STEP

Service Technician
Education Programs

www.bmwstep.com

The Ultimate
Driving Machine

The ultimate career path from the builder of

The Ultimate Driving Machine !

www.bmwstep.com

As a service director I rely

on competent and professional technicians to keep
my department operating
efficiently. In my opinion
the end product that the
STEP program offers is
irreplaceable.

Garrett O'Dell , Service Director, Chapman BMW of Chandler

www.ayes.org

Aim high! Set your sights on an exciting career as a BMW Service

Technician. If youve got the ambition, well supply the know-how
with BMWs distinctive Service Technician Education Programs (STEP).
Brilliantly designed, classically refined, totally high-performance vehicles backed up by the best
Service Team in the world thats the legacy of BMW. Providing total quality on the road and in
the shop has won BMW the respect of auto enthusiasts worldwide. In fact, no other brand has won
as many International Engine of the Year Awards as BMW.

So, when BMW centers scout new recruits for their Service Teams, they demand the best candidates
with the most extensive training. Thats why BMW of North America formed STEP in 1996 to provide future BMW Service Technicians with the longest and most in-depth program for new
technicians.
The various programs available through STEP have helped to place over 3,000 new BMW Service
Technicians since the programs inception. From this growing pool of talent comes the future of
BMW Service.
Our programs now cover the entire spectrum of BMW retailer technician needs. STEP
has expanded, creating more opportunities for a career with BMW than ever before. We encourage
you to consider the BMW Service Technician Education Programs as you plan your future career path.

www.bmwstep.com

level I program is the original of all Service Technician Education Programs. It is a BMW paid six month
intensive training program for top-level technical school graduates. STEP Level I encompasses all the training that a BMW Master Technician completes and two years credit towards the five-year requirement to become a BMW
Master Technician

STEP

is the year that STEP has evolved into a complete BMW Group program, now offering employee development programs for multiple brands of the BMW Group, including BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad. Within
the BMW auto STEP programs offered are of course the flagship six month program now having developed over 3000 technicians for the BMW centers in the US market since 1996, but to have expanded into the MetroSTEP, Associate Degree
program, and FastTrack technician development programs.

2009

into multiple programs for the multiple brands, but also know known for the expansion of curriculum not
just focusing on the technical requirements, but also expanding the into the non technical requirements
of being a technician. This includes the knowledge of BMW Group web applications such as DCSnet, CenterNet, ICP,
PuMA, ETK, just to name a few. The addition of Dealer Management System utilization in every class now also improves the
readiness of any STEP program graduate with the knowledge and daily use of a DMS to be prepared to manage their time
and repair order writing.

Evolved

improvement is not the only enhancement provided. In addition, STEP training fleets have now been
expanded to include previously owned used product with real world diagnostic issues to task program
students with the real world issues they will soon be confronted with at their hiring Center or Dealership.

Program

STEP training programs are paid for by BMW for the BEST of the BEST that is, only those who qualify under the highest of BMW and MINI standards. A high level of commitment is required: Graduates are expected to take employment at a
BMW, MINI or BMW Motorrad dealership within 30 days of graduation with the intention of working for the hiring BMW
retailer for at least three to five years. Students must pass a test and interview process to receive an appointment to STEP.
Even if you havent graduated from high school yet, its not too early to start thinking about this exciting opportunity.
World-class training that enables a technician to reach his/her full potential in the
shortest time possible and BMW pays the entire tuition!

What does
the STEP curriculum include?
The real-life training offered by STEP gives Service Technicians everything required to launch a successful career at BMW or
MINI. Programs vary in length and intensity, and now BMW has programs that offer a variety of paths to becoming a BMW
Service Technician. Students may receive advanced training on BMW and MINIs newest models and systems employing
BMW factory diagnostic tools and procedures. As a result, STEP graduates are able to reach their full potential in a much
shorter time than the typical entry-level technician. Veteran STEP graduates have reported that our programs advanced their
careers by as many as 10 years in the profession.
Technical courses specific to BMW, MINI and Motorrad.

Fiber-optic systems training.

Familiarity with BMWs proprietary diagnostic equipment

and tools.

Wheel alignment proficiency on state-of-the-art equipment.

Warranty documentation training.

BMW Certified Pre-Owned inspection experience.

Advanced electronic systems training.

Refrigerant-handling certification.

Control module coding and programming experience.

BMW Group system and DMS tools.

And much more!

www.ayes.org

Who qualifies
for STEP?
Throughout the year, BMW carefully selects top graduates from leading automotive and powersport technology schools
to train at STEP facilities around the country. Heres what you must do in order to qualify for BMWs unique program:
Graduate in the top of your class, with an excellent
grade point average.

Remain free of drugs and substance abuse.

Pass the STEP entrance exam and an intensive interview screening process.

Be willing to relocate.

Have a good driving record.

Receive good recommendations from your instructors.

Please visit www.bmwstep.com for program specifics.

Have a good punctuality record and a low absenteeism rate.

Similarly, you should be enthusiastic about BMW. MINI or BMW Motorrad and committed to joining the BMW Group
Service organization. The STEP selection process pays careful attention to the attitudes, determination and life skills of
candidates who apply.

BMW is partnering with colleges in major BMW market areas,

The BMW Degree Program with the intention of bringing new and local talent into BMW

centers from college-level automotive programs identified as ADP. Within this program, the student attends the college,
taking all the college credits for a two-year degree in applied science plus special studies focusing on BMW technology. The graduates under this program will be awarded BMW credentials and BMW retailer experience through
an internship. For information on newly approved BMW A.A.S. programs, visit www.bmwstep.com.
This is a vocational school
elective program in which
a student technician may enroll, after completing an
automotive certificate program. FAST TRACK spans
approximately 12 weeks and also graduates the successful student with valuable BMW credentials. For
information on newly established FAST TRACK programs, visit www.bmwstep.com.

FAST TRACK

Both The BMW Degree Program and FAST TRACK

are student-paid programs that produce entry-level technicians. BMW supplies curricula, vehicles, special tools
and placement assistance.

www.bmwstep.com

BMW
STEP
STEP Level I is the original of the Service Technician Education Programs and is still the oldest and most respected of its
kind in the industry. STEP began as the brainchild of BMW dealers and BMW of North America, LLC, and was primarily
designed to address the growth needs of BMW dealers. STEP has graduated over 3,000 new BMW Service Technicians to
date. Even more remarkable, most of those graduates are still working for BMW dealers! With a typical technician facing
industry attrition-rate averages of 15 to 18 percent per year, a STEP graduates future with BMW, MINI or BMW Motorrad
are the brightest in the business.

STEP I will provide training to a level of credentials equal to that of a BMW Master Technician. A BMW Master Technician has
at least five years of experience with a BMW retailer. A STEP graduate will receive two years credit towards that goal. For
information regarding current requirements for BMW Service Technician levels, please refer to www.bmwstep.com.
A STEP candidate has strict criteria to meet: A 3.5 GPA or better, and a 98-percent attendance rate while attending a postsecondary automotive school of their choice. The candidate must also have a clean driving record, have good references
and pass an entrance exam in order to be ready for a personal interview with an official of BMW of North America, LLC.
The candidate needs to be prepared for the path ahead not just academically, but socially, emotionally and financially as
well. The candidate will be required to attend STEP for six months. BMW pays for the tuition, books and all other costs associated with education. The student is responsible for rent, food and a part-time job honing his or her skills in the trade. With the
assistance of BMW, the student upon completing STEP will negotiate with one of 350 BMW retailers in North America
for a position as a Service Technician. BMW also provides training in the area of negotiating and evaluation skills for these
students.

www.ayes.org

BMW
Motorrad STEP
BMW Motorrad STEP will train the selected candidate to a level of credentials equal to that of a BMW Motorrad Level 3
Technician (fully trained). While in the MMI BMW Certified Technician program prior to STEP, the technician has been
trained to a mid level 2 certification. STEP provides the completion of the education by including the remaining classes to be
fully trained. These additional classes include Electronic Systems, Gearbox and Rear Drive, Engine Analysis and Repair, and
Small Engine Repair.
BMW pays for the tuition, curriculum materials, and most education associated costs. The student is responsible for housing
costs, food, program entry drug screen testing, and WorkKeys qualification test. Additionally, the student will have an opportunity to intern in the BMW National Workshop and be mentored by the BMW Motorrad National Workshop Master
Technicians as they prepare new motorcycles for the press fleet, and diagnose and repair BMW internal fleet motorcycles.
To learn how to enter the MMI BMW Motorrad Certified Technician program in Phoenix, AZ to possibly be considered for
BMW Motorrad STEP, visit the MMI website at www.MMItech.edu, click on the for Manufacture Programs menu item, and
then BMW for more information.

MINI
STEP
The MINI STEP is conducted at two locations, Orlando FL, and Ontario, CA STEP locations. Based on the processes of
BMW STEP, the 10 week MINI program also fully trains the STEP student to the fully trained Level I status. All of the latest
models and system technologies are highlighted as well as MINI Dealer web tools and DMS. For more information, review
the BMW STEP web site at www.bmwstep.com.

For information on all BMW Group STEP employee development programs, go to www.bmwstep.com.

www.bmwstep.com

Questions
&

Answers

Who should apply to or enroll in STEP? Are all BMW Service Technicians required to
complete this training program?
If you are a technical school graduate, a college graduate or a professional technician with experience
on another product line, you can apply for or enroll in one of the STEP programs. Of course, you
could just apply to a BMW retailer and, if hired, begin working there. However, the BMW dealer
would then need to send you for training one class at a time. If you were fortunate enough to be
offered two classes per year, it would take you roughly eight years to become a Master Technician.
STEP advances that process for the benefit of both the technician and the BMW dealer.

How much will it cost me to attend the program?

If you are accepted into STEP and complete the training, the program itself will not cost you very little. BMW will pay your entire tuition and also pick up the cost for all of your training materials.
You will only need to pay for substance abuse pre screen testing, WorkKeys Testing, food, lodging
and living expenses. To make this easier, STEP schools will make arrangements to help you find
affordable housing and part-time employment while in the program.
If you elect to enroll in The BMW Degree Program or FAST TRACK, the cost of the program will
be paid to the institution that provides the training.

Will I have any obligations to BMW after I graduate from STEP?

BMW has only one requirement for STEP graduates: After graduation they must work for a participating
BMW retailer for a minimum of one year and begin that employment within 30 days of graduation.
However, one year would not be considered sufficient to achieve success it is merely a minimum
contractual obligation. BMW expects STEP graduates to begin their careers at the hiring BMW,
MINI or Motorrad dealer and return to that dealers customers many years of dedicated service. To
make this as easy as possible, BMWs STEP administrators help to arrange interviews for students
during the final weeks in the program. Individual BMW centers may request that new hires sign a
longer contract but this is between you and the BMW center that chooses to employ you. BMW has
a number of support programs in place to ensure that graduates receive the best possible offers.

www.ayes.org

When can I sign up for STEP? How often is STEP offered?

STEP is run all year long with dozens of possible start dates at locations across the country. MINI
STEP is offered as often as possible with approximately four sessions annually at two locations.
Motorrad STEP is conducted through the summer months at two locations. Regardless of when
you graduate from technical school, BMW would like you to begin STEP shortly afterwards. BMW is
sensitive to requests for a specific location. However, it is our first priority to place the student into a
class as soon as possible. Location is one of the topics you will discuss during the interview
process. FAST TRACK runs quarterly at select institutions and the The BMW Degree Program
begins at qualified colleges in the FALL semester.

How much do I need to know about BMW vehicles in order to qualify for STEP?
BMW does not require applicants to have any specialized knowledge of its cars or the company. As
long as you meet all the other prerequisites including a high GPA, an acceptable driving record,
good attendance and the willingness to relocate you only need to have completed a post-secondary
automotive course at an accredited automotive technology school to qualify. For The BMW Degree
Program, you will need to meet the requirements of the institution desired.

We have multiple graduates working for us and they are excellent. Now that Ive got some history
with them, I have been able to do some real analysis on their progress and have determined that
they are indeed the best solution for dealerships when it comes to hiring technicians. Please keep
up the great work as your program flat-out rules.

How long does the application process last? How far ahead of time should I begin to
apply to STEP?
You can apply to STEP during the last months of your automotive training at your respective post-secondary school. For BMW Motorrad STEP, you must be a graduate of the MMI Phoenix BMW Motorrad
Certified Technician Program. Its best to make your intentions known early in your automotive training
by speaking with a career counselor. Once youre certain that you want to attend STEP and can meet
the programs acceptance criteria, you will need to obtain a copy of your driving record, create a
resum, obtain a current school transcript, take an entrance exam and make plans to meet with a
STEP representative. Your career services department can help you with the process. To be sure
theres enough time, you should start at least six months prior to the date you want to begin STEP. We
recommend that you work closely with your career services counselor or BMW representatives to
ensure a smooth transition. FAST TRACK applicants may apply for the elective program before,
during or after their post secondary education. The BMW Degree Program begins in the FALL at
qualified colleges and fills quickly. We recommend that you begin the application process no later
than the spring of your high school senior year.

www.bmwstep.com

Finding a dream Job

was never easier.
During your training as a STEP student and future technician, you will be guided through the process
of negotiating with a BMW retail center for a position. With demand growing for qualified Service
Technicians at BMW centers, a STEP trained graduate is a valuable commodity. To speed up the
hiring process and help you weigh all of your options. In addition, BMW centers have the ability to
browse the STEP rosters on the STEP Connection website to select people from their area. BMW
carefully measures each region of the country to ensure that each person that comes into the program has the opportunity to be hired in a location where they will feel comfortable.

Prior to graduation is a time for employers to meet STEP students and tell them about the career
opportunities at various BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad dealerships. BMW Service Managers from
around the country may visit to give presentations, conduct interviewsand make offers of employment.
Since this decision is so important, STEP students are encouraged to meet with as many prospective
employers as possible, and wait until they graduate before making a decision. In this way, BMW,
MINI, or BMW Motorrad looks out for your interests and helps you to start your new career on the
right foot.
BMW is passionately committed to providing the highest quality of vehicles and service, reinforced
by our motto: What other car companies do well, BMW does brilliantly! If youre the type of
person who wants to be the best, then there may be a place for you on Team BMW.
To make STEP available across the country, STEP facilities have been established in Phoenix, Ariz.; Orlando, Fla.; ; Fremont,
Calif.; Ontario, Calif; Cleveland, Ohio; and Woodcliff Lake, NJ.
BMW Degree Program begins each fall at MassBay Community College in Ashland, Mass and Central Piedmont Community
College in Matthews, NC.

10

www.ayes.org

Steve Thomas BMW, a six-time Center of

Excellence recipient and currently one of the
top-10 CSI stores in the country (SPGs 600 1200+, June 2004), is a proud supporter of
the STEP program. We have hired 15 STEP
graduates in the last few years, and we have
been very pleased with the overall results and
the quality of technicians. Please call me should
you have any questions about the program
or about our positive experience and relationship
with STEP.

Steve Thomas, Service Director, Steve Thomas BMW, Camarillo, California

11

STEP
Service Technician
Education Programs

www.bmwstep.com

The Ultimate
Driving Machine

For more information on BMW STEP and AYES, please visit www.bmwstep.com and www.ayes.org.