Strengthening Structural Repair Skills to Support Complete, Safe, and Quality Repairs
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- I-CAR® (the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair), the collision repair industry's leader in technical educational programming, related technical services, and industry talent solutions, announced the upcoming launch of a new in-person, practical application course, Mixed Attachment Methods. This new course for structural technicians will be critical to support complete, safe, and quality repairs for increasingly complex vehicles.
Now in pilot, the course is designed to reinforce structural technicians' proficiency in the joining techniques most frequently referenced in OEM collision repair procedures: rivet bonding, MAG welding, MIG brazing, steel sectioning, and spot welding. These skills are currently part of I-CAR's ProLevel® 2 and ProLevel® 3 training requirements. This new course consolidates them into a single exercise to confirm a technician's ability to apply various joining techniques in real-world scenarios. The prop used closely resembles what technicians may encounter on a vehicle.
During this in-shop delivered course, technicians will follow a sample OEM repair procedure to demonstrate mastery of multiple attachment methods essential for repairing mixed-material vehicle structures. With structural integrity playing a key role in passenger safety, this course reinforces the skills needed for proper repair at the Platinum® level.
"This new Mixed Attachment Methods course represents I-CAR's unwavering commitment to ensuring our technical education stays current with OEM requirements and meets industry needs," said Kyle Thompson, I-CAR CEO & President. "By confirming these skills in one course, we're validating technicians are prepared for today's structural repairs while always advancing I-CAR's vision."
Mixed Attachment Methods will replace the current Steel Sectioning Recertification requirement for Platinum recognition and will be required for Gold Class® renewals starting July 1, 2027. Those wishing to renew early can begin taking the course when it is released, which is expected to be in early 2026. The Mixed Attachment Methods course achievement is valid for three years, consistent with other I-CAR welding certifications.
As part of its ongoing development process, I-CAR has conducted pilot sessions and voice-of-customer feedback to ensure the course experience reflects the needs of both technicians and repair facilities through an in-shop delivery format. I-CAR anticipates making the course available at pricing consistent with existing certifications, though final pricing may vary based on materials and delivery time. The industry will be updated as details are finalized.
To help technicians prepare, I-CAR will release a free online "What to Expect" course designed to support those registered for Mixed Attachment Methods. It includes a downloadable course repair manual and offers guidance to help technicians practice and gain confidence before the in-person skills course.
Attendees of the upcoming SEMA Show will be able to view a course prop at the I-CAR booth and learn more about the course objectives and development. With many OEM repair procedures requiring mixed attachment methods, this course reflects I-CAR's role in setting the training standard and equipping the industry with the knowledge and skills needed to repair advanced vehicles.
About I-CAR: Founded in 1979, I-CAR is a not-for-profit education, knowledge, and solutions organization designed to support the evolving needs of the Collision Repair Inter-Industry. I-CAR, which is accredited by IACET (The International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training) is focused on improving the quality and safety of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of both the industry and the consumer. For more information, please visit www.i-car.com.
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