The Certified Automotive Training Specialist (CATS) certification program is a prestigious and comprehensive credential designed to empower automotive professionals, instructors, and technical educators with the expertise required to train, develop, and mentor individuals within the automotive service and repair industry. As the automotive sector continues to evolve with the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving systems, and advanced diagnostics, the demand for highly qualified trainers who can bridge the gap between traditional automotive knowledge and modern advancements is growing exponentially. The CATS program has been carefully developed to meet this demand by equipping participants with a blend of technical proficiency, instructional design, and training delivery skills necessary to effectively impart automotive knowledge in dynamic learning environments.

In today’s fast-paced automotive industry, the ability to train others with accuracy, clarity, and relevance is not only a valuable asset but a critical necessity. The CATS program goes beyond technical training by preparing professionals to design curriculum, conduct engaging hands-on training sessions, evaluate learner performance, and stay aligned with industry standards and safety regulations. Participants will gain a solid foundation in instructional methods, competency-based education, workshop management, and emerging trends such as EV maintenance and hybrid systems. By the end of the program, certified professionals will be well-positioned to lead the training efforts of automotive institutions, service centers, OEM training academies, and vocational education providers with confidence and authority.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Automotive Training Specialist (CATS) program, participants will be able to:

• Master Technical Instructional Design: Develop a comprehensive understanding of how to create effective and engaging training modules tailored to automotive systems and service procedures.
• Conduct Effective Automotive Training: Learn how to deliver technical training in both classroom and hands-on environments using modern pedagogical approaches and automotive teaching aids.
• Understand Advanced Automotive Technologies: Gain updated knowledge on the latest vehicle technologies, including electric, hybrid, and autonomous systems, and integrate them into training content.
• Evaluate and Assess Learner Competency: Acquire skills to design assessments, provide constructive feedback, and ensure the measurable learning outcomes of trainees.
• Manage Training Workshops: Learn the essentials of organizing and maintaining a productive automotive training environment that meets health, safety, and industry compliance standards.
• Promote Lifelong Learning and Industry Alignment: Cultivate strategies to stay aligned with industry certifications, engage in continuous professional development, and foster a culture of innovation in automotive education

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for certification from The American Institute of Business and Management (AIBM) and its allied institutions, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

And/or

• 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience in the related professional field.

Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the AIBM evaluation committee.

Certifying Examination:

• To be certified as CATS, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIBM.
• The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
• Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Foundations of Automotive Training and Education
• Module 2: Instructional Design and Curriculum Development
• Module 3: Vehicle Systems and Emerging Technologies
• Module 4: Workshop Management and Safety Compliance
• Module 5: Assessment and Learner Performance Evaluation
• Module 6: Industry Integration and Professional Development

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The Certified Automotive Training Specialist (CATS) certification is tailored for a broad spectrum of professionals who are engaged in or aspire to take up training roles within the automotive industry. This program is especially beneficial for individuals in the following capacities:

• Automotive Instructors and Trainers: Individuals currently teaching in technical colleges, vocational institutions, or OEM training academies will benefit from advanced instructional strategies, updated technical content, and tools to enhance student engagement and outcomes.
• Automotive Engineers and Technicians: Experienced professionals looking to transition into training roles can use the CATS certification to gain formal recognition of their instructional capabilities and improve their ability to pass on complex technical knowledge.
• Workshop Supervisors and Service Managers: Leaders responsible for mentoring junior staff and technicians can leverage this program to formalize their training practices and create structured, efficient, and safety-compliant learning environments within workshops.
• Technical Education Professionals: Those involved in curriculum development or managing automotive training centers can enhance their program quality, align with industry standards, and incorporate modern training methodologies.
• Corporate Trainers and Learning & Development Officers: Professionals in auto companies or service chains who are responsible for in-house technical training can use the CATS program to enrich their training strategies and ensure alignment with the latest vehicle technologies and service protocols.
• Consultants and Freelance Educators: Independent professionals offering automotive training and advisory services will gain structured knowledge and enhanced credibility through the certification, helping them to expand their reach and impact.
• Government and NGO Trainers in Vocational Programs: Trainers working in skill development programs or employment initiatives will find the CATS certification essential for delivering high-quality automotive education aligned with employability goals and industry relevance.

The CATS certification is ideal for those passionate about technical education and committed to shaping the next generation of skilled automotive professionals. Whether working in a teaching institution, managing a service center, or conducting industry workshops, certified individuals will be prepared to lead, innovate, and transform automotive learning experiences across various settings.