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Automotive Collision Repair Technology

Automotive Collision Repair Technology - Certificate - Non-Structural Repair

Train for a career as an automotive collision repair technician, automotive glass specialist, painter, or body shop manager. BTC’s Auto Collision Repair program will prepare you for all aspects of automotive body repair, using the latest technological processes and equipment. You’ll learn trade-specific skills, including how to repair and refinish damaged vehicles.

BTC’s Auto Collision Repair program will give you the hands-on instruction that employers such as independent collision repair shops, detailing shops, automotive manufacturers, and automotive recyclers are looking for.

The Auto Collision Repair Technology program is an I-CAR Industry Training Alliance member.

To learn more about Bellingham Technical College programs you’re interested in, join us for a Virtual Program Info Session. Prior sign up is required. If you do not see an Info Session for the program you’re interested in, email outreach@btc.edu for more information.

Employment Information

94% BTC graduate placement rate

$40,602 starting annual wage
$51,792 average annual wage
$75,462 potential annual wage
  • Employment and Wage Data Sources

    BTC graduate employment rates:
    The graduate employment rate reflects placement rates of students who graduated from BTC in 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17. The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Data Linking for Outcomes Assessment database pulls from Unemployment Insurance (UI) data across Washington and Oregon. UI data do not reflect BTC graduates who (a) are employed in states beyond those listed above or outside of the United States, (b) are self-employed, (c) are active duty members of the armed forces, (d) continued on to another educational institution, and/or (e) did not provide a social security number while enrolled at BTC.

    Wages:
    Washington State Employment Security Department 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates ( esd.wa.gov) reflect 2014-2017 employment

    Starting annual wage = 25th percentile
    Average annual wage = 50th percentile
    Potential annual wage = 75th percentile

Estimated Program Costs

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

This program will admit new students in Fall 2020.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

ACCUPLACER Classic (valid for 5 years from testing date):
  • Reading Comprehension score of 71 or RDG 085 with a grade of C or higher
  • Sentence Skills score of 71 or ENGL 092 with a grade of C or higher
  • Arithmetic score of 38 or MATH 090 or ABE 050 with a grade of C or higher
ACCUPLACER Next-Generation (starting January 23, 2019):
  • Reading score of 247 or RDG 085 with a grade of C or higher
  • Writing score of 245 or ENGL 092 with a grade of C or higher
  • Arithmetic score of 230 or MATH 090 or ABE 050 with a grade of C or higher

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

 

Classes

Total Program Credits: 31

  • Quarter 1

  • CRT 101Introduction to Shop Safety3 CR
  • CRT 102Automotive Refinishing Basics10 CR
  • CRT 103New Technology and Exterior Trim3 CR

  • Quarter 2

  • CRT 121Removable Panels & Glass3 CR
  • CRT 122Non-Structural Body Repair8 CR
  • CRT 123Auto Collision Exterior Lighting & Plastics4 CR

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Automotive Collision Repair Technology Non-Structural Repair Certificate Program will be able to:

  • Use basic industry tools, equipment and hazardous materials safely.
  • Diagnose and repair basic non-structural auto body damage to I-CAR standards.
  • Diagnose and repair various types of plastic and composites used in the automotive industry.
  • Apply basic refinishing concepts to industry standards.

Employment Outlook

Train for a career as an automotive collision repair technician, automotive glass specialist, painter, or body shop manager. BTC’s Auto Collision Repair program will prepare you for all aspects of automotive body repair, using the latest technological processes and equipment. You’ll learn trade-specific skills, including how to repair and refinish damaged vehicles.

BTC’s Auto Collision Repair Technology program and Automotive Refinishing certificate will give you the hands-on instruction that employers such as independent collision repair shops, detailing shops, automotive manufacturers, and automotive recyclers are looking for.

The average annual wage in this field is $51,792, with an earning potential of about $75,462 per year.*

Faculty & Support

Photo of Andrew Riggs
Andrew Riggs