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:

Exterior Panel Alignment

In this course, you can learn about the safety requirements for the collision industry, PPE and MSDS. You will learn to read and interpret a vehicle damage repair report, assess the damage and develop a repair plan.

Lab training will include removal of trim, door handle and locks, and the alignment of door, hood and deck lid panels. You will learn to remove and disassemble doors; remove, install and align fenders, hoods, bumpers and deck lids; and verify and adjust door seals.

Key emphasis is also placed on developing professionalism skills that will translate into a career.

Key takeaways

• Safety standards for the collision repair industry.
• How to read and interpret a vehicle damage repair report, assess damage and develop a repair plan.
• Exterior panel alignment repairs such as removing trim, removal and disassembly of doors, the installation and alignment of fenders and more.
• Professionalism skills.

Exterior Panel Repair I

You will learn the identification of automotive plastics and how to make repair decisions in this course. Also covered will be repair of plastics using welding and adhesive technologies. You will gain a working knowledge of adhesive repairs and welding repairs in addition to repairing SMC.

Additionally, you will learn to repair cosmetic sheet metal panel damage and how to use body metal working tools. You will learn to prepare a damaged area for the application of body filler and methods for applying body filler and sanding to various contours.

Key takeaways

• How to identify automotive plastics and make repair decisions.
• Steps to repair plastics using welding and adhesive technologies.
• The basics of adhesive repairs, welding repairs and repairing SMC.
• How to repair cosmetic sheet metal panel damage.
• Methods to applying body filler and sanding to contours.

Exterior Panel Repair II

As a student in this course, you learn about repairing cosmetic panel damage and how to use body metal working tools. You will learn to shrink stretched metal and prepare a damaged area for the application of body filler.

Also covered will be techniques for applying body filler and preparing body filler for final finishing and sanding to various contours.

Key takeaways

• Fundamentals of repairing cosmetic panel damage.
• How to properly use body metal working tools.
• How to shrink stretched metal and prepare a damaged area for application of body filler.
• Techniques for applying body filler and preparing it for final finishing and sanding.

Exterior Panel Replacement

In this course, you will learn to remove and replace both welded and bonded door skins and quarter panels.

Also covered is preparing door frames for new outer door panels; analysis of intrusion beams; removal, replacement and alignment of door glass and door trim panels; and fundamentals of the removal and installation of convertible tops and power sunroof panels.

You will also learn procedures for removing a door skin and how to weld and bond replacement skin to the doorframe.

Additionally, you will learn procedures for replacing stationary glass (windshield or back glass), removing quarter panels, straightening flanges in preparation for reinstallation, and applying welding and bonding procedures to install panels.

Key takeaways

• How to remove and replace welded and bonded door skins and quarter panels.
• Preparing door frames for new outer door panels.
• Analysis of intrusion beams.
• Removal, replacement and alignment of door glass and door trim panels.
• Removal and installation of convertible tops and power sunroof panels.
• Procedures for removing door skin, replacing stationary glass, removing quarter panels, straightening flanges in preparation for reinstallation, and applying welding and bonding procedures to install panels.

Tools & technology used

• Gas metal arc (MIG) welders.

Welding and Cutting

You will learn principles of MIG welding and oxyacetylene and plasma cutting in this course. The emphasis will be on safe practices. Also covered will be the application of metal repairs using MIG welding.

As a student, you will learn to set up and tune a MIG welder for welding steel and aluminum, and how to perform welds in various positions on a vehicle. Additionally, you will learn to set up and operate a plasma cutter and an oxyacetylene torch for cutting.

Key takeaways

• Principles of MIG welding and oxyacetylene and plasma cutting.
• Application of metal repairs using MIG welding.
• How to set up and tune a MIG welder for welding steel and aluminum and perform welds in various positions on a vehicle.
• How to set up and operate a plasma cutter and an oxyacetylene torch for cutting.

Tools & technology used

• Gas metal arc (MIG) welders, oxyacetylene and plasma cutters.

Structural Damage Analysis

Topics covered in this course include an introduction to damage analysis, interpreting body-dimension specification sheets, various measuring systems, steel unitized structures, advanced high strength steels and how to diagnose damage using computerized measuring systems.

You will learn to analyze and interpret vehicle structural damage; measure vehicles using centering gauges, laser and computerized measuring systems; and interpret printouts to determine damage location in vehicle structures.

You will also learn to safely secure a vehicle for pulling, use squeeze-type resistance welding equipment and fabricate a rail section.

Key takeaways

• Introduction to damage analysis interpreting body-dimension specification sheets, various measuring systems, steel unitized structures and advanced high strength steels.
• How to diagnose damage using computerized measuring systems.
• How to analyze and interpret vehicle structural damage and measure vehicles using various tools.
• How to interpret printouts to determine damage location in vehicle structures.
• How to secure a vehicle for pulling, use squeeze-type resistance welding equipment and fabricate a rail section.

Tools & technology used

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

Structural Alignment & Replacement

As a student in this course, you will learn principles of straightening structural parts, use of pulling systems, and stress-relief methods.

You will learn how to perform pulling on structural parts and apply stress-relief methods. Also covered will be principles of panel replacement and sectioning, steel unitized structures, new technologies and repair.

Key takeaways

• Principles of straightening structural parts, use of pulling systems, and stress-relief methods.
• How to perform pulling on structural parts and apply stress-relief methods.
• Principles of panel replacement and sectioning, steel unitized structures, new technologies and repair.

Tools & technology used

• Centering gauges, computerized measuring systems and frame racks from Chief Automotive Systems.

Introduction to Refinishing

In this course, you will learn the application of safety and environmental practices and surface preparation for refinishing. You will learn procedures for paint removal, preparation of adjacent panels for blending, and application of sealers and stone chip resistant coatings.

You will also learn to analyze existing finishes of panels/vehicles, remove paint using various procedures, apply metal conditioners, sand panels in preparation for primer-surfacer application and apply primer-surfacer.

Key takeaways

• Application of safety and environmental practices and surface preparation for refinishing.
• Procedures for paint removal, preparation of adjacent panels for blending, and more.
• How to analyze existing finishes of panels/vehicles and remove paint using various procedures.
• How to apply metal conditioners, sand panels in preparation for primer-surfacer application, and apply primer-surfacer.

Tools & technology used

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

Vehicle Preparation for Painting

You will learn equipment preparation, refinish materials and paint areas in this course. Mixing refinish materials, preparation of spray guns and test panels will also be covered.

Additionally, you will learn about color characteristics, color match and obtaining blendable matches. You will learn sanding operations, mixing paint from vehicle paint codes, applying waterborne basecoat paints to panels, tinting colors to achieve blendable matches and applying clear coat.

Key takeaways

• Basics of equipment preparation, refinish materials and paint areas.
• How to mix refinish materials, prepare spray guns and test panels.
• Introduction to color characteristics, color match and obtaining blendable matches.
• How to sand, mix paint from vehicle paint codes, apply waterborne basecoat paints to panels, tint colors and apply clear coat.

Tools & technology used

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

Finish Applications

As a student in this course, you will learn about cycle time; principles of blending; and single stage, base coat, clear coat and tri-coat finishes. You will learn to identify and solve paint application problems and paint finish problems such as mottling, orange peel, sags and runs.

Also covered will be diagnosis and repair of finish defects; and determining causes of and repairing poor adhesion, cracking, water spotting and environmental damage. You also will learn to detail a vehicle for customer delivery.

Key takeaways

• Introduction to cycle time, principles of blending, and single stage, base coat, clear coat and tri-coat finishes.
• How to identify and solve various paint application and finish problems.
• How to diagnose and repair finish defects and determine causes of and repairing poor adhesion, cracking, water spotting and environmental damage.
• Steps to detailing a vehicle for customer delivery.

Tools & technology used

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

Skills Application

In this course, you will apply the training learned in previous courses to a simulated collision repair facility. Emphasis will be placed on cosmetic panel replacement and alignment, panel repair procedures, MIG welding, application and sanding of body filler, sanding panels in preparation for primer surfacer and application of primer surfacer.

Additionally, this training will cover masking procedures, mixing refinish materials, preparation of spray gun and test panels, application of paint to panels, tinting of colors to achieve blendable matches, application of clear coat, and final detail in preparation for vehicle delivery to the customer.

You will also learn about hazardous airborne pollutants and waste control as it applies to the collision industry.

Key takeaways

• Basics of cosmetic panel replacement and alignment, panel repair procedures, MIG welding, application and sanding of body filler, and more.
• Application of masking procedures, mixing refinish materials, preparation of spray gun and test panels, application of paint to panels, tinting of colors to achieve blendable matches and more for vehicle delivery to the customer.
• Hazardous airborne pollutants and waste control to be aware of in the collision industry.

Tools & technology used

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

Power Systems & Controls

You will learn fundamentals, troubleshooting and repair of electrical and electronic systems in this course. You will also learn to troubleshoot and repair electrical systems using digital multimeters, read wiring diagrams and repair damaged wiring harnesses.

Key takeaways

• Fundamentals, troubleshooting and repair of electrical and electronic systems.
• How to troubleshoot and repair electrical systems using digital multimeters.
• How to read wiring diagrams and repair damaged wiring harnesses.

Tools & technology used

• DVOM, electrical training boards, solder gun, diagnostic scan tools and computerized information retrieval systems.

Drive Train & Related Systems

This course covers air conditioning, cooling and heating systems; fuel, intake and exhaust systems; and drive trains. You will learn fundamentals, operation and maintenance, inspection and testing and repair of these systems.

You will also learn to discharge, recover, evacuate and recharge air conditioning systems, drain and recover cooling systems, and simulate removal and reinstallation of drive train assemblies. Finally, you will learn about hybrid vehicle safety as it applies to the collision industry.

Key takeaways

• Introduction to air conditioning, cooling and heating systems; fuel, intake and exhaust systems; and drive trains.
• How to discharge, recover, evacuate and recharge air conditioning systems; drain and recover cooling systems; and simulate removal and reinstallation of drive train assemblies.
• Hybrid vehicle safety and how it applies to the collision repair industry.

Tools & technology used

• Air conditioning recycling machine and fuel and cooling system testers.

Vehicle Undercar and SRS

As a student in this course, you will learn the diagnosis and service of steering systems as well as alignment, suspension and related subassemblies. You will learn to analyze steering and suspension systems for damage and perform wheel alignments.

Additionally, you will learn to analyze and replace damaged or worn brake components and bleed brake systems. This course also covers the removal, inspection and replacement of restraint systems. Finally, you will learn to analyze restraining systems, including seat belts, motorized seat belts, air bag assemblies and related components.

Key takeaways

• Diagnosis and service of steering systems and alignment, suspension and related subassemblies.
• How to analyze steering and suspension systems for damage and perform wheel alignments.
• How to analyze and replace damaged or worn brake components and bleed brake systems.
• How to analyze various restraining systems.

Tools & technology used

• Computerized wheel alignment machines, strut spring machines and brake trainers.

Damage Analysis I

Topics covered in this course relate to collision facility operation, customer communication, insurance and estimating. You will apply the training learned in previous courses to carry out damage analysis and write estimates on vehicles using computer-based estimating software.

Emphasis will be placed on blueprinting and estimating different scenarios of damage, including front, side, rear and mechanical impact-damaged vehicles. You will learn about restraint system damage, insurance relations in the collision industry, procedures, documentation and how to work with adjusters. You will also learn about inspecting repairs for quality control.

Key takeaways

• Introduction to collision facility operation, customer communication, insurance and estimating.
• How to write estimates on vehicles using computer-based estimating software.
• How to blueprint and estimate different scenarios of damage.
• Fundamentals of restraint system damage, insurance relations in the collision.
• Industry, procedures, documentation and how to work with adjusters.
• How to inspect repairs for quality control.

Tools & technology used

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

Custom Paint Fundamentals

In this course, you will be taught fundamentals of airbrush techniques, including the use of stencils and freehand airbrushing; special effects paint techniques, including the use of candy and pearl paints; how to apply special effects paint to simulate a wood grain effect; and the age-old techniques of hand pinstriping. You also will apply etching to glass.

Key takeaways

• Fundamentals of various airbrush techniques, including freehand airbrushing, special effects paint techniques, candy and pearl paints, applying special effect paint to simulate a wood grain effect and more.
• Hand pinstriping techniques.
• How to apply etching to glass.

Tools & technology used

• Airbrushes, paint guns, paint booth, sand blasting cabinet and safety equipment associated with all aspects of the Custom Paint Fundamentals class.

Custom Body Fundamentals

You will learn auto body customizing, including frenching antennas, frenching license plates and fabricating roll pans in this course. Additionally, you will learn the skills used to shave door handles and train with the equipment and learn the skills used by some of the top metal fabricators in the field today.

Key takeaways

• Fundamentals of auto body customizing, including frenching antennas, frenching license plates and fabricating roll pans.
• How to shave door handles.
• Train with equipment and learn skills used by some of the top metal fabricators in the field today.

Tools & technology used

• Sheet metal shrinkers, sheet metal stretchers, English wheels, sheet metal rollers, bead rollers, sheet metal brakes, sheet metal shears, MIG welder, oxyacetylene torch and safety equipment associated with all aspects of the Custom Body Fundamentals class.

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.