Small Engine Repair
Career Diploma5 months
Learn how to troubleshoot and repair small gasoline engines with our Penn Foster Career School's accredited online Small Engine Repair Training Program. With self-paced classes, you can prepare for a hands-on career in the field on your schedule.
- Learn fundamental mechanical concepts including cooling, electrical, and fuel systems, servicing lawnmowers, tractors, and outboard engines, and more.
- Prepare for optional Outdoor Power Equipment Association (OPE) certification, which can help you stand out when applying for jobs.
- Students enrolled in the program receive a discount for Snap-on tools.
- Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced
Save up to $190Ends 6/25/2024
Cost of Program
$899
$1,089Save $190
or
$59/month, Start for as low as $20
Enroll NowRequest Info
1-570-961-4033(10AM - 6:30PM ET)
What You Will Learn
- How to describe the operation of carburetors, ignition systems, and starting systems, and explain how a transmission can be used to increase the output horsepower and torque of an engine.
- How to identify types of small-engine lubrication and cooling systems, as well as how to properly service and maintain these systems.
- How to troubleshoot and repair electrical systems for small engines.
- How to disassemble small gasoline engines, as well as repair and rebuild them.
Small Engine Repair Career Outcomes
Small Engine Mechanic
AVG SALARY*
$44,080/yr
NUMBER OF JOBS*
88,000
Through the online small engine repair training program, you'll prepare for work in the field. There are opportunities to use your small engine repair skills in a variety of locations, including dealerships, repair shops, hardware and other retail stores, equipment rental agencies, and even your own small engine mechanic business.
State Licensing Requirements
Licensing and/or certification requirements for small engine repair jobs are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program.See the State Licensing pagefor contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.
Small Engine Repair Curriculum
- 8 courses
- 36 continuing education units (CEUs)
- 25 exams
Estimated completion time:
- Fast track = 5 months
- Average time = 9 months
With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.
In our Small Engine Repair Diploma Program, you'll learn the knowledge and skills that can help you prepare for a career as a small engine mechanic. Your online units include:
- Small Engine Ignition Systems
- Small Engine Fuel Systems
- Engine Disassembly and Reassembly
- OPE Transmission Systems
Non-US residents: This is a United States-based institution with course materials that are geared toward US job and labor standards. Learners from outside of the US may find that some information and materials will differ from the current standards of their country. Please note, the materials for this program are in English and use the Imperial unit of measurement, not the metric system.
Show Full Curriculum
Small Engine Repair Student Experience
Our graduates have gone on to find work in mechanic shops, hardware shops, and dealerships. Learn more about their experience with the Penn Foster program.
View Student Success Stories
Gabrielle M.
Penn Foster Graduate, 2023
“It offered me a better education that I could use in the real world and I loved being able to learn at my own pace.”
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Small Engine Repair Program Tuition
Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Small Engine Repair Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans and get started today!
Option 1: Pay in full
Save up to $190Ends 6/25/2024
Cost of Program
$899
$1,089Save $190
- Best price. Best value.
- Pay the full cost today
- No monthly payments
Enroll Now
Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan
Cost of Program
$1,089
- Pay $59 per month
- Start for $20 down
- All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now
Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan
cost of program
$1,089
- Pay $59 per month
- Start for $39 down
- Mail your payments
Enroll Now
Need more info or ready to enroll?
Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.
We're here to help. Call1-570-961-4033(10AM - 6:30PM ET)
Request Info
Our Proven Automotive Repair Learning Model
Empowering students to reach their professional goals
Flexible
- Start anytime
- No exam due dates
- Self-paced
Interactive
- Digital study guides
- Self-check quizzes
- Simulations and videos
Connected
- 24/7 access to online resources
- Online student community
- Dedicated Learner Center
Supportive
- Expert faculty
- Dedicated student services
- Robust learning resources
Related Programs
Small Engine Repair Program FAQs
What types of small engines will I learn to repair in this course?
Penn Foster's online Small Engine Repair Program prepares students to repair typical two-stroke and four-stroke engines, outboard engines, and marine engines.
Why become a small engine mechanic?
Small engine mechanics play a vital role in servicing and repairing outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers and leaf-blowers. Mechanics who work on outdoor power equipment and other small engines will continue to be in-demand because of the widespread use of these engines in gardening, tree work, landscape construction, and similar activities. The average national salary for small engine mechanics was $44,080 in 2022, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.*
How long does it take to become a small engine mechanic?
Penn Foster’s self-paced course can be completed around your schedule. While postsecondary education isn't required and many shops and businesses will provide some on-the-job training, job prospects are best for those who have completed training programs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What qualities make a good mechanic?
Good small engine mechanics are detail-oriented, have strong troubleshooting and mechanical skills, and are able to work in a variety of environments. They should also have a strong understanding of customer service and organizational skills. Many skills can be developed through training in our online Small Engine Repair Program, including how to start your own repair business.
Sources:
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Small Engine Mechanics." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed October 2, 2023.
Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.
Snap-on Student Excellence Program
Students enrolled in the small engine repair training program are eligible to participate in the Snap-on Student Excellence Program. This program allows students in trades and technology education programs to purchase high-quality Snap-on tools at a preferred student discount. Some restrictions may apply for total purchases and quantities of certain items. Click here to see the new Snap-on Catalog.
Outdoor Power Equipment Association Small Engine Repair Certification
This certification is voluntary and not required for employment, though it can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for engine repair jobs. The only way to become OPE-certified is to successfully complete their certification exam.
On average, learners can complete their program in as few as 9 months. Faster learners, or those with more time to dedicate to their coursework, can finish in as little as 5 months. If you don’t have lots of time to dedicate to your program, that’s ok too! You can learn at the pace that works for you and your schedule. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.
