When vehicles get damaged in accidents, skilled auto collision repair technicians are essential to restore them to their original condition. The Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) program offers comprehensive training for those looking to enter this growing field. Developed in partnership with I-CAR—the industry-standard provider for collision repair training standards endorsed by car manufacturers, insurance companies, and employers—this program prepares students for real-world careers in auto body repair.
Why Choose Auto Body Repair Training
The collision repair industry offers promising career opportunities for those with proper training. Here are five compelling reasons to pursue auto body repair education:
- Fast-track training – Complete your training and graduate in as few as 36 weeks
- Comprehensive support – Dedicated teams help search for financial aid, housing, and employment
- Industry recognition – Earn I-CAR progress badges throughout your training
- Modern equipment – Train on current tools and technology used in professional shops
- Manufacturer-backed curriculum – Program created with 3M, Axalta, and other leading industry brands
Auto Body Technician Training for Real-World Repair Shops
The CRRT program was developed in close cooperation with manufacturers of leading industry brands. Students train with the tools, equipment, and technology actually used in collision repair centers across the country. This hands-on approach ensures graduates are familiar with the equipment they will encounter in professional settings.
Paint Vehicles Using State-of-the-Industry Waterborne Products
Students learn how to create custom designs using specialist colors and custom paint techniques. The program utilizes waterborne products from Axalta, an industry leader in automotive refinishing.
Auto body painting requires specialized skills. Refinish technicians—also known as automotive painters or paint technicians—are trained to mix and apply paint to vehicle surfaces, helping restore damaged cars to pre-accident condition. Most successful automotive painters complete formal training and education to gain the necessary skills.
Automotive Painting Courses in the CRRT Program
The CRRT program features comprehensive auto body classes covering refinishing and painting techniques:
Automotive Refinishing Fundamentals 1 – Students learn safety and environmental practices along with surface preparation, paint removal, panel analysis, and the application of primers, sealers, coatings, and blending techniques used in professional refinishing work.
Automotive Refinishing Fundamentals 2 – This course covers equipment preparation, refinishing materials, paint area setup, spray gun and test panel preparation, color characteristics and matching, sanding operations, paint mixing from vehicle codes, waterborne basecoat application, color tinting for blended matches, and clearcoat application.
Artistic Customization: Mastery in Custom Metal and Paint Fabrication – The course introduces foundational custom metal fabrication techniques, teaching students how to fabricate metal projects and work with industry equipment. It also covers custom paint methods including stenciling, special-effects finishes, candy and pearl paints, and simulated wood grain effects.
Comprehensive Plastic Repair Techniques in Automotive Bodywork – Instruction centers on evaluating and repairing automotive plastics and sheet metal, with training in plastic welding, adhesive repairs, nitrogen and airless welding, staple repair technology, paintless dent repair techniques, and proper door flange hem removal, forming, and installation using industry tools.
Automotive Refinish Fundamentals 3 – Training focuses on managing cycle time, mastering blending principles, and advanced finish systems—including single-stage, base coat/clear coat, and tri-coat—while diagnosing and correcting paint and finish defects, resolving adhesion and environmental damage issues, and completing final vehicle detailing for customer delivery.
While the CRRT program does not specifically teach car painting as a standalone discipline, students are taught fundamentals and gain knowledge they can apply to a career as a paint technician after graduation.
Auto Body Repair Program Locations
Universal Technical Institute currently offers the CRRT program at two campuses:
- Long Beach, California
- Houston, Texas
UTI provides range of support services to make attendance possible, including housing assistance for those who need to relocate. The institution understands that education is an investment in your future and strives to make the enrollment process as smooth as possible.
Specialized Collision Repair Training
The CRRT program was created in conjunction with five industry-leading manufacturers, ensuring students train on the brands used in the workforce. From the tools used in the shop to the materials used for refinishing, every aspect of the curriculum aligns with current industry practices.
I-CAR Certification and Progress Badges
UTI Collision Repair graduates receive I-CAR progress badges in the following specialized areas:
- Non-Structural Technician
- Steel Structural Technician
- Aluminum Structural Technician
- Estimating
- Refinish Technician
Additional Auto Body Repair Certifications
Beyond I-CAR credentials, students can earn several additional certifications:
- Axalta Cromax Pro Certified Refinisher Safety & Pollution Prevention (S/P2)
- 3M Plastics and Composite Repair Systems
- Chief Velocity Certification
- EPA 609 A/C Certification
- Lean Efficiency Certificate
Career Outlook for Collision Repair Technicians
The collision repair industry demands increasingly skilled workers as vehicle technology continues to advance. According to industry data, there are an estimated average of 14,000+ annual collision repair job openings in the United States. The median annual salary for collision repair technicians is $51,680, though entry-level earnings depend on factors such as experience, location, and employer compensation.
Program Duration and Start Dates
The Collision Repair & Refinish Technology program takes between 9 to 13 months from start to finish. There is no waiting for a “next semester”—new sessions start frequently, allowing students to begin their training and prepare for a career without unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does collision repair training take? The CRRT program is designed to be completed in 9 to 13 months, depending on the training path and schedule.
How much do entry-level auto body mechanics make? Entry-level salaries vary based on location, employer, and experience, with median annual earnings for the profession at $51,680.
Do I need prior automotive experience to enroll? No prior automotive experience is required to enroll in the CRRT program.
What certifications can collision repair technicians earn? Students can earn I-CAR progress badges, Axalta certification, 3M certification, EPA 609 A/C certification, and Lean Efficiency Certificates, among others.
Is collision repair a good long-term career? Yes, with thousands of annual job openings and advancing vehicle technology requiring skilled technicians, collision repair offers stable long-term career prospects.
Can this program prepare me for entry-level technician roles? The CRRT program is specifically designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in collision repair shops and auto body facilities.
Invest in Your Future
The skills and knowledge gained in the Collision Repair & Refinish Technology program can help prepare students for rewarding careers in the automotive industry. With dedicated support services, industry-aligned curriculum, and multiple certification opportunities, the CRRT program offers a comprehensive pathway into the collision repair field. Request more information today to take the first step toward your future in auto body repair.