How to Become an Auto Body Technician

Coupes and convertibles, minivans and muscle cars, hatchbacks, and hot rods—whatever car style turns your head, you appreciate the design of a well-built chassis. But have you ever thought of turning your passion into a career? As a body shop technician, you bring new life to old vehicles and make repairs that keep cars looking good and humming along U.S. roadways. To become a body shop tech, start with a high school diploma and training from a reputable collision repair and refinishing program. Add certifications and you are ready for the job hunt. These are the six steps to take to start on your career path as a body shop tech:

How to Become an Auto Body Technician

Step 1: Graduate From High School

Earn your high school diploma or GED. This qualifies you for a training program that can teach you how to perform collision repair. While you are in high school, you might be able to choose electives in car mechanics or auto shop, to get a head start. Classes in science, computer science, or electronics can also help you better understand the basic workings of a car and its electrical systems.

Step 2: Complete Auto Body Technician Training

Enroll in an auto body technician training program that checks all the boxes:

• Curriculum built and approved by industry pros.
• Modern shops with industry-standard equipment and tools.
• Classes taught by ASE Certified instructors.
• Specialized training options sponsored by recognized manufacturers.
• Impeccable safety and quality assurance standards.
• Blended learning options for convenience and flexibility.
• Locations close to where you live and work.

A good program will immerse you in the auto repair world. You learn about sanding, grinding, sculpting, feather edging, priming, and painting. You learn to weld and fabricate metals for repair. But you also learn important skills needed to assess damage and repair options, how to read and understand collision manuals, and how to work with customers. From hammering out a fender dent and buffing out scratches to full-scale cosmetic fixes, you become a car magician! And over time, you tackle repairs to electrical, braking, and suspension systems. If it’s collision damage, you learn how to fix it.

Step 3: Gain Auto Collision Repair Experience

It is difficult to get a job in auto body repair without experience. But how do you get the experience without the job? Start at school. Look for opportunities to take on more responsibilities. Participate in competitions, volunteer to restore old cars, and watch closely as your instructors and fellow students take on challenging repairs. You may also be able to find part-time work at a local repair shop. Even if you do not work on cars, you can learn a lot from the experts who do.

Step 4: Earn I-CAR Certification

While you are in school you can prep for various certifications. Look for a curriculum that includes Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) certifications. I-CAR is a nonprofit organization dedicated to auto professionals that also offers accredited, industry-recognized certifications. Certifications range from Pro Level 1 to Pro Level 3, and by the time you graduate, you should be ready to sit for the Pro Level 1 exams, which validate that you have basic knowledge and skills in areas such as non-structural repairs, welding, and refinishing.

To complete the exams, you must first create an I-CAR account, which may be set up for you by your school¹. The I-CAR courses that you need to complete prior to the exam should be available in your account and included in your training program coursework. Once you complete all the courses, you can take the exam and earn your certification. After you have spent some time in the industry, you could upgrade to Pro Level 2 or Pro Level 3 certifications. You could also aim for additional Pro Level 1 certifications in areas such as mechanics, electronics and diagnostics, and damage appraisal.

Step 5: Build Your Auto Body Tech Resume

You can easily drop off an application at a local body shop—especially when you see a help wanted sign—but if you want to work for major chain or car dealership, you need to up your game. Create a professional resume that includes your education, certifications, and experience. Pull directly from job descriptions you find and use the words in the posting. Big organizations now use applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords. If your resume is missing those trigger words, it may never make it to an actual human for review.

Step 6: Look for a Body Shop Technician Job

With a training program completed and industry certifications earned, you are ready to begin the job search. Check out area repair shops but be sure to go online to sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter. They list hundreds of jobs with lots of information about skills, pay, and benefits. The more thorough you are in your search, the more likely you will find a good match.

Are you ready to begin training for a career as an auto body technician? Contact Lincoln Tech today. We offer a Collision Repair and Refinishing training program that can prepare you for entry-level work in a body shop. Our instructors have years of experience in the industry, and they would love to share it with you. Fill out the form to learn more.

¹ I-CAR Frequently Asked Questions, found at https://info.i-car.com/faq, retrieved on May 14, 2024.