Auto Body and Collision Repair

Overview

Autobody and Collision Repair Technicians enjoy the challenge of repairing and refinishing a wide variety of automobiles. Each new job calls on your problem-solving abilities, plus a little creativity and imagination. Equipped with a variety of technical and communication skills, you'll be able to work safely and efficiently in this ever-changing and innovative industry.

In this program, you'll learn structure analysis, procedures for welding, repairing and aligning body panels, metalworking, painting and refinishing surfaces and more. At NSCC, our education and training practices are developed in accordance with industry standards.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• NSCC gives you a hands-on and theoretical approach to learning where you apply industry standard autobody and collision repair and refinishing techniques.
• NSCC is a preferred provider for trades training in Nova Scotia. Graduates who register as apprentices with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) may be eligible to receive a credit for hours and theory towards future certification in the trade.
• This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

• Industrial safety standards dictate facial hair and headwear regulations.
• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.
• If you're chemically sensitive, it's important to note that chemicals (including paints, primers, solvents, adhesives and other chemical compound products) are commonly used in the program and in the trade.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Auto Body and Collision Repair

Career options

• Graduates work for automotive dealerships and independent collision repair or refinishing centres.
• Occupations include autobody repairer, autobody mechanic, automotive painter, detailer, estimator, and parts technician.
• Opportunities also exist with truck fleet owners and bus companies.
• Learn more about labour market information. View career options

Future study options

• Autobody and Collison Technician is a compulsory trade in Nova Scotia. This means that once employed, you will need to register as an apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.
• Red Seal Endorsement - Individuals who complete an apprenticeship program are eligible to write the inter-provincial exam. A Red Seal is a valued certification that allows tradespeople to practice the trade in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated.
• Graduates may also apply for I-CAR credit certifications.

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

ACRR 1000 - Collision Repair and Workplace Safety
This course provides a basic awareness of workplace safety as it applied to motor vehicle body repair. Topics will include how to identify and use safety equipment and procedures that support a safe working environment. This course is delivered using a project-based approach and aligns with the safety requirements of the motor vehicle body repair industry and the Province of Nova Scotia.

ACRR 1001 - Hand and Power Tools
This course introduces the theory and practical skills required to safely use the hand and power tools found in a motor vehicle body repair workshop. Topics will include how to identify, use and maintain tools powered by hand, pneumatics, electricity and hydraulics. This course is delivered using a project-based approach and aligns with the requirements of the motor vehicle body repair industry.

ACRR 1002 - Introduction to Automotive Welding and Cutting
In this course learners will acquire the theory and practical skills necessary to perform welding and cutting operations commonly used in the auto collision repair trade. Learners will perform welding procedures using oxy-acetylene, Gas Metal Arc (GMAW), resistance spot and plasma arc cutting equipment. Learners will have the opportunity to purchase I-CAR Gold Class industry points.

ACRR 1003 - Metal Forming - Non-Structured
This course introduces the common techniques of metal forming and shaping used in the motor vehicle body repair industry. Topics will include practicing uni-spotter, hammer and dolly and pick and pry techniques to address panel forming, dent removal and metal finishing. This is a skill development course and delivered using a project-based approach.

ACRR 1004 - Body Filler - Applications and Abrasives for Finishing
This course introduces the theory and practical skills required to perform body fill and finishing applications used in the motor vehicle body repair workshop. Topics include selecting abrasives for seamless filling and shaping prior to finishing. This course is delivered using a project-based approach and aligns with the requirements of the motor vehicle body repair industry.

ACRR 1007 - Spray Gun Techniques
This course introduces the practical skills required to use a spray gun for priming and refinishing used in the motor vehicle body repair workshop. Topics include the different spray gun equipment, spraying techniques and equipment maintenance. This is a skill development course and delivered using a project-based approach.

ACRR 1008 - Surface Preparation and Primer Applications
This course develops the practical skills required to clean, sand, mask and prime a vehicle body surface for paint application used in the motor vehicle body repair workshop. Topics include performing surface preparation, advanced masking techniques and the application of primers and topcoats. This is a skill development course and delivered using a project-based approach.

ACRR 1010 - Vehicle Construction Analysis Teardown and Assembly
This course introduces the theory and skill development required to differentiate between vehicle body constructions. Topics include the analysis, disassembly and reassembly of a full-frame or unibody vehicle. This course is delivered using a project-based approach and aligns with the requirements of the motor vehicle body repair industry.

ACRR 1011 - Quality Inspection and Delivery
This course introduces the practical skills required to detail and assemble vehicles after paint application used in the motor vehicle body repair workshop. Topics include inspecting surface paint, eliminating imperfections, polishing and detailing vehicles prior to customer delivery. This is a skill development course and delivered using a project-based approach.

ACRR 1012 - Plastics and Non-Metal Repair
This course introduces the products and practical skills required to perform non-metal repair used in the in the motor vehicle body repair workshop. Topics include performing four types of repairs: cosmetic, two-sided and a tab repair. This is a skill development course and delivered using a project-based approach.

ACRR 1013 - Preparation and Masking
This course introduces the cleaning and masking of vehicle surfaces prior to paint applications and finishes. Topics include identifying different techniques and materials used to mask surfaces prior to priming and finishing applications. This is a skill development course and delivered using a project-based approach.

ACRR 1100 - Work Experience I
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

INDR 1010 - Industry Readiness
A crucial component of trade practice is the ability to share information. Explaining work, applying trade skills and meeting industry standards involves communicating effectively. This course introduces these skills with a trade focus and will help prepare students to contribute to employment and in the classroom. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

INDR 1020 - Working Effectively in the Trades
Almost all trades professionals will need to work well with others. Students in this course will learn to be effective team members and adapt and analyze how they share information with others. A selection of activities relevant to the particular trade will be used to practice collecting, analyzing and using trade information. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.