Training Overview
GM STC Service Technician Training
Training Goals
GM STC helps service technicians achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction in dealer service by structuring their training around a standard performance-based curriculum.
The curriculum provides a blended approach to training, dividing training between in-dealership and off-site locations. With the right mix of training methods, a growing number of technicians are able to demonstrate they are ready to “Fix it Right the First Time!”
Improved service quality leads to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty to the dealership and the product; improved customer satisfaction also helps the dealer achieve long-term profitability.
Dealer Benefits
By actively participating in the GM STC training program, dealers experience the following benefits:
- More in-dealership training that requires service technicians to spend less time away from the dealership
- A training website (www.centerlearning.com) that allows versatile, on-demand training management with a convenient “Path to 100% STS” link, training histories, ASE certification status integration, and training reports, among other features
- Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty, based on more effective technician performance
- Access to skilled entry-level automotive service technicians who graduate with GM STC course credits from the GM Automotive Service Educational Program (GM ASEP), the Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training program, and the GM Technician Career Training program
- Access to the GM Service Technical Automotive Readiness Training (GM START) program, which helps GM dealers recruit and retain service technicians by offering fundamental training in automotive technology
Service Technician Benefits
By participating in the GM STC training program, service technicians experience the following benefits:
- Knowledge and skills to “Fix it Right the First Time!”
- Faster professional development through the elimination of training redundancy
- Focused training and career development provided by the “Path to 100% STS” link for required courses
- Access to a performance-based curriculum that requires sufficient competency
- Modular training to accommodate the technicians’ schedules
Performance-Based Curriculum

The GM STC performance-based curriculum offers training courses across Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac brands. To receive credit for a course, service technicians must demonstrate competency in all applicable course components, which may include web-based, VOD, VCT, and GM Service Know-How Emerging Issues seminars.
If a service technician does not demonstrate sufficient competency, they will be required to review or retake the course component until competency is obtained.
- For web-based components, content-specific review is built into the training, with service technicians required to review until they obtain a score of 100% on test items.
- For Virtual Classroom Training (VCT) components and GM Service Know-How Emerging Issues seminars, service technicians are required to retake the entire component until they obtain a score of 80% or better.
- For Virtual Instructor-Led Training (V-ILT), and Performance Instructor-Led Training (P-ILT) course components, only the component that was not successfully completed needs to be retaken. If a technician passes the V-ILT but fails to demonstrate sufficient competency in the P-ILT, they only need to retake the P-ILT.
- For GM Service Know-How Video On Demand and videos, service technicians are required to view the video and take the test via www.centerlearning.com until they obtain a score of 80% or better.
The goal of the performance-based curriculum is to provide a path for service technicians to meet the requirements for GM’s Dealer Divisional Service Training Standards (STS) (for example, become Division Certified) and GM Master Technician Certification (MTC). Technician training is divided into two curricula: GM STC Foundational Curriculum and GM STC Professional Curriculum. Each of these curricula are divided into certification areas. The GM STC Foundational Curriculum does not count toward STS, but completing it is required before a technician can start the GM STC Professional Curriculum.
The GM STC Foundational Curriculum has one learning path that is divided into nine service areas:

The GM STC Professional Curriculum has 16 learning paths:

* Training and certification is offered through GM-approved suppliers and not through GM STC.
The certification areas in the Professional Curriculum are made up of three types of courses:
- Those required for the dealership to meet Dealer Divisional STS and for the service technician to become GM STC Division Certified.
- Those required for the service technician to achieve GM Master Technician Certification (MTC).
- Those that provide supplemental content to enhance the service technician’s knowledge and skills but are not part of GM MTC or the Dealer Divisional STS.
Blended Learning Media Mix Overview and Course Components
Center of Learning training is available at the dealership through a variety of media.
GM STC courses have evolved from traditional instructor-led to blended learning with more flexible delivery methods while emphasizing performance-based outcomes. This approach better supports service technician training by offering the appropriate media mix for the needed training in the 21st century.
The media mix includes, but is not exclusive to, Web-Based Training (WBT), Virtual Classroom Training (VCT), Video On-Demand (VOD), Performance Support Objects (PSO), and the Video Resource Library. This media mix allows service technicians to improve their product knowledge and advance their repair and diagnostic skills while spending less time away from the dealership.
Courses can also be accessed via a tablet; just look for this symbol. GM STC offers two modes of training:
- Asynchronous training, also known as self-paced training, doesn’t require learners and instructor/s to be online or in person at the same time for instruction.
- Synchronous training requires both learners and instructor/s to be present at the same time for instruction.
GM STC also offers a number of Accessibility options to help accommodate those that may need them. Review each type of training below to understand the different options available. If additional assistance is needed that is not accommodated by the information below, please reach out to the Help Desk and/or Training Center (depending on the type of training that accommodations are needed for) in a timely manner before the class session, so proper accommodations can be made.







Understanding Course Component Flow & Function

GM STC blended training delivers courses in multiple components; these different components provide the service technician with the skills necessary to “Fix it Right the First Time!”
Multiple component courses may use combinations of the following media:
- Web-based training addresses the knowledge portion of the class. The material is designed to teach the service technician theory of operation and function of the systems and components, and to introduce diagnostic procedures.
- VCT reinforces the knowledge provided in the WBT and introduces the service technician to diagnostic skills necessary to repair the vehicle.
- Hands On or V/P-ILT allows the service technician to practice diagnostic skills in a setting similar to the work environment.
- Virtual and Performance ILT series allow technicians to complete part of the Hands-On course within their dealership using the VCT system. Finally, the technician attends a Performance Instructor-Led Training at a GM Training Center where diagnostic procedures are focused on. This series is a new way technicians can complete their Hands-On requirements, reducing the amount of the time they are out of the dealership.
- Diagnostic Exercises facilitate the practice of skills, educate, and update knowledge.
- Video On Demand has an easy-to-use “Search Videos” function, which allows users to review specific content. This search capability allows technicians to locate a specific topic at any time.
In each component of the blended training, successful completion of a final test is required for course component credit.
Videos augment the basic course components and should be taken at the appropriate time in the Learning Path based on prerequisites.
Average Percentage of STS Technicians May Earn Without Leaving Their Dealership

Credit for Course Components (known as Cross Credits)
The Center of Learning enables technicians who have successfully completed a previous version of a course to conveniently get credit for a new version of the same course in their training history without having to repeat the entire course again.
Testing
Most courses allow for two test attempts. Technicians should review the materials carefully before taking the test; if the test attempts are exceeded, technicians will be locked out indefinitely until GM STC resets the tests on a periodic basis.
Video On Demand: Testing for content on VOD is available by going to the Course Details page in www.centerlearning.com. When the course is live and ready for viewing, service technicians should click “Launch”. When they are done viewing the course, they must click on the “Take Test” link that appears in the Video On-Demand player at the completion of the video.
Professional Curriculum Exams, Academies, & Task Lists
Entry Exam
Each learning path in the Professional Curriculum has an Entry Exam. This Entry Exam is a graded test that ensures the Service Technician has the knowledge needed to begin the Learning Path. Service Technicians must pass the Entry Exam in order to advance into the associated Professional Curriculum learning path. If the Service Technician does not pass with 80% or better, they must complete the associated courses in the Foundation Curriculum before proceeding to the Professional Curriculum learning path courses.
Academies
There are two types of Academies in the new curriculum: Learning Path Academies, and the GM Academy.
- Learning Path Academies are found on the specific Learning Paths they apply to, and are one-week long, hands-on courses that cover all the online content of the Learning Path. By completing them, technicians will receive credit for all the courses on the Learning Path except for any of the hands-on courses and Final Exam.
- The GM Academy is an eight-week, in-person course that equips participants with essential skills and knowledge across many of the Learning Paths. Participants in the program graduated with 100% STS in Fundamentals, 94% in Chassis/Brakes, 93% in Engine Mechanical, 98% in Electrical/Electronics, 93% in HVAC, and 100% in EV Expert.
Task Lists
Each learning path in the Professional Curriculum has a Task List. This Task List highlights all the tasks Service Technicians will be able to perform upon completing the learning path. The Task List also shows which courses are associated with each task, so Service Technicians can easily find the course they need in order to learn a particular task.
Knowledge Check
Each learning path in the Professional Curriculum has a Knowledge Check. This Knowledge Check is a nongraded knowledge test, which Service Technicians complete after completing the Virtual Instructor-Led Training (V-ILT) course(s) on the learning path. This Knowledge Check quizzes the Service Technician on everything they have learned up to that point on the learning path to ensure they are ready for the Final Exam. Any wrong answers will provide a task corresponding to the Task List so the technician can review any course they need to be better prepared for the Performance Instructor-Led Training (P-ILT) course.
Final Exam
Each learning path in the Professional Curriculum has a Final Exam. This Final Exam is a graded test, to be completed after the P-ILT course, that serves as the capstone to the learning path. Service Technicians must prove that they have the skills and knowledge necessary by passing with 80% or better, otherwise they will need to review courses on the learning path and take it again. If the Service Technician exceeds the number of attempts and still has not passed, they will need to retake the P-ILT course.
Assessments & Certifications
GM Master Technician Certification (MTC) Assessment
To attain MTC, the technician must be 100% STS in both Silver and Gold and complete all MTC components. GM MTC Assessment is a performance-based event in which each service technician must demonstrate knowledge and diagnostic skills. During the GM MTC event, each service technician is required to solve real vehicle faults by applying the accumulated learning from all courses in the Certification Area. The GM MTC Assessment Program covers 13 of the 15 service categories (it excludes Fundamentals and Emerging Issues.) MTC assessments are administered at training locations across the country.
The GM MTC Assessment contains a comprehension component and a practical evaluation to assess the service technician’s knowledge and diagnostic skills. Each Assessment consists of timed exercises that have been developed based upon the critical elements of the courses across the Certification Area and real-life concerns.
To achieve GM Master Technician Certification, a service technician must successfully pass the GM STC Certification Event and be ASE certified in that area.
GM STC recognizes a one-year certification with an annual renewal on Master Technician Certifications. The MTC program allows service technicians to retain their certification if they are at 100% on their STS training requirements.
Once a service technician successfully completes a MTC assessment, that service technician will remain Master Technician Certified as long as they continue to meet their STS requirements for the area(s) in which they are certified. The service technician must maintain their ASE Certification for that category as well.
The Service Technician Assessment Process is as follows:
- Each exercise is designed to assess each service technician’s ability to diagnose and apply skills with a simulated real-life customer concern using cross-divisional vehicles.
- To successfully complete a Certification Event, the service technician must obtain a total score of 80% or better across the performance-based exercises. During the assessment, a certifier who has received extensive training in conducting performance-based assessments evaluates the service technician’s skills.
A service technician who receives GM MTC status receives the following items:
Letter
Certificate of Achievement*
Patch**
*Only the first certificate will be mailed. Additional Certificates are available for download online.
**Additional GM patches are available for purchase through the Center of Learning Help Desk.
If a service technician does not satisfy all of the assessment requirements, a letter indicating the areas for improvement is provided to the service technician.
The service technician’s Learning Path and the STS/MTC tables define the courses in an area that must be completed before the service technician may enroll for the Certification Event. Service technicians can enroll for a Certification Event in the same manner they would for a course component.
During the enrollment process, the service technician is given the option to download:
- A Certification Event Performance Task List – which allows the technician to self-assess and verify they have the skills necessary to pass the certification
- A GM MTC Preparation Guide – which provides additional information about the assessments
Additionally, on each of the ASE Certification pages on the Center of Learning, technicians can download an ASE Prep Guide to help them prepare for their needed ASE Certifications. Below is a table listing the required ASE Certifications for each Service Area MTC.
Mechanical | |
---|---|
Course | ASE Requirement |
Electrical/Electronics | A6 |
Engine Repair | A1 |
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning | A7 |
Brakes | A5 |
Steering and Suspension | A4 |
Manual Drivetrain and Axle | A3 |
Automatic Transmission/Tranaxle | A2 |
Engine Performance | A8 and L1 |
or | or |
Diesel Engine Performance | A9 |
Cadillac-Branded Patches
Cadillac franchised Dealers have the opportunity to select Cadillac-branded Master Technician Certification (MTC) and World Class Technician (WCT) patches for their technicians. Cadillac Certified Service, in partnership with the Cadillac Dealer Council, implemented this new, creative solution to help Cadillac Dealers recognize their highest achieving technicians. To further elevate the role of our Cadillac technicians, Cadillac franchised dealers can edit existing and new technician profiles to indicate their dealer’s patch preference.
Note: These Cadillac patches will not match the existing MTC or WCT patches. Cadillac Dealers can order additional patches their technicians’ are qualified for at an extra cost.
The decision to switch to Cadillac-branded patches is a dealer decision, NOT an individual technician decision. To change your preferences from GM-branded to Cadillac-branded patches, first coordinate with your Service Manager to approve that your dealer is making the switch.
For the step-by-step instruction on how to update your patch preference, refer to the Cadillac-branded Patches Job Aid on the Center of Learning through the Help/Support button.
GM Master Technician Certification Preparation Guide
The GM MTC Preparation Guide is a reference tool for service technicians preparing to take a Master Technician Certification Event. It helps service technicians by explaining how to prepare for the assessment, what happens on the assessment day, and what happens following the assessment. It is included as an attachment to every certification catalog entry in the Center of Learning.
GM Master Technician Certification Performance Checklist
The Certification Performance Checklist lists the knowledge, skills, and performance criteria in which the service technician should be proficient prior to a Certification Event. The service technician and the service manager may utilize the Certification Event Performance Checklist to evaluate the service technician’s performance. This checklist determines if the service technician is ready to participate in the Certification Event or should attend the instructor-led course component prior to the assessment. The service technician can also use the checklist to prepare for the assessment.
GM World Class Technician (WCT)

A technician can achieve GM World Class Technician status in the Mechanical area. It’s achieved when a technician successfully completes all related training and the appropriate Master Technician Certifications.
Service technicians can achieve WCT status in the Mechanical area when they successfully achieve eight of nine MTCs with their accompanying ASE Certifications. This includes being 100% STS in Fundamentals. They have a choice of completing either Engine Performance or Diesel Engine Performance along with seven mechanical-related certifications. These areas are as follows in the chart below:
Mechanical | |
Course | ASE Requirement |
Electrical/Electronics | A6 |
Engine Repair | A1 |
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning | A7 |
Brakes | A5 |
Steering and Suspension | A4 |
Manual Drivetrain and Axle | A3 |
Automatic Transmission/Tranaxle | A2 |
Engine Performance | A8 and L1 |
or | or |
Diesel Engine Performance | A9 |
Technicians who receive World Class Technician status receive a gift package that includes the following:
- Letter of Recognition signed by the Director, Dealer Service, and Warranty Operations
- WCT statue (new design in 2021)
- WCT patch
- WCT toolbox medallion (introduced in 2017, new design in 2021)
- Downloadable certificate from the Center of Learning
Performance Assurance
The GM STC program has an evaluation system in place to measure the effectiveness of the performance-based curriculum and the delivery media. GM STC evaluates the performance of the training program at four levels:
Other Feedback Mechanisms
GM’s Customer Care and Aftersales division provides Dealer Satisfaction Survey results to GM STC to gauge service managers’ opinions of GM STC training products. The survey results provide valuable input for short-term and long-term improvement initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement to the GM STC program.
ASE Accreditation

Becoming an ASE Accredited Training Provider is a highly regarded accomplishment in the service technical training area, as it recognizes those organizations who provide outstanding technical training to service technicians. GM STC initially achieved this status in the automotive training industry by being awarded accreditation for its Service Technical Training curriculum in 2001.
Becoming accredited is a voluntary ASE certification program for training entities that provide continuing education to working automotive service technicians. The ASE Education Foundation administers the program and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) grants the certification.
The accreditation program certifies training providers for working service technicians. ASE Education Foundation evaluates the training providers’ process of developing and delivering training and then recommends accreditation, when appropriate, as an ASE Certified Training Provider.
There are many benefits to receiving training from a ASE Certified Training Provider including:
- The recognition that the training provider and its processes have been reviewed against industry established and endorsed standards.
- The accreditation process serves as a tool for program improvement.