Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Certificate

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology
Program Code: C60460L1

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Certificate

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: HET and TRN

Courses in this program

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course introduces the theory, design, terminology, and operating adjustments for diesel engines. Emphasis is placed on safety, the theory of operation, inspection, measuring, and rebuilding diesel engines according to factory specifications. Upon completion, students should be able to measure, diagnose problems, and repair diesel engines.

This course introduces preventive maintenance practices used on medium and heavy-duty vehicles and rolling assemblies. Topics include preventive maintenance schedules, services, DOT rules and regulations, and roadability. Upon completion, students should be able to set up and follow a preventive maintenance schedule as directed by manufacturers.

This course covers workplace safety, hazardous materials, environmental regulations, hand tools, service information, basic concepts, vehicle systems, and common transportation industry terminology. Topics include familiarization with major vehicle systems, proper use of various hand and power tools, material safety data sheets, and personal protective equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate appropriate safety procedures, identify and use basic shop tools, and describe government regulations regarding transportation repair facilities.

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers basic electrical theory, wiring diagrams, test equipment, and diagnosis, repair, and replacement of batteries, starters, and alternators. Topics include Ohm's Law, circuit construction, wiring diagrams, circuit testing, and basic troubleshooting. Upon completion, students should be able to properly use wiring diagrams, diagnose, test, and repair basic wiring, battery, starting, charging, and electrical concerns.

This course provides a lab that allows students to enhance their understanding of electrical components and circuits used in the transportation industry. Topics include inspection, diagnosis, and repair of electrical components and circuits using appropriate service information for specific transportation systems. Upon completion, students should be able to diagnose and service electrical components and circuits used in transportation systems

Course Code Course Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers the theory and repair of braking systems used in medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Topics include air, hydraulic, and ABS system diagnosis and repair. Upon completion, students should be able to troubleshoot, adjust, and repair braking systems on medium and heavy-duty vehicles.

Total Credit Hours Required:
18

HET-119 may be substituted for HET-231

The curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Good To Know

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

  • Six hours from Communication
  • Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
  • Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

CommunicationHumanities & Fine ArtsSocial & Behavioral ScienceNatural Science & Mathematics
COM-110ART-111ECO-251BIO-161
COM-120ART-114ECO-252BIO-163
COM-231ART-115HIS-111BIO-168
ENG-110HUM-110HIS-112MAT-110
ENG-111HUM-115HIS-131MAT-121
ENG-112MUS-110HIS-132MAT-143
ENG-114MUS-112POL-120MAT-152
 PHI-215PSY-150MAT-171
 PHI-240SOC-210PHY-110/110A
  SOC-225PHY-121

 

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Three to eight hours in Mathematics
  • Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
  • 11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • 12 hours in Mathematics
  • 12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

  • Six hours in English Composition
  • Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
  • Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • Three to four hours in Mathematics
  • Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

  • Students will demonstrate information literacy.
  • Students will critique works of human expression.
  • Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

  • Students will identify processes.
  • Students will analyze problems.
  • Students will interpret the results.
  • Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

  • Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
  • Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
  • Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.

Get insight on 5 Diesel and Heavy Equipment career choices, and find what's right for you

Launch Career Coach