6A-6.05731. Industry Certification of Automotive Service Technology Education Programs

(1) Section 1004.925, F.S., requires industry certification of all automotive service technology education programs, effective fiscal year 2013-2014, in order to receive state funding. This rule establishes consistent guidelines for industry certification of automotive service technology education programs which are preparing students for employment in the automotive occupations that involve the inspection, repair, or adjustment of automobiles.

(2) In order to become industry certified, an automotive service technology program must undergo a comprehensive review. The review must be conducted by a national organization and result in a national industry program certification or accreditation. The comprehensive review must include, at a minimum:

(a) A review of the program goals, related to the needs of the students and employers served;

(b) A review of program administration that would ensure that instructional activities support and promote the goals of the program;

(c) A review of support material, consistent with both program goals and performance objectives, that will be available to staff and students;

(d) A review of funding available to meet the program goals and performance objectives;

(e) A review of systematic skills assessment, interviews, counseling services, placement and follow-up procedures used;

(f) A review of instruction which must be systematic and reflect program goals;

(g) A task list and specific performance objectives with criterion referenced measures used;

(h) A review of equipment and tools ensuring they are of the type and quality found in the repair industry and that they are also the type needed to provide training to meet the program goals and performance objectives;

(i) A review of the physical facilities making sure those facilities permit achievement of the program goals and performance objectives;

(j) A review of all instructional staff to assure technical competency and all state and local requirements for certification are met;

(k) A review of all written policies and procedures used for cooperative and apprenticeship training programs; and

(l) For programs using e-learning to meet program hour requirements, a review of written policies and procedures that must be followed when e-learning curricular materials are used outside of scheduled classroom/lab/shop time for the purpose of meeting the industry-certified entity’s instructional hour requirements.

(3) Description of the examinations and competencies to be demonstrated must be recognized nationally by the automotive industry, including manufacturers, automotive dealers, automotive maintenance and repair businesses for their expertise and experience in certifying automotive repair training programs.

(4) Programs must be recertified according to the prescribed procedures of the appropriate certification agency. However, all programs must remain continuously certified by said certifying agency, with no lapse of certification.

Rulemaking Authority 1004.925 FS. Law Implemented 1004.925(2), (3) FS. History–New 2-1-11.