Top 10 Automotive Painter Certifications

Certifications are important for an automotive painter in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professional competency and credibility. They provide employers with evidence that the painter is qualified to perform the job duties associated with automotive painting. Certifications also give employers assurance that the painter has been trained in safety protocols, which is critical in order to ensure optimal safety for employees and customers alike. Additionally, certifications can help a painter stand out from the competition when applying for jobs.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Automotive Painters and explains how they can enhance an automotive painter's career.

What are Automotive Painter Certifications?

Automotive painter certification is a certification program that recognizes those who have achieved excellence in the painting of automobiles. This certification is offered through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a certain level of skill and knowledge in the field of automotive painting. In order to become certified, applicants must pass a series of tests that assess their knowledge and skills in various areas related to automotive painting, such as color matching, sanding and masking techniques, use of materials and chemicals, preparation of surfaces, application of primers, topcoats and base coats.

Having an ASE-certified automotive painter on staff can offer many benefits to an auto repair shop or dealership. Customers are more likely to trust an individual with this certification since it demonstrates a higher level of expertise than what may be expected from someone without it. Additionally, having an ASE-certified technician can help increase customer satisfaction since they will know that their vehicle is being painted by someone with the highest possible credentials. Moreover, employers may be able to charge higher rates for services provided by ASE-certified personnel due to their advanced knowledge and skill set. Ultimately, having an ASE-certified automotive painter on staff can help improve customer service while also increasing profitability for the business.

Pro Tip: When seeking automotive painter certification, be sure to research the requirements for each individual certifying body. Different organizations may have different qualifications and requirements that must be met in order to gain certification. Additionally, many of these certifications are only valid for a certain period of time before needing to be renewed.

Related: What does an Automotive Painter do?

Top 10 Automotive Painter Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Automotive Painters today.

1. Automotive Refinishing Technician Certification (ARTC)

Automotive Refinishing Technician Certification (ARTC) is an industry-recognized certification program designed to assess the knowledge and skills of automotive refinishing technicians. The certification is administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

The ARTC program requires technicians to pass a two-part exam that covers topics such as paint application, color matching, surface preparation, and safety practices. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified, applicants must have at least one year of experience in the automotive refinishing field or have successfully completed an accredited training program. Applicants must also be 18 years or older and possess a valid driver’s license.

The cost of the ARTC certification exam is $52 for ASE members and $62 for non-members. The fee includes a certificate of completion, which can be used to demonstrate professional credentials when applying for jobs or promotions in the automotive refinishing field.

2. Automotive Painting and Refinishing Technician Certification (APRTC)

The Automotive Painting and Refinishing Technician Certification (APRTC) is a certification program developed by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The APRTC is designed to recognize individuals who have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to perform automotive painting and refinishing work.

The APRTC requires that an individual pass a series of tests in order to be certified. These tests cover topics such as surface preparation, paint application, color matching, and safety practices. The test must be taken at an ASE-approved testing center and can take up to four hours to complete.

In order to become certified, individuals must have at least two years of experience working in the automotive painting and refinishing industry or equivalent training. Once all requirements are met, applicants must submit an application form along with their fee of $50. After submitting the application, applicants will receive their certification card within two weeks.

The APRTC is valid for five years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking a recertification exam every five years or by completing continuing education courses related to automotive painting and refinishing.

3. Automotive Paint and Refinish Technician Certification (APRT)

The Automotive Paint and Refinish Technician Certification (APRT) is a certification program designed to help automotive paint and refinish technicians demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field. This certification is offered through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

To become certified as an APRT, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as surface preparation, painting techniques, color matching, and clear coat application. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in an automotive paint or refinishing environment. They must also provide proof of their experience by submitting a copy of their resume or work history.

The cost of the APRT certification exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $100-$150. After passing the exam, applicants will receive an official certificate from ASE that is valid for five years. To maintain certification status after five years, applicants must retake the exam every five years or submit evidence of continuing education credits in automotive paint and refinishing topics.

4. Automotive Painting and Refinishing Specialist Certification (APRS)

Automotive Painting and Refinishing Specialist Certification (APRS) is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the painting and refinishing of automotive vehicles.

The APRS certification requires applicants to pass two exams: a written exam that covers topics such as surface preparation, paint application, safety procedures, and environmental regulations; and a hands-on practical exam that tests their ability to complete specific tasks related to painting and refinishing. Applicants must also have at least one year of experience in the field prior to taking the exams.

In order to obtain an APRS certification, applicants must first register with ASE. Registration fees are typically around $50-$100 depending on the type of registration chosen. After registering, applicants can then purchase study materials from ASE or other vendors. The cost of these materials will vary depending on what is purchased.

Once all materials are purchased and studied, applicants can schedule an appointment with an ASE-certified proctor to take both exams. The written exam typically takes 1-2 hours to complete while the practical exam usually takes 3-4 hours.

After passing both exams, applicants will receive their APRS certification card in the mail within 4-6 weeks. This card is valid for five years before needing to be renewed by taking additional exams or completing continuing education courses related to automotive painting and refinishing.

5. Automotive Paint and Refinish Technician Level 1 Certification (APRT1)

The Automotive Paint and Refinish Technician Level 1 Certification (APRT1) is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform professional automotive paint and refinishing work. The certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as safety, surface preparation, masking, painting techniques, and finishing.

The APRT1 certification typically takes between two to four weeks to complete. To get certified, individuals must first submit an application to ASE, which includes a fee of $50. After submitting the application, individuals can register for the exam online or by mail. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that are taken over a two-hour period. Once the exam is successfully completed, applicants will receive their certification within two weeks.

The cost of the APRT1 certification varies depending on how it is obtained. If taking the exam in person at an ASE-approved testing center, there will be an additional fee of $70 for each attempt at the exam. If taking the exam online through ASE’s eLearning platform, there will be an additional fee of $125 per attempt at the exam.

6. Automotive Paint and Refinish Technician Level 2 Certification (APRT2)

The Automotive Paint and Refinish Technician Level 2 Certification (APRT2) is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The APRT2 certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the field of automotive paint and refinishing. This certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as color theory, paint mixing, painting techniques, surface preparation, and safety.

It typically takes around four weeks to complete the APRT2 certification process. To begin, applicants must register with ASE online and pay a fee of $70. After registering, applicants will receive study materials which they can use to prepare for the exam. Once they are ready, applicants can schedule their exam date with ASE and take the test at an approved testing center.

The APRT2 exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. Applicants must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in order to pass the exam and earn their certification. Upon successful completion of the exam, ASE will issue a certificate that is valid for five years from the date it was earned.

The cost of obtaining an APRT2 certification includes registration fees ($70), study materials ($50-$100), and examination fees ($60). Additionally, some states may require additional fees or certifications before allowing technicians to work on vehicles in their jurisdiction.

7. Automotive Paint and Refinish Technician Level 3 Certification (APRT3)

The Automotive Paint and Refinish Technician Level 3 Certification (APRT3) is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This certification is designed to recognize technicians who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in automotive refinishing.

To become certified, applicants must pass two ASE tests: the Paint and Refinish Technician Test (P-1) and the Advanced Paint and Refinish Technician Test (P-2). The P-1 test covers topics such as surface preparation, paint application, color matching, and finishing. The P-2 test covers topics such as advanced color matching, advanced painting techniques, custom finishes, sealers, primers, and more.

It typically takes between 8 to 12 weeks to complete the APRT3 certification process. Applicants must first register with ASE to take the tests. They will then receive an email with instructions on how to set up their testing account. After taking both tests, applicants must submit their results to ASE for review. Once approved by ASE, they will be awarded their APRT3 certification.

The cost of the APRT3 certification varies depending on whether or not you are already an ASE certified technician. If you are already an ASE certified technician, the cost is $50 for both tests combined. If you are not already an ASE certified technician, the cost is $60 for both tests combined plus a one-time fee of $20 for registration with ASE.

8. National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Painter

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Painter certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in automotive painting. It is designed to demonstrate the individual's knowledge and skills in the areas of surface preparation, application techniques, color matching, and finishing.

To become ASE Certified Painter, an individual must pass a series of exams administered by ASE. The exams are divided into two parts: one part covers general automotive painting knowledge and the other part covers specific job-related skills. The exams are available in both English and Spanish.

It typically takes around four to six months to complete the necessary requirements to become ASE Certified Painter. During this time, an individual must complete at least 8 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of hands-on training in an approved facility. In addition, they must pass both parts of the exam with a score of at least 70%.

To get started on becoming ASE Certified Painter, individuals should contact their local automotive repair shop or school for information on classes and testing centers. They should also research any additional requirements that may be needed in their state or region.

The cost for becoming ASE Certified Painter varies depending on the location and type of program selected but typically ranges from $150 - $400 USD. This fee usually covers the cost for both parts of the exam as well as any required materials or supplies needed for training purposes.

9. National Association of Professional Accredited Painters (NAPAP) Certified Painter

The National Association of Professional Accredited Painters (NAPAP) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for professional painters. The NAPAP Certified Painter program is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of professional painting practices.

To become a NAPAP Certified Painter, you must meet certain requirements and complete the necessary training. It typically takes between four to six weeks to complete the program, depending on your experience level. To get started, you must first submit an application form and pay the applicable fee. Once your application has been approved, you will be required to attend a two-day workshop and pass a written exam. After completing the workshop and passing the exam, you will receive your certification from NAPAP.

The cost of becoming a NAPAP Certified Painter varies depending on where you live and what type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with attending the workshop or taking the exam.

10. International Society of Vehicle Preservationists (ISVP) Certified Painter

The International Society of Vehicle Preservationists (ISVP) Certified Painter is a certification program designed to recognize professional painters who specialize in the restoration and preservation of historic vehicles. The certification program is open to individuals who have at least five years of experience in painting and/or refinishing antique or classic vehicles, as well as those who have completed an approved training course.

In order to become certified, applicants must complete an online application form and submit proof of their qualifications, such as work history, education and/or training certificates. Once the application has been reviewed, applicants will be invited to attend a two-day seminar on vehicle preservation techniques. After attending the seminar, applicants must then complete a written exam and practical test in order to be certified.

The cost for the ISVP Certified Painter program is $400 USD for members of the ISVP or $500 USD for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the seminar, exam and practical test materials.

Once certified, painters are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every three years. They are also expected to adhere to a code of ethics that outlines standards for quality workmanship and customer service.

Do You Really Need a Automotive Painter Certificate?

The answer to this question will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are looking to start a career in the automotive painting industry, then having an automotive painter certificate is essential. This certification proves that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to paint cars professionally. It also shows potential employers that you are serious about your chosen profession and have taken the time and effort to learn the trade.

Having an automotive painter certificate can also give you an edge over other job applicants who don’t hold such a qualification. Employers may be more likely to hire someone with such a certification as they know they already possess the required skills and knowledge for the job.

In addition, having an automotive painter certificate can help you stay up-to-date with the latest painting techniques and products used in the industry. This can make it easier for you to keep up with changes in technology and materials, so that you can provide professional results for your clients.

Finally, having a certificate in automotive painting can open up new doors for career advancement or even allow you to start your own business as a freelance painter. With such a qualification, there is no limit to what you can achieve in this field!

In conclusion, whether or not you need an automotive painter certificate will depend on your own personal circumstances. However, if you are looking to become a professional automotive painter, then having such a certification is highly recommended as it could give you an edge over other applicants and open up new opportunities for career growth and development.

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FAQs About Automotive Painter Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become an automotive painter?

Answer: The requirements to become an automotive painter vary depending on the state, but typically involve completing a vocational program in auto body repair and painting, passing a written exam, and obtaining a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

2. How long does it take to complete an automotive painter certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to complete an automotive painter certification varies depending on the program and the student's level of experience. However, most programs can be completed within six months to one year.

3. What is included in an automotive painter certification program?

Answer: An automotive painter certification program typically includes courses in auto body repair and painting techniques, safety protocols, product knowledge, and customer service skills.

4. Are there any online programs available for automotive painters?

Answer: Yes, there are several online programs available that offer comprehensive training in automotive paint technology and safety protocols. These programs are designed to provide students with the skills needed to obtain their certification quickly and easily.

5. Is there a fee associated with obtaining an automotive painter certification?

Answer: Yes, there may be a fee associated with obtaining an automotive painter certification depending on the program. However, most programs are affordable and provide students with access to valuable resources that can help them succeed in their career as an automotive painter.