Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician

Automotive Refinishing Prep Technicians work on the surfaces of motor vehicles, primarily in the preparation for restoring vehicle finishes once body work has been completed and prior to painting. Some of the duties that an Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician completes include: removing layers of sub-coating; mixing undercoats; preparing metal surfaces for painting by spot filling, sanding, and masking; applying primers, and primer surfacers; and cleaning and polishing painted surfaces.

NOTE: Apprentices holding Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician certification who wish to achieve Automotive Painter (Automotive Refinishing Technician) certification must re-register as an apprentice in the Automotive Painter (Automotive Refinishing Technician) apprenticeship program. 

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Program Updates:

This program will be inactivated effective April 1, 2021 as part of the implementation of the harmonized Automotive Refinishing Technician and Auto Body and Collision Technician programs. See OPSN 2020 007 for details.

For more information about the harmonized Automotive Refinishing Technician program that will be implemented April 1, 2021, please see OPSN 2020 006 for details.

If you have any questions, contact ITA Customer Service. 

The Exam Weighting Chart is available for the Certificate of Qualification (CofQ) exam and shows the approximate percentage of weighting per General Area of Competency (GAC).

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Program Information

The documents below offer detailed information specific to this program.

  • Program Profile
  • Describes the requirements for apprentices and challengers to earn certification
  • Download(PDF 146.08 KB)
  • Program Outline
  • Guidelines for delivery of technical training at ITA Recognized Training Providers
  • Download(PDF 555.62 KB)

Challenge Certification/Recognize Prior Experience

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.

  • Instructions
  • How to Apply
  • Download(PDF 264.47 KB)
  • Application Form
  • Personal information and exams scheduling information (for challenge option)
  • Download(PDF 57.04 KB)
  • Employer Declaration
  • Document of relevant work experience
  • Download(PDF 75.13 KB)
  • Statutory Declaration
  • Attestation for self-employment/work experience when employer cannot be contacted
  • Download(PDF 118.65 KB)