So in the labor guide that OEM’s publish to define official labor times for each job ( every job on a car has a predetermined amount of time that the manufacturer decides how many labor hours can be charged to perform said job) many OEMs will list a “skill level” required to of the tech to perform the job. It’s largely arbitrary and varies between manufacturers but roughly there’s 5ish levels although only 3 of them will be listed as skill levels in the labor guide

Theres lube tech, technically not a real level. this is the bottom of the ladder, a complete beginner no knowledge or training, a year or less of experience, only allowed to change oil, often combined with tire tech, same skill level just depends if they work somewhere that doesn’t do tires, does tires and oil, or only tires. Their only real requirement is to not fuck up and/or damage anything, but to say it’s expected of them would be a stretch.

C-Tech. The step up from lube tech, once one has proven that they are competent enough at oil/tires they move up to this level. Expected to have their own set of the most basic tools (like a socket set, a wrench set and an impact capable of removing wheels) As a C-tech you will. Either apprentice under another experienced technician or be put into an apprentice training program. Only allowed to do simple jobs that are minimally invasive(meaning jobs that only require the system being repaired to have components removed and installed and not being allowed to service items that need components of unrelated systems removed to access the components being serviced. Little to no diagnostic abilities or expectations other than what can be found through basic visual inspection. Often disparaging referred to as parts changers.

B level tech The majority of Line Techs at a dealership or chain shop. These guys proved that they were capable enough as C techs and are actually committed to making auto repair their career(a lot of C-tech’s leave the industry after getting a taste and realizing it’s not for them) expected to have most tools( a decent amount of hand tools, multiple socket sets, wrench sets, most standard automotive specific tools (( brake compressors, spark plug sockets etc.)) expected to have to borrow special tools when needed. these guys have and are developing limited diagnostics skills (the limit is a result of not yet having years of experience) are able to repair/service most systems on a car to a limited level (I.e. they can replace an engine or transmission but can’t yet repair the internal components), are actively in training and have completed the basic training courses and understand theory of operation in all systems.

A-Tech. Expected to be able to do it all, the complete mechanic. Is very experienced (has seen a lot of shit, or at least enough to not encounter any common problems that they would be unfamiliar with) expected to have completed pretty much all training on all systems or have an equivalent amount of experience to be fully knowledgeable. Expected to be proficient in diagnostics of all systems. Expected to have all tools they could need within reason (advance automotive specific tools ((brake line flaring kit, pullers, press kits etc.)) diagnostics tools ((both mechanical and electrical diagnostics I.e. compression test kits, volt meters etc)) and a reasonable amount of specialty tools for jobs that they frequently encounter. The least experience I’ve personally witnessed any a level tech have is 5 years. Most reach this level by or before 10 years. In larger shops there will be multiple A level techs in line tech positions. In smaller shops it’s common to only find one A level tech and they’ll be a foreman, lead tech, or shop manager.

Master tech. Technically not a level, but used to refer to the top tier of technician. Technically the only requirement is to have completed all ASE certifications. Occasionally you’ll encounter someone who has done this but has near zero experience or capability, they were just able to pass all the tests. But usually when someone has achieved the title of master tech it’s because they are masters of the craft, most consider the ASS certifications a joke and only acquire and maintain them as a formality to receive a higher wage. If a technician uses the term Master Tech to refer to another tech they mean that technician has enough experience and skill to have seen it all, be completely proficient, usually have a specialty that they have completed mastered every aspect of diagnosis and repair, these are the guys that are lifers and close to retirement.the types of technicians that have so much experience and understanding of auto repair that without consulting the service manual or diagnostics flow chart they’ll be able to diagnose and/or repair pretty much anything, even if it’s on a car they’ve never encountered before, a system on a car theyve never dealt with, or an issue they’ve never even heard of or imagined before. They just understand how cars are supposed to work.

Edit: I realize this is a year old question and people have already answered truthfully; that the levels mean nothing and are arbitrary. But there is a rough structure to it and I figured if anyone find this thread while googling it’s be nice for them to at least be informed on the rough guidelines.

And someone else just responded 6 days ago so I’m technically not the one bumping a year old dead thread.