Panel beaters, also called smash repairers, are people who repair cars and other vehicles after a collision. A panel beater can return your car to its pre-accident condition. What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Panel Beater? Be at least 16 years old. NQF Level 2 with a pass in Mathematics. Have 4 years of apprenticeship in the field. Have a national certificate that shows the completion of Panel Beater courses.