Course Offerings

Auto Body Estimating - Project-Based Class

This course provides a comprehensive study of auto body estimating. Topics include collision damage analysis, industry regulations, flat-rate and estimated time and collision estimating manuals. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and interpret a damage report.

Course Objectives

Analyze vehicle collision damage and identify appropriate repair procedures

Recognize major vehicle systems, construction methods and materials involved in collision repair

Identify and properly use tools, equipment and materials utilized in auto body repair and refinishing operations

Explain body repair materials, refinishing methods and restoration techniques used in the automotive repair industry

Apply industry estimating procedures, including labor operations, estimating manuals, parts identification and repair documentation

Prepare and interpret professional collision damage reports and repair estimates

Demonstrate the technical knowledge, workplace skills and professional behaviors necessary for employment in collision repair, restoration and automotive estimating fields

Outline of Instruction

Introduction to Collision Repair and Auto Body Estimating
Overview of the collision repair industry
Role and responsibilities of an autobody estimator Relationship between estimators, technicians, insurance representatives, and customers
Overview of the collision repair process, and career opportunities in automotive estimating and repair

Vehicle Construction and Collision Damage Analysis
Major vehicle systems and components; vehicle body construction and materials; structural and cosmetic damage identification; direct and indirect collision damage; vehicle inspection procedures; repair versus replacement considerations

Paint and Body Shop Safety
General shop safety procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), basic first aid practices, hazardous materials handling, environmental and industry safety regulations, safe operation of repair and refinishing

Collision Estimating Procedures
Collision estimating terminology, estimating manuals and industry resources, flat-rate labor guides, estimated repair times, labor operation selection, parts identification and pricing, paint and material calculations

Fasteners, Components and Replacement Procedures
Types of automotive fasteners; clips, moldings and attachment systems; replacement component identification; parts documentation; incorporating replacement components into repair estimates

Damage Reports and Repair Documentation
Preparing collision damage reports, documenting repair recommendations, interpreting estimates, reviewing estimate accuracy, customer and insurance communication fundamentals, supplemental estimate considerations

Practical Estimating Applications
Vehicle damage assessment exercises, repair planning activities, estimate preparation exercises, labor and material calculations, final damage report and estimating project

Contact Hours

CEUs

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR)

Website

https://www.i-car.com/s/

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

Prerequisites

N/A

Learning Supplies Needed

Students are responsible for basic hand tools to support the vehicle project the student is working on: Body pack hammer, body dolly, DA sander, angle die grinder with grinder disk, air blowgun, 1/4" drive socket set (standard and/or metric), 3/8" drive socket set (standard and/or metric), combination wrench set (standard 7/16-9/16 or metric 6mm-16mm), screwdrivers (common, Phillips, Torx), ball-peen hammer.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

Students are not allowed to use any tools or equipment unless they are properly trained. Students are not allowed to use equipment unless given permission and supervised by the instructor (i.e., frame machine, welding equipment, etc.). Students are allowed to work on only one car at a time in the shop.

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

The course aligns closely with the curriculum version; the primary distinction is that most participants are expected to be employed in a collision center already and will bring a higher level of industry experience compared to a traditional curriculum student.

There are no changes to the instructional delivery or course content from the way it is currently taught. Students must have prior approval on a project before entering the class. Students must be enrolled in Collision or have taken a continuing education Collision & Paint class prior to being able to bring in a personal project.