Do you want a career in automotive technology, but you don’t like the grease of garage work? Consider becoming an auto parts specialist. This role enables effective and efficient repairs by maintaining a reliable stock of parts. NYADI The College of Transportation Technology offers academic programs in Jamaica, NY, that train students for various jobs within the automotive industry. Here, we explore what an auto parts specialist does and provide useful tips for success in this career field.

What Is an Auto Parts Specialist?

Auto parts specialists play a vital role in vehicle repair. They are responsible for managing the spare parts inventory for a repair shop, auto parts store, or dealership. By keeping necessary parts in stock, they ensure that technicians can complete repair and replacement jobs efficiently. Typical duties of a parts specialist include:

• Reviewing stock for shortages
• Looking up parts and their potential applications
• Comparing purchase information between suppliers
• Ordering the appropriate amount of stock
• Providing order status updates for colleagues or clients
• Delivering part orders to their final destination
• Resolving customer concerns and questions
• Operating digital Points of Sale (POS) systems

By completing these tasks, you contribute to your workplace’s efficiency and the quality of its service.

Important Qualities for an Auto Parts Specialist

Parts specialists rely on a variety of skills in everyday work. While auto repair knowledge is important, it isn’t everything; they must also have basic customer service and business abilities. The qualities of a successful auto parts specialist include:

• Automotive knowledge: Parts specialists must demonstrate their product knowledge, including manufacturer offerings, performance standards, usages, and warranties.
• Organizational skills: Because parts specialists are responsible for maintaining stock, they must be able to stay organized and keep track of information.
• Customer service: Parts specialists are expected to maintain a friendly but professional attitude while resolving customer concerns and ensuring their satisfaction.
• Communication skills: They must also be able to share information clearly regarding stock levels, the status of active orders, and other related topics.

How to Become an Auto Parts Specialist

The minimum qualification for an auto parts specialist is a high school or General Education Development (GED) diploma. This is the basic first step to most careers.

Once you have graduated high school or earned a GED, you should also complete some training in auto repair. NYADI provides an automotive service technology certification program that teaches the skills you will need in your future career. You may also pursue our associate’s degree program for additional training, which can help you problem-solve with confidence and make you more desirable to employers. These programs can help you pursue a career as an auto parts specialist, automotive technician, auto parts manager, and more.

Do I Need an ASE Certification?

After a few years on the job, you may wish to earn an auto parts ASE certification. Managed by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE), the certifications are evidence of your capabilities and your commitment to perfecting your craft. The exams can be taken after two years of industry experience, or after earning an associate’s degree and one year of industry experience. There are three possible exams to take:

• P1, which is Medium-Heavy Truck Parts Specialist
• P2, which is for Automobile Parts Specialist
• P4, which is General Motors Parts Consultant

Exam questions are written and screened by a board of industry professionals and cover the kinds of problems you may encounter in everyday work. They test your auto repair knowledge and your ability to solve issues while on the go. Passing earns you certification in the relevant subject. While not necessary to work as a parts specialist, ASE certification can enhance your career by making you stand out to potential customers and employers.

Begin Training to Become an Auto Parts Specialist at NYADI

If auto parts specialist sounds like the career for you, start learning today at NYADI. We offer automotive repair certification and degree courses designed to teach you the skills you will need in your career. We can also help you earn your GED diploma if you need help qualifying for training. Financial aid is available for students who qualify. To learn more about career options for our graduates, contact an admissions representative at our Jamaica, NY, campus today.