Cert III Body Repair study plan

Map the Domain 1 syllabus into a one-page checklist of every skill area it covers, then rank those areas by your current confidence.

Identify and label the main structural and non-structural panels and components of a passenger vehicle body using a hand-drawn diagram.

Describe the purpose and function of the principal body materials (mild steel, high-strength steel, aluminium, plastics) and where each is typically used.

Set up a personal study log and schedule three fixed 2-hour sessions per week for the next eight weeks.

Explain how a body shell absorbs and transfers collision energy, and identify the zones designed to crush versus the zones that must stay rigid.

Outline the sequence of steps for a safe and accurate damage assessment on a damaged panel, from inspection to written estimate.

List the personal protective equipment and workshop safety controls required for cutting, grinding, welding and refinishing tasks.

Demonstrate (or describe step by step) the correct use of basic measuring and alignment checking tools on a body shell.

Describe the correct procedure for removing and refitting a bolted-on panel such as a door or front guard, including gap and alignment checks.

Explain how to prepare a panel surface for repair, including cleaning, stripping and bare-metal treatment.

Compare the main panel-joining methods (welding, adhesive bonding, riveting) and state when each is appropriate.

Identify common causes of water leaks, wind noise and panel misalignment and describe how to trace them.

Complete a timed, closed-book set of practice questions covering all Domain 1 areas and record your score by sub-topic.

Review every Domain 1 question you answered incorrectly and write a one-line correction note for each.

Begin Domain 2 by listing the stages of a full restoration project in the correct order, from strip-down to final finish.

Describe how to assess whether a component should be restored, replaced or fabricated.

Explain the preparation steps for bare metal before primer, including rust removal, sanding grades and surface cleaning.

Describe how to select and apply filler correctly, including mixing ratios, spreading technique and shaping.

Outline the priming, blocking and sanding stages that lead to a flat, defect-free surface ready for topcoat.

Identify common refinish defects (orange peel, runs, solvent pop, sanding scratches) and state their likely causes and fixes.

Describe colour-matching and blending techniques, including why a blend panel is used and how to choose it.

Explain how to protect adjacent panels and trim during refinishing and how to control overspray and dust.

Outline the steps for restoring or replacing a trim, glass or interior component to a finished standard.

Write a restoration work order for a single panel that specifies materials, sequence, time estimate and inspection points.

Identify the main heavy vehicle chassis and body configurations (ladder frame, subframe, tipper, tanker, trailer) and their load paths.

Explain the inspection points for chassis cracks, fastener loosening, corrosion and frame straightness, and describe how each is checked.

Describe safe procedures for lifting, supporting and working under a heavy vehicle, including jack stands and load restraint.

Outline the steps for a chassis alignment check and describe when a chassis must be straightened or a section replaced.

Explain how to repair and refit heavy vehicle body panels and accessories such as mudguards, toolboxes, guards and mounting brackets.

Describe welding and fastening requirements for heavy vehicle body repairs, including the need to preserve structural strength.

Complete a full-length timed mock exam across all three domains and record the score for each domain.

Build a one-page revision sheet of the facts, figures and procedures you most often got wrong across the eight weeks.