Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.
🚗Vehicle Structure Types
- Unibody construction: integrated frame and body, stress-bearing panels
- Body-on-frame design: separate frame and body assembly, modular repair
- Hybrid structures: combining unibody and frame elements for strength
- Impact on damage assessment and repair strategy selection
💡Damage Analysis Fundamentals
- Direct damage: impact zone and primary deformation
- Indirect (secondary) damage: stress waves and flex points
- Energy distribution in collisions: force direction and magnitude
- Dimensional measurement using datum planes and reference points
⚙️Metal Straightening Techniques
- Pulling methods: using frame racks, anchors, and specialized equipment
- Shrinking: applying heat and controlled cooling to reduce metal stretch
- Stretching: hammer and dolly techniques for localized work
- Cold straightening vs. heat-assisted methods for different materials
🔥Welding in Collision Repair
- MIG welding: continuous wire feed for panel repairs and attachment
- Spot welding: resistance welding for OEM panel joints
- Safety considerations: eye protection, ventilation, fire prevention
- Weld quality: penetration, porosity, and finished appearance standards
⚙️Replacement Panel Procedures
- Sectioning: cutting structural members at safe locations for panel replacement
- OEM panel installation: using adhesives, fasteners, and welding
- Panel alignment: gap and flush specifications for proper closure
- Removal of old fasteners and preparation for new panel mounting
⚙️Aluminum Repair Techniques
- Aluminum properties: lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio, formability
- Aluminum welding: MIG with argon gas, heat management to prevent warping
- Straightening challenges: lower melting point, different stress characteristics
- Surface preparation and protection to prevent corrosion
📖ADAS Calibration Post-Collision
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: cameras, radar, lidar sensors
- Recalibration requirements after structural or panel replacement
- Static and dynamic calibration procedures using specialized equipment
- Verification and testing before vehicle return to customer
📖Plastic Repair and Components
- Plastic identification: PP, ABS, polycarbonate, and composite materials
- Adhesive bonding for non-structural plastic repairs
- Crack repair techniques: welding and reinforcement with mesh
- Replacement of plastic bumpers, trim, and composite body panels
💡Refinish Preparation Fundamentals
- Featheredge technique: beveling old paint for seamless transitions
- Guide coat application: identifying imperfections before refinishing
- Surface sanding progression: from coarse to fine grits
- Masking and protection: tape lines, drop cloths, and overspray control
🏗️Structural Analysis and Repair Planning
- Vehicle measurement systems: three-dimensional coordinate checking
- Total loss calculations: repair cost vs. vehicle value
- Structural adhesives: epoxy applications in modern vehicle construction
- Prioritization of repairs: safety-critical systems before cosmetic work
📖Paint Protective Coatings
- Primer types: epoxy, polyester, and self-etch formulations
- Sealer function: blocking stains and improving adhesion
- Basecoat and clearcoat systems: durability and UV protection
- Application techniques and film thickness requirements
📋Contamination Control and Workshop Standards
- Dust and particle management in collision repair bays
- Personal protective equipment: respirators, gloves, eye protection
- Waste management: hazardous material disposal and recycling
- Environmental regulations: Provincial Air Quality standards
🔥Advanced Welding Certification
- Structural vs. non-structural weld classifications
- Visual inspection and non-destructive testing of welds
- Multi-pass welding and heat control for complex repairs
- Documentation and traceability for safety-critical welds
📖Customer Communication and Estimating
- Scope assessment and communication with insurance adjusters
- Repair estimates: labor hours, parts, and refinishing costs
- Unapproved damage discovery and supplemental estimate procedures
- Quality expectations and warranty on collision repair work
🦺Safety Systems and Electrical Components
- Airbag systems: sensors, control modules, and deployment safety
- Electrical connector repair and replacement procedures
- Battery disconnect procedures for hybrid and electric vehicles
- Post-repair electrical system testing and validation