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Two students work on an engine while their tutor supervises them.

New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering

If you’re into cars, engines, or figuring out how things work this is where you start. Bring your interest and willingness to learn, and we’ll help you build the skills to get into the automotive industry.

Level
3
Credits
120 (1.0 EFTS)
Campus
Mt Albert
Start dates
February or July
Duration
Full-time for 1 year, or Work based for 1.5 - 2 years are available

Call us now on 0800 10 95 10

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Programme overview

In this certificate you’ll build the foundation skills and knowledge to begin your career in automotive engineering

learn how to service general automotive systems and work within commercial work environments. Engines, electrics, brakes, steering, and the new tech coming through the door. One year full-time, two years part-time, or on the job workbased while you keep earning. Mt Albert.

Highlights

  • Engine & Management Systems: Stripping, checking, and servicing engines, cooling/lubrication, petrol/diesel injection, emissions, and diagnostic scanning.

  • Transmissions & Driveline: Servicing manual clutches, automatic gearboxes, differentials, and CV/universal joints.

  • Electrical, Starting & Charging: Reading wiring diagrams, circuit testing, lighting, battery maintenance, and fault finding on starting/charging setups.

  • Brakes, Steering & Suspension: Servicing brake systems and fluid bleeding, along with wheel alignments, suspension geometry, springs, shocks, bushes, and bearings.

  • EVs, New Tech & Compliance: High-voltage EV and hybrid safety precautions, emerging vehicle tech, airbags, HVAC/air con, and NZ warrant standards (VIRM).

About Work based study

Our work based option is designed for students who wish to gain this qualification while working in the automotive industry. If you have any queries about this option and want to know more about the course timetable, please contact;

Funding your study

Find out how to fund your study, including which loans and allowances are available, the fees-free tertiary study policy, grants, and hardship. More about funding your study.

Qualification pathway

Graduates of this programme can take a pathway into becoming a trainee or start your automotive apprenticeship in a light automotive or automotive electrical programme, or even enroll in our Bachelor of Applied Technology – Automotive Engineering programme

 

Admission requirements

What you will need to study this programme.

Domestic students

Academic requirements

 You must be at least 16 years of age on the date of the programme’s commencement for the semester, and you’ll need to:

  • NCEA Level 1 in Mathematics, English; Or
  • Equivalent.

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

  • If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify.
  • You may also be eligible for special or discretionary admission.

Simply apply online, and we’ll be in touch about your next steps.

Download the full programme regulations

Academic requirements

As a part of this requirement, you must meet at least 16 years of age and meet one of the below;

  • All applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies,
  • English entry requirements;

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes and a range of English Language programmes can help you qualify.

Download the full programme regulations

Courses and timetables

For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2027; please check back again soon.

Compulsory courses
Level 3
Courses Credits Aim
Automotive Workshop Safety(APTE3101) 10.0 credits (0.083 EFTS) To introduce workplace policies, procedures and relevant regulations to work safely and effectively in an automotive workshop.
Workshop Engineering Tools and Equipment - Compulsory(APTE3102) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To introduce students the use tools and equipment to complete basic workshop engineering tasks.
Engines and Cooling System(APTE3103) 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) To enable students to describe engine operation and carry out an engine overhaul and service an engine cooling system.
Engine Tuning and Fuel Systems(APTE3104) 10.0 credits (0.083 EFTS) To enable students to describe and diagnose engine tuning and fuel systems.
Automotive Brakes and Steering(APTE3105) 25.0 credits (0.208 EFTS) To apply fundamental automotive engineering knowledge to service steering, suspension and brake systems
Automotive Transmissions and Driveline Systems(APTE3106) 10.0 credits (0.083 EFTS) To enable students to describe the function, purpose and location of transmissions and service systems.
Automotive Electrical Technology(APTE3107) 10.0 credits (0.083 EFTS) To develop students' knowledge of electrical principles in vehicle circuits.
Automotive Electronic and HVAC Systems(APTE3108) 25.0 credits (0.208 EFTS) To enable students to describe and service electronic circuits and demonstrate knowledge of HVAC systems.
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