Auto Electricals study guide
Auto Electricals · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Auto Electricals credential is a trade-level examination for technicians who diagnose, repair, and maintain the electrical and electronic systems of cars, light trucks, and commercial vehicles. It suits apprentices finishing formal training, experienced mechanics adding an electrical specialisation, and technicians moving from mechanical work into diagnostics-heavy roles. The Auto Electricals study guide has 8 sections and about 3,146 words.
01Electrical Principles and Circuit Fundamentals
Electrical principles underpin every test on this exam. Expect questions on Ohm's law, series and parallel circuits, voltage drop, power, magnetism, and how capacitance and inductance affect DC circuits.
394 words, about 2 min02Batteries, Starting Systems, and Charging Systems
This domain tests how a vehicle stores, delivers, and replenishes electrical energy. Expect questions on lead-acid battery construction and ratings, state of charge, charging system operation and regulation, cranking circuit voltage drop, and parasitic draw.
402 words, about 2 min03Lighting, Signaling, and Vehicle Accessory Circuits
This domain covers exterior and interior lighting, turn and hazard signaling, stop lamps, and accessory circuits such as wipers, windows, horns, and relays. The exam tests bulb types and control strategies, flasher operation, relay and switch diagnosis, and body-control-module behavior.
413 words, about 2 min04Wiring, Connectors, Harnesses, and Circuit Protection
This domain tests wire selection, terminal and connector repair, harness routing, and circuit protection. Expect questions on ampacity, voltage drop, fuse and relay selection, crimping standards, and the difference between protecting a wire and protecting a device.
403 words, about 2 min05Electronic Control Units, Sensors, and Multiplexed Networks
This domain tests how electronic control units read sensors, command actuators, and communicate over multiplexed networks. Expect questions on 5 V references, sensor signal types, CAN and LIN operation, terminating resistors, gateways, and network diagnosis.
406 words, about 2 min06Diagnostic Testing, Meters, Oscilloscopes, and Scan Tools
This domain tests the instruments and methods used to observe electrical behavior: digital multimeters, current clamps, oscilloscopes, and scan tools. Expect questions on measurement technique, waveform interpretation, scan-tool data, and parasitic draw testing.
388 words, about 2 min07Electrical Fault Diagnosis and Repair Procedures
This domain tests a repeatable diagnostic process and repair quality. Expect questions on fault types, voltage-drop testing, intermittent faults, parasitic draw, and acceptable repair methods.
353 words, about 2 min08Safety, Environmental Practice, and Industry Standards
This domain tests safe and lawful work practices: high-voltage and supplemental restraint safety, battery handling, environmental controls, and the standards that shape automotive electrical service. Expect questions on PPE, de-energizing, refrigerant and waste handling, and key SAE and ISO documents.
387 words, about 2 min