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Printed on 4/24/2025

Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician

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32-405-1 Technical Diploma (TD) Full Time 54 Credits Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to repair, reconstruct and refinish vehicles in the various transportation fields. Focuses on removal and installation of interior and exterior vehicle parts, repairing and replacing both steel and aluminum body panels, and repairing and replacing plastic and composite parts. Also covered are damage analysis, analyzing and straightening structural damage, welding, and refinishing. Upon graduation, you will be qualified for entry-level employment positions as a collision repair and refinish technician at automotive dealerships, independent repair shops, or through self-employment. You may also find employment as an insurance adjuster/appraiser or transportation manufacturing jobs.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (48 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Refinishing Set-up and Safety
    10-405-150
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10405150
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on different refinishing spray gun set-up, operation, and maintenance. There is an emphasis on personal protection, as well as the environmental regulations regarding working with refinishing materials. Students are also introduced to buffing and polishing in this course.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405151 - Part Removal and Installation OR TRANSP 10405203 - Removal & Installation Co-op​

    • TRANSP 10405153 - Basic Nonstructural Repair OR TRANSP 10405204 - Basic Nonstructural Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405154 - Advanced Nonstructural Repair​ OR TRANSP 10405205 - Advanced Nonstructural Co-op

    AND ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 94405001 - Auto Body Uniform & Safety Kit​

    • TRANSP 94405006 - Auto Body Safety Kit AND TRANSP 94405007 - Auto Body Uniforms
  • Part Removal and Installation
    10-405-151
    3Credit
    108
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10405151
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for interior and exterior part removal, storage, replacement, and installation. Students are also introduced to repair planning.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405153 - Basic Nonstructural Repair OR TRANSP 10405204 - Basic Nonstructural Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405154 - Advanced Nonstructural Repair​ OR TRANSP 10405205 - Advanced Nonstructural Co-op

    AND ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 10405148 - Metal Refinishing​ AND TRANSP 10405149 - Paint Refinishing

    • TRANSP 10405150 - Refinishing Set-up and Safety
  • Steel MIG Welding
    10-405-152
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10405152
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for MIG welding steel in various automotive collision repair scenarios. Students are also introduced to the process of sectioning.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 94405005 - Auto Body PPE for Welding
  • Basic Nonstructural Repair
    10-405-153
    3Credit
    108
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10405153
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding sheet metal characteristics, repair sequencing, and making repair versus replace decisions. Students are introduced to the process of straightening steel exterior panels.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405151 - Part Removal and Installation​ OR TRANSP 10405203 - Removal & Installation Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405154 - Advanced Nonstructural Repair​ OR TRANSP 10405205 - Advanced Nonstructural Co-op

    AND ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 10405148 - Metal Refinishing​ AND TRANSP 10405149 - Paint Refinishing

    • TRANSP 10405150 - Refinishing Set-up and Safety
  • Advanced Nonstructural Repair
    10-405-154
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10405154
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for advanced straightening of steel in complex areas as well as straightening aluminum exterior panels.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405151 - Part Removal and Installation OR TRANSP 10405203 - Removal & Installation Co-op​

    • TRANSP 10405153 - Basic Nonstructural Repair​ OR TRANSP 10405204 - Basic Nonstructural Co-op

    AND ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 10405148 - Metal Refinishing​ AND TRANSP 10405149 - Paint Refinishing

    • TRANSP 10405150 - Refinishing Set-up and Safety
  • Plastic Repair
    10-405-155
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10405155
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for repairing the variety of plastics used on automotive vehicles.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • TRANSP 10405154 - Advanced Nonstructural Repair

    • TRANSP 10405205 - Advanced Nonstructural Co-op

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405156 - Surface Prep and Masking

    • TRANSP 10405157 - Basic Refinishing Application OR TRANSP 10405206 - Basic Refinishing Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405158 - Adv. Refinishing Application OR TRANSP 10405207 - Advanced Refinishing Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405159 - Refinishing Color Theory​ OR TRANSP 10405208 - Refinishing Color Theory Co-op
  • Surface Preparation and Masking
    10-405-156
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10405156
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for masking and prepping surfaces in various refinishing scenarios.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405155 - Plastic Repair

    • TRANSP 10405157 - Basic Refinishing Application OR TRANSP 10405206 - Basic Refinishing Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405158 - Adv. Refinishing Application OR TRANSP 10405207 - Advanced Refinishing Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405159 - Refinishing Color Theory OR TRANSP 10405208 - Refinishing Color Theory Co-op
  • Basic Refinishing Application
    10-405-157
    3Credit
    108
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10405157
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for applying automotive refinish materials.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405155 - Plastic Repair

    • TRANSP 10405156 - Surface Prep and Masking OR TRANSP 10405187 - Collision Refinish Surf Prep

    • TRANSP 10405158 - Adv. Refinishing Application OR TRANSP 10405207 - Advanced Refinishing Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405159 - Refinishing Color Theory OR TRANSP 10405208 - Refinishing Color Theory Co-op

  • Advanced Refinishing Application
    10-405-158
    3Credit
    108
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10405158
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for advanced application of automotive refinish materials, including blending and tri-stage finishes.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405155 - Plastic Repair

    • TRANSP 10405156 - Surface Prep and Masking OR TRANSP 10405187 - Collision Refinish Surf Prep

    • TRANSP 10405157 - Basic Refinishing Application OR TRANSP 10405206 - Basic Refinishing Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405159 - Refinishing Color Theory OR TRANSP 10405208 - Refinishing Color Theory Co-op

  • Refinishing Color Theory
    10-405-159
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10405159
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for tinting automotive refinish materials, which includes an in-depth look at color theory.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405155 - Plastic Repair

    • TRANSP 10405156 - Surface Prep and Masking OR TRANSP 10405187 - Collision Refinish Surf Prep

    • TRANSP 10405157 - Basic Refinishing Application OR TRANSP 10405206 - Basic Refinishing Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405158 - Adv. Refinishing Application OR TRANSP 10405207 - Advanced Refinishing Co-op
  • Estimating
    10-405-160
    3Credit
    108
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10405160
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing skills needed to write collision analysis sheets. Learning how to identify the parts, materials, and labor needed to repair collision damaged vehicles will be covered.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405161 - Advanced Joining Techniques OR TRANSP 10405197 - Advanced Joining Tech Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405162 - Coll. Struct. Damage Analysis OR TRANSP 10405199 - Collision Damage Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405163 - Welded Panel Replacement OR TRANSP 10405200 - Welded Panel Replacement Co-op
  • Advanced Joining Techniques
    10-405-161
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10405161
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for MIG welding aluminum, along with squeeze type resistance spot welding (STRSW), weld-bonding, and rivet-bonding.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405160 - Estimating OR TRANSP 10405198 - Estimating Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405162 - Coll. Struct. Damage Analysis OR TRANSP 10405199 - Collision Damage Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405163 - Welded Panel Replacement OR TRANSP 10405200 - Welded Panel Replacement Co-op
  • Collision Structural Damage Analysis
    10-405-162
    3Credit
    108
    54
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 108
    • Outside Effort Hours: 54
    • Course Number: 10405162
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing skills and knowledge needed to anchor and measure collision damaged vehicles and the identification of parts and materials that are needed for proper repair. Perform structural realignment and structural part replacement on damaged vehicles.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405160 - Estimating OR TRANSP 10405198 - Estimating Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405161 - Advanced Joining Techniques OR TRANSP 10405197 - Advanced Joining Tech Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405163 - Welded Panel Replacement OR TRANSP 10405200 - Welded Panel Replacement Co-op
  • Welded Panel Replacement
    10-405-163
    4Credit
    144
    72
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10405163
    • Credits: 4.00

    Focuses on developing skills needed to perform damage analysis and replacement of outer welded-on panels on collision damaged vehicles.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405160 - Estimating OR TRANSP 10405198 - Estimating Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405161 - Advanced Joining Techniques OR TRANSP 10405197 - Advanced Joining Tech Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405162 - Coll. Struct. Damage Analysis OR TRANSP 10405199 - Collision Damage Co-op
  • Collision Heating & Cooling
    10-405-164
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10405164
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on developing the skills needed to diagnose, service, and repair collision damaged climate control systems including heating, cooling, and air distribution. Students will learn proper handling of refrigerants and will be Federal 609 certified to perform automotive refrigerant repair.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405165 - Collision Basic Electrical OR TRANSP 10405210 - Collision Basic Electric Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405166 - Collision Avoidance​ OR TRANSP 10405211 - Collision Avoidance Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405167 - Collision Alignment​ OR TRANSP 10405202 - Collision Alignment Co-op

    • TRANSP 10602100 - Auto MLR 1
  • Collision Basic Electrical
    10-405-165
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10405165
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on developing the skills needed to diagnose and repair electrical and electronic systems on collision damaged vehicles. Develop skills to service batteries, starting, charging, and lighting systems.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405164 - Collision Heating & Cooling OR TRANSP 10405201 - Heating & Cooling Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405166 - Collision Avoidance​ OR TRANSP 10405211 - Collision Avoidance Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405167 - Collision Alignment​ OR TRANSP 10405202 - Collision Alignment Co-op

    • TRANSP 10602100 - Auto MLR 1

    • TRANSP 94405004 - Auto Body Electrical Kit​
  • Collision Avoidance
    10-405-166
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10405166
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on developing skills needed to replace components on collision avoidance safety systems, airbags, and recalibrate advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405164 - Collision Heating & Cooling OR TRANSP 10405201 - Heating & Cooling Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405165 - Collision Basic Electrical OR TRANSP 10405210 - Collision Basic Electric Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405167 - Collision Alignment​ OR TRANSP 10405202 - Collision Alignment Co-op

    • TRANSP 10602100 - Auto MLR 1
  • Collision Alignment
    10-405-167
    2Credit
    72
    36
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 36
    • Course Number: 10405167
    • Credits: 2.00

    Focuses on developing the skills needed to diagnose and replace steering and suspension components on collision damaged vehicles. Students will also complete a wheel alignment.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 10405164 - Collision Heating & Cooling OR TRANSP 10405201 - Heating & Cooling Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405165 - Collision Basic Electrical OR TRANSP 10405210 - Collision Basic Electric Co-op

    • TRANSP 10405166 - Collision Avoidance​ OR TRANSP 10405211 - Collision Avoidance Co-op

    • TRANSP 10602100 - Auto MLR 1
  • Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair 1
    10-602-100
    4Credit
    144
    72

    • Instructional Hours: 144
    • Outside Effort Hours: 72
    • Course Number: 10602100
    • Credits: 4.00

    Focuses on developing skills in professionalism, safety, and the use of basic and power tools. Students are introduced to the automotive service industry and learn to use both comprehensive and manufacturer's service information to perform vehicle maintenance in 9 Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) areas.

    AUTO PLANS (10-602-3 / 10-602-4 / 32-602-1 / 32-602-2)

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • SCIENCE 10806173 - Applied Science-Transportation OR Bennett Mechanical Assessment Score Greater than or equal to 27%

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 94602001 - Automotive Uniforms

    AUTO BODY PLANS (10-405-3 / 32-405-1)

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 94405001 - Auto Body Uniform & Safety Kit OR TRANSP 94405007 - Auto Body Uniforms

    CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTION ​(10-522-6)

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    • TRANSP 94602005 - CTEI Uniforms/Orientation

    Occupational Supportive (6 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Oral/Interpersonal Comm
    10-801-196
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801196
    • Credits: 3.00

    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Psychology of Human Relations
    10-809-199
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10809199
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explores the relationship between the general principles of psychology and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding enables students to improve their relationships with others at work, in the family, and in society.

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
×

Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.