How To Become an Auto Body Technician in California: 5 Steps

Key Points

• While some aspiring auto body technicians pursue on-the-job training, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that most employers prefer applicants who’ve completed an automotive body training program.¹

• Auto body techs, or collision repair technicians, restore vehicles damaged by collision to their original condition. Because no two accidents are the same, they usually have several technical skills including panel alignment, repair and replacement; welding and cutting; damage analysis; refinishing; paint prep; custom paint repair; and custom body repair.

• When researching automotive body technician schools, keep these things in mind: accreditation, curriculum, instructors, facilities, certification prep, employment assistance, duration and schedule, cost and financial aid, reputation, and success rate.

• Certification isn’t mandatory but is highly recommended. The auto body field is competitive, and certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence, potentially enhancing employability. National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) credentials are two valued options.

• UTI Long Beach offers two automotive body technician training programs: Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) for 51 weeks and Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT) + Estimating for 54 weeks. Both programs provide a combination of theoretical and hands-on instruction developed in collaboration with industry leaders like I-CAR, 3M, Audatex and Axalta.¹

As the most populated U.S. state, California sees over 250,000 car accidents per year, calling for skilled auto body technicians.

Auto body repair technicians use creativity and technical skills to help restore vehicles to their original condition so they can safely hit the road again as soon as possible.  

It’s an honorable career where no two days are the same. If this sounds up your alley, keep reading. In this guide, we’ll share how to become an auto body technician in California in five steps!

Auto Body Technician Education Requirements

This technical, hands-on career calls for technical, hands-on training. While some aspiring auto body technicians pursue on-the-job training, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that most employers prefer applicants who’ve completed a formal automotive body training program.

These candidates typically require less training and have the knowledge to test for employer-preferred certifications. 

Many automotive repair programs teach students the fundamentals of welding, painting, damage analysis and estimating and take two years or less to complete. We’ll discuss how to choose the right program for you in our five-step guide.

5 Steps To Become a Certified Auto Body Technician

1. Research the auto body technician career path

It’s important to understand what an auto body technician does before making any decisions. Auto body techs, or collision repair technicians, restore vehicles damaged by collision to their original condition. But it’s more than fixing dents and spraying paint.

These skilled professionals assess damage, communicate with clients and may work with insurance companies. Sometimes, they play detective to uncover hidden damages. Other tasks include:

• Panel alignment, repair and replacement
• Welding and cutting
• Damage analysis
• Refinishing
• Paint prep
• Custom paint repair
• Custom body repair

If this sounds exciting, start researching auto body technician career paths.

There are several different types of technicians, appraisers, estimators, inspectors and managers that help the industry run smoothly. While you don’t have to be set on a specific route, knowing what you’re interested in can help you choose the right training program. 

2. Compare auto body technician training options

Once you know your goals, research auto body technician schools near you that can help you pursue them. For instance, if you're an aspiring estimator, you’ll want to enroll in a program with courses on estimating.

California has several community college and trade school training options, including Universal Technical Institute’s Collision Repair & Refinish Technology program in Long Beach.

When researching schools, make sure you keep the following criteria in mind:

• Accreditation: Is the program accredited by a recognized body or organization?
• Curriculum: What specific skills and topics does the curriculum cover? Does it include both theoretical and hands-on training with tools and technology found in the field? Will I be required to take gen ed courses?
• Instructors: What are the qualifications and experience of the instructors?
• Facilities: Are the training facilities equipped with up-to-date tools and technology used in the industry? Can I tour the campus before enrolling?
• Certification: How does the program prepare students for industry certifications employers prefer?
• Employment assistance: Does the school help students look for employment or have relationships with local auto body shops?
• Duration and schedule: How soon can I get trained and start pursuing roles? Are there flexible class schedules?
• Cost and financial aid: What is the total cost of the program, and are there financial aid options available?
• Reputation: What do current and former students say about their experiences with the program?
• Success rate: What do employers say about graduates from this program?  

Asking these questions can help you make an informed decision and ensure you’re choosing the right program.

3. Attend auto body technician school

Once you find and enroll in an auto body technician training program, it’s time to focus. Trade school is a safe place to fail, so don’t be afraid to.

Mr. Ohm, a Collision Repair & Refinish Technology instructor at UTI Long Beach, gave us some fun insight into the program. “We get to paint some of the stuff that we do in custom metal and one of the labs that we do in custom metal are these mini hoods. You get to paint them and prep them and in custom paint, you learn pin striping… as well as doing the airbrush, which is always a lot of fun.”

While in school, try to participate in as many projects as possible, ask all questions, take advantage of any mentorship available and build relationships with instructors and peers. Doing so may lead to job recommendations and collaborations down the line.¹

Some trade schools also host events where you can meet industry professionals and grow your network before graduating!

4. Test for auto body technician certification

Certification isn’t mandatory but is highly recommended. The auto body field is competitive, and certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence, potentially enhancing employability.

There are a few different certifications auto body techs can obtain. The first is from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

The organization offers a Collision Repair & Refinish Certification, as well as a Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification. Attending a program accredited by the ASE Education Foundation can help you prepare to become ASE certified. Universal Technical Institute’s CRRT program is an example of an accredited program.¹⁶

Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) certifications are also highly valued by employers. I-CAR creates collision repair training standards used by industry car manufacturers, insurance companies and employers.

UTI Long Beach teaches auto body technician courses created in collaboration with I-CAR, and graduates of the program are recognized as I-CAR ProLevel individuals and earn the following I-CAR certificates:¹

• Non-Structural Technician Level 1
• Steel Structural Technician Level 1
• Aluminum Structural Technician Level 1
• Estimating Level 1
• Refinish Technician Level 2

5. Start applying!

Now that you have some knowledge under your belt, you're ready to pursue auto body technician roles. Start by creating a collision repair technician resume that highlights your technical skills, certifications and hands-on experience.

Leverage online job boards, industry-specific websites and local classifieds to find openings in your area. Don't hesitate to reach out to auto body shops directly. Many employers appreciate proactive candidates who demonstrate genuine interest in their business.

If your school has an employment assistance team, contact them! For instance, UTI’s auto body school in California has a Career Services team that helps graduates search for roles, practice interview techniques, build resumes and more!¹

Auto Body Technician Career Outlook in California  

California’s busy roadways make it a great place to pursue an automotive body technician career, and as vehicle technology continues to advance, so will the need for skilled technicians.

The BLS reported a total of 15,620 automotive body and related repairers in California in May 2023!

As already mentioned, automotive body technicians can pursue several paths within the industry depending on their interests. Entry-level roles include:⁷⁷

• Collision repair technician
• Appraiser
• Estimator
• Inspector

As with any industry, over time, auto body techs may be able to advance in their career with hard work and experience. Advanced roles might include:

• Non-structural technician
• Steel structural technician
• Aluminum structural technician
• Auto physical damage appraiser
• Electrical/mechanical technician
• Shop manager
• Shop owner

READ: COLLISION REPAIR JOBS OPPORTUNITES & OUTLOOK

Auto body technician salary in California

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for auto body technicians in California was $58,420 in May 2023. This means half earned more and half earned less. Remember, salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

FAQs

How do I become a certified auto body technician?

To become certified, you'll need to gain knowledge from a training program and pass industry-standard exams. ASE certification requires two years of hands-on experience to test. Graduates of UTI’s collision repair program can substitute their training for one of those two years. Certification affirms your skills and may set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs.

Is an auto body technician the same as a mechanic?

While both work with vehicles, auto body technicians repair and restore the exterior and structural components of cars after accidents. Mechanics, on the other hand, diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical systems.

How long does it take to become an auto body technician?

The timeframe can vary. A typical training program lasts between six months to two years. The Collision Repair & Refinish Technology programs at UTI are designed to last just 51-to-54 weeks, depending on the program taken.

Train To Become an Auto Body Technician in California

Now that you know how to become an auto body technician in California, it’s time to enroll! UTI Long Beach offers two automotive body technician training programs:

• Collision Repair & Refinish Technology – 51 weeks
• Collision Repair & Refinish Technology + Estimating – 54 weeks

Both programs provide a combination of theoretical and hands-on instruction developed in collaboration with industry leaders like I-CAR, 3M, Audatex, Axalta and more. Graduates earn valuable I-CAR credentials and are well prepared to test for additional certifications like ASE.¹

Request more information, and one of our admissions reps will reach out to hear about your goals, including how we can help you pursue them!