I-CAR Non-Structural exam-day guide
I-CAR Non-Structural · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirm your test appointment, format, and location with the provider
I-CAR delivers its assessments through its own testing channels, and scheduling, rescheduling, and delivery details can change. Log in to your I-CAR account or contact I-CAR customer service to verify the exact date, time, delivery method (in-person test center versus online-proctored), and address before you travel. Do not rely on a confirmation email alone if it is more than a few weeks old.
Verify which credential or course the exam completes and its passing standard
Non-structural credentials are tied to specific I-CAR courses and role pathways, and the passing score and number of items are set by the provider. Confirm the current passing threshold, item count, and time limit for your specific assessment in your account or with I-CAR support rather than assuming a number. needs_review
Bring acceptable government-issued photo ID
Most proctored testing requires a current government-issued photo ID with signature, and the name must match your registration exactly. If your registration name differs from your ID (for example, a nickname or maiden name), contact the provider in advance to correct it. Confirm the exact ID requirements and any secondary-ID rule with the provider.
Know what reference materials, if any, are permitted
Some I-CAR assessments are closed-book; others may allow specific references or an embedded resource. Do not bring notes, printed guides, or formula sheets unless the provider explicitly permits them. Ask I-CAR or the proctor in advance what is allowed and what will be confiscated at check-in. needs_review
Plan your arrival and check-in buffer
Arrive early enough to complete ID verification, a security check, and workstation setup. For in-person centers, confirm parking and building access; for online proctoring, confirm your room is private, your desk is clear, and your camera and microphone work. Late arrivals can be refused entry or have time deducted, so build in a margin.
Test your technology if the exam is online-proctored
Run the provider's system check on the same computer and network you will use on exam day. Update the browser or secure testing app, close background applications, and have a backup plan (phone hotspot, alternate device) if your connection drops. Confirm the provider's policy on disconnections and time lost to technical issues.
Review the task domains, not just trivia
Non-structural repair assessment content centers on damage analysis, repair versus replace decisions, panel and plastic repair methods, corrosion protection, welding and bonding of non-structural components, and OEM repair procedures. Build your final review around those decision points and the reasoning behind them, since applied questions reward understanding of why a method is chosen.
Prepare for calculation and specification questions
Expect items that require reading a specification, interpreting a measurement, or selecting the correct material or procedure for a given substrate. Practice unit conversions, tolerance reading, and identifying the correct OEM-published procedure for a panel. Bring no calculator unless the provider confirms one is permitted or supplied on screen.
Get logistics for breaks, water, and medication settled in advance
If you need a scheduled break, medical accommodation, or to bring medication or a drink, request it through the provider before test day. Most testing rooms restrict food, drink, and items at the desk. Confirm the accommodation process and any documentation deadline with I-CAR support.
Confirm score reporting and retake policy before you sit
Ask how and when results are released, whether you receive a domain-level score report, and what the retake waiting period and fee are. Knowing this in advance reduces stress and helps you plan a study cycle if you do not pass. These policies are provider-specific, so confirm rather than assume.
Plan the day
Do a final, targeted review of the highest-weight domains: damage analysis and repair-versus-replace decisions, substrate identification, non-structural welding and adhesive bonding, and corrosion protection. Re-read your own notes and the OEM procedure structure rather than starting new material. Confirm your appointment details, ID name match, and delivery format. Stop heavy cramming the night before; sleep is worth more than one more chapter.
Lay out your ID, confirmation details, and any provider-approved items. Re-run the technology check if testing online and charge devices. Confirm travel time, parking, and building access. Do a light review of specification tables and terminology only, then stop. Eat a normal meal, set two alarms, and avoid last-minute schedule changes.
Eat a real meal and hydrate moderately. Arrive at the center or log in early per the provider's instructions. Keep your desk clear and your phone stowed as directed. Do a quick mental warm-up by recalling the main repair-decision framework, not by cramming new facts. If something goes wrong (traffic, tech failure), contact the provider immediately rather than arriving late without notice.
Read each item fully and watch for qualifying words such as 'best', 'first', 'except', and 'not'. Answer the items you know first and flag the rest. For scenario items, identify the substrate, the damage type, and the OEM procedure before choosing an answer. For calculations, estimate the range first, then compute, and check units. Manage the clock: know your item count and time limit and leave a few minutes to review flagged items. If a technical problem occurs, pause and notify the proctor or support immediately so it is documented.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID with a name that matches your registration exactly; contact the provider in advance to fix any mismatch, since uncorrected discrepancies can bar entry.
Follow the provider's rules on permitted materials. Unless I-CAR or the proctor explicitly allows a reference, assume the assessment is closed-book and leave notes, printed guides, and study aids outside the testing room.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, do not share or photograph exam content, and do not use unauthorized devices. Suspected misconduct can void your result; the specific consequences are set by the provider, so confirm them.
Keep personal items, including phones and smartwatches, stowed as directed. If you need a break, raise your hand or use the proctor's stated signal rather than leaving the workstation unannounced.
Request any accommodation (extra time, scheduled breaks, medication, assistive technology) through the provider well before test day and confirm the documentation deadline; do not assume it will be granted on arrival.
Understand how scoring works before you sit: confirm the passing standard, whether partial credit applies, and whether you receive a domain-level report. Do not guess at a passing percentage.
Ask about the retake policy in advance, including any waiting period and fee, so you can plan a follow-up study cycle if needed. These terms are provider-specific; confirm with I-CAR rather than relying on secondhand information.