Course Catalog

Automotive Collision Repair and Refinish Technology - AAS

West Burlington Campus

The Automotive Collision Repair and Refinish Technology Associate of Applied Science program combines state-of-the-art equipment with an Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) curriculum, equipping students with the technical and professional skills required to pursue a career in the ever-changing collision repair industry. I-CAR techniques and procedures are the industry standard for collision repair professionals. Students will gain hands-on technical experience in SCC's state-of-the-art lab facility. Students will use the latest tools and equipment to perform repair methods related to mechanical, electrical, refinishing, structural, non-structural and calibration.

After successful completion of the first two semesters, students will earn the Automotive Collision Repair and Refinish Diploma.

Students will complete an internship with an industry partner where the student will have the opportunity to apply the technical training and theory instruction in an automotive collision repair or related industry setting.

This program may equip students with numerous industry-recognized certifications including:

  • I-CAR Pro-level 1, 2 and 3 Non-Structural Certification
  • I-CAR Pro-Level 1,2 and 3 Refinishing
  • I-CAR Pro-Level 1 Structural
  • ASE Student Certifications
  • S/P2 Lift Safety
  • S/P2 Collision Repair and Refinish Safety
  • S/P2 Collision Repair and Refinish Pollution Prevention
  • National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
  • Other Manufacturer Specific Certifications

Please view the technical standards for this course.

For specific information regarding program rules and expectations, please view the Automotive Program Handbook.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Curriculum Sequence


Fall Semester I Course Title Credit
CRR-100 Introduction to Collision Repair and Refinishing Industry 2
CRR-106 Fundamentals of Collision Repair and Refinishing 3
CRR-112 Disassembly and Reassembly 3
CRR-117 Small Dent Repair 3
CRR-123 Introduction to Automotive Refinish Operations 3
MAT-702 Introduction to Math Applications 3
TOTAL CREDITS 17

Spring Semester I Course Title Credit
CRR-205 Welding in Collision Repair 4
CRR-124 Automotive Refinish Operations II 5
CRR-220 Plastic Repair 3
CRR-455 Automotive Glass Removal and Replacement 2
ENG-110 Writing for the Workplace 3
TOTAL CREDITS 17

Summer Semester Course Title Credit
ART-133 Drawing 3
PHI-105 Introduction to Ethics 3
TOTAL CREDITS 6

Fall Semester II Course Title Credit
CRR-505 Structural Repair Operations 5
CRR-615 Collision Repair of Mechanical Systems 4
CRR-775 Collision Repair Diagnostics and Recalibration 6
SOC-114 Conflict Resolution in the Workplace 3
TOTAL CREDITS 18

Spring Semester II Course Title Credit
CRR-755 Damage Analysis and Estimating 5
CRR-855 Automotive Refinish Operations III 5
CRR-865 Advanced Automotive Refinish Operations 5
CRR-932 Internship 4
TOTAL CREDITS 19

CRR-100 - Introduction to Collision Repair and Refinishing Industry

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

Students will be introduced to the history of the automotive industry, the collision repair process, tools and equipment, and terminology. Students will be introduced to safety in the collision repair industry using environmental safety practices and regulations. This course introduces students to safety practices and personal protective equipment standard to the industry. Vehicle lift and jack safety are introduced in this course.

CRR-106 - Fundamentals of Collision Repair and Refinishing

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

Students will learn to identify proper safety procedures in the shop, vehicle construction materials, parts and tools, mechanical systems, and paint refinish operations. Also, this course will provide instruction on damage analysis, developing a repair plan, estimating, and finding vehicle manufacturer collision repair procedures.

CRR-112 - Disassembly and Reassembly

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

This course prepares the student with a comprehensive understanding of the process to disassemble and reassemble a collision damaged vehicle. The student will demonstrate proper removal and re-installation of parts and panels. Part alignment will be taught, following OEM repair procedures. The various attachment methods are explained in the classroom and experienced in the shop. The protection of the parts and the vehicle, organization and storage of parts and panels as well as proper parts disposal are taught. The importance of part identification, matching, and ordering are included in the process. Prerequisite: CRR-106 or Instructor Approval.

CRR-117 - Small Dent Repair

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

This course provides instruction to the student on how to repair small dents in automotive steel and automotive aluminum. Vehicle construction types and various attachment methods are explained in the classroom and experienced in the shop. Students are taught a process for small dent repair including surface preparation, dent removal techniques, application of body filler, proper sanding, and the application of paint primer. Tools and equipment for working with small dents are presented in the classroom and applied hands-on in the shop. Prerequisite: CRR-106 Fundamentals of Collision Repair and Refinishing or Instructor Approval.

CRR-123 - Introduction to Automotive Refinish Operations

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course provides instruction to the student on how prepare a collision damaged vehicle for paint application. Identification of paint codes, preparation, mixing, and paint application are taught. Paint gun prep and cleaning are taught. Spray booth setup and maintenance are taught. Tools and equipment for refinish operations are presented in the classroom and applied hands-on in the shop. Students will learn proper detailing techniques along with appropriate vehicle inspection and removal of finish defects techniques used in the industry. Prerequisite: CRR-106 or Instructor Approval.

MAT-702 - Introduction to Math Applications

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is offered to students who can profit from an applied course in mathematics and will prepare students who need to develop skills for MAT-704. It is designed as an introductory level algebra course recommended for students with one year of high school algebra. Emphasis is on the building of basic algebra skills and the application of these mathematical techniques. The course studies the relationship of geometry and algebra as they apply to various fields. This course will also cover whole numbers/decimals, integers, fractions/percents, direct measurement, basic geometric concepts/relationships, linear equations and right-triangle trigonometry. Prerequisite: MAT-052 or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

CRR-205 - Welding in Collision Repair

Lecture: 1

Lab: 6

Credit: 4

This course will serve as an introduction to MIG welding used in collision repair. Students will learn how to identify and perform proper welding techniques to repair steel and aluminum vehicles. Students have the opportunity to practice welding in the shop environment. Prerequisites: CRR-100, CRR-106, CRR-112, CRR-117, and CRR-123, or Instructor Approval.

CRR-124 - Automotive Refinish Operations II

Lecture: 2

Lab: 6

Credit: 5

This course provides students a comprehensive understanding of refinish operations including, but not limited to sanding, feather edging, masking, and blending. Students will be exposed to the use of automotive foams and sealants. Color matching is explained for use with primers, base coat, color coat, and clear coats. Prerequisites: CRR-100, CRR-106, CRR-112, CRR-117, and CRR-123 or Instructor Approval.

CRR-220 - Plastic Repair

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

This course provides instruction to the student on how to repair automotive plastic. The plastic repair process is defined. Identification of types of plastics and the characteristics of each are taught. Adhesive repairs and plastic welding are taught and are developed in the shop. Bumper repair for tears, scratches, and holes are presented and practiced in the shop. Prerequisites: CRR-100, CRR-106, CRR-112, CRR-117, CRR-123, or Instructor Approval.

CRR-455 - Automotive Glass Removal and Replacement

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course examines the types of movable glass and considerations for removal and replacement. Students will be exposed to common causes and effects of water and dust leaks. Wind noise and leak prevention techniques will be discussed. Appropriate diagnosis and repair procedures will be explained. Prerequisites: CRR-100, CRR-106, CRR-112, CRR-117, and CRR-123, or Instructor Approval.

ENG-110 - Writing for the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Writing for the Workplace prepares students for the various types of written communication required by professional employers. In this class, students learn how to write informal and formal documents and reports in the design and style of career-related communication with a focus on audience, purpose, subject and genre and how they affect our writing choices. This course also includes a review of grammar and usage skills, as well as emphasizes effective language use in real-world applications. Prerequisites: ENG-013 with a minimum grade of C-or meet minimum placement test score requirements. No Waivers.

ART-133 - Drawing

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

A beginning drawing class in a variety of media using an assortment of subjects. The student will explore theories and concepts of drawing.

PHI-105 - Introduction to Ethics

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A survey of the major ethical emphases from ancient to modern times with pertinent reading in the works of representative philosophers.

CRR-505 - Structural Repair Operations

Lecture: 2

Lab: 6

Credit: 5

This course emphasizes the principles of measuring and the differences between electronic and fixture-type measuring systems. Students will learn to identify damage conditions through applying measuring principles. Vehicle construction material types will be discussed. New types of steels used in unitized vehicle structures and modern construction processes will be explored. Corrosion origins and prevention will be discussed with an emphasis on corrosion protection during and after repairs. Repair options available for external panel repairs will be applied. Prerequisites: CRR-100, CRR-106, CRR-112, CRR-117, CRR-123, CRR-124, CRR-205, CRR-220, and CRR-455, or Instructor Approval.

CRR-615 - Collision Repair of Mechanical Systems

Lecture: 1

Lab: 6

Credit: 4

This course provides instruction on the mechanical systems as they relate to collision repair. Cooling, air conditioning, brake, drivetrain, and steering and suspension are analyzed for damage and repair. Prerequisites: CRR-100, CRR-106, CRR-112, CRR-117, CRR-123, CRR-124, CRR-205, CRR-220, and CRR-455, or Instructor Approval.

CRR-775 - Collision Repair Diagnostics and Recalibration

Lecture: 2

Lab: 8

Credit: 6

Electrical systems will be analyzed for damage and the development of repair plans. Electrical troubleshooting is explored and practiced in the lab. Electric and hybrid vehicle operating systems are taught along with shop safety techniques specifically developed for these vehicle types. Restraint systems including seat belts, airbags, and sensors are presented and explored in the lab. The inspection, repair, and recalibration of safety systems will be covered. Prerequisites: CRR-100, CRR-106, CRR-112, CRR-117, CRR-123, CRR-124, CRR-205, CRR-220, and CRR-455, or Instructor Approval.

SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution.

CRR-755 - Damage Analysis and Estimating

Lecture: 2

Lab: 6

Credit: 5

This course provides continued instruction on assessing collision damage and converting the information into an estimate and a repair plan. Students will receive instruction on an electronic estimating system and demonstrate skills utilizing one of the systems. Insurance operations are explored, including damage analysis for hail, fire, theft, and total loss. Students will prepare repaired panels for refinish operations. Process flow through the shop is introduced, beginning with the initial damage analysis; researching OEM repair procedures; writing of the estimate; producing the repair order; shop production; teardown; collision damage repairs; and preparing the repaired damage for paint. Prerequisites: CRR-100, CRR-106, CRR-112, CRR-117 CRR-123, CRR-124, CRR-205, CRR-220, CRR-455, CRR-505, CRR-615, and CRR-775, or Instructor Approval.

CRR-855 - Automotive Refinish Operations III

Lecture: 2

Lab: 6

Credit: 5

This course will expose students to proper techniques to use when working with sealers, primer-sealers, basecoats, and clearcoats. Preparation of refinishing materials and application considerations will be discussed and applied in a hands-on lab setting. Students will learn various blending techniques to ensure proper overall appearance. Students will learn to adjust tint, hue, and chroma to obtain a blendable color match. Color theory, mixing toners, tinting, and the various considerations that affect color will be addressed using electronic paint formulation systems and other tools used in today's collision repair and refinish industry. Waterborne refinish materials and systems will be discussed with an emphasis on proper storage, waste disposal, and waterborne conversions. Prerequisites: CRR-100, CRR-106, CRR-112, CRR-117, CRR-123, CRR-124, CRR-205, CRR-220, CRR-455, CRR-505, CRR-615, and CRR-775, or Instructor Approval.

CRR-865 - Advanced Automotive Refinish Operations

Lecture: 1

Lab: 8

Credit: 5

Hazardous airborne pollutants will be studied and protective measures in the shop will be taught and demonstrated. Liquid and solid hazardous waste storage and disposal is examined in depth. Students will earn a National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) credential in this course. Students will demonstrate principles of perception of color, color evaluation, and appropriate tinting procedures. Prerequisites: CRR-100, CRR-106, CRR-112, CRR-117, CRR-123, CRR-124, CRR-205, CRR-220, CRR-455, CRR-505, CRR-615, and CRR-775, or Instructor Approval.

CRR-932 - Internship

On Job Training: 16

Credit: 4

Supervised work experience with an approved automotive collision repair or refinish employer. Individual student eligibility will be determined by the instructor. Placement will depend on the student's skill level and the availability of appropriate training sites. Prerequisites: CRR-100, CRR-106, CRR-112, CRR-117, CRR-123, CRR-124, CRR-205, CRR-220, CRR-455, CRR-505, CRR-615, and CRR-775, or Instructor Approval.

Randy Wachter - Assistant Professor - Auto Collision Repair

Email: rwachter@scciowa.edu
AAS, Southeastern Community College

Timothy Weaver - Assistant Professor - Auto Collision Repair

Email: tweaver@scciowa.edu
ASE Master Collision Repair