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Printed on 4/5/2026

Diesel Equipment Technician with Class A CDL

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32-412-5 Technical Diploma (TD) Part Time or Full Time 58 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Students interested in this program will start by applying for the [Diesel Equipment Mechanic program](https://www.fvtc.edu/program/transportation/diesel/31-412-1/diesel-equipment-mechanic). You’ll get the skills you need for a great career in commercial motor vehicle maintenance, repair, and advanced diagnostics, along with a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL). Get in-depth training in diesel engine maintenance, brake systems, drivetrains, steering, suspension, and electrical systems. Build hands-on skills in engine repair, computer controls, and advanced drivetrains while working on a fleet of 75+ diesel tractors and 55 trailers. The addition of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) will provide you skills required for test-driving heavy-duty trucks.

Your first step in this program is to apply to the [Diesel Equipment Mechanic program](https://www.fvtc.edu/program/transportation/diesel/31-412-1/diesel-equipment-mechanic). From there, credits can be transferred into this program once requirements are met.

The Truck Driving program, embedded within the Diesel Equipment Technician with Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program, meets the licensure or certification educational requirements for Wisconsin and the College is not aware of whether the program meets the requirements for other states. [Learn more about professional licensure](https://www.fvtc.edu/about-us/facts/student-consumer-information/professional-licensure-and-certification-disclosure) for this program.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (57 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Introduction to Diesel Technology
    10-412-102
    4Credit
    144
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412102
    • Credits: 4.00

    Introduces the diesel shop environment, and emphasizes shop safety and general shop practices. Introduces over the road commercial motor vehicle preventative maintenance, and prepares students for success in the core diesel program classes.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options: 

    • Accuplacer Reading 243+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Reading 15+ OR Reading Level 2 Coursework

    • Student is in progress in Diesel Technology Assistant (61-412-2) Program of Study

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 94412002 - Diesel Uniforms​
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Steering & Suspension
    10-412-103
    4Credit
    144
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412103
    • Credits: 4.00

    Covers maintenance, repair, and minor diagnostics of heavy duty steering & suspension systems used on over the road commercial motor vehicles.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options: 

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 10412102 - Intro to Diesel Technology

    • TRANSP 10412180 - Intro to Diesel Tech On Campus AND TRANSP 10412181 - Intro to Diesel Tech Co-op

    • TRANSP 10602100 - Auto MLR 1
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Maintenance
    10-412-104
    4Credit
    144
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412104
    • Credits: 4.00

    Covers maintenance, repair, and minor diagnostics on heavy duty diesel engines used in over the road commercial motor vehicles.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options: 

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 10412102 - Intro to Diesel Technology

    • TRANSP 10412180 - Intro to Diesel Tech On Campus AND TRANSP 10412181 - Intro to Diesel Tech Co-op

    • TRANSP 10602100 - Auto MLR 1
  • Heavy Duty Diesel HVAC & Cab Systems
    10-412-105
    4Credit
    144
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412105
    • Credits: 4.00

    Covers maintenance, repair, and minor diagnostics on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems used in heavy duty over the road commercial motor vehicles. Students learn to maintain and repair cab components used on over the road commercial motor vehicles, and prepare for the Federal EPA 609 certification test.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options: 

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 10412102 - Intro to Diesel Technology

    • TRANSP 10412180 - Intro to Diesel Tech On Campus AND TRANSP 10412181 - Intro to Diesel Tech Co-op

    • TRANSP 10602100 - Auto MLR 1
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Drivetrains
    10-412-106
    4Credit
    144
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412106
    • Credits: 4.00

    Covers maintenance, repair, and minor diagnostics on drivetrains used in heavy duty over the road commercial motor vehicles. Students service clutches, transmissions, differentials, drivelines, and wheel ends used on over the road commercial motor vehicles.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options: 

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 10412102 - Intro to Diesel Technology

    • TRANSP 10412180 - Intro to Diesel Tech On Campus AND TRANSP 10412181 - Intro to Diesel Tech Co-op

    • TRANSP 10602100 - Auto MLR 1
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Air & Hydraulic Brakes
    10-412-107
    4Credit
    144
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412107
    • Credits: 4.00

    Covers maintenance, repair, and minor diagnostics on air and hydraulic brake system used on over the road commercial motor vehicles.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options: 

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 10412102 - Intro to Diesel Technology

    • TRANSP 10412180 - Intro to Diesel Tech On Campus AND TRANSP 10412181 - Intro to Diesel Tech Co-op

    • TRANSP 10602100 - Auto MLR 1
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Foundation Brakes
    10-412-108
    4Credit
    144
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412108
    • Credits: 4.00

    Covers maintenance, repair, and minor diagnostics on foundation brake systems used on over the road commercial motor vehicles.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options: 

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 10412102 - Intro to Diesel Technology

    • TRANSP 10412180 - Intro to Diesel Tech On Campus AND TRANSP 10412181 - Intro to Diesel Tech Co-op

    • TRANSP 10602100 - Auto MLR 1
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Electrical Systems
    10-412-109
    4Credit
    144
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412109
    • Credits: 4.00

    Covers maintenance, repair, and minor diagnostics on vehicle electrical system components used on over the road commercial motor vehicles.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options: 

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 94412003 - Diesel Electrical Kit

    AND ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 10412102 - Intro to Diesel Technology

    • TRANSP 10412180 - Intro to Diesel Tech On Campus AND TRANSP 10412181 - Intro to Diesel Tech Co-op

    • TRANSP 10602100 - Auto MLR 1
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Computer Controls
    10-412-110
    4Credit
    144
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412110
    • Credits: 4.00

    Introduces computer control systems used in over the road commercial motor vehicles. Students learn to diagnose and repair current computer control systems.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Accuplacer Reading 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Reading 18+ OR Reading Level 3 Coursework

    • Accuplacer Algebra 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Math 18+ OR Algebra Level 1 Coursework

    • TRANSP 10412103 - HD Diesel Steering & Susp OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412104 - HD Diesel Engine Maintenance OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412105 - HD Diesel HVAC & Cab OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412106 - HD Diesel Drivetrains OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412107 - HD Diesel Air & HYD Brakes OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412108 - HD Diesel Foundation Brakes OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412109 - HD Diesel Electrical Systems OR equivalent Co-op courses
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Advanced Drivetrain
    10-412-116
    4Credit
    144
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412116
    • Credits: 4.00

    Covers diagnosing and repair of over the road commercial vehicle drivetrains. Students diagnose and repair manual, automated, and automatic transmissions.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Accuplacer Reading 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Reading 18+ OR Reading Level 3 Coursework

    • Accuplacer Algebra 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Math 18+ OR Algebra Level 1 Coursework

    • TRANSP 10412103 - HD Diesel Steering & Susp OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412104 - HD Diesel Engine Maintenance OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412105 - HD Diesel HVAC & Cab OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412106 - HD Diesel Drivetrains OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412107 - HD Diesel Air & HYD Brakes OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412108 - HD Diesel Foundation Brakes OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412109 - HD Diesel Electrical Systems OR equivalent Co-op courses
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Advanced Engine Repair
    10-412-120
    4Credit
    144
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412120
    • Credits: 4.00

    Covers major repair and diagnostics on heavy duty diesel engines found in modern commercial motor vehicles. Students disassemble, repair, assemble, and perform major diagnostics.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10412103 - HD Diesel Steering & Susp OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412104 - HD Diesel Engine Maintenance OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412105 - HD Diesel HVAC & Cab OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412106 - HD Diesel Drivetrains OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412107 - HD Diesel Air & HYD Brakes OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412108 - HD Diesel Foundation Brakes OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412109 - HD Diesel Electrical Systems OR equivalent Co-op courses
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Systems
    10-412-123
    4Credit
    144
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10412123
    • Credits: 4.00

    Covers diagnosing and repair of over the road commercial motor vehicle engine systems. Students perform engine diagnostics that relate to engine performance issues and/or customer complaints.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Accuplacer Reading 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Reading 18+ OR Reading Level 3 Coursework

    • Accuplacer Algebra 250+ OR HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACT Math 18+ OR Algebra Level 1 Coursework

    • TRANSP 10412103 - HD Diesel Steering & Susp OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412104 - HD Diesel Engine Maintenance OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412105 - HD Diesel HVAC & Cab OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412106 - HD Diesel Drivetrains OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412107 - HD Diesel Air & HYD Brakes OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412108 - HD Diesel Foundation Brakes OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412109 - HD Diesel Electrical Systems OR equivalent Co-op courses
  • Heavy Duty Diesel Capstone
    10-412-124
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10412124
    • Credits: 1.00

    Perform preventive maintenance inspections, service, and repair of commercial motor vehicles. Students will also complete Department of Transportation annual inspections.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10412103 - HD Diesel Steering & Susp OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412104 - HD Diesel Engine Maintenance OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412105 - HD Diesel HVAC & Cab OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412106 - HD Diesel Drivetrains OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412107 - HD Diesel Air & HYD Brakes OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412108 - HD Diesel Foundation Brakes OR equivalent Co-op courses

    • TRANSP 10412109 - HD Diesel Electrical Systems OR equivalent Co-op courses
  • Intro to Truck Driving
    30-458-341
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 30458341
    • Credits: 1.00

    Students will attend an in-person or virtual Intro to Truck Driving course, which includes welcome material, a tour of Truck Driving facilities, and an overview of the syllabus and course outcomes, along with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR's) information. An overview of vehicle control systems, pre-, en-route, and post-trip inspections will be given, as well as an introduction to vehicle transmissions and shifting using our state-of-the-art truck simulators.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRUCKDR 94458001 - Truck Driving Books & Supplies
  • Basic Operation of a Commercial Vehicle
    30-458-342
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 30458342
    • Credits: 1.00

    Course covers basic operation of a combination commercial motor vehicle, along with a demonstration of air brake systems. Proper techniques for coupling/uncoupling of a Class A commercial combination vehicle will be reviewed and practiced, along with basic backing exercises.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRUCKDR 30458341 - Intro to Truck Driving
  • Range Maneuvers of a Commercial Vehicle
    30-458-343
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 30458343
    • Credits: 1.00

    Students will continue to build on backing skills, to include 90- and 45-degree backing and parallel backing maneuvers, as well as other slow maneuver operating practices.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRUCKDR 30458341 - Intro to Truck Driving

    • TRUCKDR 30458342 - Basic Operation of a Commercial Vehicle
  • Safe Commercial Vehicle Operation
    30-458-344
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 30458344
    • Credits: 1.00

    Course covers behind-the-wheel safe commercial vehicle operations, including driver behavior, communication with other vehicles, and speed/space management. Hours of service will also be covered.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRUCKDR 30458341 - Intro to Truck Driving

    • TRUCKDR 30458342 - Basic Operation of a Commercial Vehicle

    • TRUCKDR 30458343 - Range Maneuvers of a Commercial Vehicle
  • Road Maneuvers of a Commercial Vehicle
    30-458-345
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 30458345
    • Credits: 1.00

    Students will begin behind-the-wheel activities in a Class A commercial combination vehicle on a public roadway in a variety of situations, including: roundabouts, turns, lane changes, on/off ramps, interstate driving, and railroad crossings. Students will also be introduced to CDL test items.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRUCKDR 30458341 - Intro to Truck Driving

    • TRUCKDR 30458342 - Basic Operation of a Commercial Vehicle

    • TRUCKDR 30458343 - Range Maneuvers of a Commercial Vehicle

    • TRUCKDR 30458344 - Safe Commercial Vehicle Operation
  • Advanced Operating Procedures
    30-458-346
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 30458346
    • Credits: 1.00

    Students will further their knowledge of operating procedures with behind-the-wheel activities and online learning to understand and prepare for: night operation, extreme driving conditions, skid control/recovery, emergency maneuvers, and button-hooks. How to avoid distracted driving and hazards will also be covered.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRUCKDR 30458341 - Intro to Truck Driving

    • TRUCKDR 30458342 - Basic Operation of a Commercial Vehicle

    • TRUCKDR 30458343 - Range Maneuvers of a Commercial Vehicle

    • TRUCKDR 30458344 - Safe Commercial Vehicle Operation

    • TRUCKDR 30458345 - Road Maneuvers of a Commercial Vehicle
  • Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions
    30-458-347
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 30458347
    • Credits: 1.00

    Course covers identification/diagnosis of malfunctions on a Class A commercial combination vehicle, how to handle roadside inspections, basic maintenance, and sliding tandems and 5th wheels, as well as a variety of vehicle technologies. Compliance and safety will be covered, along with how to handle cargo and specialty vehicle operations (doubles/triples, flatbed, tanker, etc.). 

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRUCKDR 30458341 - Intro to Truck Driving

    • TRUCKDR 30458342 - Basic Operation of a Commercial Vehicle

    • TRUCKDR 30458343 - Range Maneuvers of a Commercial Vehicle

    • TRUCKDR 30458344 - Safe Commercial Vehicle Operation

    • TRUCKDR 30458345 - Road Maneuvers of a Commercial Vehicle

    • TRUCKDR 30458346 - Advanced Operating Procedures
  • Non-Driving Activities
    30-458-348
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 30458348
    • Credits: 1.00

    Students will learn a variety of non-driving techniques/procedures important to day-to-day operations of a Class A commercial combination vehicle. These include, but are not limited to: trip planning, business practices, wellness/fatigue prevention, post-crash procedures, and external communication. Special situations and circumstances, along with medical requirements for commercial licensing, will be covered as well.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRUCKDR 30458341 - Intro to Truck Driving

    • TRUCKDR 30458342 - Basic Operation of a Commercial Vehicle

    • TRUCKDR 30458343 - Range Maneuvers of a Commercial Vehicle

    • TRUCKDR 30458344 - Safe Commercial Vehicle Operation

    • TRUCKDR 30458345 - Road Maneuvers of a Commercial Vehicle

    • TRUCKDR 30458346 - Advanced Operating Procedures

    • TRUCKDR 30458347 - Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions

    Occupational Supportive (1 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Related Welding
    10-442-120
    1Credit
    36
    18
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 18
    • Course Number: 10442120
    • Credits: 1.00

    Prepares students with the common techniques and procedures for SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW welding in a repair or machine shop environment. Topics include welding metal, cutting metal with plasma and oxy-fuel, and metal identification. Laboratory activities will provide the student with hands-on practice.

×

Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
×

Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

×

Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.