GM Fuel and Emissions

Our expert professors also emphasize important skills such as:

• Customer service
• Job search skills
• On-the-job safety
• Team cooperation

The ASEP program will prepare you to receive automobile technician safety certifications. They include:

• ASE Certification
• NC3 Certifications
• S/P2 Certification

If you choose the ASEP AAS, you will take additional SJC classes to make you a well-rounded student. They include:

• A communications course
• A mathematics course
• First-Year Seminar
• Introduction to Business
• Introduction to Psychology
• Survey of Physics and Lab

ASEP AAS Curriculum

ASEP Certificate Curriculum

Careers and Outcomes

Today's high-tech vehicles require highly skilled and experienced technicians. That's why GM technicians are in high demand. With your knowledge and skills, you'll be able to find a job at a dealership or other repair facility.

Most of our students become GM-certified technicians who work on GM vehicles. Other job opportunities include:

• Service writer at dealerships
• Automotive parts salesperson
• Car and truck salesperson
• Small business owner

Employers of SJC's ASEP graduates include:

• Hi-Country Buick GMC
• Hi-Country Chevrolet
• Webb Chevrolet
• Octane Buick GMC
• Morehart Murphy Regional Auto Center
• Amigo Chevrolet
• Pitre GMC
• Quality GMC

ASEP Accreditation Information

SJC's Automotive Service Education Program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation. The ASE Education Foundation evaluates and accredits entry-level automotive technology education programs against standards developed by the automotive service industry. It also develops career-readiness education for students, which fuse local partnerships, rigorous standard-based education, workplace experience, and mentorship together.