Automotive Collision Repair
Nature of Work
Automotive body repairers straighten bent bodies, remove dents, and replace crumpled parts that are beyond repair. They repair all types of vehicles. Each damaged vehicle presents different challenges for repairers. Using their broad knowledge of automotive construction and repair techniques, automotive body repairers must decide how to handle each job based on what the vehicle is made of and what needs to be repaired. They must first determine the extent of the damage and decide which parts are repairable and which parts will need to be replaced.
For heavily damaged cars, an automotive body repairer might start by measuring the vehicle's frame to determine if there has been structural damage. The technician would then attach or clamp the vehicle to a structural repair machine that uses hydraulic pressure to align damaged components. They must restore "unibody" vehicles (designs built without detachable frames) as well as "full frame" vehicles (designs built with a detachable frame under the body), to precise factory specifications for the vehicle to operate correctly.
Refinish technicians prepare the vehicle for refinishing by applying corrosion protection materials and various body repair materials. The body repair materials require power and hand tools to sand and shape the damaged panels for preparation of topcoats. The repairer then uses vehicle-specific colors mixed at their shop or by a local vendor. These colors are used with special techniques to ensure the color matches the existing finish. Usually the final top coat will be a protective clear finish to protect the color and optimize appearance.
Career Outlook
Employment of automotive body and glass repairers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2012 to 2022. Job opportunities are projected to be very good for job seekers with industry certification and formal training in automotive body and refinishing and in collision repair.
College CatalogCredentials You Can Earn
Program Expenses
Admissions Fees
- Nonrefundable application fee ($25)
Outside Vendor Fees Prior To Beginning ACRP Courses
- Tools (Approximately $1,200 for the diploma program; $800 for the Automotive Collision Repair Assistant I, Automotive Collision Repair Assistant II, and Automotive Collision Specialist programs; and $500 for the Automotive Refinishing Assistant I, Automotive Refinishing Assistant II, and Automotive Refinishing Specialist programs)
Semester Fees
- Tuition ($89 per credit hour)
- Accident Insurance Fee ($4 per term)
- Campus Supply Fee ($40 per term)
- Instruction Fee ($55 per term)
- Parking Fee ($20 per term)
- Campus Safety Fee ($25 per term)
- Registration Fee ($50 per term)
- Student Activity Fee ($30 per term)
- Technology Fee ($105 per term)
Throughout the Program
- Textbooks (Approximately $500 per semester)
- Supply Fees (Varies — See course descriptions for exact amount)
These expenses are based on costs in effect at the time this catalog was published. Prices are subject to change.
