The Collision Repair program is a National Automotive Service Excellence (NATEF) certified program and is designed to help students develop knowledge and skills for employment in the collision repair industry. Students are provided theory and practice in repairing vehicles damaged in a collision. Students entering with prior training from high school, military, or industry can challenge portions of the training program by examination and/or performance testing. Students must achieve competencies in course work before moving to the next instructional area. Shop experience is combined with related theory. Tools will be required once you enter the program. Your instructor will advise you.

Entrance requirements for students seeking enrollment in the Collision Repair program include:

• ALEKS score of 14 or higher in Math, Writing Placement Exam score of 2 or higher or qualify for MTHPT-103 and ENGL-101. 
• Enrollment priority will be given first to AAS degree seeking students on first-come first-serve basis as determine by their faculty advising date.
• Students must hold a valid driver’s license to enroll in the Collision Repair Technology Program. If you have any questions regarding your driver's license, please contact the T&I Division Office prior to submitting your application to LC State.
• Collision Repair has physical requirements that may affect the student’s ability to function in this program. Physical recommendations as listed in the US Bureau of Labor Statics for Collision Repair Technology.

Upon completion of the Advanced Technical Certificate, the student will possess technical skills in:

• Use of proper safety procedures with hazardous materials and operations according to federal, state, local and OSHA guidelines
• Inspect, remove, replace, and align various outer body vehicle parts (ex: hood and hood hinges, deck lid and deck lid hinges, tailgates and tailgate hinges, fenders, doors and related hardware, latches, bumper bars, and various hardware)
• Application of various techniques to repair damaged body panels
• Able to inspect, remove, and replace or adjust moveable and non-moveable glass
• Perform vehicle clean-up; complete quality control using a checklist
• Ability to work with customers and provide quality customer service
• Analyze damage to determine appropriate methods for overall repairs
• Provide customer estimates using written and computerized estimation tools
• Identify type of vehicle construction and recognize the different damage characteristics of space frame, unibody, and body-over-frame vehicles
• Measure and diagnose structural damage using a tram gauge and three-dimensional measuring systems
• Identify different methods of attaching structural and non-structural components
• Apply various MIG welding techniques to attach structural/non-structural components
• Inspect and prepare surfaces for refinishing
• Demonstrate an understanding of the operation of pressure spray equipment and apply finish using appropriate spray techniques
• Accurately match paint to color of vehicle and apply properly
• Determine causes of paint defects and find appropriate cures

Advanced Technical Certificate Requirements