<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>As a student of the Small Engine Repair diploma program at Penn Foster, you will have the opportunity to learn about the operations, systems, and disassembly/reassembly of small engines. Through studies and practical exercises, you could expect to find out about small engine ignition, electrical, fuel, cooling, lubrication, and transmission systems as well as the components of two- and four-stroke and diesel engines, such as carburetors and starters. Courses also instruct how to take apart and reconstruct a small engine, from cylinders and crankshaft to pistons and valves. Separate courses focus on the repair of lawn mowers, riding mowers, and tractors. In practical exercises, you will study photos, diagrams, and illustrations and answer questions based on given scenarios to reinforce what you learned in required courses. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Before enrolling in the Small Engine Repair program at Penn Foster Career School, you must be at least 17 years old and have completed up to eighth grade studies; some states require applicants to be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma. You might demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as small engine technicians typically evaluate and troubleshoot issues and make necessary repairs to solve those issues. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>To successfully complete this diploma program, you must complete a total of 18 courses and seven practical exercises. The program is designed to be completed in four months. </p> <p><u>Required Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>Starting Your Program</td></tr> <tr><td>Introduction to Small Engines</td></tr> <tr><td>Small Engine Parts and Operation</td></tr> <tr><td>Practical Exercise 1</td></tr> <tr><td>Small Engine Lubrication and Cooling Systems</td></tr> <tr><td>Small Engine Ignition Systems</td></tr> <tr><td>Practical Exercise 2</td></tr> <tr><td>Small Engine Electrical Systems</td></tr> <tr><td>Small Engine Fuel Systems</td></tr> <tr><td>Practical Exercise 3</td></tr> <tr><td>Engine Disassembly</td></tr> <tr><td>Engine Rebuild, Part 1</td></tr> <tr><td>Engine Rebuild, Part 2</td></tr> <tr><td>Engine Reassembly</td></tr> <tr><td>Practical Exercise 4</td></tr> <tr><td>OPE Transmission Systems</td></tr> <tr><td>Servicing Lawn Mowers and Riding Mowers</td></tr> <tr><td>Servicing Garden Tractors</td></tr> <tr><td>Practical Exercise 5</td></tr> <tr><td>Servicing Outdoor Power Equipment, Part 1</td></tr> <tr><td>Servicing Outdoor Power Equipment, Part 2</td></tr> <tr><td>Practical Exercise 6</td></tr> <tr><td>Outboard Engines</td></tr> <tr><td>Your Small Engine/OPE Repair Business</td></tr> <tr><td>Practical Exercise 7</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>After successful completion of the curriculum of the Small Engine repair diploma program at Penn Foster, you are likely to have built the skills needed to work on small gasoline engines. You might troubleshoot and repair issues with small engines for lawn care equipment, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, marine outboard motors, or go-karts. </p> <p>As a small engine mechanic, you might find employment in: </p> <ul><li>Marinas </li><li>Motorcycle repair shops </li><li>Landscaping companies </li><li>Small engine manufacturing companies </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>While the Small Engine Repair program is designed to ensure that you have the knowledge needed for service technician jobs in this area, you might choose to go on to more advanced studies should you be seeking to further develop your skills or wish to obtain a management position. A two-year degree program could offer more in-depth studies of industrial and manufacturing processes; industrial safety practices and equipment; advanced electrical, electronic, and other systems; and engineering materials. </p> <p>An internship might also be included in the curriculum of an associate degree program. </p> <p>Some associate degrees you might consider include: </p> <ul><li>Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology </li><li>Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering </li><li>Associate of Applied Science in Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology</li></ul>