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. 

man with car

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  

 

Start Your Apprenticeship

Interested in this trade? Learn how to start your apprenticeship.

Technical Training 25 weeks over 4 years
Work-Based Training
6450 HOURS
General Skills
Analytical Coordinated Resourceful Systematic

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Harmonized Program Information and Resources

In effect starting April 1, 2021

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

Updates:

  •  

Information:

 

 

 

 

Program Information

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

Program, Harmonization and Exam Updates

Program Updates

 

Harmonization Updates

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. 

  • January 2024: OPSN 2024 001 (Harmonized Level 3 SLE Launch)

  • 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.

  • February 2023: OPSN 2023 001 (Harmonized Level 2 SLE Launch)

  • June 2022: OPSN 2022 011 (Harmonized Level 1 SLE Launch)

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.