Automotive Collision Repair Structural Damage Certificate

The Automotive Collision Repair Structural Damage Certificate Continues the course of study beyond the entry level certificate. Structural damage analysis, straightening, repair and replacement of structural panels and advanced welding techniques are emphasized within the course of study. Steering, suspension and power train damage for collision damaged vehicles along with wheel alignment theory and practice are also included. 

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1. Students will analyze structural damage to automotive vehicles and properly repair them to OEM standards
2. Students will retrieve vehicle-specific repair information from OEM technical information websites.
3. Students will properly perform frame inspection and repair on automotive structures.
4. Students will set up welding equipment and perform required welds according to manufacturer recommendations.
5. Students will properly inspect, measure, and repair unibody structures.
6.Students differentiate unibody damage affecting wheel alignment from adjustable suspension components and systems used in wheel alignment.
7.Students demonstrate proper use of measuring and gauging systems.
8.Students visually inspect and analyze structurally damaged vehicles and properly measure and replace damaged structural panels using a variety of measuring and repairing equipment to industry standards.
9.Students perform GMAW (MIG), and STRSW welding applications on automotive steels.
10. Students will perform structural automotive welds in accordance with the I-CAR welding qualification test requirements.

The number of completer projections is between 16 and 18 annually.

The program goal is to enable students to move beyond an entry level technician within the automotive collision repair field. Through the learning of the knowledge and skills required to properly diagnose, align, repair and replace structurally damaged vehicles, along with the mechanical and advanced welding techniques required within the discipline, the student will progress in wage earning capability. 

The program certificate changes/additions were approved by the Cerritos College Automotive Collision Repair Advisory Committee on 12/18/2019.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
AB 181	Non-Structural Damage Estimating	3.0	Semester one
AB 51	Non-Structural Repair	4.5	Semester one
AB 52	Structural Damage Repair	4.5	Semester one
AB 53	Steering Suspension and Power Train Damage	4.5	Semester two
AB 55	Structural Panel Replacement	4.5	Semester Two
AB 57	Structural Automotive Welding	2	Semester Two

The Collision Repair Program sits among a very robust CTE offering at Cerritos College. Many of which have stackable certificates.

There are four programs of similarity in LA and Orange counties. El Camino CC, Compton CC, LA Trade Tech and Cypress CC have automotive collision courses.

At full capacity this program has the potential of enrolling 160 students annually.