Auto Collision Repair and Painting
El Camino’s Automotive Collision Repair/Painting degree and certificate programs set you on track to start making money in an automotive body shop environment right after or even before graduation. They’re accessible, affordable paths to a rewarding, in-demand career.
$62K
Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $39,560 to $100,240
with an average salary of $62,270.4.0%
Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow 4.0% in California from
2022 to 2034.0
Zero tools or experience necessary to participate in auto collision classesOur Automotive Collision Repair/Painting Associate of Science (AS) degree typically takes two years. Or complete a certificate of accomplishment in less than six months.
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.
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.
Certificates
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 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.
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 collision 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 collision repair, automotive painting. automotive insurance investigation, and damage appraisal.
- Practice hands-on skills in dent repair, plastic repair, structural alignment, welding, painting, detailing, EV safety, airbag and panel replacement, and ADAS calibration.
- Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $39,500 to over $100,000 with an average salary of $62,000 per year
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.
- Learn to use professional, industry-standard tools and equipment in a modern lab setting.
- Obtain industry certifications and training credits through ASE and I-CAR.
- Participate in earn-and-learn job opportunities before graduation.
- Gain access to resources and mentors from various professional organizations.
- Receive assistance with networking and job searches.
Contact Info
Automotive Collision Repair/Painting Program
310-660-3593 x5996
Please note that ACRP does not perform collision repair services for the public. If you need to fix your car, please join a class! No experience is required.