COLLISION COURSES

What is Collision Repair Training?

From mixing paint from vehicle paint codes to using nitrogen plastic welding equipment,  Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) classes at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) will cover everything you need to know to succeed as a collision repair technician after graduation.¹ Along the way, you will receive guidance from passionate, experienced instructors who are committed to your success.

Keep reading to find out what you can learn in each one of your collision repair courses.

Please note these courses are for the 36-week Collision Repair & Refinish Technology program option. Other program options will vary:

Collision Repair Fundamentals

In this course, you can explore the safety standards required in the collision repair industry, including the proper use of PPE and how to reference MSDS documentation.

You will also learn how to read and interpret a vehicle damage repair report, evaluate damage and create a structured repair plan.

Key takeaways

• Safety standards for the collision repair industry, including PPE and MSDS.
• How to read and interpret a vehicle damage repair report, assess damage and develop a repair plan
• Proper identification and use of hand tools, including tightening and torquing procedures.
• Exterior panel alignment repairs, including trim removal, door disassembly, and installation and alignment of fenders, hoods, bumpers and deck lids.
• Professionalism skills for career readiness.

Comprehensive Metal Joining and Attachments Methods

In this course, you can learn the foundational principles of MIG welding, oxy-acetylene cutting and plasma cutting, with strong emphasis placed on safe work practices.

Instruction also covers the application of metal repair techniques using MIG welding.

Key takeaways

• Core principles of MIG welding, oxy-acetylene cutting and plasma cutting.
• Safe practices for welding and cutting procedures.
• How to set up and tune a MIG welder for steel and aluminum.
• Performing welds in multiple positions on a vehicle.
• Proper setup and operation of plasma cutters and oxy-acetylene torches for cutting.

Tools & technology used

Gas metal arc (MIG) welders, oxy-acetylene and plasma cutters and squeeze-type resistance welding equipment.

Automotive Refinishing Fundamentals 1

You will learn how to apply proper safety and environmental practices within the refinishing process in this course.

Instruction focuses on surface preparation techniques used in collision repair, including paint removal and preparing adjacent panels for blending. You will also learn how to apply sealers and stone chip-resistant coatings.

Key takeaways

• Safety and environmental practices in automotive refinishing.
• Surface preparation techniques, including paint removal and blending preparation.
• Application of sealers and stone chip-resistant coatings.
• Analyzing existing finishes and using proper paint removal procedures.
• Preparing panels for primer-surfacer and applying primer-surfacer.

Tools & technology used

DA sanders, paint guns and paint booths.

Automotive Refinishing Fundamentals 2

As a student in this course, you can learn about equipment preparation, refinishing materials and proper paint area setup. Instruction covers mixing refinish materials, preparing spray guns and setting up test panels.

You will also explore color characteristics, color matching techniques and how to achieve blended matches.

Key takeaways

• Equipment preparation and paint area setup.
• Mixing refinish materials and preparing spray guns and test panels.
• Understanding color characteristics, color matching and blending techniques.
• Sanding procedures and mixing paint using vehicle paint codes.
• Application of waterborne basecoat paints, tinting for blended matches and clearcoat application.

Tools & technology used

DA sanders, paint guns, paint booths and computerized paint mixing systems

Comprehensive Automotive Technology: Electrical System, Diagnostic Tools and ADAS Integrations

Topics covered in this course include the fundamentals of electrical and electronic systems, along with diagnostic and repair procedures.

There is a focus on troubleshooting electrical concerns using digital multimeters, reading and interpreting wiring diagrams and repairing damaged wiring harnesses.

You will also explore alternative energy vehicle systems, including identifying safety requirements, proper safety equipment and tools, and procedures for disabling and storing high-voltage systems.

Key takeaways

• Fundamentals, troubleshooting and repair of electrical and electronic systems.
• Using digital multimeters, reading wiring diagrams and repairing wiring harnesses.
• Safety procedures and service considerations for alternative energy and high-voltage vehicle systems.
• Overview of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
• Performing static and dynamic ADAS calibration using industry-standard tools.

Tools and technology used

DVOM, electrical training boards, solder guns, diagnostic scan tools, computerized information retrieval systems and advanced driver assistance systems.

Integrated Mechanical System Fundamentals: HVAC, Steering, Suspension & Brakes

In this course, you can learn about vehicle air conditioning; cooling and heating systems; fuel, intake and exhaust systems; and drivetrains.

Instruction covers the fundamentals, operation, maintenance, inspection, testing and repair of these key automotive systems.

Students also simulate the removal and reinstallation of drivetrain assemblies to better understand service procedures.

Key takeaways

• Fundamentals, operation, inspection and repair of air conditioning, cooling, heating, fuel, intake, exhaust and drivetrain systems.
• Proper procedures for servicing air conditioning and cooling systems.
• Simulated removal and reinstallation of drivetrain assemblies.
• Hybrid vehicle safety practices relevant to collision repair.

Tools and technology used

Air conditioning recycling machine and fuel and cooling system testers.

Artistic Customization: Mastery in Custom Metal and Paint Fabrication

Learn fundamental techniques used in custom metal fabrication during this course.

Instruction focuses on building the skills needed to fabricate metal projects while safely operating shop equipment and applying techniques commonly used by leading professionals in the field.

You will also explore the basics of custom paint, including the use of stencils, special-effects paint and specialty finishes such as candy and pearl paints.

Key takeaways

• Fundamental techniques in custom metal fabrication.
• Safe operation of fabrication equipment and tools.
• Core methods used by professional metal fabricators.
• Custom paint fundamentals, including stencils and special-effects applications.
• Use of candy and pearl paints, including wood grain simulation techniques.

Tools and technology used

Paint guns, paint booth, and safety equipment associated with all aspects of the Custom Paint and Body Fundamentals class.

Comprehensive Plastic Repair Techniques in Automotive Bodywork

During this course, you can learn how to identify different types of automotive plastics and make informed repair decisions.

This course covers plastic repair methods using both welding and adhesive technologies to restore damaged components.

Key takeaways

• Identification of automotive plastics and making proper repair decisions.
• Plastic repair methods using welding and adhesive technologies.
• Nitrogen welding, airless welding and staple repair techniques.
• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) for cosmetic sheet metal damage.
• Removing, forming and installing a door flange hem using appropriate tools and procedures.

Tools and technology used

Plastic welders, paintless dent repair tools, metal shear and sheet metal break.

Fundamentals of Small Dent Removal & Repair

As a student in this course, you will learn how to repair cosmetic damage on both steel and aluminum panels using body metalworking tools.

Lessons include identifying damaged areas, reshaping panels and restoring proper contours.

Key takeaways

• Repairing cosmetic steel and aluminum panel damage.
• Proper use of body metalworking tools.
• Techniques for shrinking stretched metal.
• Preparing damaged areas for body filler application.
• Applying, finishing and sanding body filler to restore panel contours.

Collision Structural Alignment and Measurement Mastery

Learn the fundamentals of damage analysis and how to interpret body-dimension specification sheets in this course.

Topics covered include various vehicle measuring systems, steel unitized structures and advanced high-strength steels, along with methods used to diagnose structural damage through computerized measuring systems.

Key takeaways

• Introduction to damage analysis and body-dimension specification sheets.
• Understanding steel unitized structures and advanced high-strength steels.
• Measuring vehicles using centering gauges, laser and computerized systems.
• Interpreting measurement printouts to locate structural damage.
• Safely securing vehicles for pulling and using resistance welding equipment.
• Fabricating rail sections and applying cosmetic and structural panel attachment methods.

Tools and technology used

Centering gauges, computerized measuring systems and squeeze-type resistance welding equipment.

Automotive Refinish Fundamentals 3

You’ll learn about cycle time and the principles of blending, along with different types of automotive finishes, including single-stage, base coat, clear coat and tri-coat systems.

Instruction focuses on understanding how these finishes are applied and how to achieve consistent, high-quality results.

Key takeaways

• Understanding cycle time and blending principles.
• Differences between single-stage, base coat, clear coat and tri-coat finishes.
• Identifying and correcting common paint application problems.
• Diagnosing and repairing finish defects and environmental damage.
• Detailing a vehicle for final customer delivery.

Tools and technology used

DA sanders, paint guns, paint booths, computerized paint mixing systems and polishers.

Integrated Auto Estimation and Repair Communication

You’ll be taught how to perform damage analysis and write vehicle repair estimates using computer-based estimating software.  You will practice writing estimates for vehicles damaged by collisions, vandalism, hail and other types of losses.

This course introduces multiple estimating platforms and teaches you how to navigate and convert estimates from one software system to another.

Key takeaways

• Performing damage analysis and writing estimates using computer-based software.
• Converting estimates between different estimating platforms.
• Preparing estimates for collision, vandalism, hail and other loss-related damage.
• Understanding total loss determinations.
• Use of recycled and aftermarket parts in the collision industry.
• Scheduling and tracking vehicles, parts and technicians in a collision repair facility.

Tools and technology used

PCs with estimating software, tram gauge, measuring system and digital cameras.

How Collision Repair Courses Can Help Prepare You for Entry-Level Roles

Collision repair courses are designed to build foundational knowledge and hands-on skills across key areas such as panel repair, structural analysis, refinishing and estimating. Through hands-on instruction, students learn how to follow repair procedures and train with industry-aligned tools and materials.

By applying what they learn in simulated shop environments, students get exposure similar to what is encountered in real repair facilities. This type of training can help prepare graduates for entry-level collision repair technician roles by reinforcing proper techniques, safety practices and workplace expectations.