Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Auto Collision Repair & Refinish Technician

Technical Diploma  |  31-405-1

www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882

Start Dates: August

Effective: August 2025

First Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

404-337Automotive Electricity 12Program studentA course of study designed to provide the student with the skills needed to understand electrical fundamentals, including electrical/electronic terminology, electrical components, circuits, measurements, and Ohm's Law relationships. Classroom instruction and hands-on training are provided on how to use electrical wiring diagrams, component locators, and basic testing using industry standard tools to identify and isolate 'open', 'short' and 'high resistance' faults in automotive electrical system circuits. Automotive electrical circuits are studied with related lab work involving locating/replacing circuit components, wire & terminal repair using industry-approved techniques; battery diagnosis, testing & replacement; and electrical cooling fan diagnosis.

405-301Introduction to Auto Collision1Program studentThis course is designed to prepare students for entry into the Auto Collision Program. Emphasis will be placed on lab safety. Program orientation, and customer vehicle processes.

405-302Intro to Collision Fundamental2Program student; Corequisite: 405-304, 405-306, 405-308This course lays the foundation for collision repair, integrating industry insights to prioritize job-ready skills and earning opportunities. Learners will engage in safety training, tool usage, explore career opportunities, develop cover letter/resume/interview skills, begin estimating, and gain an industry overview along with getting to know area employers. The curriculum emphasizes identifying repairable damage, understanding products used in the repair/refinish process, and providing a strong base for entry-level positions.

405-304Structural Fundamentals1Program student; Corequisite: 405-302, 405-306, 405-308In this foundational course, learners develop essential skills in structural collision repair, focusing on entry-level job readiness. Learners will identify structural damage, understand when to repair or replace, explore related materials, learn repair processes, and prioritize safety. The curriculum provides a fundamental understanding of structural repairs and what type of structural work employers are doing in regional shops.

405-306Non-Structural Fundamentals4Program student; Corequisite: 405-302, 405-304, 405-308In this foundational course, learners develop essential non-structural repair skills essential for entry-level positions. Emphasis is placed on hands-on practice in metal finishing, spreading body filler, prep sanding for primer, plastic repair, and disassembly/reassembly. This course will complement the content being covered in Refinish/Painting Fundamentals and will also cover relevant electrical and mechanical components that pertain to non-structural repairs.

405-308Refinish/Painting Fundamentals4Program student; Corequisite: 405-302, 405-304, 405-306This course introduces learners to fundamental refinishing and painting techniques critical for entry-level roles. Learners gain hands-on experience on panel prep, priming, masking, and achieving proper color match and showroom finish. Integrated with Non-Structural Fundamentals, the curriculum emphasizes proper procedures and techniques along with distinguishing between poor and good quality work to instill industry standards and enhance job readiness.

405-355Auto Body Basics51st 8 Weeks | Program student; 405-301 and 405-382 and 442-315 or concurrentThis course will give students the opportunity to acquire skills in basic metal finishing techniques, body panel repair techniques, plastic filler application, and surface preparation.

405-356Nonstructural Repair52nd 8 Weeks | Program student; 405-355 or concurrentStudents will develop skills in repair of minor and major dent repair, nonstructural.

405-382Paint Technology2Program studentAutomotive refinishing basics includes history of automotive refinishes, paint shop equipment, safety, undercoats, solvents, top coats, problems and solutions. Color matching and blending includes color theory, appearance factors, types of finishes, preparation for painting, equipment and painting area, color testing, color blending and detailing using introductory I-CAR course materials.

442-311Transportation Welding11st 8 weeks | Program studentThe purpose of this course is to help the students acquire basic welding skills used in the transportation industry by using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC), and Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC). It is a hands-on self-paced learning environment to learn basic welding skills and safe welding practices. May get into course with instructor approval if you are not a program or pre-program student.

442-312Welding for Auto Collision12nd 8 weeks | 442-311 or concurrentThe purpose of this course is to help the students acquire basic welding skills on light gauge metals and other materials used in the automobile industry by using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC), and Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC). It is a hands-on self-paced learning environment to learn basic welding skills and safe welding practices. May get into course with instructor approval if you are not a program or pre-program student.

442-315Welding for Auto Collision2Program or pre-program studentThe purpose of this course is to help the students acquire basic welding skills on light gauge metals and other materials used in the automobile industry by using oxyacetylene welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC), and oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC). It is a hands-on self-paced learning environment to learn basic welding skills and safe welding practices. May get into course with instructor approval if you are not a program or pre-program student.

804-360Math for Technical Trades2This course prepares learners to apply fundamental mathematic concepts to real-world trade-based scenarios. Math for Technical Trades is an applied technical math course. The course includes arithmetic, measurement calculation, formula manipulation, basic geometry, right triangle trigonometry, and interpretation of visual displays of data, with an emphasis on contextualized technical applications.

TOTAL CREDITS:32 

Second Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

405-310Collision Internship1Winter term | Program student; 405-302 and 405-304 and 405-306 and 405-308; Corequisite: 405-312, 405-314, 405-316, 405-318Aligned with employer expectations, the internship provides hands-on experience and mentorship to reinforce work readiness skills being learned in the classroom/lab. Learners will utilize this industry immersion to focus on skill development and will receive structured guidance in a meeting with the employer and instructor. Emphasis is placed on understanding job pace, growth opportunities, and applying learned skills in real-world settings to employability opportunities upon program completion.

405-312Intermediate Collision1Program student; 405-302 and 405-304 and 405-306 and 405-308; Corequisite: 405-310, 405-314, 405-316, 405-318Expanding on Intro to Collision Fundamentals, this course focuses on integrating and applying work readiness skills and connecting broader collision concepts. Learners develop an understanding of more broad repair concepts such as air bags, SRS, seat belts and enhanced estimating. By covering a broad range of collision industry topics, this will expand student readiness for real-world collision repair environments.

405-314Structural Applications1Program student; 405-302 and 405-304 and 405-306 and 405-308; Corequisite: 405-310, 405-312, 405-316, 405-318Building on Structural Fundamentals, this course advances learners' proficiency in structural collision repair, aligning with industry expectations. Learners focus on repair techniques such as welded body panel replacements and unibody/frame rail sectioning in addition to an introduction to frame rack setup, measuring and frame pulling. The curriculum emphasizes practical application type of work relevant to a work ready position in the collision repair industry.

405-316Non-Structural Applications5Program student; 405-302 and 405-304 and 405-306 and 405-308; Corequisite: 405-310, 405-312, 405-314, 405-318Building on Non-Structural Fundamentals, this course deepens learners' expertise in non-structural repairs, aligning with industry expectations. Learners focus on repetitive refinement of skills through tasks such as dent repair on fenders, doors, and hoods in addition to body line repair, body pulling to realign panel gaps and door skin replacements. This course will complement the content being covered in Refinish/Painting Applications and will also cover relevant electrical and mechanical components that pertain to non-structural repairs.

405-318Refinish/Painting Applications5Program student; 405-302 and 405-304 and 405-306 and 405-308; Corequisite: 405-310, 405-312, 405-314, 405-316Continuing from Refinish/Painting Fundamentals, this course advances learners' skills in automotive refinishing. Learners engage in refining painting techniques, color blending/tinting, environmental impacts on process, and learning to identify and correct painting flaws. Through repetition, refinement, and integration with Non-Structural Applications, learners will achieve proficiency in painting various panels and understanding paint materials, aligning with industry expectations.

405-357Refinishing51st 8 Weeks | 405-356Students will complete paint jobs, spot repair, color blending, sanding techniques and taping.

405-358Structural Repair52nd 8 Weeks | 405-357 or concurrentStudents will determine types and levels of damage to Unibody and frame vehicles. Skill in measuring needed repairs will be developed.

405-370Auto Collision Internship1Program studentThis course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to experience skills and knowledge obtained in their program course work. A training plan is created for each student in conjunction with the training site and the CVTC Auto Collision program. This course is designed to help the student, instructor, and site supervisor to focus on major outcomes of the training and general readiness for employment in their chosen field. This course work will be completed during the winter term between the first and second semesters of the Auto Collision program.

405-375Estimating & Structural Repair2Instructor Approval | Program student; 405-356 and 405-382Terms, abbreviations, and vehicle identification necessary for estimating collision damage will be learned. Emphasis will be placed on following estimating procedures along with development of damage estimate writing skills. Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to conduct an inspection and perform damage analysis, both structural and non-structural.

801-357Applied Written/Job Seek Comm1This course emphasizes the importance of effective workplace writing and the practical components of job-seeking skills. Students will acquire practical, business-related skills through reading, writing, revising, and grammar exercises. Additionally, they will polish a resume, practice their interview skills, explore a company's background, assess and refine their personal career goals, and establish a purpose for writing in their career field.

804-360Math for Technical Trades2This course prepares learners to apply fundamental mathematic concepts to real-world trade-based scenarios. Math for Technical Trades is an applied technical math course. The course includes arithmetic, measurement calculation, formula manipulation, basic geometry, right triangle trigonometry, and interpretation of visual displays of data, with an emphasis on contextualized technical applications.

TOTAL CREDITS:29 

Summer Term

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

405-320Advanced Collision1Program student; 405-310 and 405-312 and 405-314 and 405-316 and 405-318; Corequisite: 405-322In this advanced course, learners apply their foundational skills from Intro to Collision Fundamentals and Collision-Intermediate to comprehensive repair projects, mirroring real-world scenarios. Emphasizing hands-on experience, learners tackle more advanced repair items such as pre/post repair scans, calibration, scanning, and ADAS. Building upon the projects being completed in the Collision Capstone course, application of these topics will be completed to ensure students are prepared for work readiness, are prepared with problem-solving abilities and practical proficiency, and understand final repair inspections.

405-322Collision Capstone5Program student; 405-310 and 405-312 and 405-314 and 405-316 and 405-318; Corequisite: 405-320In this culminating course, learners integrate and apply the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program to complete comprehensive repair projects. Emphasizing real-world scenarios, learners tackle start-to-finish repairs, such as light to medium collision repair, body panel, bolt on parts, AC condenser/radiator, core support, priming, painting, and final detailing. The curriculum is designed to refine work readiness skills through practical application and industry-aligned projects, ensuring learners are well-prepared for immediate employment in the collision repair industry.

TOTAL CREDITS:6 

Third Semester

Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments

405-352Advanced Collision Repair5Program student; 405-358 or concurrentStudents will learn the techniques associated with mechanical repair or replacement of mechanical components related to collision. Restoration/customizing are not available as a part of this course.

405-381Auto Collision Mechanical2Offered summer only | Program studentThis is an eight-week theory and lab course offered only in the summer. Designed to promote skills in repairing mechanical damage caused by collision. Diagnosis and repair or replacement of steering and suspension parts, brakes, and drive axles. Practical hands-on work to learn removal and replacement of mechanical parts, cooling system, and air conditioning components. Basic wheel alignment, auto body air conditioning, and auto body electrical will be studied.

TOTAL CREDITS:7 

Course Title

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Course Description

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Minimum Program Credits Required: 35

2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.

Updated: 11/7/2024 3:34 p.m.  |  Printed: 7/1/2025 3:48 p.m.

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