Top 10 Body Shop Estimator Certifications

Certifications are important for body shop estimators in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers can rely on. A certification shows that an estimator has taken the time to learn about the industry, its practices, and regulations, as well as staying up-to-date with new technologies. This helps employers feel confident that their estimator is capable of providing accurate estimates for their business. Additionally, certifications provide a competitive advantage over those without them when applying for open positions and can help increase salary offers.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Body Shop Estimators and explain how they can help advance a body shop estimator's career.

What are Body Shop Estimator Certifications?

Body Shop Estimator Certification is a professional certification designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of those who work in the automotive collision repair industry. This certification is offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and requires passing an exam that covers a wide range of automotive topics, including vehicle construction, safety systems, paint technology, and more.

The certification can help those who work in body shops by validating their expertise and providing proof that they have a comprehensive understanding of the collision repair process. It also allows certified individuals to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field and gives them access to higher-paying positions within the industry. Additionally, it helps employers identify qualified technicians when hiring for positions at their shop. The credential also provides its holders with ongoing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on changes in the industry so they can remain competitive in their field.

Pro Tip: Make sure you stay up to date on all the latest body shop estimator certifications. This will ensure that you are able to provide accurate estimates for your customers and keep up with the changing trends in auto repair. Additionally, some insurance companies require certified estimators to work on their vehicles, so obtaining certification is a great way to increase your job opportunities.

Related: What does a Body Shop Estimator do?

Top 10 Body Shop Estimator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Body Shop Estimators today.

1. Automotive Damage Estimator Certification

Automotive Damage Estimator Certification is a certification program designed for automotive repair professionals who want to become certified in the area of estimating damages. This certification is offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

It typically takes about two months to complete the certification process, which includes completing an online course, passing a written exam, and submitting a portfolio of your work. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider and can range from $200 to $500.

To get certified, you must first register with ASE and pay the applicable fee. You will then be given access to an online course that covers topics such as automotive damage assessment, vehicle repair procedures, and customer service. After completing the course, you must pass a written exam with at least 70% accuracy. Finally, you must submit a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in estimating damages. Once all these requirements are met, ASE will issue you an Automotive Damage Estimator Certification card.

2. Automotive Repair Estimator Certification

Automotive Repair Estimator Certification is a credential that certifies an individual as having the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately estimate the cost of automotive repairs. This certification is offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It typically takes between three and six months to complete the certification process, depending on how quickly you can study and prepare for the exam.

To get certified, you must first pass a written exam that covers topics such as estimating techniques, parts pricing and labor rates, damage assessment, customer service, and shop operations. After passing the written exam, you must then pass a practical test in which you will be asked to estimate repair costs for actual vehicles.

The cost of taking the ASE Automotive Repair Estimator Certification Exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges between $50-$100. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking practice tests or preparing for the exam through a third-party provider.

3. Collision Estimating Certification

Collision Estimating Certification is a professional certification program offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It is designed to help collision repair technicians become more knowledgeable and proficient in their field. The certification requires that applicants pass an exam that covers topics such as estimating damage, parts replacement, and repair procedures.

It typically takes approximately three months to complete the certification process. First, applicants must register with ASE and pay the registration fee. Next, they must purchase the study materials and study for the exam. Finally, they must take the exam at an authorized testing center.

In order to get certified, applicants must pass the ASE Collision Estimating Exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, typically it costs around $80-$100. Once certified, collision repair technicians can use their certification to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge in this field to employers and customers alike.

4. Automotive Paint and Refinish Estimating Certification

Automotive Paint and Refinish Estimating Certification is a program designed to help automotive body technicians accurately estimate the cost of paint and refinishing jobs. This certification is offered through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

To get certified, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as estimating techniques, surface preparation, paint application, and more. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass the exam.

The cost of the certification varies by state but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD. You can register for the exam online or in person at an ASE-certified testing center. Once you have passed the exam, your certification will be valid for five years.

5. Automotive Parts Estimator Certification

Automotive Parts Estimator Certification is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional level of knowledge and understanding of the parts used in automotive repair and maintenance. This certification is designed to help automotive professionals accurately estimate the cost of parts needed for repairs, as well as identify and order the correct parts.

To obtain Automotive Parts Estimator Certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The exam covers topics such as vehicle systems, part identification, part pricing, and estimating techniques. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to take the ASE exam, individuals must first register with ASE. Registration fees vary depending on the type of certification being sought and can range from $50 to $150. Once registered, individuals can schedule their exams at any ASE testing center throughout the country.

The cost for taking the Automotive Parts Estimator Certification exam is $50 per attempt. Individuals who successfully pass the exam will receive their official certification card from ASE within four weeks after passing.

6. Automotive Mechanical Estimator Certification

Automotive Mechanical Estimator Certification is a certification program that provides automotive service technicians and estimators with the knowledge and skills they need to accurately assess, diagnose, and estimate the cost of repairs for customer vehicles. The certification program is administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the certification of professionals in the field.

The Automotive Mechanical Estimator Certification consists of two tests: A1 - Automobile Parts Specialist Test, and A8 - Automotive Mechanical Estimator Test. Both tests are multiple choice exams covering topics such as automotive parts identification, estimating techniques, customer service, communication skills, and business practices. Passing both tests will earn you an ASE Certified Automotive Mechanical Estimator designation.

In order to take the tests, you must first register with ASE and pay a fee of $36 per test. You can then choose when and where to take your tests; most testing centers offer them on a regular basis. The entire process usually takes about three hours.

The cost of taking both tests is $72 plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with registering for the exams or taking them at a testing center.

7. Automotive Electrical System Estimator Certification

Automotive Electrical System Estimator Certification is a certification program designed to provide automotive technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately estimate the cost of electrical repairs on vehicles. The certification is offered by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent, non-profit organization that sets standards for automotive service and repair professionals.

To become certified, applicants must pass a two-part exam that covers topics such as electrical system theory, wiring diagrams, diagnostic tools and techniques, and estimating procedures. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in automotive electrical systems or related fields before taking the exam.

The cost of the certification exam is $90 USD. Applicants can register online through ASE’s website or by calling their toll-free number. Once registered, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to take the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will be issued a certificate that is valid for five years from the date of issue.

Applicants who successfully pass the exam are eligible for ASE’s Automotive Electrical System Estimator Certification program which includes access to additional resources such as webinars and online courses that can help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

8. Automotive Glass Replacement and Repair Estimator Certification

Automotive Glass Replacement and Repair Estimator Certification is a certification program designed to help automotive glass technicians become more knowledgeable in the field of automotive glass repair and replacement. It is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates the technician’s knowledge of the latest trends, techniques, and materials used in the automotive glass industry.

The certification process typically takes between two and four weeks to complete. During this time, technicians must complete online courses and exams covering topics such as safety, auto glass installation techniques, customer service, vehicle inspection procedures, and more. The cost for the certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $100-$200 USD.

In order to get certified, technicians must first register with a provider who offers Automotive Glass Replacement and Repair Estimator Certification. After registering with a provider, technicians will need to complete all required courses and exams before being awarded their certificate. Once completed, technicians can use their certificate to demonstrate their expertise in the field of automotive glass repair and replacement.

9. Automotive Frame and Structural Damage Estimator Certification

Automotive Frame and Structural Damage Estimator Certification is a certification that allows an individual to estimate the cost of repairing frame and structural damage on vehicles. This certification is offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It takes approximately three hours to complete the certification exam, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

In order to be eligible for this certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in estimating frame and structural damage. Additionally, they must have a valid driver’s license and pass a background check.

The cost of the Automotive Frame and Structural Damage Estimator Certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally, it costs around $60 to take the exam at a testing center or online through ASE's website.

10. Automotive Body Shop Management and Operations Certifications

Automotive Body Shop Management and Operations Certifications are a series of certifications that demonstrate an individual's knowledge and proficiency in the management and operations of automotive body shops. The certifications are offered through several organizations, including the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA).

The certifications cover a wide range of topics related to automotive body shop management, such as customer service, estimating and invoicing, parts ordering and inventory control, repair procedures, safety practices, business ethics and legal compliance. The certification process typically involves taking a written exam or completing an online course. Depending on the organization offering the certification, it may take anywhere from one day to several weeks or months to complete.

In order to obtain an Automotive Body Shop Management and Operations Certification, individuals must first meet certain requirements set by the issuing organization. These may include having a valid driver’s license or other form of identification; being at least 18 years old; having at least two years of experience in automotive body shop management; passing a background check; and/or completing additional training courses.

The cost of obtaining an Automotive Body Shop Management and Operations Certification varies depending on the organization offering it. Generally speaking, fees can range from $50-$500 or more for each certification level.

Do You Really Need a Body Shop Estimator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. If you are looking to work in an auto body shop, then having a Body Shop Estimator Certificate can be beneficial. It shows potential employers that you have a solid understanding of the industry and the necessary skills to accurately estimate repair costs for vehicles. Additionally, it can give you an edge over other job applicants who do not have the same certification.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working in an auto body shop, then having a certificate may not be necessary. In this case, potential employers may be more interested in seeing your past experience rather than your certification. However, if you are applying for positions within larger companies or organizations that require certifications, then having one will be essential in order to get hired.

Overall, whether or not you need a Body Shop Estimator Certificate depends on your current experience and the type of position you are applying for. If having one will give you an advantage over other applicants or is required by certain employers, then it may be worth getting certified.

Related: Body Shop Estimator Resume Examples

FAQs About Body Shop Estimator Certifications

1. What is a Body Shop Estimator Certification?

Answer: A Body Shop Estimator Certification is a certification program which allows individuals to become certified in the repair and estimation of automotive body damage. This certification helps to ensure that all estimators have the necessary knowledge and skills to accurately assess, diagnose, and estimate damages for safe and efficient repairs.

2. What qualifications are required for a Body Shop Estimator Certification?

Answer: To be eligible for a Body Shop Estimator Certification, applicants must possess at least two years of experience in the collision repair industry. They must also complete an approved training program and pass an exam which tests their knowledge and understanding of automotive body damage assessment, estimation, and repair procedures.

3. How long does it take to obtain a Body Shop Estimator Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain a Body Shop Estimator Certification will vary depending on the individual's experience level and training program chosen. Generally, it can take anywhere from four months to one year or more to complete all requirements for certification.

4. What are the benefits of obtaining a Body Shop Estimator Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Body Shop Estimator Certification offers many benefits including increased job security, higher wages, greater recognition from employers, and improved customer service skills due to increased expertise in assessing vehicle body damage accurately and efficiently.

5. How do I maintain my certification once obtained?

Answer: Once you have obtained your Body Shop Estimator Certification you must complete periodic continuing education classes in order to maintain your certification status. Additionally, you may be required to renew your certification every two years or so depending on your state's regulations regarding certifications for body shop estimators.