Gold Class Standards for Collision Repair
Gold Class requirements align with I-CAR’s Professional Development Program, emphasizing role-specific training that contributes to complete, safe, and quality repairs. These standards equip every team member with the expertise needed to handle the complexities of modern vehicle repairs, reflecting a comprehensive approach to excellence.

ProLevel®
To earn Gold Class recognition, shops must achieve and maintain a high level of role-relevant training across each of the major collision repair roles. This is measured when all role representatives achieve ProLevel 2, earned through I-CAR training or approved industry training providers. Working with the Inter-Industry, I-CAR has grouped knowledge areas according to skill level, called ProLevels. Each ProLevel® builds upon previous knowledge and training, to cover progressively more in-depth content.
Individuals progress from ProLevel 1 through ProLevel 3, with ongoing annual training thereafter, to ultimately achieve and maintain advanced-level knowledge. Knowledge areas may be required if an individual lapses in ProLevel training progression.
Role Representatives
All required role representatives must reach ProLevel 2. One technician can hold no more than two required roles at a shop.
Turnover Rules:
If a new hire comes into your shop during a Gold Class® renewal cycle, that technician will not have to meet training requirements until the following Gold Class renewal.


Scaling
Based on industry feedback, Gold Class requirements include scaling based on the shop size. Scalability to the shop size ensures every shop has an equal percentage of trained professionals.
In the example pictured, a shop employs two estimators, three nonstructural technicians, four structural technicians, and four refinish technicians.
For this example one out of the two estimators needs to complete ProLevel 2, two of the three nonstructural technicians need to complete ProLevel 2, all four structural technicians need to complete ProLevel 2, and two of the refinishers, need to complete ProLevel 2 for the scaling Gold Class requirements. Watch this video to learn about scaling.
Location Level
These courses prepare technicians at the shop with the knowledge needed to understand the vehicle construction beneath the structure of today's modern vehicles, which can significantly impact a complete, safe and quality repair. Even if the repair is outsourced, a general understanding of the work involved is essential. Watch this video to learn about Location Level training.


Hands-On Skills Development
Hands-On Skills Development provides unique, personalized preparedness for both collision repair shops and technicians to stay competitive in today's rapidly evolving collision repair industry.
Request a Hands-On Skills Development course at your shop today.
Welding
Welding certification may be renewed every 3 years
- All Structural Technicians MUST be trained on welding
- Welding training is optional for Non-Structural Technicians
Welding Recertification courses are available. Passing the skills test forgoes retaking the training and certification course at renewal. Recertification is an option for active, certified welding technicians.
Request a Welding Training & Certification or Recertification course at your shop today.
Coming Soon: Mixed Attachment Methods Certification
Our new certification confirms that Structural ProLevel 3 Technicians have achieved the highest level of expertise, with a focus on confirming mastery of all mixed attachment methods:
- Steel Sectioning
- MIG Welding
- MIG Brazing
- Spot Welding
- Rivet Bonding
Starting July 1, 2026 - This program replaces the Steel Sectioning Recertification for Structural Technicians to meet evolving industry standards and OEM repair procedures.


Annual Training
Role Representatives - Technicians who achieved ProLevel® 3, must complete six training course credits annually.
Non-Role Representatives - All technicians in the shop not assigned as a role representative must also complete six annual training course credits annually.
Any Core Curriculum™, Vehicle and Technology Specific Training™ (VTST) and Industry Training Alliance™ courses will count towards the six-course minimum to meet annual training requirements.
ADAS
Vehicles are evolving—your training should too. With ADAS now standard in modern vehicles, proper calibration and repair are critical for complete, safe, quality repairs. To uphold Gold Class excellence, ADAS training requirements were integrated into key roles and for locations that perform calibrations in-house.
ADAS Courses Integrated into ProLevel Training
- Refinish Technicians - Understand how paint and coatings impact ADAS sensors.
- Structural & Non-Structural Technicians - Master precision repairs for ADAS-integrated components.
- Estimators/Repair Planners - Identify and manage ADAS systems and repair procedures.
Facilities performing in-house calibrations need to
- Designate an ADAS Technician by July 1, 2026
- Ensure that ADAS Technicians progress toward Platinum status by the following Gold Class renewal
Gold Class is keeping up—stay ahead with ADAS education.
