I know you don't need ASE Certification or a degree in Mechanic to be a mechanic or to open up your own shop but I would rather have a degree to understand really well about cars. I am a DIY and have been working on cars since 2019. Over the course of years I have replaced all the fluids like for example Oil etc..., have replaced engine mounts, spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, pcv valve, alternator, starter, battery, sway bar links, inner tie rods, outer tie rods, control arms, serpentine belts, radiator, cooling fans, catalytic convertors, oxygen sensors, brake pads, brake shoes, brake calipers, brake rotors and the list goes on. What are the procedures to become an Automotive Mechanic in terms of getting a degree? Which one is better? Getting a Certificate or getting an Associate degree? I am thinking about getting Automotive Technology Technician Associate in Applied Science ( Associate Degree ). It will be a 2 year degree program in a community college. I don't want to go to UTI ( Universal Technical Institute ) because the tuition is expensive and costs around $60,000 for the degree program and that is in 1 year. For the training to work on cars do the schools teach you while you take the classes or do they teach you after you graduate from school? Anything helps.