I-CAR Non-Structural
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ExploreAbout this exam
The I-CAR Non-Structural assessment is a knowledge credential for technicians who repair outer body panels, bolted-on components, plastics, glass, and trim without cutting or replacing structural members. It suits collision repair technicians, preppers, and estimators who need to demonstrate competence in non-structural service. The exam samples ten domains: vehicle construction and materials; outer panel removal, replacement, and alignment; panel repair and dent removal; welded and adhesively bonded panel attachment; body filler, corrosion protection, and seam sealing; bolted-on and removable panel service; glass, trim, and interior service; bumper, fascia, and plastic repair; safety systems and ADAS awareness; and documentation, OEM procedures, and quality control. Questions are multiple choice and test applied judgment, not just recall: which attachment method an OEM procedure allows, how heat affects a substrate, what must be inspected before returning a vehicle with ADAS. To prepare, study current OEM repair procedures for the vehicles you work on, review I-CAR course material on non-structural repair, and practice explaining why a step exists, not only how to perform it. Hands-on familiarity with panel removal, adhesive bonding, and corrosion protection matters more than memorizing torque values. The official body publishes current scheduling, pricing, and scoring information on its website; confirm details there before you register.
What you'll study
About I-CAR Non-Structural preparation
What is the exam format?
Questions are multiple choice, delivered in the language of the exam. Each item is self-contained and tests applied non-structural repair knowledge. The official body publishes the current number of questions and any time limit on its site; check there before scheduling.
How difficult is the exam?
It is not a trivia test. Items ask you to choose the correct procedure for a given substrate, attachment method, or safety system condition. Technicians who follow OEM procedures daily and can explain why a step exists tend to find it manageable; those who rely on habit alone often struggle.
What happens if I fail - can I retake it?
Retake rules, waiting periods, and any fees are set by the official body and can change. The current retake policy is published on its website; confirm it there before you register so you know your options and any required waiting time.
How much time should I allow for the exam?
The official body publishes the current time limit. Plan to read each item carefully, since many questions hinge on a single word such as 'first' or 'never.' If no limit is published, ask the test center what to expect when you schedule.
In what order should I study the ten domains?
Start with construction and materials, because substrate and joining method drive every later decision. Then study panel removal and attachment, followed by repair, filler, and corrosion protection. Finish with bolted-on panels, glass and trim, plastics, ADAS awareness, and documentation. This order builds each domain on the previous one.
What are common failure modes?
Candidates often mix up adhesive and weld requirements, underestimate heat effects on aluminum or high-strength steel, skip corrosion protection after repair, or forget that ADAS recalibration may be required after bumper or glass work. Another common error is choosing a familiar method when the OEM procedure specifies another.
Do I need hands-on experience to pass?
The exam is knowledge-based, but items assume familiarity with real repair situations. Working through panel removal, adhesive bonding, and seam sealing on actual vehicles makes the reasoning concrete. If your experience is limited, pair study with supervised practice or shop observation.
Where can I find current fees and passing scores?
Fees, passing scores, and any pass-rate information are published by the official body and are not stated here. Check its website for the current figures before you register, since these details can change between test cycles.