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Drew Ayres competes in the SkillsUSA Regional Competition at the Automotive & Technology Center on the Windsor Campus.

Automotive Collision Repair TechnologyCertificates

Gain Essential Industry Skills With a Collision Repair Certificate at Aims

Certificates are an alternative to degree programs that allow you to explore a subject or build new career skills. Aims offers six auto body certificates covering various collision repair skills to prepare you for employment in a particular area of automotive collision repair, such as upholstery, plastics repair or refinishing.

The course credits from three of these certificates (non-structural, structural and plastics repair) can also apply toward earning a collision repair degree at Aims. 

Non-Structural Repair Technician Certificate

This auto body certificate program teaches you the core skills needed to become a non-structural repair technician or work in related fields of analysis and damage repair of automotive body components. Learn outer body panel repairs, replacement, adjustments, metal finishing and body filling, movable glass and hardware work, and automotive metal welding and cutting.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Provides an orientation to the automotive collision repair industry which includes an overview of job possibilities and various types of automobile construction. This course covers names, uses, and maintenance procedures for a variety of tools and equipment with a focus on general collision repair and refinishing, shop safety procedures with an emphasis on personal and environmental safety issues, and proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. This course has admission requirements.  Please see the program web page for more information: . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology_blankhttps://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology

4
required
3
required

Covers the basic characteristics of preparation for automotive repair. Students familiarize themselves with damage analysis, extent of damage, and the sequence of repair. Focuses on removal of vehicle components and protection of panels along with storage and labeling of parts. Safety procedures and equipment use are included. Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply.

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better

3
required

Covers straightening techniques including tension pulls/stress relief, metal finishing, metal shrinking, and use of fillers. Emphasizes the identification, handling, and replacement of parts such as adjustment and alignment of bolt-on parts, fixed parts, and accessories. Training covers the use of adhesives, sound deadeners and welding methods performed during repairs. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Develops skills in metal finishing, metal shrinking, and the use of cosmetic fillers. Emphasis is placed on the use of proper tools required to perform these tasks, including use, selection of tools, and safety procedures for tools and equipment selected. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) tools will also be introduced in this course along with beginning level repair techniques. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required
1 to 9
Students must take (Students must take 2 credits of ACT 1080)
required
2
required

Covers the removal and replacement of automotive glass using manufacturer's specifications, proper tools, and recommended materials. The course emphasizes the application of skills for the removal and replacement of modular and fixed glass using manufacturer's specifications and procedures. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better

2
Total Credits for Non-Structural Repair Technician Certificate 22

Structural Repair Technician Certificate

Learn the basics to begin a career as a structural repair technician or work in related fields, including vehicle structural analysis and damage repair. Learn structural frame inspection and repair, unibody and unitized structure inspection, measurement and repair, fixed glass removal and installation, and metal welding and cutting.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Provides an orientation to the automotive collision repair industry which includes an overview of job possibilities and various types of automobile construction. This course covers names, uses, and maintenance procedures for a variety of tools and equipment with a focus on general collision repair and refinishing, shop safety procedures with an emphasis on personal and environmental safety issues, and proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. This course has admission requirements.  Please see the program web page for more information: . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology_blankhttps://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology

4
required

Focuses on methods of frame measurement using dimension charts and service manuals. Includes the use of self-centering gauges and mechanical and electronic measuring. Appropriate terms and definitions of vehicle structures and vehicle diagnosis is covered including identification and analysis of damage. Includes the techniques for basic hook ups and safety procedures used in making corrective pulls. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Continues the study and application of frame measurement and repair. The student applies methods found in dimension charts and service manuals for vehicle diagnosis and straightening. Training includes the replacement of a structural panel with the identification of damaged suspension components replaced according to manufacturer recommendations. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Covers major automotive body repair in vehicles with major damage on conventional structures and unibody structures. Student learns the operation of equipment and techniques used to straighten and align damaged frames. Identification and analysis of frames, hot and cold stress relieving, servicing and sectioning of structural frames is also included. Liability issues and the importance of making these corrections according to the manufacurer's recommendations and industry standards are emphasized. Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply.

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1031 and ACT 1032 with grades of "C" or better

3
required

Covers the removal and replacement of automotive glass using manufacturer's specifications, proper tools, and recommended materials. The course emphasizes the application of skills for the removal and replacement of modular and fixed glass using manufacturer's specifications and procedures. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1001 with a grade of "C" or better

2
Total Credits for Structural Repair Technician Certificate 15

Plastics Repair Technician Certificate

Learn the fundamentals of plastics analysis related to automotive damage repair. Learn inspection and repair of plastic body components and other plastic items found in today’s vehicles.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Provides an orientation to the automotive collision repair industry which includes an overview of job possibilities and various types of automobile construction. This course covers names, uses, and maintenance procedures for a variety of tools and equipment with a focus on general collision repair and refinishing, shop safety procedures with an emphasis on personal and environmental safety issues, and proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. This course has admission requirements.  Please see the program web page for more information: . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology_blankhttps://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology

4
required
1
required
1
Total Credits for Plastics Repair Technician Certificate 6

Refinish Technician Certificate

In this standalone certificate that does not apply toward the automotive collision repair degree, you’ll learn the skills required to become an automotive refinishing technician. Gain automotive refinishing skills in surface preparation, spray equipment operation, and identifying and addressing paint defects.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Provides an orientation to the automotive collision repair industry which includes an overview of job possibilities and various types of automobile construction. This course covers names, uses, and maintenance procedures for a variety of tools and equipment with a focus on general collision repair and refinishing, shop safety procedures with an emphasis on personal and environmental safety issues, and proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. This course has admission requirements.  Please see the program web page for more information: . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology_blankhttps://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology

4
required

Performs surface preparation for refinishing including cleaning, sanding, feather edging, chemical treatment of bare materials, and priming. The application of primers includes rationale and use of colored primers and sealers. In addition, the course will cover spot-priming for repaired areas. . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1041 with a grade of "C" or better.

2
required
2
required

Provides the knowledge needed for application and use of automotive paint systems. Course includes locating color codes, mixing formulas, matching, and selections of materials. Proper paint gun use and adjustments is taught for the product being applied. In addition, the student practices correct masking and detailing techniques.. Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-fees Differential tuition rates apply

Course Prerequisites

ACT 1042 and ACT 1043 with grades of "C" or better

2
required
1 to 9
Student Must Take (Students must take 1 credit of ACT 1070)
required
1 to 9
Student Must Take (Students must take 4 credits of ACT 1081)
required

Covers paint defects. Emphasizes the causes of paint defects with methods to cure problems during and after refinishing procedures. Students learn to identify the proper surface preparations to apply prior to refinishing. Training includes using paint equipment and determining paint film thickness with proper temperatures for refinishing.  Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/departments/cashiers-office/tuition-feesDifferential tuition rates apply.

Course Prerequisites

ACT 2032 with a grade of "C" or better

3
required
2
required
2
required
2
Total Credits for Refinish Technician Certificate 24

Damage Appraisal Estimating Certificate

In this certificate that does not apply toward the automotive collision repair degree, you’ll learn the skills required to perform automotive damage appraisal estimates. Gain skills in automotive collision technology, estimating, and auto body shop management, customer relations and sales.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Provides an orientation to the automotive collision repair industry which includes an overview of job possibilities and various types of automobile construction. This course covers names, uses, and maintenance procedures for a variety of tools and equipment with a focus on general collision repair and refinishing, shop safety procedures with an emphasis on personal and environmental safety issues, and proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. This course has admission requirements.  Please see the program web page for more information: . Course is not repeatable for credit.https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology_blankhttps://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/automotive-collision-repair-technology

4
required
1 to 9
Students must take (Students must take 1 credit in ACT 1070.)
required
3
required
2
Total Credits for Damage Appraisal Estimating Certificate 10

Upholstery Certificate

In this certificate that does not apply toward the automotive collision repair associate degree program, you’ll learn the skills required to repair and replace automotive upholstery. Gain skills in upholstery and carpeting removal and replacement, correct use of materials, and cutting and stretching.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Covers the upholstery industry: safety, familiarization with tools and materials, sewing, tacking, layout and pattern work. Differential tuition rates apply. Department approval is required. This course has admission requirements.  Please see the program web page for more information: . Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Covers auto seat upholstery, including removal and replacement, teardown, correct use of materials, cutting and stretching. . Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

UPH 1000 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Continues UPH 1001, emphasizing skill development. Carpet, trim, convertible tops, tonneau covers and convertible boots are course components. . Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

UPH 1001 with a grade of "C" or better

3
required

Introduces repair and/or replacement of armrests, carpet, wind lace, door panels, headliner, convertible tops, tonneau covers and convertible boots. . Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

UPH 1002 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Provides students with a vehicle to pursue in depth exploration of special topics of interest. . Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.

1 to 12
Students must take (Students must take 4 credits of UPH 2075)
Total Credits for Upholstery Certificate Credits 16