I-CAR ProLevel Estimator study plan
I-CAR ProLevel Estimator · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Vehicle Construction, Materials, and Repair vs. Replace Decision-Making & Estimating Fundamentals and Collision Repair Terminology
Define the core collision terminology set (unibody, body-over-frame, crumple zone, occupant compartment, sectioning, partial replacement, bench/setup, measuring system) in your own words with one example each
Classify ten common vehicle structures by construction type and identify which panels are considered structural versus cosmetic on each
Explain the difference between a direct part replacement, a sectioning operation, and a repair, and state the decision factors that separate them
Trace how a repair-versus-replace decision flows from OEM position statements and structural integrity concerns rather than from cost alone
Your checkpoint
A one-page terminology and construction reference sheet with at least 25 defined terms and 10 vehicles classified by structure type
Vehicle Construction, Materials, and Repair vs. Replace Decision-Making & Labor Operations, Procedures, and OEM Repair Information Use
Compare steel grades (mild, high-strength, ultra-high-strength, boron) and state the heat and sectioning restrictions that apply to each
Identify the joining methods used in modern bodies (spot weld, MIG/MAG, squeeze-type resistance spot welding, rivet bonding, structural adhesive, laser weld) and match each to a repair scenario
Locate and interpret the OEM repair information sections that govern sectioning location, weld count, and adhesive usage
Decide when a panel must be replaced rather than repaired based on material grade, damage location, and OEM restrictions
Your checkpoint
A materials-and-joining matrix covering at least 5 steel grades and 6 joining methods, each with the repair restriction you would cite in an estimate
Damage Analysis and Hidden Damage Identification & Vehicle Construction, Materials, and Repair vs. Replace Decision-Making
Perform a systematic outside-in inspection routine and list the checkpoints you would document at each stage
Identify at least eight categories of hidden damage (inner structure, apron, rail, pillar section, suspension pickup point, cooling module, wiring, seam sealer) and describe how each is detected
Use measuring and diagnostic evidence (gap checks, measuring system readings, scan tool data) to justify an additional operation on an estimate
Distinguish damage that is visible, concealed but predictable, and unknowable until disassembly, and state how each is handled in the estimate
Your checkpoint
A sample damage analysis report for one hypothetical moderate front-end hit listing visible damage, predicted hidden damage, and the evidence that would confirm each item
Estimating Software, Labor and Part Categories, and Line Item Construction & Estimating Fundamentals and Collision Repair Terminology
Map the estimating software line-item structure: part line, labor line, refinish line, and sublet/miscellaneous line, and state what belongs on each
Differentiate labor categories (body, refinish, frame/structural, mechanical, diagnostic) and explain when a labor operation is charged rather than included
Build a complete estimate for a two-panel repair including overlap deduction, refinish time, corrosion protection, and materials
Explain how judgment time, included operations, and not-included operations are documented so another estimator could follow your reasoning
Your checkpoint
A fully constructed practice estimate with at least 15 line items, each annotated with the labor category and the reason the operation is charged
Parts Selection, Sourcing, and Alternative Parts Considerations & Supplements, Documentation, and Communication with Stakeholders
Compare OEM, aftermarket, recycled, and reconditioned parts on fit, safety-system interaction, warranty, and documentation requirements
State the conditions under which an alternative part should not be used and how to record that decision on the estimate
Draft customer-facing language that explains a parts choice neutrally and documents informed consent
Assemble the documentation package for a supplement: photos, measurement readings, OEM procedure references, and a written justification for each added line
Your checkpoint
A parts-selection decision log for 8 part types plus a one-page customer communication script and a supplement documentation checklist
Labor Operations, Procedures, and OEM Repair Information Use & Damage Analysis and Hidden Damage Identification
Read an OEM procedure end to end and extract the operations it requires that are easy to omit (pre- and post-repair scans, calibration, corrosion protection, seam sealer, foam, adhesive cure time)
Convert an OEM procedure into discrete estimate line items without double-charging or omitting steps
Identify the point in a repair where disassembly-driven discovery should trigger a supplement rather than a revised original estimate
Recheck a previously written estimate against OEM procedures and log every correction with its source
Your checkpoint
A side-by-side comparison of one OEM procedure against your estimate line items, showing every added, corrected, or confirmed operation with citation
Safety Systems, ADAS, and Calibration Requirements in Estimates & Supplements, Documentation, and Communication with Stakeholders
List the ADAS systems commonly affected by collision repair (forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure, blind spot, adaptive cruise, rear camera, park assist) and the mounting locations that make them vulnerable
Determine when a static calibration, dynamic calibration, or both are required, and identify what the estimate must include for each
Explain how scan and calibration requirements change when a windshield, bumper cover, grille, or ride height is altered
Write supplement justification language for calibration and scanning that a claims reviewer would accept
Your checkpoint
An ADAS impact checklist mapping 8 systems to their sensors, affected repairs, calibration type, and the estimate line items each requires
Estimating Fundamentals and Collision Repair Terminology & Vehicle Construction, Materials, and Repair vs. Replace Decision-Making & Damage Analysis and Hidden Damage Identification & Estimating Software, Labor and Part Categories, and Line Item Construction & Parts Selection, Sourcing, and Alternative Parts Considerations & Labor Operations, Procedures, and OEM Repair Information Use & Supplements, Documentation, and Communication with Stakeholders & Safety Systems, ADAS, and Calibration Requirements in Estimates
Complete a timed full-length practice assessment and score each domain separately
Re-teach your two weakest domains using your own notes rather than rereading source material
Rebuild one estimate from scratch under time pressure without referring to earlier work
Consolidate your reference sheets into a single review packet you can scan in 20 minutes
Your checkpoint
A scored practice assessment with a written remediation plan for the two lowest domains and a consolidated one-page review packet
Milestones
Week 2: You can explain, without notes, why a boron steel B-pillar cannot be straightened and what that means for the estimate
Week 4: You produce a 15-line estimate in under 45 minutes with correct labor categories and no omitted corrosion protection
Week 6: Your OEM procedure comparison shows zero omitted required operations and zero double-charged lines
Week 7: You can name the calibration type required for a bumper cover replacement on a vehicle with forward radar and justify the line item in writing
Week 8: Practice assessment score is at or above your target pass margin in every domain, with a written plan for any domain still below it