If your goal is to obtain a career in this exciting and growing field as an Automotive Collision Estimator , then you will want to take this new and completely up-to-date distance learning program. Through the Autmotive Training Centre's complete Collision Estimating program of text, CD based learning, online testing, and professional instructor support, you will learn the secrets of professional estimators employed today in the insurance and auto body industry. When you graduate the program, you will know how to complete estimates with accurate labor, repair, and paint times. Both written and computer generated estimates will provide you with lots of automotive estimating examples to hone your skills. If this is your goal, we can help you gain all the understanding, technique and knowledge to become a professional automotive collision estimator. The industry has needed, and continues to need, more skilled estimators throughout North America. Growth in the collision industry together with the increasing retirement of experienced estimators, is leading to a shortage throughout the auto body and insurance industry. The Collision Estimating (Distance Learning) program contains: Identification of vehicle body construction Identification of vehicle body damage Content of a proper collision estimate How to write a collision estimate Several estimate examples Preparing professional estimates Use of industry software to produce computer estimates On graduation you will receive a professional collision estimator certificate recognized throughout the auto body industry.

Duration - Auto Body Estimator, Distance Learning Program

Most students will complete the home study program in about 3 to 6 months depending on their available time and study habits.

Objectives - Auto Body Estimator, Distance Learning Program
After using the course workbook and completing its assignments and examinations, the student should have a basic understanding of the collision repair industry, a basic understanding of the collision repair process and methods to estimate damages for these repairs.

The course is divided into two sections:

• Section One is divided into 9 leaning modules.
• Section Two of the program uses the ADP SHOPLINK and PEN-PRO computer based training (CBT) software.The approximate time to complete the self directed CBT programs is usually 2-3 eves each, however some may take longer. The program consists of various learning modules which have to be completed before the next module can begin. Previous computer experience is beneficial for section 2.

ATC understands that not every one has the time it takes to go to school full time. This home study program will give you the luxury of studying at your own pace.

Course Outline - Auto Body Estimator, Distance Learning Program

Upon completion of section 1 requirements the student should be able to:

• Identify opportunities in the collision repair field
• Identify steel components on most passenger vehicles and understand repair process including M.I.G. welding principles etc
• Identify plastic components and the repair process involved
• Analyze damage to determine appropriate methods for overall repairs
• Determine the direction, point of impact and extent of direct or indirect damage
• Identify and record pre existing damage
• Perform visual inspection of structural components and determine of repair or replace is required
• Be familiar with structural damage measuring equipment
• Determine parts and procedures necessary for proper repair
• Determine type of paint finish and necessary requirement for refinish
• Identify mechanical and suspension damage
• Documet vehicle information correctly
• Identify and de code V.I.N. numbers
• Identify and record vehicle options
• Apply appropriate estimating and parts nomenclature (terminology)
• Utilize Mitchell collision guides correctly
• Apply proper estimating sequence
• Apply appropriate labor value
• Select and price proper parts, either o.e.m, Jobber, or recycled
• Determine and price appropriate sublet operations
• Recognize and apply overlap where applicable
• Determine refinishing material and charges
• Identify types of vehicle construction
• Recognize damage characteristics for different types of vehicles
• Identify plastic repair and replace procedure
• Identify steel repair and replace procedures
• Identify impact absorber components and repair/replace procedures

Modules
Module 1. Introduction to Auto Collision technology: After completion of this unit, the student should be able to identify opportunities in the auto collision technology field and identify the basic construction of vehicles. There is also an overview on damage estimating.

Module 2. Welding: Upon completion of this unit, the student should be able to determine the different types of welding required for the collision repair process.

Module 3.Panel Repairs: Upon completion of this unit the student should be able to analyze damage to metal and decide either the repair or replace process for that panel. This module also looks at the repairing of plastic parts i.e. bumpers.

Module 4. Paint Repairs: Upon completion of this unit the student should be able to understand the different paint processes and how they apply to collision refinishing in an auto body settling.

Module 5. Interior and exterior trim: Upon completion of this unit the student will be familiar with both exterior and interior trim components as well as a general understanding of airbag diagnosis.

Module 6. Mechanical services: upon completion of this unit the student will have a basic understanding of electrical systems and how they relate to collision damage including headlamp, tail amp, and battery and charging systems.

Module 7. Frame and Unibody Construction and Repair: Upon completion of this unit students should be able to identify vehicle construction and terminology and identify high strength steel. This more in depth chapter looks at the evolution of vehicle design of the unibody constructed vehicle and the use of high strength steels. The student will also gain a better understanding of vehicle measuring equipment and unibody repair procedures using latest technology.

Module 8.Suspension and steering: Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to understand front and rear suspension systems and how to identify damages to them.

Module 9. Vehicle damage Estimating: This final Module in the first section deals with writing damage reports in logical sequence.Using the Mitchell Guide to Collision Estimating, students will learn the application of flat rate principles and gain an understanding of using the pages in the manual. By understanding page logic, the student will soon be able to determine related or included items in relation to the application of time allotment. By following these principles in the exercises, the student will learn how to write a damage report using Mitchell Collision Estimating Guides.Mitchell Collision estimating guides are the standard for hand written estimates. This module teaches use how to use the guide.

Certificate - Auto Body Estimator, Distance Learning Program
Upon graduation you receive the Auto Body Estimator Certificate from the Automotive Training Centre.

View  the Distance Auto Body Estimator Program Enrollment Form in PDF (38 kb)
 

Enroll Today or contact us for more information.