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? Âé¶ą´«Ă˝’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

$9,764 – 16,038

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Major Exploration

Major Exploration

Are you ready to dive into a career that is both innovative and rewarding? Join us to explore the Collison Repair Technology program, connect with industry leaders, and tour the program's state-of-the art lab spaces and technology. 

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.

Areas of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Collision Repair Technology – Associate of Applied Science Degree

2

YEARS

AAS

Cost: $16,038

Collision Repair Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate

2

YEARS

ITC

Cost: $13,553

Collision Repair Technology – Basic Technical Certificate

1

YEAR

BTC

Cost: $9,764

  • Program Orientation

    Prior to registering for major-specific classes, admitted students must participate in a covering program expectations and requirements.

Guy using tool on a car

Career Opportunities

  • Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

    Set up, operate, or tend spraying or rolling machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials. Includes painters of transportation vehicles such as painters in auto body repair facilities.

    10

    Annual Openings*

    $21.34

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $44,387

    Annual Median Salary

    12.1%

    Growth (2025 – 2035)*

  • Automotive Body and Related Repairers

    Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

    8

    Annual Openings*

    $22.63

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,070

    Annual Median Salary

    10.6%

    Growth (2025 – 2035)*

  • Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

    Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

    3

    Annual Openings*

    $39.05

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $81,224

    Annual Median Salary

    9.84%

    Growth (2025 – 2035)*

  • Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

    Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $23.85

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $49,608

    Annual Median Salary

    10.34%

    Growth (2025 – 2035)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™, a labor market analytics tool, 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
“When I realized I could actually do a job based on my favorite T.V. shows, I decided it was time to go back to college and pursue my dream of one day owning my own collision repair and restoration shop. I looked around at different places in the U.K., and nothing had what I was looking for. When I looked into CWI, I knew it was exactly what I wanted. ” Read more > about Painting Her Dreams
Sophie Rusling
Student, Collision Repair Technology

Admissions

Step 1

  • Apply to CWI.
  • Choose Collision Repair Technology as your major.

Step 2

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

Clubs

Graphic of tool with purple and gold flare like symbol
SkillsUSA

Âé¶ą´«Ă˝ 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 Âé¶ą´«Ă˝â€™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 Âé¶ą´«Ă˝'s (CWI) Program Exploration Events!

Read more about Find Out More Âé¶ą´«Ă˝ 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 Âé¶ą´«Ă˝'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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