MOS 3521 Automotive Maintenance Technician
MOS 3521 Automotive Maintenance Technician
MOS Description
The Automotive Maintenance Technician services, inspects, maintains, and repairs motor transport equipment at the field level.

National Certifications and Federal Licenses
You selected Early Career—this applies to Marines in paygrades E1-E3. To help you focus on the credentials most appropriate for early in your career, the National Certifications list below has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply.
You selected Mid-Career—this applies to Marines in paygrades E4-E5. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and helps prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.
You selected Late Career-- this applies to Marines in paygrades E6-E9. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.
You chose Transitioning-- this applies to Marines who are not reenlisting and are planning their next steps. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining a credential can help prepare you for civilian employment, and can demonstrate knowledge and skills in a way civilian employers understand. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly. If you are already within that six-month timeframe, you can still choose to pursue the credential yourself or explore other funding options to pay for credentials.
As a transitioning Marine, you may also want to visit the Marine Corps' Transition Readiness Program for other guidance regarding reentering the civilian workforce.
You chose Promotion-Seeking-- this applies to Marines who plan to stay in the Corps and who are actively working on advancement. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.
You chose Veteran-- veterans are any former Service member who has been discharged from active duty military service. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
COOL does not pay for credentialing exams for veterans, but you may be able to get your credential funded through the GI Bill. Explore your funding options to see what funding may be available to you. Also, visit our page of Related Sites and expand the Resource Sites For Veterans section to see what other resources may be available to you
The following civilian credentials are related to MOS 3521 Automotive Maintenance Technician. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.
For more supervisory and managerial credentials, please refer to the LEADER summary page.Compare | Credential | Agency | Related As | Attainability | COOL$ | GI Bill® | Accreditation | ID | |
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Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Alternate Fuels - Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle (F1) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Section 608 Technician Certification (Type I) Is Not In Demand | United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | ![]() |
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Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems (X1) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist (L2) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Automobile Service Consultant (C1) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Automobile/Light Truck - Engine Repair (A1) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Automobile/Light Truck - Automatic Transmission/ Transaxle (A2) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Automobile/Light Truck - Manual Drive Train and Axles (A3) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Automobile/Light Truck - Suspension and Steering (A4) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Automobile/Light Truck - Brakes (A5) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Medium/Heavy Truck - Gasoline Engines (T1) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Medium/Heavy Truck - Diesel Engines (T2) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Medium/Heavy Truck - Drive Train (T3) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Medium/Heavy Truck - Brakes (T4) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Medium/Heavy Truck - Suspension and Steering (T5) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Medium/Heavy Truck - Electrical/Electronic Systems (T6) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Medium/Heavy Truck - Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI) (T8) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Truck Equipment - Installation and Repair (E1) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Truck Equipment - Electrical/Electronic Systems Installation and Repair (E2) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Truck Equipment - Auxiliary Power Systems Installation and Repair (E3) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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School Bus Technician - Body Systems and Special Equipment (S1) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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School Bus Technician - Diesel Engines (S2) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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School Bus Technician - Drive Train (S3) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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School Bus Technician - Brakes (S4) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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School Bus Technician - Suspension and Steering (S5) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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School Bus Technician - Electrical/Electronic Systems (S6) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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School Bus Technician - Air Conditioning Systems and Controls (S7) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Transit Bus - Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Engines (H1) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Transit Bus - Diesel Engines (H2) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Transit Bus - Drive Train (H3) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Transit Bus - Brakes (H4) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Transit Bus - Suspension and Steering (H5) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Transit Bus - Electrical/Electronic Systems (H6) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Transit Bus - Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (H7) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Transit Bus - Preventive Maintenance and Inspection (PMI) (H8) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Collision Repair and Refinish - Painting and Refinishing (B2) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Collision Repair and Refinish - Non-structural Analysis and Damage Repair (B3) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Collision Repair and Refinish - Structural Analysis and Damage Repair (B4) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Collision Repair and Refinish - Mechanical and Electrical Components (B5) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Parts Specialist - Medium/Heavy Truck Parts Specialist (P1) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Parts Specialist - Automobile Parts Specialist (P2) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Parts Specialist - General Motors Parts Consultant (P4) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Automobile/Light Truck - Heating and Air Conditioning (A7) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Automobile/Light Truck - Engine Performance (A8) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Automobile/Light Truck - Light Vehicle Diesel Engines (A9) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Medium/Heavy Truck - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems (T7) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Automobile/Light Truck - Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Damage Analysis and Estimating (B6) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Certified Vibration Analyst - Category I Is Not In Demand | Vibration Institute | ![]() |
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Certified Vibration Analyst - Category III Is Not In Demand | Vibration Institute | ![]() |
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Certified Vibration Analyst - Category II Is Not In Demand | Vibration Institute | ![]() |
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Certified Vibration Analyst - Category IV Is Not In Demand | Vibration Institute | ![]() |
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Certified Balancing Specialist - Category I Is Not In Demand | Vibration Institute | ![]() |
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Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Certification (L3) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) | ![]() |
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Electric Vehicle Technician (EVT) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Fire Apparatus Technician Level I Is Not In Demand | Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission Inc. | ![]() |
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Fire Apparatus Technician Level II Is Not In Demand | Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission Inc. | ![]() |
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Fire Apparatus Technician Master Level III Is Not In Demand | Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission Inc. | ![]() |
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Ambulance Technician Level I Is Not In Demand | Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission Inc. | ![]() |
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Ambulance Technician Level II Is Not In Demand | Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission Inc. | ![]() |
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Ambulance Technician Master Level III Is Not In Demand | Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission Inc. | ![]() |
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Airport Rescue and Fire-Fighting (ARFF) Technician Level I Is Not In Demand | Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission Inc. | ![]() |
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Airport Rescue and Fire-Fighting (ARFF) Technician Level II Is Not In Demand | Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission Inc. | ![]() |
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Airport Rescue and Fire-Fighting Technician Master Level III Is Not In Demand | Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Certification Commission Inc. | ![]() |
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State Licenses
Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor. For more supervisory and managerial occupations, please refer to the LEADER summary page.
Apprenticeship
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training program that provides active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides the nationally recognized "Certificate of Completion" upon program completion.
USMAP enhances your job skills and shows your motivation for more challenging military assignments. Having a DOL Certificate of Completion is an advantage in getting better civilian jobs since employers know the value of apprenticeships.
The following USMAP apprenticeship trades are related to MOS 3521 Automotive Maintenance Technician:
Completing an apprenticeship is a process with four major steps. Proceed to Step 1 on the USMAP website to select an apprenticeship trade that is related to your military occupation.
Related Civilian Occupations
The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by MOS 3521 Automotive Maintenance Technician. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below. For more supervisory and managerial positions, please refer to the LEADER summary page. To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran’s Employment Center.
Civilian Job | Duties Matched | Bright Outlook | Registered Apprenticeship | Local Salary Info | |
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Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants |
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Automotive Body and Related Repairers |
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Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers |
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Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics |
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Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary |
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Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders |
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First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers |
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Office Clerks, General |
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Receptionists and Information Clerks |
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Stockers and Order Fillers |
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Tire Repairers and Changers |
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The following federal occupations are similar to MOS 3521 Automotive Maintenance Technician. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the federal occupation below.
In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, advanced education is another way to enhance job performance.
For help in making informed choices on schools and education programs when using tuition assistance, see: