Auto Body and Collision

Technician 

Auto Body and Collision Technicians are hands-on, systematic thinkers who take great satisfaction in fixing the vehicles we depend on. They are analytical and resourceful, capable of tackling it all. 

As an Auto Body and Collision Technician, you’ll draw from your love of intricate systems and mechanics to get damaged vehicles back on the road. 

You’ll work alongside other vehicle enthusiasts, whose interest in automotive technology coincides with problem-solving. While you enjoy mastering a complex body of knowledge, you’ll find even more satisfaction from the fact that no 2 jobs are the same.

What You'll Learn

  • How to review damage reports and estimates   
  • How to analyze and diagnose structural damage  
  • How to fix exterior damage and replace body components   
  • How to fix interior seats, carpets and floorboards  
  • How to inspect and test-drive vehicles for proper alignment and handling  

Key Job Skills

  • Auto Body repair and maintenance 
  • Troubleshooting 
  • Surface preparation and refinishing  
  • Auto Body construction and components   
  • Insurance estimating  

 

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Technical Training 25 weeks over 4 years
Work-Based Training
6450 HOURS
Salary Range Hourly
$20.00 — $40.08
General Skills
Analytical Coordinated Resourceful Systematic

As of April 1, 2024

  • Level 1 - Harmonized

  • Level 2 - Harmonized

  • Level 3 - Harmonized

  • Level 4 - Harmonized

If you are unclear as to what program you are registered in, or unclear as to which program you should be following, please contact Customer Service. 

Harmonized Program Information

and Resources

In effect starting April 1, 2021

Program Profile

Occupational Description

Auto Body and Collision Technicians repair and restore damaged motor vehicles. They assess body damage and develop repair estimates and repair plans. Their repair work may include repairing scratches, minor damage, dents and extensive structural damage. They replace vehicle components that are damaged beyond repair, and they align and replace suspension and steering components. They may restore interior components of vehicles and work with mechanical and electronic components such as air conditioning systems, exhaust systems, drivetrains, engine cooling systems, advanced electronic components and passenger restraint systems. 

View Program Profile

Exam Information

and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Updates:

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Updates:

  • March 2023: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to 2019 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)) A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between the 2014 National Occupational Analysis (NOA) and 2019 RSOS can be found here.

Information:

Program Information

Information for the Current (pre-harmonized) program (Motor Vehicle Body Repairer)

Challenge the 

Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.