How Technicians Can Become Fleet Managers: A Complete Career Growth Guide

This article is based on a recent episode of The Fleet Success Show podcast.
Watch the full episode here: 

Q: How do I go from being a fleet technician to a fleet manager?

A: Start by mastering your current role and asking for leadership opportunities. Gain experience with diagnostics, inspections, and reporting, then pursue training and certifications like ASE, CAFM, or CPFP. Show initiative by helping improve shop processes, mentoring others, or taking ownership of performance metrics. Fleet managers are often promoted from within when they show strong technical and communication skills.

Tip: Use a fleet maintenance management system like RTA Fleet360 to track technician productivity and training records. This proves your value and prepares you for the next step.

Q: What certifications do I need to become a fleet manager?

A: While requirements vary, the most recognized certifications include:

• ASE Certifications – Prove technical mastery
• CAFM (NAFA) – Comprehensive fleet management
• CPFP (APWA) – Great for government fleet professionals

These programs validate your expertise and often give you an edge for promotions or new roles.

Q: What type of training helps advance a career in fleet?

A: Look for training in areas like:

• Fleet budgeting and capital planning
• Vendor contract management
• Asset lifecycle tracking
• Leadership and communication
• Software training for fleet systems

Even if your organization won’t pay, investing in yourself will always pay off long-term.

Pro Tip: Build training into vendor contracts. For example, Brent Messner from the City of Las Vegas writes travel and training into equipment RFPs to ensure his techs get OEM instruction.

Q: How can I get leadership experience as a technician?

A: Look for informal ways to lead: mentor a junior tech, document better inspection workflows, or offer to help with parts inventory optimization. Take initiative. Offer ideas. Show your supervisor you’re thinking about the big picture.

And remember, leadership is also about relationships. Start building a network of other fleet professionals. Attend conferences, participate in forums, and reach out to others via LinkedIn.

Q: What tools help me succeed as a fleet manager?

A: Fleet managers rely heavily on data and systems to make informed decisions. The right fleet maintenance software helps you:

• Track technician productivity
• Monitor work order quality control
• Reduce downtime with automated PM scheduling
• Improve stakeholder satisfaction
• Justify budget decisions with built-in reporting and dashboards

RTA Fleet360 stands out with features like stakeholder CSAT surveys, embedded BI dashboards, and custom forms/workflows that simplify operations.

Q: I just got promoted to fleet manager with no experience. What should I do first?

A:

1. Walk the shop floor – Get to know your techs and what they need
2. Shadow your operators – Understand how vehicles are used
3. Meet with parts and admin staff – Learn how the full system runs
4. Implement a fleet maintenance system – If you don’t already have one, software is your biggest ally in managing workflows, compliance, and reporting
5. Join professional organizations – NAFA, APWA, and fleet forums offer resources, certifications, and community

Most importantly, stay humble. Ask questions. Be a sponge.

Q: How do I stand out in a government fleet operation?

A:

• Advocate for training in every RFP and vehicle spec
• Use software to prove your team’s performance (availability, PM compliance, cost savings)
• Show leadership by investing in your team’s success, not just your own

When budgets are tight and maintenance is at risk of being outsourced, the ability to demonstrate performance matters more than ever.

Final Thought:

Whether you’re a technician eyeing your next step or a newly minted fleet manager, your success depends on a mix of training, technology, relationships, and initiative. And the right fleet maintenance management software can amplify it all.

Want to learn more about how top fleet managers are growing their careers? Listen to the full episode of The Fleet Success Show featuring Nathan Schafer and Brent Messner.