Program Technical Standards

Automotive Technology

Kauai Community College's Automotive Technology Program (AMT) curriculum has been designed to meet the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) standards. Our goal is to prepare students to become entry-level technicians in the field.

Program Entry Requirements

  • English Requirements: COMPASS* placement into ENG 21 or higher
  • Math Requirement: COMPASS* placement in Math 50 or higher, *UH Community College System placement test
  • General Requirements: Valid Driver's License

Recommended Preparation

High school industrial education courses, Career pathways, Early admission program
Costs (not including tuition)
Tools and supplies: approx. $1900

Program Technical Standards

Our program technical standards have been developed to help students understand the minimum essential mental, physical, and behavioral skills necessary for participation in and completion of all core aspects of our curriculum. As an AMT student you will be expected to do the following:

 Thinking Skills

General

Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and computer-related automotive failures.

Specific

  • Read and interpret automotive manuals, diagrams, charts, meters, and gauges.
  • Do searches on a computer and in manuals for necessary information. Take measurements and do conversions.
  • Identify automotive components and systems. Recognize indicators of malfunctions.
  • Analyze information and draw conclusions based on a review of findings. Measure and calculate electrical power.

Sensory/Observation

General

  • Use sensory cues to inspect and test components to determine root causes of failures and respond properly.

Specific

  • Interpret readings on meters, gauges, and computers.
  • Distinguish identifying colors of wires, knobs and other parts.
  • Recognize and interpret colors and textures of residue on parts.
  • Detect and respond to noises, vibrations, temperatures, and smells that indicate problems.
  • Select appropriate materials, tools, and equipment for maintenance and repairs.
  • Judge distances and spaces relationships of objects. Manipulate certain parts and tools by feel only.

Motor Skills

General

  • Possess sufficient physical strength, flexibility, and dexterity.

Specific

  • Operate necessary tools and equipment.
  • Remove and replace failed components and small parts.
  • Position and maneuver in confined spaces.
  • Work at varying heights.
  • Lift and transport equipment and materials as necessary.

Communication Skills

General

Communicate effectively to gather and convey information.

Specific

  • Obtain necessary information from oral and written sources.
  • Express information coherently.
  • Utilize automotive technical terms and expressions. Document work accurately.

Behavioral Skills

General

Behave appropriately and safely in a cooperative learning environment.

Specific

  • Fulfill personal and shared responsibilities.
  • Work cooperatively with partners and groups.
  • Exercise good judgment.
  • Follow safety procedures.

Environmental Tolerances

General

Function safely in an auto shop environment.

Specific

  • Work for prolonged periods.
  • Amidst: Extreme noise.
  • Extreme heat.
  • Sharp tools and materials.
  • Electrical equipment.
  • Chemicals and toxins.
  • Dust and fumes.
  • Machinery with moving parts.
  • Moving objects and vehicles.
  • Slippery or uneven surfaces.
  • Variations in lighting.

If you are interested in our program, we encourage you to meet with our AMT counselor (phone: 808.245.8245)

Each of our courses has specific requirements for successful completion. The AMT program is a competency-based program following NATEF standards. You will be provided with a list of the competencies at the beginning of each AMT course that must be completed. Please keep in mind that you will have to fulfill additional requirements to be eligible for certification exams or licensure in the field. For more information go to Website

Disability Accommodations

We have developed our technical standards in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. We will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. If you are interested in our program, we encourage you to review the program technical standards and course information.

If you have questions about the AMT program, please call the KCC Counseling Office at 808.245.8245. If you have questions about disability access and accommodations, please direct them to KCC's Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at 808.245.8314. SSD will be happy to meet with you, evaluate your disability documentation, and, as appropriate, recommend reasonable accommodations consistent with your documented limitations and the technical standards.