Automobiles have a long and rich history in the state of Idaho. Dating all the way back to 1913, the state issued a total of 2,083 license plates to in-state vehicles. However, licenses were not required by Idaho drivers until 1935. There are also automobile clubs and societies spread out through Idaho and those organizations have a rich history until this day. The spacious state of Idaho leaves plenty of room for driving, as it consists of more than 83,000 square miles. Auto mechanic jobs are also available throughout the state, as it remains one of the higher-paying states in this profession. A rich history combined with a promising future makes becoming an Idaho auto mechanic a wise career move.

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Auto mechanic education is an important part in the process of becoming an auto mechanic in the state of Idaho. Auto mechanics looking to pursue this career path can choose from a variety of educational options. There are two-year and one-year education plans while others may take as little as 9 months to complete. According to which program is chosen, there is a different time frame in terms of graduation.

Diplomas, degrees, and certificates are the final result for auto mechanics who enter these types of programs. While the curriculums may be different, the core principles remain relatively similar. Auto mechanic education will help students to become acquainted with everything they need to know to start out as an auto mechanic. Here is he looking and some of the auto mechanic education options in Idaho.

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  • Eastern Idaho Technical College
    There are three levels of technical certificates, as we as an Associate Degree option offered through the Automotive Technology program at Eastern Idaho.
    1600 S 25th E
    Idaho Falls, ID 83404
    Phone:(208)524-3000                                                
  • North Idaho College
    Technical certificates and Associate Degree options are both offered to students attending North Idaho.
    1000 W. Garden Ave.
    Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
    Phone: (208) 769-3300
  • Idaho State University
    The automotive program at Idaho State admits a total of 38 students each year and is also ASE certified.
    921 South 8th Avenue
    Pocatello, Idaho, 83209
    Phone: (208) 282-4636
  • College of Western Idaho
    There are a number of automotive options to choose from at Western Idaho, and that also includes manufacturer specific training.
    College of Western Idaho
    5725 E. Franklin Rd
    Nampa, ID 83687
    Phone: 208-562-2338
  • College of Southern Idaho
    The College of Southern Idaho has a host of options, which also extends to a General Motors specific training program.
    315 Falls Avenue
    Twin Falls, ID 83301
    Phone: 208-732-6323

Auto Mechanic Work Experience in Idaho

Work experience as an auto mechanic serves a number of purposes. First, it allows new auto mechanics to get a better grasp of diagnosis and actual repair skills. Auto mechanic training shows students a myriad of potential problems, although there are always new issues that an auto mechanic will encounter in the field. The more exposure they get to a variety of issues, the more adept they will become at their craft. Work experience also helps auto mechanics seeking out ASE certifications. One certification mandate is that auto mechanics accumulate a specific amount of work experience. There is a long list of auto repair shops in Idaho that may be able to serve as potential places of employment and here is a look at a handful of those establishments.

Idaho EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification

Auto mechanic training is not limited to the classroom instruction received in a post-secondary school. There is more training needed to authorize auto mechanics for the repair of motor vehicle air conditioner (MVAC) systems. This process requires mechanics to earn a 609-refrigerant certification, which grants them the right to fix and service MVAC units. To prepare for this certification test, auto mechanics can utilize training programs from afar. This helps with studying, learning and prepping prep for the certification test, which is both created and administered by the EPA. The test is available exclusively online and here are a few 609-refrigerant certification training programs to assist in that process.

  • ESCO Institute
    P.O. Box 521
    Mount Prospect, IL 60056
    Phone: (847) 253-2220

ASE Certifications in Idaho

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a name that needs little introduction to those in the auto repair industry. The ASE is responsible for issuing certifications that serve as a barometer for excellence in the auto repair industry. To obtain an ASE certification, and auto mechanic must work a set number of years and then pass a certification exam. That certification remains in good standing for five years. After that time period, auto mechanics must take a recertification exam. However, that second exam is not as arduous and contains only about half as many questions as first examination. Certifications are highly acclaimed in the auto repair industry. Auto mechanics who have several certifications usually receive more consideration when applying for an open position. And those who accumulate every certification in a particular test series are given the distinction of Master Auto Mechanic. For those auto mechanics interested in obtaining certifications from the ASE, here is a look at a list of some test series.

  • Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test (G1)
  • Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests (A Series)
  • Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series)
  • Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification Test (B6)
  • Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test (C1)
  • Truck Equipment Certification Tests (E Series)
  • Alternate Fuels Certification Test (F1)
  • Transit Bus Certification Tests (H Series)
  • Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification Test (L1)
  • Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification Test (L2)
  • Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Test (L3)
  • Engine Machinist Certification Tests (M Series)
  • Parts Specialist Certification Tests (P Series)
  • School Bus Certification Tests (S Series)
  • Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests (T Series)
  • Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems Test (X1)

An official test center in Idaho is where auto mechanics must take an ASE certification exam. There is a procedure to follow when scheduling and taking an ASE exam. Auto mechanics are asked to follow each step of that procedure in an effort to become ASE certified. There are a variety of test centers to choose from in Idaho and here is a look at some of those locations.

Test Center #7406
Prometric Satellite Center
Cassia Regional Tech Center
1143 West 16th street
Burley, Idaho 83318
(208) 878-6610

Test Center #7565
ETS – University of Idaho
1210 Blake Ave
Mary Forney Hall was Continuing Education Bldg.
Moscow, Idaho 83844-1099
(208) 885-6716

Test Center #2002
Boise - Meridian
Idaho State University
1311 East Central Drive
Room # 679A
Meridian, Idaho 83642
(208) 373-1815

Test Center #7437
Prometric Satellite Center
College of Southern Idaho
315 Falls Ave PO Box 1238
Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
(208) 732-6532

Test Center #5004
Idaho Falls - Pocatello
1001 South 8th Avenue
Pocatello, Idaho 83209
(208) 282-4872

Manufacturer Certification Training in Idaho

Manufacturer specific training is a way to become skilled in working on vehicles made by a particular manufacturer. For auto mechanics interested in working solely on vehicles made by companies like GM, Ford, Chrysler, or Audi, there is specific training they can undergo. Each car manufacturer devises its own individualized training program and that is offered at various post-secondary schools and colleges throughout the country. Some programs are available in greater abundance. Attaining this type of training gives auto mechanics the option of working in a shop that specializes in the service and repair of vehicles made by one individual manufacturer. This can lead to a productive and stable career as an auto mechanic. Idaho is home do a handful of auto mechanic training programs that are manufacturer specific and here is more information on those programs.

  • Subaru University
    North Idaho College
    1000 W Garden Ave
    Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
    Phone: (208) 769-3300

Idaho Auto Mechanic Salary

The state of Idaho has a fluctuating pay scale for auto mechanics. That fluctuation is contingent upon experience, certifications and location of an auto repair business. Novice auto mechanics typically earn entry-level rates that are lower than mechanics who have accumulated multiple certifications along with years of experience. However, the importance of location cannot be discounted. In the state of Idaho, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary of auto mechanics is $37,690 annually. Meanwhile, the top 10% of auto mechanics in Idaho earn an average salary of $61,150 per year. Here is a look at the differentiating auto mechanic salaries by location in the state of Idaho.

  • Idaho Falls
    Top 10% Salary: $69,990 ($33.65 per hr)
    Median Salary: $44,190 ($21.24 per hr)
  • Pocatello
    Top 10% Salary: $57,970 ($27.87 per hr)
    Median Salary: $32,600 (15.67 per hr)
  • Boise
    Top 10% Salary: $59,960 ($28.83 per hr)
    Median Salary: $38,150 ($18.34 per hr)