Become a Collision Repair Technician
Restore damaged vehicles and start a stable, high-demand trades career.
What Is Collision Repair?
Collision Repair is a hands-on career where technicians restore vehicles to safe operating condition. Students learn structural repair, welding, painting, refinishing, and modern diagnostic methods used across auto body facilities. This field is an excellent fit for individuals who enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and seeing the results of their craftsmanship directly on the vehicles they restore.
Auto body shops, collision centers, insurance repair networks, dealerships, restoration shops, independent garages
What You'll Learn in Collision Repair Training
Core Skills
- Metalworking and welding
- Dent repair
- Frame and structural alignment
- Auto painting and refinishing
- Panel replacement
- Diagnostic tools
- Safety procedures
- Estimating and customer communication
Safety & Compliance
- Shop safety
- PPE
- Paint booth safety
- Ventilation
- Fire prevention
- Material handling
Tools & Technology
- I-CAR ProLevel Certifications
- ASE Collision Repair Certifications (B2–B5)
Admissions Requirements for Collision Repair Training
Most Collision Repair programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.
Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.
Certifications for Collision Repair
This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.
I-CAR ProLevel Certifications
I-CAR
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices
ASE Collision Repair Certifications (B2–B5)
ASE
Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices
Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.
Collision Repair Salary & Job Outlook
Steady demand driven by continued vehicle ownership, accident-related repairs, and ongoing need to restore damaged vehicles to safety and regulatory standards
Career Outlook for Collision Repair
Work Settings
Collision centers, independent repair shops, dealerships, restoration shops, insurance networks
Advancement Path
Specialize (refinishing, frame, estimating); earn I-CAR credentials; progress to lead tech, estimator, or shop manager.
What Is the Difference Between Collision Repair and Auto Technician?
TL;DR: Collision Repair focuses on restoring vehicle structure and appearance after accidents, while Auto Technician programs focus on diagnosing and repairing mechanical and electrical systems.
Auto Technician programs emphasize troubleshooting engines, brakes, transmissions, and electronics. Collision Repair programs specialize in repairing accident damage including body panel replacement, frame straightening, and refinishing.
Vehicle body repair and refinishing
Mechanical and electrical vehicle systems
Frame repair, welding, painting
Diagnostics, engine repair, electrical systems
I-CAR certifications
ASE certifications
Detail-oriented hands-on builders
Problem solvers who enjoy diagnostics
Collision Repair
Choose Collision Repair if you prefer hands-on bodywork, fabrication, and visual restoration.
Auto Technician
Choose Auto Technician if you enjoy mechanical diagnostics and system repair.
Benefits of Collision Repair Training
Collision Repair Student Reviews
"This program gave me real experience fixing vehicles — not just theory. I felt job-ready on day one."
"The hands-on welding and painting training helped me get hired quickly."
"The hands-on training gave me real confidence in surface prep and paint techniques."
Collision Repair FAQs
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