Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) Program Overview
Accidents happen on the roadways and trained auto collision repair technicians are needed to fix the damage. Our certified instructors bring real-world industry experience to teach you the skills needed to reshape and restore a wide range of vehicles. Universal Technical Institute’s Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) program was developed in close partnership with I-CAR, the provider of collision repair training standards as defined by the industry, including car manufacturers, insurance companies and employers.1
36 weeks
2 campuses
5 relationships
2 paths
5 Reasons To Choose Auto Body Repair Training at UTI
- Train and graduate in as few as 36 weeks.
- Dedicated teams to help search for financial aid, housing and employment.10
- Earn I-CAR progress badges.
- Train on current equipment.
- Program created with 3M, Axalta and other leading manufacturers.
Auto Body Technician Training
For real-world repair shops.
The Collision Repair & Refinish Technology program was developed in cooperation with manufacturers of leading industry brands. Our students train with the tools, equipment and technology used in collision repair centers across the country.
PAINT VEHICLES USING STATE OF THE INDUSTRY “WATERBORNE” PRODUCTS FROM AXALTA
Auto Body Painting
Refinish technicians, also known as automotive painters or paint technicians, are trained to mix and apply paint to the surface of a vehicle and help restore it to pre-accident condition.
To learn how to paint cars, most automotive painters go through some sort of formal training and education to gain the skills they need. Attending a program at a trade school can be the best place to start for those interested in this career path.
Automotive painting courses
UTI’s CRRT program features several auto body classes, including ones that cover how to refinish and paint vehicles:
- 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./li>
- 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 students to foundational custom metal fabrication techniques, teaching them how to fabricate metal projects and work with industry equipment, while also covering custom paint methods such as 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 and 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, students are taught fundamentals and gain knowledge that they could apply to a career as a paint technician once they graduate.
Auto body repair program near me
Interested in the education and training UTI has to offer? There are two campuses currently offering the CRRT program: Long Beach, California and Houston, Texas.
UTI offers a range of support services to make attending possible, including housing assistance for those who need to relocate. We know school is an investment in your future, and we want to make the process as easy as possible!
Specialized Collision Repair Training
From the tools used in the shop to the materials used for refinishing, the CRRT program was created in conjunction with five industry-leading manufacturers, so you can train on the brands used in the workforce.
I-CAR
UTI Collision Repair graduates receive I-CAR progress badges in the following areas:
- Non-Structural Technician
- Steel Structural Technician
- Aluminum Structural Technician
- Estimating
- Refinish Technician
Additional Auto Body Repair 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
UTI Auto Body School Locations
The Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) program is available at two Universal Technical Institute campuses: Long Beach, California, and Houston, Texas.
VA benefits may not be available at all locations.
Invest in Your Future
The collision repair industry demands more highly skilled workers as technology improves.
14,000+
$51,680
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
As a student in UTI’s Collision Repair & Refinish Technology program, you can finish your training in 36 to 54 weeks. View our auto body mechanic courses here.
The median annual salary for automotive body and related repairers in the United States was $51,680 in May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).28 This means half of auto body mechanics earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area. To learn more, visit our auto body mechanic salary guide.
No prior automotive or collision repair experience is required to enroll in UTI’s Collision Repair & Refinish Technology program. The curriculum is designed to start with foundational concepts and build skills progressively through hands-on training.
Collision repair technicians may earn industry-recognized credentials that demonstrate technical knowledge and skill. Graduates of UTI’s CRRT program earn I-CAR progress badges and may qualify for additional certifications from manufacturers and safety organizations.
Collision repair can be a long-term career for individuals who enjoy hands-on work and problem-solving. As vehicle technology continues to evolve, skilled technicians remain in demand across repair shops and related industries.
Yes, the CRRT program is designed to help prepare students for entry-level collision repair technician roles after graduation. Through hands-on labs and instruction from experienced professionals, students develop practical skills aligned with real-world repair shop expectations.