Automotive Collision Repair - Refinishing Technician Specialty A.A.S. - Career Degree

Finishing touches

Development and application of automotive coatings

Under the guidance of expert instructors in state-of-the-art facilities at CLC, you learn the fundamentals of the collision repair industry, preparing you for employment as an entry-level refinishing technician working on any of today’s vehicle finishes.

Our Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree incorporates a balance of lecture and hands-on labs in all the courses, and you will develop strong fundamental skills in the automotive refinishing industry. Courses include:

automotive refinishing
automotive detailing
damage estimating
removal and installation of vehicle panels

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Automotive Collision Repair Refinishing Technician?

Take your problem-solving and vehicle tinkering skills to the next level at CLC —one of the nation’s largest and most respected collision repair programs. After completing your first semester, you’ll be able to apply your skills as a:

refinishing technician/prepper
automotive detailer
collision repair technician

Upon completion of the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, you qualify to earn industry-leading I-CAR credentials in Pro-level 1 in Refinishing.

With this certificate, you can ladder up to complete one of two 62-hour Auto Collision Repair Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in either Non-Structural Repair or Refinishing:
- Non-Structural Repair: You focus on repairing and replacing damaged vehicle components.
- Refinishing: You focus on the development and application of vehicle coatings.
Your degree can be completed (with full-time attendance) in 2 years or 4 semesters. And you can earn certificates while pursuing the A.A.S., or you can pursue them separately:
- After your second semester, you earn the Automotive Collision Repair Assistant certificate (19 hours).
- After your third semester, you earn two certificates: Automotive Collision Repair (25 hours) and Automotive Damage Analysis (14 hours).
- Upon graduating with your A.A.S., you earn either the Structural Repair Technician 25-hour certificate (if you pursued the Non-Structural Repair pathway) or the Refinishing Technician 24-hour certificate (if you pursued the Refinishing pathway).
Get hands-on skills in a 10,000-square-foot repair shop on our Grayslake Campus, located in Building G. You’ll learn on cutting-edge equipment like SimSpray®, virtual reality technology that lets you practice spray painting in a 3D-simulated environment.
A new asphalt paved vehicle staging area accommodating up to eight cars is behind the building. Shop equipment and features include:
- full-down draft and semi-down draft paint spray booths
- two paint mixing rooms
- integrated welding booth
- chief frame machine and mechanical service area and equipment
- one paint double prep station
- dust collection system
- vehicle exhaust system
Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art Automotive Technology building at the Grayslake campus

See what students love about the automotive collision repair program at CLC. Picture yourself here:

Vealo en español
Watch video on YouTube

Highlights

Internships Available

Learn and earn through structured on-the-job training.
I-CAR Credentials

Qualify to earn industry-leading Inter-Industry Conference for Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) credentials.
Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.
WIOA Program

Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Degree

Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.
Program Length: 2 Years

Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $33,804
  
  Median
  
  $49,449
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $83,431
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.25
  
  Median
  
  $23.77
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $40.10
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  65.34%
  
  Certificate
  
  34.65%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24,979
  
  Median
  
  $43,548
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $73,974
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $12.01
  
  Median
  
  $20.93
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $35.56
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  98.62%
  
  Certificate
  
  1.37%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $28,448
  
  Median
  
  $46,830
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $81,166
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $13.67
  
  Median
  
  $22.51
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $39.02
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  42.6%
  
  Certificate
  
  50.25%
  
  Some college
  
  5.78%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  1.37%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Set up, operate, or tend spraying or rolling machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials. Includes painters of transportation vehicles such as painters in auto body repair facilities.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,855
  
  Median
  
  $46,221
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $74,065
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.75
  
  Median
  
  $22.22
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $35.60
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  89.33%
  
  Certificate
  
  7.07%
  
  Some college
  
  3.6%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $42,602
  
  Median
  
  $54,318
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $90,166
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.48
  
  Median
  
  $26.11
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $43.35
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  28.33%
  
  Certificate
  
  47.69%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.63%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  14.35%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,954
  
  Median
  
  $43,363
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $63,412
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.80
  
  Median
  
  $20.84
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $30.48
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  47.17%
  
  Certificate
  
  47.4%
  
  Some college
  
  1.12%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.31%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of mechanics, installers, and repairers. May also advise customers on recommended services. Excludes team or work leaders.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51,411
  
  Median
  
  $84,673
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $127,773
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.71
  
  Median
  
  $40.70
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $61.43
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  57.2%
  
  Certificate
  
  13.08%
  
  Some college
  
  16.91%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.2%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  7.57%
  
  Doctorate
  
  2.05%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
ACR 110	ACR 110 Introduction to Automotive Collision Repair Class Description This course provides the beginning automotive collision students with an introduction to careers in the Automotive Collision Repair (ACR) Industry, repair processes, collision shop equipment, tool safety and proper usage, personal protection equipment used in collision repair, and the design and construction of the modern automobile. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies. Recommended: ENG 109 or ELI 109	3
ACR 112	ACR 112 Non-Structural Repair I Class Description (Formerly ABR 110) This course will focus on the design and construction of the modern automobile. Students are introduced to theory and the fundamentals commonly used in sheet metal repair processes, chemical and plastic welding repair processes, along with removal, installation, and adjustment of moveable vehicle glass. Replacement of exterior bolted vehicle body panels including proper fitment and adjustment, and replacement of exterior lights and trim will also be covered. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.	5
ACR 131	ACR 131 Automotive Refinishing I Class Description (Formerly ABR 130) This course will introduce the students to theory and basic fundamentals of vehicle finishing processes. The course will focus on paint and finishing safety, environmental practices, vehicle masking and protection, and surface preparation for the first coat of the finishing process. The course will also cover identification, set-up, and break down of finishing equipment, proper mixing and application of primers, sealers, and single stage paints. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.	3
MTH 114	MTH 114 Applied Mathematics Class Description This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACR 110
Course Title	ACR 110 Introduction to Automotive Collision Repair Class Description This course provides the beginning automotive collision students with an introduction to careers in the Automotive Collision Repair (ACR) Industry, repair processes, collision shop equipment, tool safety and proper usage, personal protection equipment used in collision repair, and the design and construction of the modern automobile. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies. Recommended: ENG 109 or ELI 109
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACR 112
Course Title	ACR 112 Non-Structural Repair I Class Description (Formerly ABR 110) This course will focus on the design and construction of the modern automobile. Students are introduced to theory and the fundamentals commonly used in sheet metal repair processes, chemical and plastic welding repair processes, along with removal, installation, and adjustment of moveable vehicle glass. Replacement of exterior bolted vehicle body panels including proper fitment and adjustment, and replacement of exterior lights and trim will also be covered. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.
Credits	5

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACR 131
Course Title	ACR 131 Automotive Refinishing I Class Description (Formerly ABR 130) This course will introduce the students to theory and basic fundamentals of vehicle finishing processes. The course will focus on paint and finishing safety, environmental practices, vehicle masking and protection, and surface preparation for the first coat of the finishing process. The course will also cover identification, set-up, and break down of finishing equipment, proper mixing and application of primers, sealers, and single stage paints. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 114
Course Title	MTH 114 Applied Mathematics Class Description This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ACR 132	ACR 132 Automotive Refinishing II Class Description (Formerly ABR 131) This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of base coat and clear coat finishes, identification, set-up, and break down of finishing equipment, along with proper mixing and application of solvent base finishes. Application techniques of automotive color and clear finishes on metal, fiberglass, and automotive plastics will be covered. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.	5
ACR 138	ACR 138 Automotive Electrical Systems Class Description (Formerly ABR 138) This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of the air conditioning systems, cooling systems, fuel and exhaust systems, and automotive electronic systems as they apply to a collision repair technician. The course will focus on identification, theories of operation, diagnosis, and repair procedures of vehicle electrical systems as a direct result of a vehicle collision. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.	5
ACR 215	ACR 215 Automotive Detailing Class Description (Formerly ABR 215) This course will introduce students to theory and the fundamentals of interior and exterior vehicle cleaning, and vehicle finish defect correction. The course will focus on: vehicle interior trim identification, soiled/stains identification, interior odor removal/neutralizing and interior cleaning processes. Exterior cleaning and correction processes including identification of vehicle finish defects and finish correction will be discussed. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.	3
ENG 120	ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition Class Description Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACR 132
Course Title	ACR 132 Automotive Refinishing II Class Description (Formerly ABR 131) This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of base coat and clear coat finishes, identification, set-up, and break down of finishing equipment, along with proper mixing and application of solvent base finishes. Application techniques of automotive color and clear finishes on metal, fiberglass, and automotive plastics will be covered. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.
Credits	5

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACR 138
Course Title	ACR 138 Automotive Electrical Systems Class Description (Formerly ABR 138) This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of the air conditioning systems, cooling systems, fuel and exhaust systems, and automotive electronic systems as they apply to a collision repair technician. The course will focus on identification, theories of operation, diagnosis, and repair procedures of vehicle electrical systems as a direct result of a vehicle collision. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.
Credits	5

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACR 215
Course Title	ACR 215 Automotive Detailing Class Description (Formerly ABR 215) This course will introduce students to theory and the fundamentals of interior and exterior vehicle cleaning, and vehicle finish defect correction. The course will focus on: vehicle interior trim identification, soiled/stains identification, interior odor removal/neutralizing and interior cleaning processes. Exterior cleaning and correction processes including identification of vehicle finish defects and finish correction will be discussed. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 120
Course Title	ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition Class Description Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ACR 115	ACR 115 Automotive Welding Class Description (Formerly ABR 115) This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of common ferrous and non-ferrous metal welding processes used in the collision repair industry. The course will focus on welding safety, gas welding and cutting, electrical arc welding and cutting, both flat and out-of-position welding techniques, and the five most common weld joints used in automotive collision repair. Classroom discussions and in-lab hands-on welding will prepare the student to take the I-CAR Welding Qualification Exams.	5
ACR 137	ACR 137 Automotive Mechanical Systems Class Description (Formerly ABR 137) This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of the steering and suspension systems, drive trains, and braking systems as they apply to a collision repair technician. The course will focus on identification, theories of operation, diagnosis, and repair procedures of the vehicle's mechanical systems as a direct result of a vehicle collision. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.	5
ACR 233	ACR 233 Automotive Refinishing III Class Description (Formerly ABR 133) This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of color hue, saturation, and brightness and the tinting of automotive finishes. The course will focus on color matching, application of automotive finishes during the blending processes, and spray techniques. Students will also be introduced to waterborne base automotive finishes. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.	5
ART 121	ART 121 Introduction to Art Class Description This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACR 115
Course Title	ACR 115 Automotive Welding Class Description (Formerly ABR 115) This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of common ferrous and non-ferrous metal welding processes used in the collision repair industry. The course will focus on welding safety, gas welding and cutting, electrical arc welding and cutting, both flat and out-of-position welding techniques, and the five most common weld joints used in automotive collision repair. Classroom discussions and in-lab hands-on welding will prepare the student to take the I-CAR Welding Qualification Exams.
Credits	5

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACR 137
Course Title	ACR 137 Automotive Mechanical Systems Class Description (Formerly ABR 137) This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of the steering and suspension systems, drive trains, and braking systems as they apply to a collision repair technician. The course will focus on identification, theories of operation, diagnosis, and repair procedures of the vehicle's mechanical systems as a direct result of a vehicle collision. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.
Credits	5

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACR 233
Course Title	ACR 233 Automotive Refinishing III Class Description (Formerly ABR 133) This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of color hue, saturation, and brightness and the tinting of automotive finishes. The course will focus on color matching, application of automotive finishes during the blending processes, and spray techniques. Students will also be introduced to waterborne base automotive finishes. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.
Credits	5

Course Highlights
Course Code	ART 121
Course Title	ART 121 Introduction to Art Class Description This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ACR 234	ACR 234 Refinishing IV - Custom Painting Class Description This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of flames, pin-striping, wood grains, texture finishes, mural design, gold leafing, air brushing, and graphic design for automotive applications. The course will focus on the design, set-up, and application of custom finishes. Application techniques using air-brushes, mini-jet spray guns, pin striping brushes, and other non-conventional equipment will also be covered. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.	3
ACR 235	ACR 235 Damage Analysis and Shop Procedures Class Description (Formerly ABR 235) This course will introduce students to theory and the fundamentals of identifying types of vehicle damages post collision. The course will focus on the preparation of written damage analysis, computerized analysis systems, and training on body shop management and operation systems. The course is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career within the insurance industry as a damage analyzer, or a career as a collision shop manager/estimator. Customer relation skills and issues will be discussed. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.	3
CMM 111	CMM 111 Communication Skills Class Description For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.	3
SOC 121	SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology Class Description This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACR 234
Course Title	ACR 234 Refinishing IV - Custom Painting Class Description This course will introduce the students to theory and the fundamentals of flames, pin-striping, wood grains, texture finishes, mural design, gold leafing, air brushing, and graphic design for automotive applications. The course will focus on the design, set-up, and application of custom finishes. Application techniques using air-brushes, mini-jet spray guns, pin striping brushes, and other non-conventional equipment will also be covered. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACR 235
Course Title	ACR 235 Damage Analysis and Shop Procedures Class Description (Formerly ABR 235) This course will introduce students to theory and the fundamentals of identifying types of vehicle damages post collision. The course will focus on the preparation of written damage analysis, computerized analysis systems, and training on body shop management and operation systems. The course is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career within the insurance industry as a damage analyzer, or a career as a collision shop manager/estimator. Customer relation skills and issues will be discussed. Classroom discussions and hands-on labs utilizing live vehicles and training aids will be used to enhance proficiencies.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 111
Course Title	CMM 111 Communication Skills Class Description For students in career programs or individuals interested in improving communication skills. Acquaints students with a variety of interpersonal communication concepts and theories designed to improve communication competence. The focus is on interpersonal communication but intrapersonal communication is also addressed. Topics include the communication process and factors influencing it, cultural influences, verbal and non-verbal messages, relational maintenance, and productive conflict strategies.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	SOC 121
Course Title	SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology Class Description This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

62

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Automotive Collision Repair at CLC

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This degree is just one possible way to study Automotive Collision Repair. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Automotive Collision Repair program overview

Frequently asked questions

This degree teaches you the basics of automotive refinishing:
- Panel preparation for refinishing
- Vehicle protection and masking
- Develop and application of automotive coatings
- Disassemble and reassemble exterior vehicle body panels
- Automotive detailing
You spend about 60% of your time in our state-of-the-art training lab, where you gain hands-on skill sets as you repair vehicles following Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) procedures. The rest of your time is spent in the classroom studying foundational repair theories and other important information.
We prepare you for an in-demand career. Our instructors are experts in automotive collision repair, and they love to share their knowledge and pass on their expertise and repair process skills. Because of our small class sizes, you get to know your instructors personally. These valuable relationships provide you with personalized learning opportunities and connect you to potential employers.
Plus, you’re able to attend on a part-time or full-time basis, and you save serious money with our low tuition costs.
Oh, and did we mention the internship pathway which gets you employed, by your ninth week of class and our state-of-the-art facilities?
Yes! After completing our program, you can earn I-CAR certification in Pro-Level 1 in Refinishing or Non-Structural Repair. I-CAR is respected throughout the automotive industry. This certification shows off your skills and helps you stand out as a job applicant. It proves you have the highest level of training and are ready for excellence in every project.
No, due to the high lab content, all Automotive Collision Repair courses are in person.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Automotive Collision Repair - Refinishing Technician Specialty

Finishing touches

Development and application of automotive coatings

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Automotive Collision Repair Refinishing Technician?

Stackable certificates

Learn in a state-of-the-art auto body shop

Highlights

Internships Available

I-CAR Credentials

Stackable Credentials

WIOA Program

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Recommended Pathway

Icon Key

Semester 1 16 Credits

Semester 2 16 Credits

Semester 3 18 Credits

Semester 4 12 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Automotive Collision Repair at CLC

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Frequently asked questions

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