As of January 2011, San Diego Miramar College's automotive technology department is in the process of setting up a either a degree or certificate program in the field. Enrollees must have at least a high school diploma. The number of credits to be earned for program completion have not yet been assigned, but the school charges California residents $26 per credit. Out-of-state tuition is $183 per credit. Upon program completion, graduates are able to diagnose, repair and replace malfunctioning automotive system components. In addition, graduates can navigate computer databases to find needed automotive repair information and identify Occupational Safety and Health Association violations. Classes are given over a course of 16 weeks, either consecutively or in two eight-week frames. High school students are welcome to attend classes during summer break.
San Diego Community College offers a certificate program in automotive technology. The 600-hour course costs $4.25 per hour for a total tuition of $2,550. The curriculum follows the standards of The National Automotive Technician Education Foundation and instructs students on the proper use of tools and equipment, adequate safety measures, professional communication and ethics and the diagnosis, repair and replacement of automotive engines, electrical systems, steering components, drivetrains, fuel systems, suspension and emission control. Enrollment is open to interested candidates with at least an eighth grade education and a driver's license. Evening classes are available three evenings per week for professionals with day jobs. The course is generally completed in a 25- to 40-week period.
San Diego Community College's automotive upholstery certificate program also requires the completion of 600 credit hours, so it costs the same as the automotive technology certificate program. It is normally completed in 36 to 52 weeks. A flexible schedule is unavailable as all of these classes are given during the day four days per week. Upon completion graduates have learned how to use and handle upholstery tools like a computerized sewing machine in a safe manner. Graduates are also able to identify fabric types, lay out designs and sew curves, square corners, beading and zippers. This knowledge equips upholstery workers with the ability to install car seats, door panels, arm rests, convertible tops and car headliners.
San Diego Community College's automotive body and paint technician certificate program takes the longest to complete requiring 900 credit hours. At $4.25 per hour, the program costs a total of $3,825. Like the automotive upholstery program, it is normally completed in 36 to 52 weeks. Instruction standards are based on the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. Graduates can remove, align and install exterior automotive body parts and glass. They can also prepare a vehicle for paint refinishing and apply information from service manuals.