Collision Repair Technology

Hone the Skills Needed for Success in Today's Advanced Collision Repair Industry

CWI Student sanding and cleaning Bondo on the body of a vehicle

Program Overview

Are you interested in mastering the art and science of collision repair and refinishing? College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Collision Repair Technology program is tailored for those aspiring to excel in this dynamic industry. Expert-level instruction, taught by industry professionals, will provide you with hands-on training in welding, minor repair, polishing, panel replacement, plastic-bumper repair, estimating, and both structural and non-structural repair using state-of-the-art equipment.

This program offers you multiple training options from a Basic Technical Certificate to an Associate of Applied Science, each with extensive training, including classroom, lab work, and internships, with a focus on refinishing, color matching, custom painting, and advanced repair techniques. Successful completion of all collision repair classes qualifies you to earn I-CAR certificates in ProLevel 1 Non-Structural Repair and ProLevel 1 Refinishing. 

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Intermediate Technical Certificate

Basic Technical Certificate

Cost

$11,681 – 17,257

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Program Exploration

CWI Student and Instructor mixing Bondo for vehicle repair

Learning Opportunities

  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train on industry-standard equipment for real-world readiness.
  • Hands-On Training & Internships: Apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • I-CAR Professional Development Program: Graduate with ProLevel 1 certifications, aligning with industry professional standards.
  • Student Toolkits: Prepare for immediate industry work with required toolkits.
  • Specialized Skills Development: Master techniques in waterborne and solvent-borne paint systems, blending, and custom painting.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Collision Repair Technology – Associate of Applied Science Degree

2

YEARS

AAS

Degree Requirements

Cost: $17,257

Collision Repair Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate

2

YEARS

ITC

Collision Repair Technology – Basic Technical Certificate

1

YEAR

BTC

Guy using tool on a car

Career Opportunities

  • Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

    86

    Annual Openings*

    $22.82

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,466

    Annual Median Salary

    0.3%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.

“The equipment we have in the autobody shop is top of the line. It is incredible what we have to work with. From lifts to paint booths, even well-established autobody shops don’t always have those. You can only work with the tools you know, and to have such quality materials throughout our education sets us up for success.” Read more > about Collision Repair Technology Teaching and Placing Autobody Repair Technicians of Tomorrow
Nolan Czapiewski
Student, Collision Repair Technology

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

STEP 3

Academic Calendar New Student Checklist

    Clubs

    Graphic of tool with purple and gold flare like symbol
    SkillsUSA

    College of Western Idaho is proud to compete in SkillsUSA, a nationwide organization seeking to improve the quality of our nation's future skilled workforce through personal, workplace, and technical skills training.

    News

    Get ready for the upcoming semester at CWI's Admissions Express on Thursday, March 6. 

    Read more about Get Ready for Next Semester at Admissions Express!

    Three new Teslas have been acquired by CWI and will be used by students in the Automotive Technology and Collision Repair programs.

    Read more about CWI Automotive Programs Innovate with Electric Vehicles

    Students and Instructors from Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology Programs shifted into high gear as they toured the Tesla Service Center in Boise.

    Read more about Automotive and Collision Repair Take a Spin Into the Future at Tesla Service Center

    Students, future students, and members of the public have an opportunity to learn more about Collison Repair Technology at College of Western Idaho’s Program Exploration events.

    Read more about Collision Repair Technology Teaching and Placing Autobody Repair Technicians of Tomorrow

    Are you interested in learning more about careers and programs to help you get the job you want? If so, plan to attend one of College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Program Exploration Events!

    Read more about Find Out More About CWI Programs through Exploration Events

    Sophie Rusling, from the Isle of Man in the United Kingdom, is pursuing her passion for car restoration and customization in College of Western Idaho's Collision Repair Technology program....

    Read more about Painting Her Dreams

    Ten Career Technical Education students, nominated by their instructors, selected to receive $1,000 scholarships.

    Read more about 2020 Emerging Professionals

    CWI swept away the competition with 37 medals at this year's SkillsUSA State Conference.

    Read more about CWI SkillsUSA Wins Big at State Competition
    View all news

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