About Auto Body Repair Technicians

Auto body repair technicians are responsible for removing dents in vehicles, straightening bent car parts and replacing parts that are beyond repair. They also refinish car bodies and sometimes replace glass components. Auto body repair technicians can work alone or on a team, where the more experienced technicians supervise apprentices. Technicians work on all size vehicles. Another name for auto body repair technicians is collision repair technician.

Features

A person with a high school diploma or GED can often get a job as an auto body repair technician, but will then be required to get more specialized training. Advanced training is required in order to work on newer vehicles.
Mathematics, chemistry, physics, computers and electronics are classes that auto body repair technicians should pursue. All auto body repair technicians should be able to read and write English, because manuals and courses are most often written in this language.

Time Frame

Technical and trade schools provide the training for auto body repair. It takes between 6 months and 2 years to earn a certificate, depending on the school.
An auto body technician that wishes to learn glass repair and installation will take separate instruction, which can take several years.
An additional 3 to 4 years of on-the-job training is needed to become fully qualified in every aspect of auto body repair.
Throughout their career, auto body repair technicians will be required to study manuals and take advanced courses to keep on top of new vehicle technology and techniques in the field.

Considerations

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is the industry standard certification that every auto body repair technician should strive to achieve. Although not required, it will help with employment advancement. There are four exams available, and those who pass all four exams become ASE Master Collision Repair and Refinish Technicians. To keep the certification, the exam must be retaken every 5 years (see Resources below).

Function

Auto body repair technicians work for automobile dealers, collision centers, private companies and on their own. The work environment is often noisy, cramped and dirty. Most auto body technicians work 40 hours a week, with occasional overtime to complete assignments. Self-employed auto body technicians have more say over their working conditions and times, but still have to keep their customers happy.

Warning

Dangers faced by auto body technicians during work are burns and injuries from power tools and torches, cuts from sharp objects and inhalation of harmful fumes. These problems can be avoided if proper safety measures are followed.

Resources

• The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

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