The Collision Repair Technology Program

Columbus Technical Campus

The Collision Repair is a nine month program designed to educate students in the complete repair and refinishing of collision damaged vehicles. Students will work with industry standard equipment learning the modern principles of unibody design and automotive refinishing.

CCC Collision Repair uses I-CAR, individualized, modularized training curriculum, to give students in-depth coverage of both conventional and innovative collision repair technologies and processes. Trained technicians go to work for collision repair shops, insurance companies, automotive dealerships, refinish supply companies, collision equipment companies, rental fleet companies, automotive detail shops, truck collision repair shops and into personal businesses.

Areas of Training

Conduct/Safety/Equipment Non-Structural Repair Structural Damage Repair Mechanical & Electrical Components Plastics & Adhesives Painting & Refinishing Special Shop Practice Estimating for Collision Repair

Program highlights

• 9 month program
• Strong job market outlook
• Opportunity to participate in state and national competitions through SkillsUSA student organization
• All hours earned in the certification program count toward an Associates of Applied Science
• Technical Scholarships are available (call for more information)

Program Information

• Admission Requirements
• Employment Potential
• Instructional Staff
• Program Goals
• Technical Scholarships
• Tool List
• Tuition and Fees
• Compass Testing
• Helpful Collision Links
• SkillsUSA
• I-Car Training Alliance

For additional information contact our instructor:

Recommended Auto Collision Repair Technology Courses

(Secondary and Postsecondary Programs)

To complete the Associate in Applied Science Degree, the student must complete the technical program and the general education credit hours, which must be taken from the list approved by the General Education Committee. The Automotive Service Technology credit hours and the general education credit hours must total at least 64 credit hours. 

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Students completing a technical program may desire to seek the Associate in Applied Sciences Degree.  In addition to completing a technical program, this degree also requires the completion of 18 hours in general education.  Complete degree requirements are available at this link.

Description of Courses

ACRT-112. Collision Repair I (140 Contact Hours). 6 Hours. The student will learn the rules regarding general shop safety, major structural construction of an automobile, use of body shop hand tools, as well as safe use and maintenance of air and fluid equipment and accessories.

ACRT-122. Collision Repair II (220 Contact Hours). 8 Hours. Instruction is provided in the diagnosis of a damaged automobile involving the correction of a bent body or frame, and the twisting, deflection and replacement of welded panels that are severely damaged.

ACRT-212. Collision Repair III(230 Contact Hours). 8 Hours. This course provides instruction in determining and performing correct repair procedures (welding and sectioning) for structural damage of automotive panels.

ACRT-222. Collision Repair IV (280 Contact Hours). 10 Hours. This course introduces the auto body shop technician to the processes involved in evaluating auto body damage and preparing accurate estimates. Students will also find daily opportunities for shop management including control of materials, parts, equipment and general housekeeping of the auto body shop.

ACRT-117. Hand and Power Tool Safety (90 Contact Hours). 3 Hours. This course covers the rules regarding safety in the use of hand and power tools.

ACRT-207. On-the-Job Training (OJT or OJT Equivalent) (0-195 Contact Hours). Up to 4 Hours. Students are placed at on-site training locations in cooperation with local businesses. This allows students to gain skills working in their field while still attending classes. Minimum competencies in core curriculum must be maintained. Attendance must be excellent and a professional attitude demonstrated before students will be considered for this opportunity.

ACRT-128. Raising and Supporting Vehicles (40 Contact Hours). 1 Hour. This course provides instruction that will enable the student to identify and correct various types of damage occurring in a variety of suspension frame and unitized body construction.

ACRT-107. Shop Math and Communications I (90 Contact Hours). 3 Hours. This course teaches the skills necessary to measure and mix paint, and to estimate basic shop materials costs.

ACRT-217. Shop Math and Communications II (90 Contact Hours). 3 Hours. This course introduces the student to the math involved in estimating damage and use of collision repair manuals, as well as that math used for collision repair shop operations.

ACRT-201. Surface Preparation & Undercoating I (60 Contact Hours). 2 Hours. This is an introductory level course for painting and refinishing. Students will study the various types of refinishes and body finishes, use of equipment and accessories with the final goal of being able to complete a minor refinish project.

ACRT-221. Surface Preparation and Undercoating II (60 Contact Hours). 2 Hours. This course offers training in the adjustment and tinting of paint for color matching, advanced spraying techniques of color coat and clear coat paints, and instruction in paint scheme layouts for the customer who wants that personalized look.

The Job

Today is an exciting time for the men and women entering the world of collision repair.  The days when body repair meant simply banging dents out of a fender with a hammer and dolly are gone.  Today’s collision repair technician is a skilled professional with expertise in many areas such as computerized estimating, diagnostic equipment, sophisticated measuring systems, and lab management.  The collision repair technician must know how to address and use information dealing with damage estimating, repair techniques, or making a profit.  Most of all, the successful collision repair technicians must be familiar with complex automotive systems and the modern materials that go into today’s automobiles.

We live in an information age, and every successful collision repair technician must recognize the arena of high strength steel, structural glass, space age plastics, and an infinite variety of paint colors.  With this knowledge you can play a part in an industry that rewards skill, knowledge, and hard work.  Whether dealer-owned or an independent collision repair shop, no two are exactly alike.  They vary in size, layout, amount and types of equipment, or in work procedures.  However, they are all similar in methods and follow similar safety rules.

Employment Potential

Employment of automotive body repairers is expected to grow through the year 2014. Demand for qualified body repairers will increase as the number of motor vehicles in operation continues to grow in line with the Nation’s population. The need to replace experienced repairers who transfer to other occupations or who retire or stop working for other reasons will account for the majority of job openings. Opportunities will be best for persons with formal training in automotive body repair and refinishing. For additional information, visit the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Program Goals

Students who successfully complete this program should be able to:

• Provide the opportunity for students to learn safe working habits and procedures for themselves and others
• Provide the opportunity for students to develop knowledge and skills necessary in replacing and estimating of structural and non-structural repair procedures
• Provide the opportunity for students to develop welding skills, learn safety in welding and maintenance of equipment
• Provide the opportunity for students to learn about auto paints and refinishing to industry standards
• Provide the opportunity for students to develop electrical and mechanical knowledge and skills needed in the Collision Repair industry
• Provide the opportunity to understand in proper workmanship and detail work
• Provide the training to develop mathematical, along with oral and written communication skills to problem solve effectively in a Collision Repair shop

Tool List

Estimated cost for the following is $350-$400. For specified tool details, contact instructor.

Helpful Collision Links

I-CAR activities and resources focus on helping the industry achieve a high level of technical training. Visit the I-CAR website.

Visit this link for more information on ASE Certification.

Check on the latest Industry news and utilize the many valuable links at the Autobody Pro website or visit The Pro Forum Chat Room to share ideas and information with fellow autobody professionals world wide.

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