Auto Body Certificates

Why Study Auto Body and Collision Repair?

Find a stable, in-demand job by studying how to repair vehicles. The collision repair industry is constantly growing as people buy new and pre-owned vehicles. From replacing bumpers to fixing major collision damage, skilled collision repair technicians help keep cars and trucks on the road. That means there will always be demand for restoring vehicles back to pre-damage condition and even customizing vehicles.

By studying collision repair, you will develop essential skills, including damage blueprinting, structural welding, and custom sheet metal fabrication and painting. Gain hands-on experience using cutting-edge technology to diagnose and fix vehicles. I-CAR Platinum and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) master certified instructors will guide you to care for classic and next-generation cars and trucks. Start your career by completing an auto body certificate today.

Why Complete Auto Body Certificates at San Juan College?

Multiple Certificate Options

We offer four certificate options that will help you develop the skills you need to start or level up your career. Choose the one that best fits your current career goals.

• Structural Collision Repair Certificate: This certificate teaches auto body fundamentals and covers structural repair and replacement processes. You'll also learn about 3D measuring systems, OE repair methodology, damage blueprinting, advanced materials identification, bonding, GMA steel and aluminum welding, STRSW welding and attachment methods. You can complete the program in three semesters.
• I-CAR Integrated Non-Structural Certificate: Take courses on collision repair with a special emphasis on non-structural repair. You will be eligible to earn I-CAR ProLevel 1 recognition in non-structural repair. You can complete the program in one calendar year.
• I-CAR Integrated Automotive Refinishing Certificate: Study auto repair with a focus on refinishing and custom paint. You will be eligible to earn the I-CAR ProLevel 1 recognition in refinishing. You can complete the program in one calendar year.
• Master Certificate Collision Repair: This certificate encompasses all the core courses in the Auto Body program. You will learn about non-structural repair, structural repair, refinishing, and more. It also includes all the required courses for the I-CAR ProLevel 1 Certificate in refinishing and non-structural repair. You can complete this program in a year and a half.

Get I-CAR Certified

At SJC, you can earn I-CAR certifications. You'll take additional training after you earn your certificate to be eligible. You can earn certifications in:

• I-CAR ProLevel 1 Estimating
• I-CAR ProLevel 1, 2, 3 Refinishing
• I-CAR ProLevel 1, 2, 3 Non-Structural
• I-CAR ProLevel 1 Steel Structural

Learn From Experts

At SJC's Auto Body Certificate program, you will receive top-notch instruction from industry experts. Instructors retain ASE and I-CAR Platinum educators certifications. They will teach you the up-to-date knowledge and skills you need for success in the auto body industry. With their guidance, you will gain firsthand experience in repairing and restoring vehicles to industry standards.

Get Hands-On Experience

Get practical training on cars and other vehicles at our state-of-the-art Collision Repair shop. Spanning over 12,000 square feet, the facility is equipped with the latest tools and technology to provide you with the most up-to-date training available. This includes the opportunity to work with newer cars and advanced equipment that is commonly used in the auto body industry. In fact, we are the only college in New Mexico, and one of the few in the Four Corners area, that is a Chief and I-CAR fixed training site. Know that you're training with the best equipment at SJC.

Affordable Auto Body Certificate Programs

Because of SJC's low tuition rates, our Auto Body Certificate programs are an excellent investment for your career. Not only can you complete the program quickly, we also provide scholarship opportunities to lower the cost of your degree. Discover if you can get your certificate tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.

What You'll Learn in the Auto Body Certificate Programs

All of our auto body certificate programs will provide you with the principles, knowledge, and skills required to begin a career in auto body collision repair. Each certificate has a different focus and program length, so be sure to read each option carefully.

Explore our Auto Body and Collision Repair Shop

Careers and Outcomes

By earning an auto body certificate from SJC, you'll be prepared to repair and design cars. With your specialized skills, you can find work in various body shops. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects overall employment of automotive body repairers to grow 3% from 2021 to 2031, showing growth opportunities. If you have an I-CAR ProLevel Certificate, you will be in higher demand and find jobs with better pay.

As an auto body certificate program graduate, you'll be able to find work as:

• Auto damage adjuster
• Auto paint jobber
• Car detailer
• Non-structural technician
• Parts specialist
• Prep technician
• Refinish technician
• Steel/aluminum technician

Graduates of SJC's auto body program have found employment at:

• 3D Auto Sports
• ABRA Auto Body & Glass
• Car Crafters
• Star Collision Center
• Webb Automotive Group
• West Star Aviation
• Ziems Ford Corners

What if I already have an associate degree in auto body from SJC, but I want to take the I-CAR courses?

Your Auto Body AAS may not include the required I-CAR courses needed to take the I-CAR exam. You will need to complete those courses and any prerequisites before applying for the exam. Contact the Program Director if you have any questions.