Make yourself indispensable! This program opens the door to two different career pathways and three different certifications. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive credit for their Level 1 Motor Vehicle Body Repairer and certification as an Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician, upon passing the exam. With these two achievements, students are able to pursue certification as a Red Seal Motor Vehicle Body Repairer and Red Seal Automotive Painter (prerequisite is Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician).

In addition, to provide our students with a complete learning experience, this program includes a two week work-term where students work alongside apprentices and Red Seal technicians in an industry shop. This experience orients students to an actual work situation and will help them determine the type of shop environment in which they would like to pursue a career.

Textbooks and supplies required for the Entry Level Automotive Collision and Refinishing Program:

• Auto Body Repair Technician 7th edition - $194.49 plus GST

5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change. Textbooks available at OC Campus Store by contacting 250-762-5445 ext. 4586 or ordering though the online store.

Other required supplies:

• 3 ring binder/notebooks
• Pencils, pens, erasers
• Access to a Windows-based computer is mandatory
• Coveralls
• CSA-approved (green tag) safety boots

All other safety equipment will be supplied. Government-issued picture ID is required to write the provincial and national exams: driver’s licence, photo ID or valid passport. Student card is not acceptable.

Applicants who have not satisfied the Math admission requirement within the last seven years, and/or do not meet the English admission requirement, must write the TEA Math and/or English test. Both of the assessments are online, multiple-choice and timed. Applicants are allotted 1 hour to complete each section (2 hours for both). A practice assessment and study resources are offered to all applicants who register to write the TEA.  Calculators are not allowed while completing the Math section; applicants who are observed to use a calculator of any sort, will receive a grade of zero.  Applicants who do not achieve the minimum passing requirement on their initial attempt, are offered a second attempt, at no additional cost, after a two-week study period. 

Please ensure you write the assessment, and any required re-writes, prior to the deadline for admissions requirements, provided by the Registrar’s office. For more information or to register for the Trades Entrance Assessment, click here. Further questions can be directed to the Trades and Apprenticeship office at trades@okanagan.bc.ca.

Please note: Applicants who successfully completed the ABLE test at Okanagan College, within the two years prior to application for admission shall have their results accepted as equivalent to the Trades Entrance Assessment.