Automotive Collision and Repair
El Camino’s Automotive Collision Repair/Painting degree and certificate programs set you on track to work in an automotive body shop environment right after graduation. They’re accessible, affordable paths to a rewarding, in-demand career.
$2,208
Approximate cost for an El Camino College automotive collision repair degree$39K
Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $22,000 to $76,000 with
an average salary of $39,0007.2%
Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow 7.2% nationwide from 2016
to 2026Our Automotive Collision Repair/Painting Associate of Science (AS) degree typically takes two years. Or complete a certificate in less than six months.
Hands-on automotive collision repair education at El Camino will challenge you to be your best. We’ll be here to help.
Choose a Degree Designed to Prepare you for a Job
Most El Camino automotive collision repair students want to start their careers as soon as possible. We provide the training and skills you need to find a job and be successful.
Automotive Collision Repair/Painting Associate of Science (AS) Degree
This degree prepares you for employment in the industry and provides upgrade opportunities for those currently employed. Customize your education and choose the pathway that best suits your interests.
- Learn industry repair standards, vehicle identification and construction, estimating, body repairs, frame repairs, vehicle alignment, welding, and vehicle painting.
- Prepare to work in a variety of fields, from automotive insurance investigation to automotive collision repair.
- Take classes in automotive painting, basic welding, electrical systems, air conditioning, and more.
- Study within Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) professional development program curriculum guidelines.
Automotive Collision Certificates
This certificate prepares you for employment in the automotive insurance industry or in auto body repair. Finish coursework in less than six months, ready to pursue an entry-level job.
- Learn the basics of vehicle identification, vehicle design and construction, occupant restraint systems, tire identification and construction, identification of tire marks, the coefficient of friction, and speed from skid formulas.
- Explore the elements of fraud encountered in the automotive repair industry.
Earn a certificate in automotive collision repair and be ready for employment in the industry after just one year.
- Learn industry repair standards, repair theory, tool identification and use, vehicle construction, gas and electric welding, metal finishing, grinding, applying and shaping plastic filler, and spraying primer.
- Prepare to work in fields such as automotive insurance investigation, vehicle accident reconstruction, automotive collision repair, or automotive painting.
- Train and study within Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) professional development program curriculum guidelines.
This certificate prepares you for employment in the automotive insurance industry. Finish coursework in about six months, ready to pursue an entry-level job.
- Learn to develop a written damage estimate using forms, books, guides, and charts.
- Discover vehicle construction types and parts terminology, industry standard repair and replacement procedures, and state and federal laws regarding collision repair.
- Practice estimating and see how it fits into both the technical and business sides of operating a successful collision repair shop.
- Expand your knowledge of nonstructural, manual estimate writing.
Pursue an Entry-Level Job in Automotive Collision Repair
After graduation, you may enter the industry in a variety of fields, from auto repair to insurance investigation. We’ll help you identify career options and decide on the best step after graduation.
- Explore careers in the fields of automotive insurance investigation, vehicle accident reconstruction, automotive collision repair, and automotive painting.
- Practice hands-on skills in welding, painting, wheel alignment, air conditioning repair, mechanical/electrical systems, and basic metalworking.
- Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $22,000 to $76,000 with an average salary of $39,000.
Participate in Academic and Career Opportunities
As an El Camino automotive collision repair student, you become part of a dynamic professional community. The perspectives and connections you develop here will prove valuable throughout your career.
- Take classes in modern automotive collision repair/painting in classrooms and laboratories.
- Gain access to resources and mentors from various professional organizations.
- Explore paraprofessional opportunities.
- Receive assistance with networking and job searches.
Academic Details
Learn about course requirements and more for the Automotive Collision Repair/Painting AS degree and the Automotive Collision Investigation, Automotive Collision Repair/Painting, and Automotive Collision Repair/Painting: Damage Estimating certificates in El Camino’s online catalog.
Program Maps
Find semester-by-semester plans that chart your path to an Automotive Collision Repair/Painting AS degree or Automotive Collision Investigation, Automotive Collision Repair/Painting or Automotive Collision Repair/Painting: Damage Estimating certificate on El Camino’s Guided Pathways site.
Contact Info
Automotive Collision Repair/Painting Program