Caterpillar mechanics, or a dealer technicians, repair and maintain heavy Caterpillar equipment both on job sites and at big machinery service shops. The job requires mechanical training, analytical troubleshooting, and getting enjoyment from working with your hands.
Caterpillar mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair Caterpillar heavy equipment and engines. With Caterpillar’s reputation for quality machinery, becoming a Cat mechanic is a promising career path. This guide covers how to become a Caterpillar service technician.
Understand the Role
Caterpillar technicians work at authorized Caterpillar dealerships performing tasks like:
- Diagnosing issues with equipment using computerized diagnostic tools
- Completing preventive maintenance based on hours of operation
- Repairing and replacing defective components
- Testing repaired equipment to ensure proper operation
- Maintaining service records and parts inventories
- Advising customers on equipment care and best practices
It’s a hands-on role for those passionate about machinery mechanics and customer service.
Gain Relevant Education
While a high school diploma is the minimum required, completing a diesel technology program provides useful preparation. Look for programs that
- Have instructors with industry experience
- Offer access to modern diagnostic tools
- Provide hands-on training on diesel engines
- Teach electronics, hydraulics, power trains, HVAC, and other systems
- Help students earn relevant certifications
Many community colleges and trade schools offer quality programs in diesel technology
Earn Industry Certifications
Certifications demonstrate technical expertise to potential employers. Key options include:
- ASE Certifications – Medium/Heavy Truck, School Bus, Truck Equipment, Diesel Engines
- EETC Caterpillar Technician Certification
- State-Level Certificates – Examples: NYS Diesel Technician, CA Smog Check Technician
- EPA Section 609 Certification – For HVAC service involving refrigerants
Entry-level candidates may have 1-2 certs; senior techs often have 4 or more,
Gain Hands-On Experience
Look for part-time or summer jobs, internships, or apprenticeships that provide applied skills, like:
- Auto mechanic shops – Develop core repair skills that translate
- Farm equipment repair – Gain experience with diesel machinery
- Trucking companies – Work on heavy truck maintenance
- Caterpillar dealers – Get familiar with Cat equipment
- Outdoor power equipment shops – Enhance small engine knowledge
This experience gives you an advantage when applying to dealer tech roles.
Apply for Open Positions
Caterpillar dealers frequently hire new technicians to keep up with demand. Openings are posted on Caterpillar’s website and individual dealer sites. Competitive candidates have:
- 1-2 years of hands-on mechanic experience
- Relevant certifications
- Strong diagnostic, problem-solving and computer skills
- Technical aptitude and focus on safety
- Positive attitude and communication abilities
Also look for Caterpillar apprenticeship opportunities to start your career.
Excel in Your Training Program
Once hired, you’ll complete extensive hands-on training over 12-18 months to become proficient in servicing Cat equipment. Expect:
- Classroom and virtual instruction on products, technologies, and procedures
- Web-based training modules with quizzes to check understanding
- Time in the shop practicing under supervision
- Ongoing training as new products are released
Full engagement and focus during training lays the skills foundation for success.
Develop Specialized Expertise
With experience, technicians can develop expertise in certain areas:
- Specific equipment types – Backhoe loaders, track excavators, wheel loaders, etc.
- Applications – Mining, marine, power systems, construction, forestry
- Components – Transmissions, hydraulics, electrical, emissions, etc.
Pursuing specializations provides growth opportunities.
Maintain Up-to-Date Knowledge
Ongoing learning is critical to excel as a Cat tech. Expect to:
- Complete regular manufacturer-led training
- Study new Caterpillar equipment manuals
- Certify on the latest tools and software
- Learn emerging technologies like hybrid, autonomous machines
- Stay on top of evolving EPA emissions regulations
Continuous skills development ensures you can meet customer needs.
Develop Customer Service Skills
Top technicians have exceptional customer service skills. They:
- Patiently listen to owners describe equipment issues
- Clearly explain repair options and recommend solutions
- Build rapport and trust by answering questions
- Proactively contact customers with repair status updates
- Keep the shop and customer vehicles clean and organized
These “soft skills” keep customers satisfied and loyal.
Earn Caterpillar Certification
The gold standard is earning the Caterpillar Certified Technician status, which requires:
- Completing at least 18 months as a Cat dealer tech
- Having 8 ASE certifications relevant to Cat equipment
- Passing 5 hands-on performance exams
This certification validates expertise on the latest Cat products and technologies.
The hard-working mechanic willing to continually develop their skills can build an enjoyable, stable career with Caterpillar. If you love big machines, this is a rewarding path where you can grow professionally while providing essential services to equipment owners. Use these tips to get started and succeed as a Cat service technician.
How Do I Become A Caterpillar Diesel Mechanic?
You can:
- Get accepted into Caterpillars specialized 2-year training program. Applications are open Jan-March every year. Interviews are in May, and classes typically begin in August.
- Or, attend a diesel mechanic training program at a trade school near you. Many programs can be completed in as few as 10 months. Classes begin regularly throughout the year.
Caterpillar offers its program through participating colleges and universities. The 2-year program is called ThinkBIG, and Cat will tell you it is very competitive to enter.
Youll need an essay, letters of recommendation, and to pass a series of mechanical, verbal, and spatial reasoning tests. If you arent accepted on your first try, the brand recommends you enter a trade school or community college to learn while you wait for the next acceptance period.
Getting accepted to a trade school or community college that offers diesel mechanic training can be a much faster process. Youll need a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Get started by finding a trade school near you!
Caterpillar Training and Trade School Programs: What You’ll Learn
While attending diesel mechanic training, youll learn all about:
- Diesel technology
- Power trains
- Hydraulics
- Electrical systems
- Diesel engines and more
Youll learn about how engines work, learn work procedures for maintaining and repairing the total machine, and gain the technical skills you will need to work on new problems every day.
Youll also learn about the safety measures youll need to take while making the repairs. After you learn about all of the theory and safety precautions, youll get to work in a lab and put your knowledge to use with the help of a trained professional.
How to Become a Caterpillar Equipment Technician
How do I become a caterpillar mechanic?
The first step towards beginning your career as a trained Caterpillar mechanic is to make sure you fully understand the skills and requirements for the job. As a mechanic for large-scale, diesel-powered machinery, it’s important that you have skills in critical thinking, dexterity and attention to detail.
How can I get a job at Caterpillar?
Apprenticeships are one way you can earn a salary while participating in hands-on learning. To keep technicians on the leading edge, Caterpillar and our dealers offer thousands of hours of training for advanced and expert level technicians. Many of these programs can qualify for top industry certifications.
What training does Caterpillar offer?
To keep technicians on the leading edge, Caterpillar and our dealers offer thousands of hours of training for advanced and expert level technicians. Many of these programs can qualify for top industry certifications.
How do I become a cat mechanic?
Diesel mechanic training program: The other option for aspiring Cat mechanics to get their training is to enroll in a diesel mechanic training program. These programs take about one year to complete and students can take their classes at a local trade school. For both programs, students must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
