A Transmission Specialist
As automotive transmissions become further computerized and increasingly complex, highly trained specialists or technicians are required to diagnose problems and repair or rebuild automatic and manual transmissions. Specialists often work overtime, nights and weekends and sometimes must function in uncomfortable or cramped positions.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | High school diploma or equivalent; postsecondary certificate or associate degree available |
| Degree Field | Automotive repair |
| Certification | ASE certification often preferred |
| Experience | 2 to 5 years |
| Key skills | Mechanical ability; strong mathematics and English skills; knowledge of hydraulic and computerized systems associated with transmissions and the use of computerized diagnostic equipment; valid driver's license, clean driving record, and pass background check/drug test; have own tools |
| Median Salary (2018)* | $40,710 (for automotive service technicians and mechanics) |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics*, Careerbuilder.com job listings in November, 2012
In order to begin a career as a transmission specialist, the interested individual needs a minimum of a high school diploma. It is likely that some postsecondary certificate or associate's degree will also be required. Degrees for this area of employment are available in the field of automotive repair. Often ASE certification is preferred. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. Generally, an employer will be looking for a transmission specialist to have 2 to 5 years of experience. Some of the key skills needed to be successful in this field include mechanical ability, strong mathematics and English skills, knowledge of hydraulic and computerized systems associated with transmissions and the use of computerized diagnostic equipment. Those interested should also possess a valid driver's license, have a clean driving record, pass background check and drug test and be able to acquire needed tools. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary from May 2018 for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $40,710 per year.
Step 1: Obtain Training
In order to obtain the necessary training to become a transmission specialist, students that have completed high school can enter a trade school to complete a 2- or 3-semester certificate program in transmission repair, or enroll in a community college and complete an associate's degree program in automotive repair. Other options include entering an apprenticeship program or finding an entry-level position and receiving on-the-job training. Schools, auto manufacturers and dealers offer apprenticeships or partner to provide a combination of work and classroom experiences that allow students to earn an associate's degree while gaining job skills. These programs generally take 2-4 years to complete.
A tip for achieving success in this field would be to find a program that includes a factory-training certification. Some associate's degree programs offer manufacturer factory-training certifications to graduates. Many job ads request technicians with experience or expertise working on a vehicle from a particular manufacturer. Having a factory certification from a major automotive manufacturer, along with an associate's degree, may make the applicant more competitive in the job market.
Step 2: Gain Experience
Employers prefer transmission specialists who have some experience, as well as formal training. This experience can be gained through a dealer or manufacturer-sponsored degree program, an apprenticeship, or through on-the-job experience in an entry-level position. Entry-level technicians often start out in trainee positions or as technician helpers. They may start out cleaning and lubricating parts and working their way up to more complex responsibilities.
It can be a good idea to start purchasing tools while training or once hired for even an entry-level position. Although diagnostic tools for transmissions may be owned and provided by employers, most mechanics are required to furnish their own hand tools. Aspiring transmission specialists should begin to build their tool set and keep it in working order to be able to take new jobs. Since many mechanics work on commission, it is especially important to have the tools to complete a job independently.
Step 3: Become Certified
Most employers prefer transmission specialists to be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). There are numerous ASE certifications available, and some employers require transmission specialists to have more than one.
Transmission specialists can take ASE certification exams to demonstrate their knowledge of manual and automatic transmissions for automobiles and light trucks. To take the test, candidates must have 2 years of experience. Candidates may be able to substitute certain qualified training for job experience. Certifications are good for 5 years, after which technicians must take a recertification test. Transmission specialists who maintain their certifications may increase their job opportunities and chances for advancement in the industry.
Automobile manufacturers also provide factory-training certifications for the vehicles they manufacture. Often dealerships will send employees to factory training to obtain this certification. Certain associate's degree programs feature factory-training coursework and award factory-training certifications at graduation.
So, when considering a career as a transmission specialist, be prepared to follow up a high school diploma with a degree in the automotive repair field, certifications from the ASE, an apprenticeship, and/or possibly on-the-job training in order to advance in this field. Keep in mind that many employers want workers to be certified by specific automobile manufacturers and who acquired their own set of tools.