What does it mean to be I-CAR Certified?
I-CAR Gold Class certification is the highest voluntary training level in the collision repair industry, signifying a shop's commitment to safe, high-quality repairs through rigorous, ongoing education. It means technicians are trained to the latest industry standards in structural, non-structural, and refinishing, ensuring vehicles are restored properly.
The Gold Class recognition indicates that our technicians are trained in the proper repair techniques and procedures that contribute to the complete and safe repair of your vehicle. As a Gold Class shop, we require each of our technicians involved in collision repair to take ongoing training every year.
What Being I-CAR Gold Certified Means for You
- Highly Trained Technicians: All major repair roles (Estimator, Refinish, Structural, Non-Structural) are filled by professionals trained through I-CAR's ProLevel system.
- Up-to-Date Expertise: Shops must undergo continuous annual training to keep up with evolving vehicle technology, advanced materials, and modern repair techniques.
- Improved Safety and Quality: The focus is on conducting complete, accurate, and safe repairs, including identifying hidden damage.
- Industry Recognition: It is considered the industry benchmark, ensuring that the repair shop adheres to high standards.
Choosing a Gold Class-certified shop provides peace of mind that the technicians working on your vehicle are experts in the latest, most sophisticated repair methodologies.
How many Gold Class Certified Shops are in the United States?
As of 2025–2026, there are approximately 104,000–105,000 total car body repair establishments in the United States. In contrast, there are nearly 9,000—recently reported at 10,000—I-CAR Gold Class certified repair shops, representing a subset of high-standard, trained facilities within the broader industry.