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Automotive Collision Technology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

This degree or certificate provides an extended combination of classroom and hands-on shop experience to prepare for careers in all phases of automotive collision technology.

Topics include component repairs, structural and nonstructural repairs, and refinishing. It also covers various automotive systems, such as heating and air-conditioning, suspension steering, and electrical.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

A.S. in Automotive Collision Technology
Automotive Claims Estimator Certificate
Automotive Collision Technology Certificate
Automotive Collision Technology-Non-Structural Certificate
Automotive Collision Technology-Refinish Certificate
Automotive Collision Technology-Structural Certificate

Dean Gary Aguilar
Faculty Contact Galen Hartman
Phone (916) 484-8588
Email teched@arc.losrios.edu

Associate Degree

A.S. in Automotive Collision Technology

This degree provides an extended combination of classroom and hands-on shop experience to prepare for careers in all phases of automotive collision technology. Topics include component repairs, structural and non-structural repairs and refinishing. It also covers various automotive systems, such as heating and air-conditioning, suspension steering, and electrical.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
ACT 100	Automotive Collision Basics	4
ACT 110	Component Repairs	4
ACT 120	Non-Structural Repair	4
ACT 130	Structural Repair	4
ACT 131	Automotive Collision Welding	4
ACT 140	Automotive Refinishing	4
ACT 161	Automotive Collision Software Systems, Estimating I	4
AT 100	Technical Basics for the Automotive Professional	3
AT 105	Mathematics for Automotive Technology	3
AT 180	Automotive Data Acquisition	3
AT 310	Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems	3
AT 311	Suspension and Steering Systems	3
AT 330	Automotive Electrical Systems	3
A minimum of 4 units from the following:		4
ACT 298	Work Experience in Collision Technology (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		50

The Automotive Collision Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

identify and estimate automotive collision damage.
develop a repair plan.
repair automotive collision mechanical damage.
repair frame/unibody automotive collision structural damage.
repair automotive collision body damage.
refinish automotive collision damage.

Career Information

This program provides training and hands-on experience in high-demand skills that lead to promising careers with high wages. Students who have successfully completed this program are working as non-structural, structural, refinish and estimating technicians. The U.S. Labor Department reports that job opportunities for auto collision specialists are excellent because of the large number of older workers who are expected to retire in the next 5 to 10 years. In addition, it points out that experienced technicians are rarely laid off and that employers prefer to hire graduates of a formal training program for which provides a foundation in the latest collision technology, including the techniques and equipment used on the job.

Certificates of Achievement

Automotive Claims Estimator Certificate

This program provides the technical and practical skills necessary to properly diagnose collision-damaged vehicles and to document the cost and time necessary to repair collision-damaged vehicles. The use of state-of-the-art, computer-generated estimating programs and video imaging are used to prepare itemized estimates on collision-damaged vehicles. The procedures to prepare itemized estimates detailing the required procedures and parts necessary to correctly repair the vehicle are also covered.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
ACT 100	Automotive Collision Basics	4
ACT 110	Component Repairs	4
ACT 120	Non-Structural Repair	4
ACT 161	Automotive Collision Software Systems, Estimating I	4
BUS 212	Marketing for Small Businesses	1
BUS 218	Management Skills for the Small Business	1
BUS 224	Customer Service	1
BUSTEC 300.1	Keyboarding/Applications: Beginning	1¹
Total Units:		20

¹Keyboard proficiency test. This program can be completed in 19 units if student passes keyboarding test.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

complete an accurate repair estimate.
apply technical skills necessary to remove, replace and align damaged cosmetic and mechanical related components.
recognize and identify direct, indirect and secondary damage on collision-damaged vehicles.
create a marketing plan for a small business utilizing appropriate data.
analyze the four functions of management: planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating.
demonstrate methods for building effective customer service teams.
create and edit documents using appropriate word processing functions.

Career Information

This program provides training and hands-on experience in high-demand skills that lead to promising careers with high wages. The U.S. Labor Department reports that job opportunities for auto collision specialists are excellent because of the large number of older workers who are expected to retire in the next 5 to 10 years. In addition, it points out that experienced technicians are rarely laid off and that employers prefer to hire graduates of a formal training program because it provides a foundation in the latest collision technology, including the techniques and equipment used on the job.

Automotive Collision Technology Certificate

This program provides a combination of classroom and hands-on shop experience to prepare for careers in all phases of automotive collision technology repair. Topics include component repairs, structural and non-structural repairs and refinish. It also covers various automotive systems, such as heating and air-conditioning, suspension steering, and electrical.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
ACT 100	Automotive Collision Basics	4
ACT 110	Component Repairs	4
ACT 120	Non-Structural Repair	4
ACT 130	Structural Repair	4
ACT 131	Automotive Collision Welding	4
ACT 140	Automotive Refinishing	4
ACT 161	Automotive Collision Software Systems, Estimating I	4
AT 100	Technical Basics for the Automotive Professional	3
AT 105	Mathematics for Automotive Technology	3
AT 180	Automotive Data Acquisition	3
AT 310	Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems	3
AT 311	Suspension and Steering Systems	3
AT 330	Automotive Electrical Systems	3
A minimum of 4 units from the following:		4
ACT 298	Work Experience in Collision Technology (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		50

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

identify and estimate automotive collision damage
repair automotive collision mechanical damage
repair frame/unibody automotive collision structural damage
repair automotive collision body damage
refinish automotive collision damage

Career Information

This program provides training and hands-on experience in high-demand skills that lead to promising careers with high wages. Students who have successfully completed this program are working as apprentice shop technicians. The U.S. Labor Department reports that job opportunities for auto collision specialists are excellent because of the large number of older workers who are expected to retire in the next 5 to 10 years. In addition, it points out that experienced technicians are rarely laid off and that employers prefer to hire graduates of a formal training program because it provides a foundation in the latest collision technology, including the techniques and equipment used on the job.

Certificates

Automotive Collision Technology-Non-Structural Certificate

This certificate provides a combination of classroom and hands-on experience to prepare for careers in non-structural automotive collision technology. Topics include automotive collision basic, component and non-structural repairs. This certificate is intended for students who have completed the Automotive Collision Technology Certificate and need to obtain a higher skill level to obtain higher I-CAR pro levels.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
ACT 100	Automotive Collision Basics	4
ACT 110	Component Repairs	4
ACT 120	Non-Structural Repair	4
Total Units:		12

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

identify collision damage
repair vehicle sheet steel
determine repair or replace based on I-CAR/ASE criteria
repair hybrid vehicles to meet legal safely standards

Career Information

This program provides training and hands-on experience in high-demand skills that lead to promising career with high wages. Students who have successfully completed this program are working as body repair technicians. The U.S. Labor Department reports that job opportunity for auto collision specialists are excellent because of large number of older workers who are expected to retire in the next 4 to 10 years. In addition, it points out that experienced technicians are rarely laid off and employers prefer to hire graduates of a formal training program because it provides a foundation in the latest collision technology, including the techniques and equipment used on the job.

Automotive Collision Technology-Refinish Certificate

This program provides a combination of classroom and hands-on shop experience to prepare for a career in automotive collision technology refinishing. Topics include component repair, non-structural repairs, and refinishing. This certificate is intended for students who are interested in exploring the field of Automotive Collision Refinish.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
ACT 100	Automotive Collision Basics	4
ACT 110	Component Repairs	4
ACT 120	Non-Structural Repair	4
ACT 140	Automotive Refinishing	4
Total Units:		16

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

identify color matching and solutions
apply color blending procedures including application
apply paint material with proficiency
polish repaired surface to factory finish
prepare surface in all application phases
remove and install adjacent parts for quality refinishing preparation

Career Information

This program provides training and hands-on experience in high-demand skills that lead to promising careers with high wages. Students who have successfully completed this program are qualified candidates for refinishing apprenticeships. The U.S. Labor Department reports that job opportunities for auto collision specialists are excellent because of the large number of older workers who are expected to retire in the next 5 to 10 years. In addition, it points out that experienced technicians are rarely laid off and that employers prefer to hire graduates or a formal training program because it provides a foundation in the latest collision technology, including the techniques and equipment used on the job.

Automotive Collision Technology-Structural Certificate

This program provides a combination of classroom and hands-on shop experience to prepare for a career in automotive collision structural repairs. This certificate is intended for students who have completed the Automotive Collision Technology Certificate and need to obtain a higher skill level in the field.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
ACT 100	Automotive Collision Basics	4
ACT 110	Component Repairs	4
ACT 130	Structural Repair	4
ACT 131	Automotive Collision Welding	4
Total Units:		16

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

identify structural damage.
mount and measure vehicles.
pull and square damaged structural areas.
perform collision related welding of sheet steel.
remove and install components.

Career Information

This program provides training and hands-on experience in high-demand skills that lead to promising careers with high wages. Students who have successfully completed this program are working as frame/unibody technicians. The U.S. Labor Department reports that job opportunities for auto collision specialists are excellent because of the large number of older workers who are expected to retire in the next 5 to 10 years. In addition, it points out that experienced technicians are rarely laid off and that employers prefer to hire graduates of a formal training program because it provides a foundation in the latest collision technology, including the techniques and equipment used on the job.

Automotive Collision Technology (ACT) Courses

ACT 100 Automotive Collision Basics

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the basics of automotive collision repair of traditional, electric, and electric hybrid vehicles. Topics include use and disposal of hazardous materials; lighting, starting, and charging systems; and appropriate use and maintenance of tools and equipment.

ACT 110 Component Repairs

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:ACT 100 with a grade of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides the technical principles and theories to perform limited and supervised repairs to collision-damaged vehicles. It covers how to safely remove, inspect, replace, and align bolt-on body components per vehicle manufacturers' specifications. It covers protection of mechanical and electrical systems, removal of damaged parts, removal and reinstallation of movable glass, diagnosis of wind noise and water leaks, and techniques applicable to damaged vehicles.

ACT 120 Non-Structural Repair

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:ACT 100 with a grade of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course introduces the technical principles and theories to perform limited and supervised repairs to collision-damaged vehicles. It covers the fundamentals and theory of automotive collision repair procedures including composite repairs and replacements. Foam application techniques pertaining to noise reduction and structural strength are implemented. Additionally, metal straightening theory and techniques for steel and aluminum repairs, and the decision to make repairs vs. replacement are included.

ACT 130 Structural Repair

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:ACT 100 and 131 with grades of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers principles and theories of automotive collision repair, including component alignment, component replacement, structural panel repair or replacement, corrosion protection, and chassis/frame alignment. Sectioning and full-panel replacement techniques and procedures are covered, including welding and self-piercing rivet adhesive bonding. Required corrosion protection techniques are applied.

ACT 131 Automotive Collision Welding

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the various processes of welding in automotive collision repairs using metal inert gas (MIG) and tungsten inert gas (TIG). Topics include preparation, welding, and finishing.

ACT 140 Automotive Refinishing

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:ACT 100 and 120 with grades of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the principles and theories of paint finish application, tinting, color evaluation, and color adjustments. Topics include paint application techniques, new and emerging paint technologies, color identification, and interpreting vehicle color codes. This course also addresses multiple compliances with regulations as determined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Clean Air Act, and the Sacramento Municipal Air Quality Air Management District (SMAQMD) pertaining to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's).

ACT 150 Advanced Collision Frame & Unibody

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:ACT 110, 120, 130, and 140 with grades of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the principles and theories of advanced chassis design, development, and construction. Extensive bracket and frame fabrication and welding are emphasized.

ACT 152 Advanced Collision Suspensions

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:ACT 110, 120, 130, and 140 with grades of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the principles and theories of advanced suspension design, development, and construction. Topics include big brakes and air suspensions.

ACT 154 Advanced Collision Drivetrain

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:ACT 110, 120, 130, and 140 with grades of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the principles and theories of advanced engines and transmissions. Topics include engine performance tuning and transmission selection.

ACT 156 Advanced Collision Refinish

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:ACT 110, 120, 130, and 140 with grades of "C" or better
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the principles and theories of advanced custom show-quality automotive finishes. Topics include primers, color coats, special effects, clear coats, and polishing.

ACT 161 Automotive Collision Software Systems, Estimating I

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides the technical and practical skills necessary to properly diagnose collision-damaged vehicles and to document the cost and time necessary to repair collision-damaged vehicles. The use of state-of-the-art computer generated estimating programs and video imaging are used to prepare itemized estimates on collision-damaged vehicles. The procedures to prepare itemized estimates detailing the required procedures and parts necessary to correctly repair the vehicle are also covered.

ACT 298 Work Experience in Collision Technology

Units:0.5 - 4
Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job related to the automotive collision field with a cooperating site supervisor. Students are advised to consult with the Automotive Collision Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
Advisory:Eligible for ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340.
General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the automotive collision field. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in associate degree level or certificate occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies.

During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. All students are required to attend the first course meeting, a mid-semester meeting, and a final meeting. Additionally, students who have not already successfully completed a Work Experience course will be required to attend weekly orientations while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

ACT 299 Experimental Offering in Automotive Collision Technology

Units:0.5 - 4
Hours:72 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course presents ten integral and fundamental areas of knowledge and skill required for an I-CAR Certified technician in the automotive collision repair industry. It also prepares students to be eligible for the following I-CAR industry certifications: An overview of the collision repair process; An overview of personal safety; Vehicle construction materials; Vehicle parts terminology (parts 1 and 2); Safety systems; Tools, equipment and attachment methods (parts 1 and 2); Industry repair terms; Mechanical systems terminology (parts 1 and 2); Mechanical repair terms and vehicle protection; Refinishing and corrosion protection (parts 1 and 2); Resume building and professionalism in the collision industry. (Taking the I-CAR Certifications tests requires I-CAR membership, which costs $50.00, and is optional in this course).