Transportation · course plan
⚠ Pending professional review
This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by a certified examiner or master technician in the trade or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it as instructions for work on a job site or on live equipment. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.
VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.
Small Engine & Power Equipment
9 courses · 900 clock hours · 3–6 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.
9courses
54lessons
900hours
31assessments
Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons54 of 54 lesson pages writtenPractice431 practice questionsResources120 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional
Study now: 54 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).
TRN-SMAL74-01 Universal core
Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career for Small Engine & Power Equipment
148 hr · $1,185 COMPLIMENTARY
This foundational course equips students with the safety practices, trade mathematics, technical literacy, digital skills, and professional habits required throughout every subsequent course in the Small Engine & Power Equipment program. Students earn OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification and basic first aid/CPR certification and build the workplace-readiness skills that support both EETC and OEM credentialing. All content is contextualized to outdoor power equipment, motorcycles, ATVs, and small engine service environments.
Outcomes- Demonstrate compliance with OSHA General Industry hazard-recognition and control principles and correctly apply lockout/tagout and PPE selection for small engine shop hazards.
- Perform trade math calculations—including unit conversion, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, and area/volume—accurate to the tolerances required in small engine service work.
- Read and interpret technical service manuals, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and parts diagrams common to outdoor power equipment and small engine repair.
- Use digital tools—including manufacturer online portals, digital multimeter software, parts-lookup platforms, and shop management software—to retrieve and record service information.
- Produce clear written service orders, parts requests, and customer-facing documents using correct trade terminology and professional communication standards.
- Apply career-readiness behaviors—punctuality, workplace ethics, professional communication with customers and supervisors, and resume and credential portfolio preparation—in simulated shop scenarios.
Course text
This foundational course equips students with the safety practices, trade mathematics, technical literacy, digital skills, and professional habits required throughout every subsequent course in the Small Engine & Power Equipment program. Students earn OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification and basic first aid/CPR certification and build the workplace-readiness skills that support both EETC and OEM credentialing. All content is contextualized to outdoor power equipment, motorcycles, ATVs, and small engine service environments.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Shop Safety, Hazard Recognition, and OSHA 10-Hour Certification; First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Response in the Small Engine Shop; Trade Math: Measurement, Fractions, Decimals, and Unit Conversion; Trade Math: Ratio, Proportion, Area, Volume, and Electrical Math; Technical Reading: Service Manuals, Diagrams, and Parts Catalogs; Digital Tools, Shop Management Software, and Professional Documentation; Career Readiness: Workplace Ethics, Customer Relations, and Credential Portfolio.
What competent looks like. Demonstrate compliance with OSHA General Industry hazard-recognition and control principles and correctly apply lockout/tagout and PPE selection for small engine shop hazards. Perform trade math calculations—including unit conversion, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, and area/volume—accurate to the tolerances required in small engine service work. Read and interpret technical service manuals, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and parts diagrams common to outdoor power equipment and small engine repair. Use digital tools—including manufacturer online portals, digital multimeter software, parts-lookup platforms, and shop management software—to retrieve and record service information. Produce clear written service orders, parts requests, and customer-facing documents using correct trade terminology and professional communication standards. Apply career-readiness behaviors—punctuality, workplace ethics, professional communication with customers and supervisors, and resume and credential portfolio preparation—in simulated shop scenarios.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shop Safety, Hazard Recognition, and OSHA 10-Hour Certification | 30 | theory | Students identify and control the principal hazards of a small engine service shop—flammable fuels, rotating parts, electrical shock, exhaust gases, and noise—and complete all modules required for OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification. |
| OSHA 10-Hour General Industry student course materials (authorized provider), shop hazard-identification checklist, LOTO locks and tags set, ANSI Z87.1-rated safety glasses, nitrile gloves, hearing protection (NRR-rated earplugs), Class B fire extinguisher (for identification only), shop ventilation diagram | Students pass each OSHA 10-Hour module assessment at the threshold set by the authorized provider; LOTO role-play rated pass on all critical steps of the department checklist (100% on safety-critical steps, no uncorrected errors permitted). |
| 2 | First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Response in the Small Engine Shop | 10 | demo | Students perform adult CPR/AED and basic first aid skills appropriate to shop emergencies—fuel burns, eye contamination, laceration, and carbon monoxide exposure—at the level required for a recognized first aid/CPR certification. |
| CPR manikins (one per two students), AED trainer unit, first aid kit (shop-standard), eyewash station, scenario cards, American Red Cross or AHA student workbook | Students earn a recognized CPR/AED certification card from the authorized provider; scenario card debrief scored by instructor—students must correctly identify the priority action and at least two supporting steps for each of the four scenarios (80% minimum). |
| 3 | Trade Math: Measurement, Fractions, Decimals, and Unit Conversion | 24 | practice | Students accurately convert between US customary and metric units, read precision measuring tools, and perform fraction and decimal calculations to the tolerances stated in small engine service specifications. |
| Digital calipers (class set), outside micrometers (0–1 in. range, class set), feeler gauge set, metric/US conversion reference card, blank data recording sheets, engine component samples (piston, crankshaft journal, valve stem), Briggs & Stratton or Honda service manual spec pages (measuring section), calculator | Measurement relay data sheet: all five tool readings within ±0.001 in. (or metric equivalent) of the instructor master; worksheet: 80% correct answers with unit labels present on all numeric answers. |
| 4 | Trade Math: Ratio, Proportion, Area, Volume, and Electrical Math | 18 | practice | Students apply ratio and proportion, area and volume formulas, and Ohm's law calculations to solve service problems representative of fuel mixing, engine displacement, cutting area, and basic circuit analysis encountered in small engine repair. |
| Scientific calculator, trade math workbook or instructor-prepared worksheets, engine spec sheets (bore and stroke data), Ohm's law reference card, blank label template, colored markers for label design | Displacement calculations: within 0.1 cc of published spec; Ohm's law problems: 80% correct; fuel-mixing label: all nine values mathematically correct (100% required, as errors have safety implications) and legible. |
| 5 | Technical Reading: Service Manuals, Diagrams, and Parts Catalogs | 26 | theory | Students locate, read, and interpret information from printed and digital service manuals, exploded-parts diagrams, torque specification tables, and wiring schematics for outdoor power equipment, extracting the specific data needed to complete a repair task. |
| Briggs & Stratton L-head or Intek engine service manual (current edition), riding mower wiring schematic (instructor-prepared or OEM source), desktop or laptop computers with internet access, OEM parts-lookup portal access credentials, comprehension question worksheets | Manual-lookup activity: 5 of 6 specifications correctly cited with page reference; wiring schematic questions: 80% correct; parts-lookup: correct part number and model-series match confirmed by instructor (100% required). |
| 6 | Digital Tools, Shop Management Software, and Professional Documentation | 20 | lab | Students create accurate digital service records, use shop management or work-order software to document a simulated repair job, and produce a professional written service order and customer estimate using correct trade terminology and grammar. |
| Computers with spreadsheet and word-processing software, instructor-provided shop management template (or access to a free demo account), service order and estimate form templates, peer-review rubric, parts-inventory spreadsheet (instructor-prepared), trade terminology reference list | Work order rated by instructor rubric: must include all required fields completed accurately, labor and parts costs calculated correctly, and no undefined abbreviations (80% overall; labor/parts math must be 100% correct); customer letter: peer and instructor rubric both rate professional tone and correct terminology at 80% or above. |
| 7 | Career Readiness: Workplace Ethics, Customer Relations, and Credential Portfolio | 20 | field | Students demonstrate professional workplace behaviors—punctuality, ethical decision-making, respectful customer communication, and self-advocacy in a credentialing context—and assemble a career-entry portfolio that includes their resume, certifications earned, and a credential-pathway plan for EETC and OEM certifications. |
| Role-play scenario cards, customer-communication feedback rubric, ethics case-study worksheet, resume template (trade-specific), word-processing software, OSHA 10 and CPR/AED certificates (from earlier lessons), EETC candidate handbook (current), OEM certification information sheets (Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, or Honda as available) | Role-play: instructor rates each scenario at 80% or above on the communication rubric (must score full marks on 'no unsafe advice given' criterion); ethics worksheet: 80% correct with written justification; portfolio: all four required components present and resume reviewed by instructor as job-ready (no spelling errors, correct contact information, relevant skills listed). |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shop Safety and OSHA Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% correct overall; 100% correct on all lockout/tagout and fire-hazard questions (safety-critical items have no partial credit) | A 50-question written exam covering OSHA General Industry hazard categories, LOTO procedures, PPE selection for small engine shop hazards, fire extinguisher classification, and emergency-response protocols. Questions are drawn directly from OSHA 10-Hour module content and the shop-specific scenarios covered in Lessons 1 and 2. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Trade Math and Technical Reading Exam | Written exam | 25% | 78% correct overall; fuel-mixing ratio problems must be 100% correct due to safety implications of wrong mix ratios | A 40-question exam combining multiple-choice and short-answer problems covering unit conversion, fractions and decimals, displacement and ratio calculations, Ohm's law, and interpretation of a provided torque specification table and wiring schematic excerpt. Students may use a calculator and the class conversion reference card. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Career-Entry Portfolio Project | Project | 25% | All four required components submitted; overall rubric score 80% or above; zero-tolerance for missing OSHA 10 or CPR/AED certification documentation | Students submit a complete career-entry portfolio containing: a trade-specific resume, copies of OSHA 10-Hour and CPR/AED certificates, a personal statement of career goals in the small engine trade, and a written credential-pathway plan identifying the steps to sit for EETC certification and at least one OEM certification. The portfolio is scored on completeness, professional writing, and accuracy of the credentialing information using a standardized rubric. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Professional Communication Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 25% | 80% on instructor rubric overall; must score passing marks on 'accuracy of safety information' and 'professional tone' sub-categories | In a 10-minute structured oral session, the student explains a completed simulated service order to the instructor role-playing as a customer, answers two instructor-posed scenario questions (one on a safety concern in the shop, one on a career or credentialing topic), and defends a math calculation from the portfolio. The instructor scores clarity, accuracy, professional vocabulary, and composure using a published rubric provided to students at the start of the course. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
TRN-SMAL74-02 Trade course
2/4-Stroke Engine Theory and Service
88 hr · $1,265 COMPLIMENTARY
Students develop a thorough understanding of the operating principles, construction, and service procedures for both two-stroke and four-stroke small engines used in outdoor power equipment. Emphasis is placed on systematic diagnosis, correct disassembly and reassembly, precision measurement, and safe shop practices that align with EETC and OEM certification competencies.
Outcomes- Explain the complete combustion cycle of both two-stroke and four-stroke engines, identifying the function of each major component and system.
- Perform precision measurements of engine components—bore, stroke, clearances, and compression—using hand tools and gauges, and compare findings to OEM service limits.
- Safely disassemble, inspect, and reassemble a single-cylinder two-stroke and a single-cylinder four-stroke engine following OEM service manual procedures and torque specifications.
- Diagnose no-start, low-power, and excessive-smoke conditions on small engines using a systematic troubleshooting process and record findings in a service work order.
- Identify and correct lubrication system faults in four-stroke engines, including oil consumption, contamination, and incorrect oil level, applying OEM oil-type specifications.
- Apply all required lockout/tagout, PPE, and waste-disposal practices throughout engine service operations in compliance with shop safety standards.
Course text
Students develop a thorough understanding of the operating principles, construction, and service procedures for both two-stroke and four-stroke small engines used in outdoor power equipment. Emphasis is placed on systematic diagnosis, correct disassembly and reassembly, precision measurement, and safe shop practices that align with EETC and OEM certification competencies.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Engine Fundamentals and Shop Safety Review; Engine Construction: Components, Materials, and Specifications; Precision Measurement and Tolerances; Four-Stroke Engine Disassembly, Inspection, and Lubrication Systems; Two-Stroke Engine Disassembly, Inspection, and Reed Valve/Port Service; Engine Diagnosis and Troubleshooting; Engine Reassembly, Final Inspection, and Start-Up.
What competent looks like. Explain the complete combustion cycle of both two-stroke and four-stroke engines, identifying the function of each major component and system. Perform precision measurements of engine components—bore, stroke, clearances, and compression—using hand tools and gauges, and compare findings to OEM service limits. Safely disassemble, inspect, and reassemble a single-cylinder two-stroke and a single-cylinder four-stroke engine following OEM service manual procedures and torque specifications. Diagnose no-start, low-power, and excessive-smoke conditions on small engines using a systematic troubleshooting process and record findings in a service work order. Identify and correct lubrication system faults in four-stroke engines, including oil consumption, contamination, and incorrect oil level, applying OEM oil-type specifications. Apply all required lockout/tagout, PPE, and waste-disposal practices throughout engine service operations in compliance with shop safety standards.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Engine Fundamentals and Shop Safety Review | 10 | theory | Students will describe the basic operating principles of two-stroke and four-stroke internal combustion engines and correctly identify all PPE and lockout/tagout requirements specific to engine service work. |
| Cutaway engine diagrams (Briggs & Stratton and Stihl training posters), OEM service manuals (Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder L-head and OHV, Stihl two-stroke chain saw), OSHA SDS sheets for engine oil and gasoline, PPE kit per student, whiteboard | Exit quiz of 15 multiple-choice questions covering cycle events, component names, and safety rules; pass mark 80%. Students who score below 80% complete a targeted review with the instructor before advancing. |
| 2 | Engine Construction: Components, Materials, and Specifications | 12 | demo | Students will identify and state the function of every major internal and external component on a disassembled two-stroke engine and a disassembled four-stroke engine using correct trade terminology. |
| Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder OHV engine (disassembled set), Stihl two-stroke chain saw engine (disassembled set), component identification worksheets, OEM service manuals, parts bins with labels, torque specification reference cards | Oral component identification check: instructor points to any 12 randomly selected parts; student must name the part and state its function. Pass = 10 of 12 correct (83%). Logged by instructor on a skills checklist. |
| 3 | Precision Measurement and Tolerances | 14 | lab | Students will use micrometers, telescoping gauges, feeler gauges, and a compression tester to measure engine components and determine whether each measurement is within OEM service limits. |
| 0–1 inch and 1–2 inch outside micrometers, telescoping gauge set, feeler gauge set, compression tester, ring groove cleaner, Briggs & Stratton OHV engines (worn and serviceable examples), Stihl two-stroke engine, OEM service manuals, measurement data worksheets, torque wrench | Instructor observes each student measure one bore and one journal live; measurement must be within ±0.001 inch of instructor's reference reading. Data sheet must show all values with correct OEM comparison and a written recommendation. Pass = correct technique plus 85% of data entries accurate. |
| 4 | Four-Stroke Engine Disassembly, Inspection, and Lubrication Systems | 16 | lab | Students will correctly disassemble a four-stroke single-cylinder engine to the short-block level, inspect all components against OEM specifications, document findings on a work order, and explain the engine's splash or pressure lubrication system operation. |
| Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder OHV engines (one per pair, in varied wear condition), metric and SAE socket set, torque wrench, plastic fastener bags, markers, tablets or phones for photos, disassembly checklist/work order forms, engine oil, approved waste-oil container, OEM service manual | Completed work order with all component inspection findings, correct OEM limit comparisons, and a signed technician recommendation. Disassembly checklist verified by instructor with a pass standard of all critical steps completed in correct order and no fasteners lost or misidentified. Pass = 100% of critical safety steps plus 85% overall checklist compliance. |
| 5 | Two-Stroke Engine Disassembly, Inspection, and Reed Valve/Port Service | 14 | lab | Students will disassemble a two-stroke engine to the piston and cylinder level, inspect reed valves and transfer ports for wear and carbon buildup, and reassemble the engine to OEM torque specifications. |
| Stihl two-stroke chain saw engines (one per student or pair), T-handle and Torx driver set, inch-pound torque wrench, ring expander, plastic scraper, parts-cleaning solvent, nitrile gloves, safety glasses, ventilation fan, penlight, feeler gauge set, inspection/work order forms, OEM Stihl service manual | Instructor performs a torque audit on two randomly selected fasteners per engine after student reassembly; both must be within OEM spec (no more than 10% deviation). Inspection sheet must be fully completed with a go/no-go call on reed valves. Pass = torque audit pass plus completed sheet. |
| 6 | Engine Diagnosis and Troubleshooting | 14 | practice | Students will apply a written diagnostic process to identify the root cause of at least four seeded engine faults covering no-start, low compression, and excessive smoke conditions, and write a complete repair recommendation on a standard service work order. |
| Five pre-faulted engines (mix of two-stroke and four-stroke), compression tester, spark tester, multimeter set to ohms for coil check, OEM service manuals, diagnostic flowchart handout, service work order forms, lab log notebooks | Each student's five work orders are graded: correct root cause identification = 2 pts, correct supporting evidence documented = 2 pts, appropriate repair recommendation = 1 pt, per engine; maximum 25 pts. Pass = 20 of 25 (80%). Any student who misdiagnoses a no-start safety-related fault (e.g., flywheel key) receives immediate instructor review. |
| 7 | Engine Reassembly, Final Inspection, and Start-Up | 8 | lab | Students will reassemble a complete four-stroke small engine from a short-block, perform a final inspection checklist, start the engine, and verify normal oil pressure indication and idle operation. |
| Briggs & Stratton OHV engine assemblies from Lesson 4, feeler gauge set, calibrated torque wrench, spark plug gap tool, new spark plugs, correct engine oil, photo tachometer, service work order forms, OEM service manual, fire extinguisher staged nearby, safety glasses and hearing protection required | Start-up skills checklist completed by instructor: correct oil fill (verified), correct coil gap (verified by instructor measurement), engine starts within three pulls or three attempts on electric start, idles within ±200 RPM of OEM spec, no oil leaks after 3-minute run. Pass = all five criteria met. Any fuel spill or fire hazard immediately stops the check; student must re-demonstrate safe practices before retrying. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (30 of 40 items correct) | A 40-question exam covering two-stroke and four-stroke operating cycles, component identification, lubrication systems, diagnostic principles, OEM specification interpretation, and safety requirements, mapped to EETC engine theory exam content areas. Questions are a mix of multiple choice and short answer; students may use their personal specification reference card (created in Lesson 2) but not the full service manual. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Practical Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical-safety steps rated 'satisfactory'; overall rubric score of 80% or higher | Each student individually disassembles, inspects, and reassembles an assigned small engine (two-stroke or four-stroke, assigned by instructor at random) within a two-hour window, following OEM procedure and completing a work order. The instructor scores performance on a rubric covering procedure sequence, tool use, torque compliance, measurement accuracy, safety behaviors, and documentation quality, aligned to EETC hands-on competency areas. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | 80% of entries complete and accurate; no missing safety observation entries | Students submit their cumulative lab log containing measurement data sheets, disassembly checklists, diagnostic work orders, and the component reference card from all seven lessons. Entries are evaluated for completeness, correct units and OEM comparisons, legibility, and evidence of systematic thinking; the portfolio demonstrates the record-keeping habits required by EETC and OEM certification programs. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety Observation Checklist | Safety audit | 15% | 100% compliance on all critical safety items; any critical failure requires immediate remediation and re-check before the student may continue lab work | The instructor completes a formal safety observation checklist on each student during Lesson 6 (fault-finding) and Lesson 7 (start-up), covering PPE use, lockout/tagout application when appropriate, correct fuel handling, waste-oil disposal, fire extinguisher awareness, and correct tool use; this checklist is kept in the student file and must be passed independently of the other assessments. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-SMAL74-03 Trade course
Fuel Systems for Small Engines and Power Equipment
88 hr · $1,265 COMPLIMENTARY
Students diagnose, service, and repair carbureted and fuel-injected fuel systems found on outdoor power equipment, motorcycles, ATVs, and small generators. Topics include fuel delivery, carburetor theory and overhaul, fuel injection fundamentals, emissions controls, and safe handling of gasoline, ethanol-blend fuels, and two-stroke premix. Lessons align with EETC Outdoor Power Equipment Technician exam domains and Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, and Honda OEM service standards.
Outcomes- Identify and describe the function of each component in a small-engine fuel system, including tank, fuel lines, shut-off valve, primer bulb, fuel pump, carburetor, and fuel injection unit.
- Safely handle, store, label, and dispose of gasoline, ethanol-blend fuels, and two-stroke oil-fuel premix in compliance with applicable OSHA and EPA guidelines and shop lockout/tagout procedures.
- Disassemble, clean, measure, and reassemble a float-type carburetor to OEM specifications, including jet sizing, float height, and idle/mixture screw settings.
- Diagnose rich, lean, flooding, and no-start fuel system faults using systematic troubleshooting and interpret results against OEM service data.
- Perform a carburetor synchronization or electronic fuel injection (EFI) throttle-body service on a small-engine platform following the applicable OEM service procedure.
- Complete a documented fuel system service record with parts, labor, specifications, and a final quality-control road test or bench-run result meeting OEM acceptance criteria.
Course text
Students diagnose, service, and repair carbureted and fuel-injected fuel systems found on outdoor power equipment, motorcycles, ATVs, and small generators. Topics include fuel delivery, carburetor theory and overhaul, fuel injection fundamentals, emissions controls, and safe handling of gasoline, ethanol-blend fuels, and two-stroke premix. Lessons align with EETC Outdoor Power Equipment Technician exam domains and Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, and Honda OEM service standards.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Fuel Safety, Handling, and Environmental Compliance; Fuel System Components and Fuel Types; Carburetor Theory and Float Systems; Carburetor Overhaul Lab; Diaphragm Carburetors and Primer Systems; Fuel Delivery: Pumps, Lines, Filters, and Tanks; Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fundamentals and Diagnostic Introduction.
What competent looks like. Identify and describe the function of each component in a small-engine fuel system, including tank, fuel lines, shut-off valve, primer bulb, fuel pump, carburetor, and fuel injection unit. Safely handle, store, label, and dispose of gasoline, ethanol-blend fuels, and two-stroke oil-fuel premix in compliance with applicable OSHA and EPA guidelines and shop lockout/tagout procedures. Disassemble, clean, measure, and reassemble a float-type carburetor to OEM specifications, including jet sizing, float height, and idle/mixture screw settings. Diagnose rich, lean, flooding, and no-start fuel system faults using systematic troubleshooting and interpret results against OEM service data. Perform a carburetor synchronization or electronic fuel injection (EFI) throttle-body service on a small-engine platform following the applicable OEM service procedure. Complete a documented fuel system service record with parts, labor, specifications, and a final quality-control road test or bench-run result meeting OEM acceptance criteria.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fuel Safety, Handling, and Environmental Compliance | 10 | theory | Students will correctly state and demonstrate fuel-handling safety rules, identify hazard classes of gasoline and two-stroke premix, and apply lockout/tagout before opening any fuel component. |
| SDS binders for gasoline and two-stroke oil, OSHA Hazard Communication (HazCom) standard reference, lockout/tagout tags and hasps, Class B fire extinguisher (for demonstration), grounding straps, approved fuel safety cans, PPE kit (nitrile gloves, safety glasses, face shield), shop ventilation checklist | Students score 80% or higher on a 20-question written quiz covering SDS interpretation, fuel hazard classes, lockout/tagout sequence, and proper PPE selection; hands-on lockout/tagout demonstration graded pass/fail on a step-by-step checklist with zero critical safety steps missed. |
| 2 | Fuel System Components and Fuel Types | 12 | demo | Students will identify every component of a complete small-engine fuel system on at least three different equipment types and explain how ethanol content affects materials, storage life, and jetting requirements. |
| Walk-behind mower (running or bench unit), chainsaw (bench unit), small generator, OEM exploded-view parts diagrams for each, cut-away fuel system poster, ethanol-degraded component specimens, E10 and straight-gasoline fuel samples in labeled sealed containers, magnifying glass, nitrile gloves, safety glasses | Students correctly label a blank fuel-system diagram for two different equipment types with 90% accuracy (18 of 20 components correct per diagram) and answer three short-answer questions on ethanol effects with acceptable detail; instructor initials each completed diagram. |
| 3 | Carburetor Theory and Float Systems | 14 | theory | Students will explain how a float-type carburetor meters fuel across idle, mid-range, and full-throttle circuits and calculate air-fuel ratio changes caused by jet size and float height adjustments. |
| Transparent acrylic carburetor model, Briggs & Stratton single-cylinder engine service manual (current edition), Honda GX series service manual, vernier calipers, whiteboard and markers, float-height spec cards for at least three carburetors, cross-section diagram worksheet, scientific calculator | Students complete a 15-question theory quiz on carburetor circuits, venturi action, float height effects, and air-fuel ratio with a passing score of 80%; float-height measurement on the model is checked against spec — measurement must be within ±0.5 mm of the published value. |
| 4 | Carburetor Overhaul Lab | 20 | lab | Students will fully disassemble, ultrasonically clean or solvent-clean, inspect, measure, reassemble, and adjust a float-type carburetor to OEM specifications and document each step in a service record. |
| Assorted gummed carburetors (Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh, Honda types), carburetor rebuild kits, dip-tank or ultrasonic cleaner, compressed-air nozzle, magnifying glass, vernier calipers, jet-size reference chart, OEM service manuals for each carburetor, parts-layout mats, service record forms, nitrile gloves, face shield, safety glasses, tachometer or tach/dwell meter, flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, carburetor adjustment tool set | Completed service record signed by student and instructor confirms: all passages clear, float height within OEM spec (±0.5 mm or ±0.020 in), engine starts within three pulls, idle is smooth at OEM rpm ±150 rpm measured with tachometer, no fuel leaks observed during a three-minute run; any failure requires the student to rework the specific step before signing off. |
| 5 | Diaphragm Carburetors and Primer Systems | 10 | practice | Students will service the diaphragm carburetor and primer-bulb system found on handheld two-stroke equipment, verify diaphragm condition against OEM criteria, and confirm correct fuel delivery after reassembly. |
| Stihl or equivalent chainsaw bench units (chain brake engaged, bar and chain installed but engine not running during disassembly), Walbro and Zama diaphragm carburetor rebuild kits, inch-pound torque screwdriver, Stihl service manual or equivalent OEM reference, primer-bulb inspection specimens, magnifying glass, flashlight, nitrile gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection for start-up, tachometer | Instructor observes reassembly sequence and checks torque application; after installation, engine must start within five pulls, run at smooth idle, and show no fuel leaks at primer bulb or carburetor body for a two-minute run; diaphragm inspection decision (replace vs. reuse) must match instructor determination — any discrepancy discussed and documented. |
| 6 | Fuel Delivery: Pumps, Lines, Filters, and Tanks | 10 | practice | Students will test fuel pump output pressure and volume against OEM specifications, replace fuel lines and filter on two equipment types, and locate and correct one instructor-planted fuel delivery fault. |
| Low-pressure fuel pump test kit with gauge and adapters, hand vacuum/pressure pump, fuel line stock (various diameters), in-tank and inline fuel filters (Briggs, Honda, Stihl types), hose clamps, hose cutter, four-stroke walk-behind mower bench unit, two-stroke trimmer bench unit, OEM service manuals, fault-diagnosis forms, nitrile gloves, safety glasses, drip pans | Fuel pump pressure reading recorded and within OEM spec ±0.5 psi; fuel line replacement inspected for correct diameter, routing, and clamp seating — zero leaks during a two-minute run; fault correctly identified and documented on form with each step of the diagnostic process described; instructor signs off pass/fail. |
| 7 | Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fundamentals and Diagnostic Introduction | 12 | demo | Students will describe the function of each EFI component on a small-engine platform, interpret a basic fault code from a diagnostic tool, and safely perform a throttle-body inspection and cleaning procedure following OEM steps. |
| Honda or Kawasaki EFI small-engine training unit, OEM-approved scan tool or diagnostic tablet with software, OEM EFI service manual with fault-code table, throttle-body cleaning kit (approved solvent spray, clean lint-free rags), structured observation worksheet, labeled EFI diagram handout, nitrile gloves, safety glasses | Labeled EFI diagram is 85% accurate (17 of 20 components correctly identified); live-data observation sheet is complete with plausible values matching running engine; written diagnostic report correctly identifies the fault code definition and the first OEM-recommended diagnostic step — scored by instructor on a four-point rubric with a minimum score of 3 required to pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Systems Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% (40 of 50 points) | A 50-question closed-book exam covering carburetor theory, fuel system components, fuel types and ethanol effects, EFI fundamentals, and diagnostic principles; questions are multiple choice and short answer, mapped to EETC Outdoor Power Equipment Technician exam content areas for fuel systems and engine management. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Carburetor Overhaul Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Pass on all critical steps; overall score 80% on rubric | The student disassembles, inspects, measures, and reassembles a float-type carburetor assigned by the instructor (not previously worked on by that student), sets float height and idle-mixture screw to OEM spec, reinstalls it on the engine, and achieves a smooth idle at OEM rpm within ten minutes of bench time; the instructor scores each phase on a 25-point rubric aligned to Briggs & Stratton and Honda OEM service standards. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Fuel Systems Lab Log | Log | 15% | Complete and accurate entries for all six lab activities; 80% on accuracy rubric | Students submit their cumulative lab log containing service records, measurement data, fault-diagnosis forms, and annotated diagrams from all lab and practice lessons; each entry must include the equipment unit, date, procedure performed, measurements recorded with units, comparison to OEM spec, pass/fail determination, and student signature — entries are scored for completeness, measurement accuracy, and legibility. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Fuel Handling and Lockout/Tagout Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical errors; 100% on critical-step checklist | The instructor presents the student with a randomly selected piece of equipment and directs them to prepare it for fuel system service; the student must don correct PPE, perform lockout/tagout, safely drain or isolate the fuel system, and identify the correct waste-fuel disposal container — any critical safety error (missing PPE, skipped lockout step, improper disposal) results in an immediate fail and a mandatory repeat before the student may continue lab work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-SMAL74-04 Trade course
Small Engine Electrical Systems: Diagnosis & Repair
87 hr · $1,255 COMPLIMENTARY
Students develop hands-on competency in diagnosing, testing, and repairing the electrical systems found on outdoor power equipment, motorcycles, and small generators, including ignition, charging, starting, and lighting circuits. Work is performed using digital multimeters, ignition analyzers, and OEM wiring diagrams following industry safety standards. Lesson content aligns directly with EETC electrical competency domains and OEM (Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, Honda) factory certification requirements.
Outcomes- Test ignition system components—coils, modules, spark plugs, kill switches, and flywheel magnets—using a digital multimeter and spark tester, correctly interpreting results against OEM specifications.
- Diagnose and repair charging system faults on AC and DC small-engine platforms by performing stator, rectifier/regulator, and battery load tests.
- Trace and repair faults in starting circuits, including solenoids, starter motors, safety interlock switches, and wiring harnesses, using OEM wiring diagrams.
- Perform battery service tasks—state-of-charge testing, load testing, charging, and safe disposal—in compliance with applicable safety standards.
- Read and interpret OEM wiring diagrams and component location charts to locate, test, and replace electrical components without damage to adjacent systems.
- Apply lockout/tagout procedures and appropriate PPE consistently whenever working on electrical systems, and correctly identify shock, arc-flash, and fuel-ignition hazards in the shop environment.
Course text
Students develop hands-on competency in diagnosing, testing, and repairing the electrical systems found on outdoor power equipment, motorcycles, and small generators, including ignition, charging, starting, and lighting circuits. Work is performed using digital multimeters, ignition analyzers, and OEM wiring diagrams following industry safety standards. Lesson content aligns directly with EETC electrical competency domains and OEM (Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, Honda) factory certification requirements.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Electrical Safety, Fundamentals, and Test Equipment; Reading Wiring Diagrams and Circuit Tracing; Ignition System Theory, Testing, and Service; Battery Service and Charging Systems; Starting Circuits: Starters, Solenoids, and Interlock Systems; Lighting, Accessory Circuits, and Electronic Controls; Integrated Electrical Diagnosis Practicum.
What competent looks like. Test ignition system components—coils, modules, spark plugs, kill switches, and flywheel magnets—using a digital multimeter and spark tester, correctly interpreting results against OEM specifications. Diagnose and repair charging system faults on AC and DC small-engine platforms by performing stator, rectifier/regulator, and battery load tests. Trace and repair faults in starting circuits, including solenoids, starter motors, safety interlock switches, and wiring harnesses, using OEM wiring diagrams. Perform battery service tasks—state-of-charge testing, load testing, charging, and safe disposal—in compliance with applicable safety standards. Read and interpret OEM wiring diagrams and component location charts to locate, test, and replace electrical components without damage to adjacent systems. Apply lockout/tagout procedures and appropriate PPE consistently whenever working on electrical systems, and correctly identify shock, arc-flash, and fuel-ignition hazards in the shop environment.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrical Safety, Fundamentals, and Test Equipment | 12 | theory | Students will state Ohm's Law, identify shock and arc-flash hazards on small-engine equipment, apply lockout/tagout, select correct PPE, and demonstrate safe, accurate use of a digital multimeter to measure voltage, current, and resistance. |
| Digital multimeters (Fluke 115 or equivalent), assorted resistors and 12 V lamps, bench power supplies, lockout/tagout kits (locks, tags, hasps), safety glasses, insulated gloves, Briggs & Stratton Repair Manual (current edition), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 reference card | Student completes the 10-question Ohm's Law worksheet with 80% or better; instructor verifies each lockout/tagout application on a signed checklist—any missed energy-isolation point requires immediate remediation and re-check before the student may proceed. |
| 2 | Reading Wiring Diagrams and Circuit Tracing | 10 | theory | Students will correctly interpret OEM wiring diagrams for at least three different equipment platforms, identify wire color codes and connector types, and trace a complete circuit from power source to ground on a bench harness. |
| Printed and digital OEM wiring diagrams (Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Stihl current service manuals), bench wiring harnesses with installed fault switches, digital multimeters, circuit-map worksheets, colored pencils for diagram annotation, safety glasses | Circuit-map worksheet scored by instructor: student must correctly identify 100% of ground points and 80% of all labeled components; both faults must be located and documented with the correct test procedure—one missed fault requires re-trace before advancing. |
| 3 | Ignition System Theory, Testing, and Service | 18 | lab | Students will diagnose ignition system faults—including a failed coil, fouled spark plug, worn flywheel key, and defective kill switch—on two-stroke and four-stroke engines by performing gap measurement, spark testing, coil air-gap setting, and resistance testing, then complete the correct repair. |
| Two-stroke and four-stroke single-cylinder engines (Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, or Honda), inline spark testers, feeler gauge sets, digital multimeters, oscilloscope or engine analyzer, flywheel pullers, Briggs & Stratton and Honda service manuals, lab notebooks, torque wrenches, PPE (safety glasses, gloves) | Fault-report form reviewed by instructor: correct fault identified with test measurements recorded, repair completed, and spark verified—pass requires correct diagnosis and documented measurements; incorrect diagnosis or missing data requires a second attempt on a different seeded engine. |
| 4 | Battery Service and Charging Systems | 14 | lab | Students will perform state-of-charge testing, load testing, charging, and safe disposal procedures on lead-acid and AGM batteries, and will test AC stator output, rectifier/regulator function, and DC charging voltage on a running small engine to OEM specification. |
| Lead-acid and AGM batteries (various states of health), carbon-pile load tester, smart battery charger, digital multimeters, small engine with charging system (Honda GX or Briggs & Stratton with alternator), tachometer, OEM service manuals, simulated hazardous-materials disposal forms, battery condition logs, PPE (safety glasses, face shield, acid-resistant gloves, apron) | Charging system test sheet reviewed by instructor: stator AC output, rectifier diode readings, and DC charging voltage must all be recorded with units and compared to spec—pass requires all three tests completed with readings within 10% of OEM specified range; any unrecorded measurement or wrong meter function requires immediate re-test. |
| 5 | Starting Circuits: Starters, Solenoids, and Interlock Systems | 14 | lab | Students will diagnose and repair starting-circuit faults—including a failed solenoid, open interlock switch, dragging starter motor, and corroded cable connection—by performing voltage-drop testing, continuity testing, and current-draw measurement on a 12-volt starting system. |
| 12 V riding mower or engine test stand with electric start, digital multimeters, DC clamp ammeter, jumper wires with fused leads, solenoid test light, OEM wiring diagrams, corrosion-treatment spray, terminal cleaning brushes, replacement solenoid and interlock switches, safety glasses, insulated gloves | Completed repair order reviewed by instructor: voltage-drop readings at each point recorded, fault correctly identified with supporting test data, repair made and start function verified—pass requires correct fault identification supported by measured data; a diagnosis not supported by recorded measurements is not accepted. |
| 6 | Lighting, Accessory Circuits, and Electronic Controls | 11 | demo | Students will trace, test, and repair faults in lighting and accessory circuits—including a blown fuse, open ground, burned lamp socket, and faulty module connector—and will describe the function of common electronic control units found on OEM equipment. |
| Bench lighting harnesses with fault switches, OEM connector service kits (Honda and Briggs & Stratton terminal removal tools, replacement terminals), fuse puller, assorted blade fuses, test lamp, digital multimeters, printed circuit diagrams, battery-powered tool control board display unit (non-operational training aid), safety glasses | Instructor inspects completed connector and lamp repair: lamp must illuminate on first key-on, fuse must be correct rating, and connector must audibly or tactilely click into full engagement—any loose connection or wrong-rated fuse is a fail requiring immediate redo. |
| 7 | Integrated Electrical Diagnosis Practicum | 8 | practice | Students will independently diagnose a multi-fault electrical system—spanning ignition, charging, and starting circuits—on a complete small engine or power equipment unit using only OEM service documentation, record findings on a professional repair order, and complete all repairs within a defined time limit. |
| Complete power equipment unit with pre-installed multi-system faults (instructor-prepared), OEM service manual for that unit, digital multimeter, inline spark tester, carbon-pile load tester or clamp ammeter, standard shop repair order forms, torque wrench, basic hand tools, PPE (safety glasses, gloves) | Repair order scored on a rubric (50 points total): correct diagnosis with supporting measurements 20 pts, all repairs completed and verified functional 20 pts, professional documentation quality 10 pts—pass is 40/50 (80%); failure on any safety step (working on live circuits without authorization, missing PPE) is an automatic fail requiring the full practicum to be repeated. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Systems Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher (28 of 40 questions correct) | A 40-question written exam covering Ohm's Law calculations, ignition system theory, charging system principles, starting circuit operation, wiring diagram symbol identification, and battery service procedures—mapped to EETC electrical competency domains and OEM (Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Stihl) service knowledge areas. Questions include multiple-choice, matching, and short calculation problems drawn from lesson content and OEM service manual references. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Practical Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Student must pass all four required tasks; any task scored below satisfactory requires re-demonstration within one week | The instructor evaluates the student on four timed tasks drawn from lesson labs: (1) set coil air gap and verify spark on a test engine, (2) perform a voltage-drop test on a starting circuit and interpret results, (3) test stator output and charging voltage on a running engine, and (4) trace and repair one seeded fault in a wiring harness using only the OEM diagram. Each task is scored as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory on a standardized checklist that includes safety behavior, correct instrument use, accurate measurement recording, and correct repair outcome. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | 80% of entries rated Complete and Accurate; any entry rated Incomplete must be corrected and resubmitted | Students maintain a cumulative lab log across all seven lessons, recording test measurements, OEM specifications, calculated values, diagnostic conclusions, and repair actions for every hands-on activity. The instructor reviews the log at the end of the course and rates each entry as Complete and Accurate, Complete with Errors, or Incomplete; the portfolio demonstrates the systematic, documented diagnostic process required by EETC credentialing standards and expected by OEM service operations. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Electrical Safety Behavior Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% compliance on all safety criteria is required to pass the course; any single critical failure requires immediate remediation and a full re-observation | The instructor conducts an unannounced observation during one lab session and uses a standardized 12-point safety checklist to verify that the student correctly applies lockout/tagout before disabling any electrical energy source, selects and wears appropriate PPE for the hazard present, uses only insulated or properly rated test leads, and handles batteries and fuel-adjacent wiring with precautions against ignition. This assessment is pass/fail with no partial credit, reflecting OSHA and EETC requirements that safety compliance be non-negotiable in credentialed technician practice. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-SMAL74-05 Trade course
Mowers, Generators, and Chainsaws: Diagnosis, Service, and Repair
87 hr · $1,255 COMPLIMENTARY
Students apply two- and four-stroke engine knowledge, fuel system skills, and electrical fundamentals to the specific service requirements of walk-behind and riding mowers, portable generators, and chainsaws. Instruction covers equipment-specific systems including blade drives, cutting deck geometry, generator load circuits, automatic voltage regulation, chainsaw chain and bar service, and anti-vibration systems. Lessons integrate EETC outdoor power equipment competency areas and OEM service documentation for Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, and Honda product lines.
Outcomes- Perform a complete safety inspection, blade sharpening, deck leveling, and drive-belt replacement on a walk-behind and a riding mower to OEM specifications.
- Diagnose and repair common generator faults including AVR failure, overload shutdown, and no-output conditions using a digital multimeter and OEM wiring diagrams.
- Disassemble, clean, inspect, and reassemble a chainsaw including bar, chain, oiler, and chain brake to OEM torque and tension specifications.
- Select and install the correct chain pitch, gauge, and drive-link count for a given chainsaw bar, and file each cutter to the manufacturer's specified angle.
- Apply lockout/tagout procedures, blade-handling PPE, and chainsaw personal protective equipment correctly before any service operation on all three equipment categories.
- Use OEM service manuals, exploded-part diagrams, and digital lookup tools to identify parts, retrieve specifications, and complete a written repair order for each equipment type.
Course text
Students apply two- and four-stroke engine knowledge, fuel system skills, and electrical fundamentals to the specific service requirements of walk-behind and riding mowers, portable generators, and chainsaws. Instruction covers equipment-specific systems including blade drives, cutting deck geometry, generator load circuits, automatic voltage regulation, chainsaw chain and bar service, and anti-vibration systems. Lessons integrate EETC outdoor power equipment competency areas and OEM service documentation for Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, and Honda product lines.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Equipment Identification, Safety Hazards, and Lockout/Tagout for Mowers, Generators, and Chainsaws; Walk-Behind and Riding Mower Systems: Decks, Drives, and Blade Service; Riding Mower Hydrostatic and Gear Transmissions, Steering, and Brake Systems; Portable Generator Systems: Load Circuits, AVR, and Output Diagnosis; Chainsaw Anatomy, Chain and Bar Service, and Chain Brake Inspection; Chainsaw Fuel and Oiler Systems, Anti-Vibration Service, and Two-Stroke Mixture; Integrated Service Job: Diagnosis, Repair Order, and Quality Inspection Across All Three Equipment Types.
What competent looks like. Perform a complete safety inspection, blade sharpening, deck leveling, and drive-belt replacement on a walk-behind and a riding mower to OEM specifications. Diagnose and repair common generator faults including AVR failure, overload shutdown, and no-output conditions using a digital multimeter and OEM wiring diagrams. Disassemble, clean, inspect, and reassemble a chainsaw including bar, chain, oiler, and chain brake to OEM torque and tension specifications. Select and install the correct chain pitch, gauge, and drive-link count for a given chainsaw bar, and file each cutter to the manufacturer's specified angle. Apply lockout/tagout procedures, blade-handling PPE, and chainsaw personal protective equipment correctly before any service operation on all three equipment categories. Use OEM service manuals, exploded-part diagrams, and digital lookup tools to identify parts, retrieve specifications, and complete a written repair order for each equipment type.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Equipment Identification, Safety Hazards, and Lockout/Tagout for Mowers, Generators, and Chainsaws | 10 | theory | Students will identify the major systems and specific hazards of walk-behind mowers, riding mowers, portable generators, and chainsaws, and correctly apply lockout/tagout and PPE requirements for each before beginning any service task. |
| Walk-behind mower (non-running), riding mower (non-running), portable generator (non-running), chainsaw (non-running, bar removed), LOTO hasps and personal locks, spark tester, digital multimeter, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 LOTO standard handout, Briggs & Stratton and Stihl operator safety manuals, PPE kit (chaps, gloves, face shield, hearing protection, steel-toed boots) | Instructor observes each student complete a LOTO sequence on one assigned machine without prompting; student must achieve zero-energy verification and correctly name every required PPE item for that machine. Pass = 100% of LOTO steps correct and zero PPE omissions; any error requires repeat before lab access is granted. |
| 2 | Walk-Behind and Riding Mower Systems: Decks, Drives, and Blade Service | 16 | lab | Students will perform a full mower service including deck leveling, blade removal and sharpening, blade balance check, and drive-belt inspection and replacement on both a walk-behind and a riding mower to OEM specifications. |
| Walk-behind push mower, riding mower with removable deck, OEM service manuals (Briggs & Stratton, Honda), blade balancer, bench grinder with wheel dresser, angle gauge, torque wrench, socket set, deck leveling gauge, drive belts (correct application), service worksheets, PPE (cut-resistant gloves, face shield) | Student presents a completed service worksheet showing pre- and post-adjustment deck measurements within OEM tolerance, blade angle within ±2° of specification, blade passing static balance, and belt deflection within OEM range. Pass = all four specifications met and LOTO verified by instructor signature; any out-of-spec result requires correction before sign-off. |
| 3 | Riding Mower Hydrostatic and Gear Transmissions, Steering, and Brake Systems | 12 | lab | Students will inspect fluid levels and condition in a hydrostatic transmission, perform a brake adjustment, and diagnose a simulated transmission-output fault using OEM diagnostic procedures. |
| Riding mower with hydrostatic transmission, OEM service manual (hydrostatic section), correct hydraulic/transmission fluid per OEM spec, drain pan, fluid transfer pump, brake adjustment tools, dial indicator, torque wrench, repair order forms, instructor fault-set kit (pre-staged faults) | Student completes a repair order with correct fluid type, quantity, and purge steps documented, brake free-travel within OEM range, and written fault identification matching the instructor-installed fault. Pass = repair order complete and accurate with no fluid type errors and correct fault identification; incorrect fluid selection is an automatic fail requiring repeat. |
| 4 | Portable Generator Systems: Load Circuits, AVR, and Output Diagnosis | 18 | lab | Students will measure generator AC output voltage, frequency, and load regulation, diagnose a no-output or low-voltage condition using a digital multimeter and OEM wiring diagram, and replace or adjust the automatic voltage regulator as required. |
| Portable generators (Honda EU-series or equivalent, Briggs & Stratton generator), true-RMS digital multimeter, clamp-on ammeter, resistive load bank or test load resistors, OEM wiring diagrams, replacement AVR units, capacitor ESR tester, brush set, torque screwdriver, safety barrier and signage for live-output work, PPE (rubber-insulated gloves, eye protection) | Student submits a completed diagnosis report showing measured voltage and frequency at no-load and full-load, calculated voltage regulation, correct fault identification matching instructor pre-set, and final output voltage within OEM specification after AVR adjustment. Pass = all values within OEM tolerance and fault correctly named; live-conductor contact without PPE is an automatic fail. |
| 5 | Chainsaw Anatomy, Chain and Bar Service, and Chain Brake Inspection | 16 | lab | Students will select a chain of correct pitch, gauge, and drive-link count for an assigned bar, install and tension it to OEM specification, file each cutter to the manufacturer's specified angle and depth-gauge setting, and verify chain brake engagement and stopping time. |
| Stihl or equivalent chainsaws (multiple bar lengths), assorted replacement chains (mixed pitch/gauge for selection exercise), round files (correct diameter per chain pitch), flat file, depth-gauge tool and joint, bar-and-chain oil, OEM Stihl service manual and chain catalog, torque wrench, chain break inspection checklist, chainsaw chaps, cut-resistant gloves, face shield, hearing protection | Instructor measures three randomly selected cutters with a digital angle gauge and depth-gauge tool; all three must be within ±1° of OEM angle and depth gauge within OEM tolerance. Chain tension passes the snap-back test, and brake engagement is confirmed at the inspection checklist. Pass = all cutter measurements in spec, chain tension correct, and brake functional; a single out-of-spec cutter requires refiling and re-check. |
| 6 | Chainsaw Fuel and Oiler Systems, Anti-Vibration Service, and Two-Stroke Mixture | 9 | demo | Students will mix two-stroke fuel to the OEM-specified ratio, clean or replace the chainsaw oiler filter and adjust oiler output, and inspect and replace anti-vibration (AV) mounts to OEM condition standards. |
| Chainsaws with removable oiler covers, two-stroke engine oil (OEM-specified brand/grade), calibrated measuring containers, fuel cans, white cardboard for oiler pattern test, replacement oiler filters, replacement AV mounts, torque wrench, OEM Stihl service manual (oiler and AV sections), PPE (eye protection, gloves) | Student presents a labeled fuel-mix container with correct ratio written on it and demonstrates the calculation; instructor verifies oil-throw pattern on cardboard is continuous, and AV mount condition is documented on an inspection sheet with accept/reject decisions. Pass = ratio calculation correct, oiler pattern continuous, and all AV decisions matching instructor key; an incorrect mix ratio requires remixing. |
| 7 | Integrated Service Job: Diagnosis, Repair Order, and Quality Inspection Across All Three Equipment Types | 6 | practice | Students will independently diagnose a customer-complaint scenario on each of the three equipment categories, write a complete repair order with parts and labor estimate, perform the repair, and pass a quality inspection. |
| One each: walk-behind or riding mower, portable generator, and chainsaw with pre-installed faults (instructor fault kit), OEM service manuals (Briggs, Stihl, Honda), OEM parts catalogs (print or digital access), repair order forms, shop-rate card, inspection checklists, all standard hand and power tools from previous lessons, PPE | Instructor scores each completed repair order on a rubric: correct fault identification (25%), correct parts number and estimate (25%), repair meets OEM specification on final measurement (40%), and LOTO/PPE compliance throughout (10%). Pass = 80% total with no zero in the LOTO/PPE category; a zero in LOTO/PPE is an automatic fail of the entire lesson regardless of other scores. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Knowledge Exam: Mowers, Generators, and Chainsaws | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (scored by answer key; retake once after instructor review) | A 50-question closed-book exam covering mower deck geometry and blade dynamics, hydrostatic transmission operation, generator output theory and AVR function, chainsaw chain sizing and filing principles, two-stroke mix ratios, and equipment-specific safety regulations. Questions are aligned to EETC outdoor power equipment technician knowledge domains and OEM technical content for Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, and Honda product lines. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Skills Demonstration: Mower Blade and Deck Service | Skills demonstration | 45% | All critical steps rated 'Satisfactory' on the rubric; any 'Unsatisfactory' on a safety step = immediate fail and mandatory repeat | Using an assigned walk-behind mower, the student performs a timed service sequence—LOTO, blade removal, sharpening to specified bevel angle, balance check, reinstallation to OEM torque, and deck leveling—while the instructor scores each step on a binary satisfactory/unsatisfactory rubric aligned to EETC skills-demonstration performance standards. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log: Service Records for All Three Equipment Types | Log | 15% | Complete entries for all seven lessons with no blank specification fields and no incorrect fluid types or part numbers; instructor initials each entry at lesson completion | Students maintain a cumulative lab log in a standard repair-order format throughout the course, recording equipment model and serial number, customer complaint, diagnostic steps and measurements, parts used with OEM part numbers, corrective actions, and final quality-check results for every lab activity. The completed log is submitted at course end and evaluated for accuracy, completeness, and professional presentation consistent with employer documentation expectations. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety Check: Lockout/Tagout and PPE Compliance Audit | Safety audit | 15% | 100% compliance — any missed LOTO step or missing PPE item during the observed period = fail requiring repeat of the safety module before course completion | During the integrated service job lesson, the instructor conducts an unannounced, real-time safety audit of each student, verifying correct LOTO sequence, personal lock applied, zero-energy verification performed, and full PPE worn before any contact with blades, electrical output, or a running saw. The audit checklist items correspond directly to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 energy control requirements and the chainsaw and mower PPE requirements listed in OEM safety manuals. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-SMAL74-06 Trade course
Motorcycle & ATV Basics
87 hr · $1,255 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn the fundamentals of motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) systems, including engine operation, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems common to small-displacement and recreational powersport units. Emphasis is placed on safe shop practices specific to powersport equipment, systematic diagnosis, and basic service procedures aligned with EETC outdoor power equipment competency areas. Upon completion, students can perform entry-level inspections, adjustments, and repairs on common motorcycle and ATV platforms.
Outcomes- Identify and explain the major systems of a motorcycle or ATV—engine, drivetrain, suspension, braking, and electrical—and describe how they interact during operation.
- Perform a pre-service safety inspection on a motorcycle or ATV using a written checklist and document findings to industry record-keeping standards.
- Diagnose and correct common carburetor, fuel injection, and air-filter faults on small-displacement motorcycle and ATV engines following OEM service procedures.
- Inspect, adjust, and bleed hydraulic and mechanical brake systems on motorcycles and ATVs to manufacturer specifications.
- Test, charge, and replace a powersport battery and trace a basic charging and lighting circuit using a digital multimeter.
- Complete a full pre-delivery inspection (PDI) on a motorcycle or ATV, documenting all findings and corrections in a service work order that meets shop quality standards.
Course text
Students learn the fundamentals of motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) systems, including engine operation, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems common to small-displacement and recreational powersport units. Emphasis is placed on safe shop practices specific to powersport equipment, systematic diagnosis, and basic service procedures aligned with EETC outdoor power equipment competency areas. Upon completion, students can perform entry-level inspections, adjustments, and repairs on common motorcycle and ATV platforms.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Powersport Shop Safety & Equipment Familiarization; Motorcycle & ATV Engine Fundamentals; Fuel Systems: Carbureted & Fuel-Injected Powersport Units; Drivetrain, Suspension & Steering; Brake Systems: Mechanical & Hydraulic; Electrical Systems: Battery, Charging & Lighting; Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) & Service Documentation.
What competent looks like. Identify and explain the major systems of a motorcycle or ATV—engine, drivetrain, suspension, braking, and electrical—and describe how they interact during operation. Perform a pre-service safety inspection on a motorcycle or ATV using a written checklist and document findings to industry record-keeping standards. Diagnose and correct common carburetor, fuel injection, and air-filter faults on small-displacement motorcycle and ATV engines following OEM service procedures. Inspect, adjust, and bleed hydraulic and mechanical brake systems on motorcycles and ATVs to manufacturer specifications. Test, charge, and replace a powersport battery and trace a basic charging and lighting circuit using a digital multimeter. Complete a full pre-delivery inspection (PDI) on a motorcycle or ATV, documenting all findings and corrections in a service work order that meets shop quality standards.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Powersport Shop Safety & Equipment Familiarization | 10 | theory | Students will identify powersport-specific hazards—fuel vapors, high-pressure tires, hydraulic fluids, and tip-over risk—and apply appropriate PPE, lockout/tagout, and shop layout rules before touching any equipment. |
| Shop motorcycle and ATV (any common training units), lockout/tagout tags and locks, PPE station, OEM service manuals (motorcycle and ATV), OSHA General Industry 29 CFR 1910 summary poster, shop floor diagram handout | Students score 80% or higher on a 20-question written safety quiz covering hazard identification, PPE selection, and lockout/tagout steps; instructor also verifies correct lockout execution via a practical checklist before students advance to any hands-on lesson. |
| 2 | Motorcycle & ATV Engine Fundamentals | 14 | demo | Students will explain the operating cycle of single- and multi-cylinder four-stroke engines used in motorcycles and ATVs, identify major internal components on a cutaway or disassembled engine, and compare these to the small-engine platforms studied in Course 2. |
| Cutaway and disassembled training engines (single-cylinder ATV, parallel-twin, V-twin), OEM service manuals, dial indicator, feeler gauge set, torque wrench, component labeling worksheets, dry-erase engine cross-section posters | Students correctly identify 18 of 20 labeled components and record at least three measurements within ±0.001 in. of instructor-verified values; instructor reviews data sheets and initials each before lab log entry. |
| 3 | Fuel Systems: Carbureted & Fuel-Injected Powersport Units | 14 | lab | Students will remove, clean, inspect, reassemble, and bench-test a powersport carburetor, and use an OEM scan tool or vacuum gauge to perform a basic throttle-body inspection and idle-speed check on a fuel-injected unit. |
| Carbureted motorcycle and ATV training units, fuel-injected ATV training unit, carburetor rebuild kits, carb cleaner, compressed air, dial caliper, OEM-compatible scan tool or generic OBD tool with powersport adapter, digital tachometer, multimeter, lab log forms, OEM service manuals | Carburetor float height is within OEM tolerance (verified by instructor measurement); idle speed on the running engine is set to within ±50 RPM of spec; scan-tool data sheet is complete with at least one sensor reading compared to OEM value. All three criteria must be met for pass. |
| 4 | Drivetrain, Suspension & Steering | 14 | practice | Students will inspect, measure, and adjust chain drive or belt drive systems, check and measure front fork oil level or preload on a motorcycle, and inspect ATV suspension components for wear or damage, documenting all findings on a service work order. |
| Chain-drive motorcycle training unit, ATV training unit, chain-wear indicator, ruler, graduated cylinder, fork oil (correct grade per OEM), drain pan, torque wrench and socket set, ball-joint separator, inspection light, service work order forms, OEM service manuals | Chain slack measurement matches instructor-verified value ±3 mm; fork oil quantity recorded is within ±5 mL of OEM specification; suspension checklist is fully completed with at least one accurate deficiency noted or 'no defects found' confirmed by instructor inspection. All three required for pass. |
| 5 | Brake Systems: Mechanical & Hydraulic | 14 | lab | Students will inspect disc-brake pad thickness, measure rotor runout, bleed a hydraulic brake circuit to remove air and restore firm lever feel, and adjust a mechanical drum brake to OEM free-play specification. |
| Motorcycle with disc brakes, ATV with drum rear brake, micrometer, dial indicator with magnetic base, brake bleeder kit, DOT-rated brake fluid (per OEM spec), clear bleed tubing and catch jar, wrench set, lab log forms, OEM service manuals | Rotor runout measurement is within ±0.001 in. of instructor-verified value; after bleeding, lever travels no more than halfway to grip (or meets OEM feel specification) confirmed by instructor; drum brake free-play is within OEM range confirmed by instructor measurement. All three required for pass. |
| 6 | Electrical Systems: Battery, Charging & Lighting | 11 | lab | Students will perform a load test on a powersport battery, measure charging-system output voltage at idle and at elevated RPM, and trace a complete lighting circuit from fuse to bulb using a wiring diagram and a digital multimeter. |
| Powersport battery load tester, smart battery charger, digital multimeters (one per student pair), running training motorcycle with stator and regulator/rectifier, powersport wiring diagrams, test leads with alligator clips, lab log forms, OEM service manuals | Battery load-test result matches instructor-verified reading; charging voltage at elevated RPM falls within OEM specified range (recorded value confirmed by instructor); at least four consecutive circuit test points on the wiring diagram are correctly annotated with measured values. All three required for pass. |
| 7 | Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) & Service Documentation | 10 | field | Students will complete a full pre-delivery inspection on an assigned motorcycle or ATV using a manufacturer-style PDI checklist, correct any identified service items within their skill level, and produce a completed service work order ready for customer signature. |
| Assigned motorcycle or ATV training unit with seeded defects, full tool kit (hand tools, torque wrench, multimeter, tachometer), tire-pressure gauge, PDI checklist form, service work order forms, OEM service manuals | Student identifies at least 80% of seeded defects independently; all identified defects are corrected to OEM specification confirmed by instructor re-inspection; service work order is complete with no missing fields; verbal defense demonstrates correct rationale for at least 80% of findings. All four criteria required for pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% (40 of 50 questions correct) | A 50-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering powersport engine operating principles, fuel-system components, drivetrain and suspension terminology, brake-system types, and electrical theory as applied to motorcycles and ATVs. Questions are aligned to EETC outdoor power equipment technician competency domains covering engine systems, fuel delivery, and electrical systems. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Practical Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Instructor-verified pass on all five task checklist items; no safety violation permitted | Students draw one task card from a set covering carburetor float-height adjustment, chain slack adjustment, hydraulic brake bleed, charging-system voltage test, or suspension component inspection, then perform the task from start to finish within a set time limit using only the OEM service manual and standard shop tools. The instructor scores each step on a task-specific rubric. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All seven lessons' data sheets present, instructor-initialed, and showing measurements within stated tolerances; no blank fields | Students maintain a running lab log throughout the course, with one data sheet per lesson recording measurements, observations, OEM specifications, and corrective actions. The completed portfolio is submitted at the end of the course and reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and professional presentation. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safety Compliance Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical violations across the full observation period; any single critical violation results in immediate remediation before course credit is awarded | The instructor conducts unannounced safety observations during at least three lab sessions, using a checklist that covers correct PPE use, proper lockout/tagout execution, safe fuel handling, correct lifting and stabilization of powersport equipment, and appropriate disposal of fluids. The checklist mirrors OSHA General Industry standards for small-engine shop environments. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TRN-SMAL74-07 Capstone
Capstone Project: Small Engine & Power Equipment Overhaul and Documentation
108 hr · $1,080 COMPLIMENTARY
Students select a real piece of power equipment with a documented fault, perform a complete diagnosis, disassembly, repair or rebuild, and return-to-service inspection — producing a full shop work order, parts record, and safety checklist. The project culminates in a structured oral defense in which the student explains every technical decision made during the repair to a panel of the instructor and, where available, an industry evaluator. This course integrates every competency area of the program and maps directly to EETC certification exam domains and OEM service documentation standards.
Outcomes- Complete a thorough, documented diagnosis of a multi-system power equipment fault using systematic troubleshooting methods consistent with OEM service manual procedures.
- Perform a safe, properly sequenced disassembly, repair or rebuild, and reassembly of a small engine or power equipment unit, applying lockout/tagout and appropriate PPE at every stage.
- Produce a professional shop work order, parts and labor estimate, parts invoice, and completed return-to-service inspection checklist that meets industry documentation standards.
- Demonstrate correct use of precision measuring tools — feeler gauges, micrometers, telescoping gauges, and multimeters — and record all measurements against OEM specifications.
- Verify the repaired unit meets OEM performance specifications through functional testing including no-load speed check, load test where equipment permits, and a systematic operational safety inspection.
- Defend all diagnostic findings and repair decisions orally to an evaluator panel, citing relevant OEM service data and explaining how OSHA safety requirements were applied throughout.
Course text
Students select a real piece of power equipment with a documented fault, perform a complete diagnosis, disassembly, repair or rebuild, and return-to-service inspection — producing a full shop work order, parts record, and safety checklist. The project culminates in a structured oral defense in which the student explains every technical decision made during the repair to a panel of the instructor and, where available, an industry evaluator. This course integrates every competency area of the program and maps directly to EETC certification exam domains and OEM service documentation standards.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Project Planning, Equipment Selection, and Pre-Teardown Assessment; Disassembly, Precision Measurement, and Parts Evaluation; Repair or Rebuild, Reassembly, and Return-to-Service Inspection; Oral Defense and Professional Documentation Review.
What competent looks like. Complete a thorough, documented diagnosis of a multi-system power equipment fault using systematic troubleshooting methods consistent with OEM service manual procedures. Perform a safe, properly sequenced disassembly, repair or rebuild, and reassembly of a small engine or power equipment unit, applying lockout/tagout and appropriate PPE at every stage. Produce a professional shop work order, parts and labor estimate, parts invoice, and completed return-to-service inspection checklist that meets industry documentation standards. Demonstrate correct use of precision measuring tools — feeler gauges, micrometers, telescoping gauges, and multimeters — and record all measurements against OEM specifications. Verify the repaired unit meets OEM performance specifications through functional testing including no-load speed check, load test where equipment permits, and a systematic operational safety inspection. Defend all diagnostic findings and repair decisions orally to an evaluator panel, citing relevant OEM service data and explaining how OSHA safety requirements were applied throughout.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Planning, Equipment Selection, and Pre-Teardown Assessment | 18 | lab | Given a faulted unit selected from the shop equipment pool, the student produces a signed safety plan, a completed customer intake work order, and a documented pre-teardown assessment that identifies all suspected fault systems before any disassembly begins. |
| Shop equipment pool (mowers, trimmers, generators, chainsaws, ATVs with documented faults), OEM service manuals, compression gauges, spark testers, digital multimeters, digital calipers, camera or phone for documentation, shop work order forms, diagnostic worksheets, PPE (safety glasses, nitrile gloves, hearing protection), lockout/tagout kit | Instructor reviews the pre-teardown diagnostic worksheet and project plan; competence is confirmed when all required fields are complete and accurate, at least two suspected fault systems are identified with supporting measurement data, and the safety plan correctly identifies all lockout/tagout points — all three elements must be satisfactory before teardown is authorized (pass = instructor sign-off, no incomplete fields). |
| 2 | Disassembly, Precision Measurement, and Parts Evaluation | 30 | lab | Following the approved project plan, the student safely disassembles all involved systems, records precision measurements for every wear component against OEM specifications, and produces a parts disposition list that correctly classifies each component as reuse, resurface, or replace. |
| OEM service manuals and parts microfiche/online lookup, outside micrometers (0–1 in, 1–2 in), telescoping gauges, feeler gauge sets, bore gauges or small-hole gauges, digital calipers, torque wrenches, impact tools, parts cleaning tank with approved solvent, parts trays, labeling tape, two-column spec sheets, revised work order forms, PPE | Instructor reviews the completed two-column spec sheet and parts disposition list; all measurements must be recorded with correct units, each measurement must be compared to the OEM spec with a clear pass/replace notation, and measurement technique must be observed as correct on at least three live checks — pass requires all measurements recorded correctly and technique rated satisfactory by the instructor with no unsafe practices observed. |
| 3 | Repair or Rebuild, Reassembly, and Return-to-Service Inspection | 42 | lab | The student completes all approved repairs or part replacements, reassembles the unit to OEM specifications using correct torque values and sequences, and verifies that the unit passes a complete return-to-service functional and safety inspection before the engine is started. |
| Replacement parts sourced per approved parts order, OEM service manuals, torque wrenches (in-lb and ft-lb), thread locker and gasket sealer per OEM spec, digital tachometer, digital multimeter, resistive load bank or test load for generators, PPE (add face shield for starting and blade work), return-to-service checklist forms, final work order forms, project portfolio binders | Instructor witnesses the first start and performs a random spot-check of at least two torqued fasteners with a calibrated torque wrench; pass requires: no fluid leaks, governed no-load speed within ±200 RPM of OEM spec (or OEM-stated tolerance where tighter), all guards in place, completed return-to-service checklist signed, and the full documentation packet assembled — any safety deficiency is an automatic fail requiring correction before the oral defense is scheduled. |
| 4 | Oral Defense and Professional Documentation Review | 18 | lab | The student presents and defends the completed project to an evaluator panel, accurately explaining the diagnostic rationale, each repair decision, the safety measures applied, and the final test results, while demonstrating that all documentation meets professional shop standards. |
| Completed repaired unit, project portfolio binder, OEM service manual (student may reference during defense), oral defense rubric, panel score sheets, evaluator feedback forms | Oral defense rubric scored by the panel on four domains — diagnostic accuracy, technical decision-making, safety application, and documentation quality — each domain scored 1–4; pass requires a minimum score of 3 (satisfactory) in every domain with no domain scored below 2; a score of 2 in any domain triggers a one-time re-defense of that domain within five school days. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capstone Repair Project — Functional Unit and Work Order Packet | Project | 60% | The repaired unit must start and operate within OEM no-load speed specification, pass the return-to-service checklist with no open items, and contain no fluid leaks or unguarded moving parts; the work order packet must include all required documents (intake form, diagnostic worksheet, two-column spec sheet, parts disposition list, revised estimate, final invoice, and return-to-service checklist) with all fields complete and all measurements recorded with correct units — any safety deficiency is an automatic fail. | The student submits the physically repaired and functionally tested unit together with the complete shop work order packet as evidence of integrated technical competence; the instructor verifies the unit against the return-to-service checklist and reviews the packet for accuracy, completeness, and professional presentation. This assessment maps to EETC exam domains covering engine service, fuel system service, ignition service, and electrical service, as well as OEM certification requirements for correct use of service documentation. Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation |
| Project Portfolio Binder | Portfolio | 20% | All six required documents must be present, legible, and internally consistent; every measurement entry must include the OEM specification, the measured value, the deviation, and a clear disposition decision; parts entries must include OEM part numbers; labor entries must reflect actual time recorded — portfolio is scored on a 24-point rubric (six documents × 4 points each) and a minimum of 18 out of 24 points is required to pass. | The portfolio binder is a professional documentation record that a working shop could hand to a customer or auditor, demonstrating that every step of the repair was planned, measured, and verified against OEM data; it is evaluated for technical accuracy, completeness, and professional format. This assessment maps to EETC and OEM certification emphasis on correct use of service manuals, parts documentation, and written communication skills required of a working technician. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality |
| Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 20% | Minimum score of 3 out of 4 (satisfactory) in all four rubric domains — diagnostic accuracy, technical decision-making, safety application, and documentation quality — with no domain scored below 2; a single domain scored at 2 allows one re-defense of that domain within five school days, but a domain scored at 1 (unsatisfactory) on first attempt requires the full defense to be repeated after remediation. | The oral defense is a 10-minute structured presentation followed by a minimum of five panel questions; it requires the student to explain every technical decision made during the project, cite OEM specifications from memory or by correctly locating them in the service manual, and demonstrate clear understanding of how OSHA safety requirements — including lockout/tagout and PPE selection — were applied. This assessment maps to EETC oral and practical competency standards and to OEM certification expectations for technicians who must communicate diagnostic findings to service advisors and customers. Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication |
TRN-SMAL74-08 Externship / clinical
Externship / Worksite Placement
162 hr · $650 COMPLIMENTARY
Students complete 162 supervised hours at a partnering small-engine dealership, repair shop, or power-equipment service center, applying the diagnostic, repair, and customer-service skills developed throughout the program under the direct oversight of a journeyman technician or shop foreman. Hours are distributed across real customer work orders spanning 2-stroke, 4-stroke, electrical, fuel-system, and outdoor-power-equipment platforms encountered in the previous seven courses. Performance is evaluated by the site supervisor using a structured rubric aligned to EETC outdoor power equipment technician competency areas.
Outcomes- Complete a minimum of 162 documented worksite hours and at least 20 distinct work orders covering the major equipment categories addressed in the program.
- Demonstrate shop-floor safety practices—including lockout/tagout, PPE selection, and chemical handling—that meet or exceed OSHA General Industry standards with zero recordable safety incidents.
- Diagnose and repair at least three different engine platforms (2-stroke, 4-stroke, and one multi-cylinder or specialty unit) to the manufacturer's published specification under supervisor oversight.
- Communicate professionally with customers and coworkers by writing legible, accurate work-order narratives and parts requests that the site supervisor rates as satisfactory or above.
- Maintain a daily externship log documenting tasks performed, tools used, time on each job, and reflective notes that together form a portfolio of competence for use during Certification Exam Preparation.
- Receive a final site-supervisor evaluation score of 75% or higher across all rated competency areas on the program's standardized employer evaluation form.
Course text
Students complete 162 supervised hours at a partnering small-engine dealership, repair shop, or power-equipment service center, applying the diagnostic, repair, and customer-service skills developed throughout the program under the direct oversight of a journeyman technician or shop foreman. Hours are distributed across real customer work orders spanning 2-stroke, 4-stroke, electrical, fuel-system, and outdoor-power-equipment platforms encountered in the previous seven courses. Performance is evaluated by the site supervisor using a structured rubric aligned to EETC outdoor power equipment technician competency areas.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Orientation, Site Safety Audit, and Shop Protocols; Live Work Orders — Diagnosis and Repair Across Equipment Platforms; Customer Interaction, Estimating, and Parts Management; Final Log Review, Supervisor Evaluation, and Portfolio Assembly.
What competent looks like. Complete a minimum of 162 documented worksite hours and at least 20 distinct work orders covering the major equipment categories addressed in the program. Demonstrate shop-floor safety practices—including lockout/tagout, PPE selection, and chemical handling—that meet or exceed OSHA General Industry standards with zero recordable safety incidents. Diagnose and repair at least three different engine platforms (2-stroke, 4-stroke, and one multi-cylinder or specialty unit) to the manufacturer's published specification under supervisor oversight. Communicate professionally with customers and coworkers by writing legible, accurate work-order narratives and parts requests that the site supervisor rates as satisfactory or above. Maintain a daily externship log documenting tasks performed, tools used, time on each job, and reflective notes that together form a portfolio of competence for use during Certification Exam Preparation. Receive a final site-supervisor evaluation score of 75% or higher across all rated competency areas on the program's standardized employer evaluation form.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orientation, Site Safety Audit, and Shop Protocols | 16 | field | The student will identify site-specific hazards, confirm personal PPE compliance, and correctly follow the host employer's lockout/tagout and chemical-storage procedures before handling any equipment. |
| Site-specific OSHA/employer safety documents, site hazard checklist form (program-supplied), personal PPE kit (safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, nitrile gloves), externship daily log binder, host employer's shop management software or paper work-order system. | Site supervisor countersigns the completed hazard checklist and confirms student correctly demonstrated lockout/tagout with no prompted corrections; log entry is legible and captures all required fields. Pass = supervisor signs off both items within the first two scheduled days. |
| 2 | Live Work Orders — Diagnosis and Repair Across Equipment Platforms | 108 | lab | The student will diagnose, repair, and return to specification at least 20 customer or shop units across a minimum of three engine/equipment categories, completing each task within the flat-rate or shop-assigned time allowance and to the supervisor's quality standard. |
| Host employer's full shop tool inventory (impact wrench, torque wrenches, feeler gauges, tachometer, multimeter, fuel-pressure gauge, compression tester), OEM service manuals and parts catalogs (Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, Honda, Kawasaki, Kohler as encountered), shop safety glasses/gloves/hearing protection, fuel containers and spill kit, externship daily log. | Supervisor rates each completed work order as 'meets shop standard' or better on the program's work-order quality rubric (accuracy of diagnosis, quality of repair, cleanliness, paperwork); student must achieve 'meets standard' on at least 18 of 20 logged orders. Pass = 18/20 orders rated satisfactory plus supervisor initials on log for each job. |
| 3 | Customer Interaction, Estimating, and Parts Management | 24 | field | The student will write at least five customer-facing repair estimates and participate in at least three customer delivery conversations, demonstrating professional communication that the supervisor rates as acceptable or above. |
| Shop phone or customer-facing counter, parts-lookup terminal or printed microfiche, shop estimate forms, supervisor observation checklist (program-supplied), externship daily log. | Supervisor completes the program's customer-communication observation checklist for each of the three observed interactions; student must score 'acceptable' or higher on all three items (clarity, accuracy, professionalism) on at least two of the three interactions. Pass = 2 of 3 interaction checklists rated acceptable across all items. |
| 4 | Final Log Review, Supervisor Evaluation, and Portfolio Assembly | 14 | field | The student will compile a complete, organized externship portfolio and receive a final supervisor evaluation score of 75% or higher, demonstrating readiness to enter the trade and prepare for EETC and OEM certification exams. |
| Externship daily log binder (all completed entries), program standardized employer evaluation form, table-of-contents template (program-supplied), student self-assessment rubric aligned to EETC competency areas, program instructor feedback form. | Portfolio contains a complete table of contents, entries for all 20+ work orders, and five self-assessment paragraphs; supervisor evaluation form is signed and scores a total of 75% or higher; instructor confirms completeness within five business days of submission. Pass = all items present AND supervisor total score ≥ 75%. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site Supervisor Skills Demonstration Evaluation | Skills demonstration | 70% | 75% or higher aggregate score across all competency categories on the program's standardized employer evaluation form, with no individual safety category scored below 'acceptable.' | The host employer's supervising technician or shop foreman completes the program's standardized employer evaluation form at the conclusion of the externship, rating the student on safety compliance, diagnostic accuracy, repair quality, professionalism and communication, and work-order documentation using a defined rubric. This skills demonstration assessment captures observable, on-the-job performance across real customer units and is aligned to the EETC outdoor power equipment technician competency areas so that deficiencies identified here can be addressed directly in the subsequent Certification Exam Preparation course. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative |
| Externship Daily Log and Portfolio | Log | 30% | Portfolio is rated 'complete and satisfactory' by the program instructor: all 162 hours documented, at least 20 distinct work orders indexed by equipment category, five EETC-aligned self-assessment paragraphs present, all log entries signed by the site supervisor, and no required section missing. | The student submits the externship daily log binder and accompanying portfolio to the program instructor, who evaluates it for completeness, accuracy, and reflective depth using a program-supplied checklist. The log serves as the primary documentary evidence of hours and task variety and forms the foundation of the student's professional portfolio to be carried into employment and credential examinations. Complete · Verified |
TRN-SMAL74-09 Exam prep
Certification Exam Preparation: EETC & OEM Credentials
45 hr · $450 COMPLIMENTARY
Students systematically review every domain tested on the EETC outdoor power equipment technician exam and applicable OEM (Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, Honda) certification assessments, identify and close personal knowledge gaps, and sit full-length timed mock exams under realistic testing conditions. Emphasis is placed on applying trade knowledge accurately and efficiently so students enter credentialing exams with demonstrated readiness.
Outcomes- Correctly answer practice questions across all EETC exam content domains—engine systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, and equipment operation—at or above the published passing threshold.
- Demonstrate accurate use of OEM service documentation, torque specifications, and diagnostic decision trees as required by Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, and Honda technician assessments.
- Apply systematic diagnostic reasoning to written case scenarios, selecting the correct root cause and repair procedure without unnecessary parts replacement.
- Complete a timed, full-length EETC mock exam and at least one OEM practice assessment, scoring at or above the program's readiness benchmark on each.
- Construct and use a personalized study plan that maps scored weaknesses to specific course content, reference pages, and remediation activities.
- Demonstrate professional test-taking strategies including time management, question parsing, and elimination of distractors on multiple-choice credentialing exams.
Course text
Students systematically review every domain tested on the EETC outdoor power equipment technician exam and applicable OEM (Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, Honda) certification assessments, identify and close personal knowledge gaps, and sit full-length timed mock exams under realistic testing conditions. Emphasis is placed on applying trade knowledge accurately and efficiently so students enter credentialing exams with demonstrated readiness.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Exam Landscape, Self-Assessment, and Study Planning; Domain Deep-Dive: Engine, Fuel, and Electrical Systems Review; Equipment-Specific and OEM Certification Review; Full-Length Mock Certification Exams and Final Debrief.
What competent looks like. Correctly answer practice questions across all EETC exam content domains—engine systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, and equipment operation—at or above the published passing threshold. Demonstrate accurate use of OEM service documentation, torque specifications, and diagnostic decision trees as required by Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, and Honda technician assessments. Apply systematic diagnostic reasoning to written case scenarios, selecting the correct root cause and repair procedure without unnecessary parts replacement. Complete a timed, full-length EETC mock exam and at least one OEM practice assessment, scoring at or above the program's readiness benchmark on each. Construct and use a personalized study plan that maps scored weaknesses to specific course content, reference pages, and remediation activities. Demonstrate professional test-taking strategies including time management, question parsing, and elimination of distractors on multiple-choice credentialing exams.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exam Landscape, Self-Assessment, and Study Planning | 8 | theory | Students map the EETC and selected OEM exam structures to their own scored diagnostic results and produce a written, prioritized study plan. |
| EETC candidate handbook, Briggs & Stratton MST and OHV service manuals, Stihl and Honda technician training workbooks, printed diagnostic practice set, gap-analysis worksheet template, highlighters | Instructor reviews each student's gap chart and study plan for completeness and accuracy; plan must correctly identify at least three specific weak domains and cite the correct reference pages for each — pass requires a complete, instructor-approved plan. |
| 2 | Domain Deep-Dive: Engine, Fuel, and Electrical Systems Review | 18 | practice | Students answer timed domain-specific practice banks and perform hands-on bench exercises to reinforce correct diagnostic reasoning in the three highest-weighted EETC exam areas. |
| Shop engines (Briggs & Stratton OHV single-cylinder, Stihl 2-stroke, Honda GX series), compression gauge, digital multimeter, ignition tester, carburetor rebuild kit, fuel pressure gauge, battery load tester, OEM service manuals for each platform, printed practice question banks | Students must score 75% or higher on each of the three domain practice banks; bench exercise data sheets must show correct go/no-go decisions on all six tasks with spec citations — any score below 75% or incorrect bench call triggers same-day targeted remediation before the next session. |
| 3 | Equipment-Specific and OEM Certification Review | 10 | demo | Students demonstrate the service procedures and documentation practices most commonly tested on Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, and Honda OEM technician assessments. |
| Briggs & Stratton MST service manual and warranty documentation samples, Stihl workshop manual and chain specification chart, Honda GX series service manual, tachometer, torque wrench, sample OEM warranty claim forms, timer | All three OEM procedures must be completed correctly and within time; instructor uses a go/no-go checklist with a minimum of 80% of steps performed correctly and in the right sequence — warranty documentation must contain zero errors in failure-mode classification to pass. |
| 4 | Full-Length Mock Certification Exams and Final Debrief | 9 | practice | Students complete timed, full-length mock exams that replicate EETC and OEM exam conditions, then analyze results to confirm readiness or complete targeted last-minute remediation. |
| Printed full-length EETC mock exam booklets and bubble sheets, OEM combined practice assessment printouts, pencils, clock or timer visible to all students, answer keys with manual-page citations, domain score report template | Students must score at a level meeting or exceeding the program's readiness benchmark (set at or above the EETC published passing standard) on the mock EETC exam; students scoring below the benchmark complete an instructor-directed remediation session and a targeted 20-question re-test before being cleared to register for the credentialing exam. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Length EETC & OEM Mock Certification Exam | Mock certification exam | 100% | Score at or above the program's readiness benchmark — set to equal the current EETC published passing standard — on the EETC mock exam, and correctly answer at least 75% of items on the combined OEM practice assessment; students who do not meet both thresholds complete directed remediation and a re-test before exam registration is approved. | Students complete a timed, closed-book, full-length mock exam replicating the EETC outdoor power equipment technician credential exam in format, domain weighting, and time constraint, followed immediately by a condensed OEM practice assessment covering Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, and Honda content areas. Results are scored and reported by domain so that each student and the instructor have documented, evidence-based confirmation of exam readiness before the student schedules the official credentialing exam. Score · Time management |
Program completion
External credential: EETC Certification; OEM (Briggs/Stihl/Honda)
Students sit the EETC Outdoor Power Equipment Technician certification exam administered by the Equipment & Engine Training Council, and may also sit one or more OEM brand-specific technician certification exams administered directly by manufacturers such as Briggs & Stratton, Stihl, or Honda through their respective dealer training portals. Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.
Back to Small Engine & Power Equipment · How the school gets authority to award these credentials
