Auto Body Repair Technician

Program Outline

Instruction Sets
Your at-home learning program includes eight Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll employ in your new career in Auto Body Repair.

Here's how it works
Your first Instruction Set will be sent to you as soon as your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your learning materials:

Instruction Set 1

Body Shop Basics and Tools
Overview of the steps taken to repair collision-damaged vehicles. Introduction to safety procedures. Common hand and power tools.

Supplement: Practical Automotive Math
Instruction in the basic math needed by automotive technicians.

Instruction Set 2

Air Supply, Materials, Welding, and Metalworking
Various types of air compressors used in auto body repair and how to use them. Classes of welding and the techniques used. Sheet metal repairs.

Video: Metal Straightening Techniques

Instruction Set 3

Diagnosing and Making Repairs
Use of body fillers and glazes, and how to select the right filler for the job. How to repair and fill all types of body damage. Diagnosing major collision damage. Repair techniques used when repairing major collision damage.

Video: Quarter Panel Replacement

Instruction Set 4

Component Servicing and Plastic Repair
Repairs of mechanical, electrical, and electronic components which may be damaged in a collision. Repairing plastic auto parts.

Supplement: Automotive Electrical Systems

Video: Quarter Panel Replacement

Instruction Set 5

Miscellaneous Repairs and Surface Preparation
Steps needed to prepare the finishing equipment and paint area for spraying the topcoat. Selection and application of undercoats and topcoats.

Video: Paint Prep: Volume One

Instruction Set 6

Refinishing Equipment and Body Painting
Steps needed to prepare the finishing equipment and paint area for spraying the topcoat. Selection and application of undercoats and topcoats.

Video: Paint Prep: Volume Two

Instruction Set 7

Cost Estimating
Description of the procedures to follow when preparing an estimate or damage report. How to calculate the cost of the parts, materials, and labor required to complete repairs.

Starting Your Own Auto Body Repair Business
How to start up and maintain your own auto body repair business, including information about obtaining capital, marketing, and budgeting.

Supplement: Work Experience Option
Information about gaining valuable on-the-job experience as an extern or apprentice - experience that will give you the edge over other job applicants who don't have your level of training.

Video: Tinting for a Color Match

Instruction Set 8

ASE Test Preparation
You receive a study guide that will help you prepare for your ASE certification exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will need to have two years of experience on the job to gain ASE certification.

Video: Unibody: Measuring Systems

Graduation Set
(Sent to you when all program requirements and financial obligations have been met.)

• Videos:
   • Introduction to Unibody Repair
   • Unibody: Damage Correction
   • Outer Door Panel Replacement
   • Basic Masking Techniques
   • Ultra Fine Sand and Polishing

 

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.