Online Auto Body Courses and Classes Review

Fully and partially online auto body repair courses are available on a limited basis at community and technical colleges. Courses are often found in auto body technology or auto body repair programs. Graduates may be eligible to take the national certification exam from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Overview of Online Auto Body Courses

Auto body technicians repair and refinish cars that have exterior or frame damage usually resulting from collisions. They may also apply paint and decals. Courses are available on a very limited basis online due to the necessity of hands-on experience in training. Some programs may be in hybrid format with a mix of online coursework and lab sections taking place on-campus or in an auto shop. Generally, auto body repair courses are available as part of an associate's degree, career diploma or certificate program. Standalone courses are rare and usually taken for non-credit training. These courses may be sponsored by employers of working technicians or provided as training in specific automotive brands. Graduates of auto body programs may hold occupational titles such as auto collision technician, vehicle painter or auto mechanic.

Course Requirements

Students need a computer with video and audio capabilities as well as Internet access. Streaming media or DVDs are commonly used for course materials to provide technical demonstrations in auto body technology. Auto shop tools and equipment are included with some programs and available for separate purchase in others. Textbooks and study guides are required in some courses and usually need to be purchased by the student. Adobe Reader and Microsoft PowerPoint are common software programs needed for viewing course instruction. Students use Web forums and e-mail for discussions and communication with fellow classmates or instructors. Students taking hybrid courses are required to travel to campus or a training center for supervised practical training.

List of Online Auto Body Courses

Shop Basics and Tools Course

This course provides an introduction to body shop safety procedures, basic automotive math and commonly used power and hand tools. Step-by-step procedures for handling automobiles damaged in collisions is covered.

Computer Estimating and Diagnosis Course

Students learn how to write collision damage estimate reports with accurate calculations of various costs including labor, materials and parts. The course introduces computer software systems commonly used in body shops to manage tools and provide damage analysis. The class explores different types of damage, including collision, weather and vandalism.

Auto Body Materials Course

This class covers the design and build of modern vehicles and their frames. Students learn about the types of materials used for automotive parts and how they can be repaired. Classwork includes study of high-strength and laminated steel repair.

Refinishing and Body Painting Course

In this course, students go over all components necessary in refinishing automobiles. They learn how to prepare the spray painting equipment and the vehicle surface. Instructors explain techniques for detailing and custom paint jobs. Color theory, blending and matching are also taught for spot painting.