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Free Practice Questions for CAP Carrossier Automobile

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Key Facts: CAP Carrossier Automobile Exam

10/20

Minimum passing grade required overall and in the professional domain

Éduscol — Le certificat d'aptitude professionnelle (CAP)

0 €

Official exam registration fee via Cyclades

Ministère de l'Éducation nationale

Niveau 3

National qualification level under RNCP and EQF

France Compétences (RNCP37601)

CuSi3

Copper-silicon brazing alloy required for joining galvanized and high-strength body steels

Référentiel CAP Carrossier automobile

12 weeks

Mandatory period of workplace training (PFMP) for the CAP Carrossier automobile

Annexe V, arrêté du 30 décembre 2022

The CAP Carrossier automobile (RNCP37601, arrêté du 30 décembre 2022, first session 2025) is France's national vocational qualification for automotive collision repair technicians and panel beaters, replacing the former CAP Réparation des carrosseries. Awarded by the Ministry of Education with free Cyclades registration, it is assessed by three practical units — EP1 (coefficient 7, 3 h), EP2 (coefficient 3, 1 h) and EP3 (coefficient 5, 4 h) — and candidates must achieve an overall 10/20 average plus a minimum of 10/20 across the professional units. This OpenExamPrep bank provides 100 English-language practice MCQs structured around panel alignment, panel beating metallurgy, thermoplastic welding, resistance spot welding and MIG brazing, unibody pulling, and collision measuring systems.

Sample CAP Carrossier Automobile Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CAP Carrossier Automobile exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When removing a bolted front fender (aile avant démontable), which sequence of detachment avoids panel distortion and accidental scratches?
A.Remove headlamp assembly and wheel well liner (pare-boue), disconnect lower rocker fasteners, then unbolt the upper engine bay flange bolts last while supporting the panel
B.Remove upper engine bay flange bolts first, pull the fender outward forcefully, and then cut through the inner liner clips
C.Unbolt the door hinges, remove the front bumper completely, and pry the bottom rocker joint with a cold chisel
D.Loosen only the wheel well liner and bend the fender metal backward to access the hidden pillar bolts
Explanation: The recommended sequence for front fender removal begins with removing adjacent fragile components (headlamp, turn signals) and the plastic inner fender liner (pare-boue). Next, hidden bolts at the lower rocker and A-pillar are removed, leaving the accessible top engine bay flange bolts for last so the panel remains supported until final removal.
2During front hood (capot moteur) alignment, which adjustment controls the flushness (affleurement) of the front edge relative to the front fenders?
A.Adjusting the height of the threaded rubber stop buffers (butées en caoutchouc réglables) and striker latch height
B.Enlarging the hinge mounting holes on the hood skin with a round metal file
C.Bending the hood latch support crossmember using a hydraulic ram
D.Shimming the windshield cowl plastic grille to match the hood trailing edge
Explanation: Front hood flushness and vertical seating relative to the fenders and front grille are adjusted using the adjustable rubber bumpers (butées en caoutchouc) on the radiator core support and by repositioning the central hood latch striker (gâche). Fine adjustments ensure uniform height and prevent hood flutter at highway speeds.
3What tool is standard in French collision repair workshops for measuring panel gaps (jeux) between a door and a rear quarter panel to ensure factory tolerances?
A.A stepped plastic wedge gauge or tapered gap gauge (calibre d'épaisseur / jauge de jeu étagée)
B.A dial indicator mounted on a magnetic base attached to the glass
C.A 5-meter steel tape measure hooked onto the door seal
D.A digital depth micrometer applied directly to the painted clearcoat
Explanation: A stepped taper gauge or graduated plastic gap wedge (jauge de jeu / réglette d'affleurement) is the standard workshop tool used to measure panel gap widths (jeux) accurately without scratching paint. It allows direct, repeatable verification against manufacturer specifications, typically between 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm.
4When adjusting a front door that is sagging downward at its trailing edge (rear gap too wide at top, touching rocker at bottom), which corrective action should be performed first?
A.Loosen the lower hinge pillar bolts and insert a calibrated adjustment shim or reposition the hinge forward/upward
B.Strike the upper door frame downward with a heavy steel sledgehammer
C.Grind away metal from the lower door lip to increase rocker clearance
D.Move the B-pillar striker pin (gâche) violently downward to force the door into position
Explanation: Door sag is corrected at the hinge anchor points on the A-pillar or door shell. Adjusting the lower hinge position (or upper hinge depending on geometry) or inserting manufacturer-approved shims raises the trailing edge of the door, restoring proper clearance before striker alignment.
5In bodywork terminology, what is the exact distinction between 'jeu' and 'affleurement'?
A.'Jeu' refers to the gap width between adjacent panel edges, while 'affleurement' refers to the flushness or plane difference between panel exterior surfaces
B.'Jeu' refers to paint thickness in microns, while 'affleurement' refers to weld penetration depth
C.'Jeu' refers to vertical height from the ground, while 'affleurement' refers to the diagonal cross-measurement
D.'Jeu' refers to door latch free-play, while 'affleurement' refers to weatherstrip compression percentage
Explanation: In French automotive body repair ('jeux et affleurements'), 'jeu' (gap/clearance) designates the linear distance separating two adjacent panel edges (e.g. 4 mm +/- 0.5 mm). 'Affleurement' (flushness) designates whether the two exterior surfaces lie along the same continuous aerodynamic contour line without an unwanted step.
6How should a door lock striker (gâche de porte) be adjusted on the B-pillar after door hinges have been properly aligned?
A.Loosen the striker screws slightly, close the door gently so the latch centers the striker, verify flushness, and torque to specification
B.Weld the striker solidly to the B-pillar to eliminate any future movement
C.Position the striker at the extreme outboard position to keep the door loose and easy to open
D.Grease the striker heavily with copper anti-seize paste without adjusting its mechanical position
Explanation: The striker plate (gâche) determines final door closing tension and flushness with the quarter panel or rear door. By slightly loosening the countersunk Torx fasteners, allowing the latch to self-center horizontally and vertically, adjusting inward for proper weatherstrip seal compression, and torquing to specification, correct operation is achieved.
7When installing a direct-glazed windshield (pare-brise collé), what is the primary technical reason for applying a triangular (v-notched) bead of polyurethane adhesive rather than a round bead?
A.The triangular profile ensures even compression without air pocket entrapment and achieves the exact specified bond height and width
B.A triangular bead cures instantly upon contact with air, eliminating the need for holding tape
C.A triangular bead uses 50% less urethane adhesive material than a round bead
D.A triangular bead allows the glass to slide freely during emergency windshield deployment
Explanation: A triangular bead (deposited using a V-notched nozzle) collapses uniformly from its apex outward when the windshield is pressed down. This prevents the formation of air tunnels or blisters that could cause water leaks and wind whistles, ensuring full contact area and the correct adhesive gap (typically 3 to 5 mm).
8When cutting out a damaged bonded windshield using an oscillating electric/pneumatic knife (couteau pneumatique oscillant), what critical precaution must be observed regarding the blade?
A.Direct the blade perpendicular into the sheet metal to cut through the metal flange
B.Keep the blade flat against the glass surface facing outward to avoid scoring the vehicle body pinch weld flange
C.Heat the blade with an oxy-acetylene flame to 500°C before cutting
D.Lubricate the cutting blade continuously with heavy mineral motor oil
Explanation: When using an oscillating knife, the cutting blade must be oriented parallel to the glass to slice through the urethane bead without gouging the vehicle's pinch weld flange. Gouging or scratching the paint down to bare steel creates prime initiation points for galvanic corrosion under the adhesive bead.
9Why is a synthetic fiber cutting line (fil de découpe synthétique / tresse textile) increasingly preferred over traditional square steel wire for modern windshield removal?
A.It melts through the urethane bead using electrical resistance heating
B.It can cut through laminated glass directly to remove the glass in fragments
C.It eliminates the risk of scratching the vehicle's paintwork, scoring aluminum pinch welds, and damaging interior A-pillar trims or airbags
D.It does not require any interior access or dashboard protection
Explanation: High-strength synthetic fiber cutting lines (such as braided Kevlar or PE lines) possess high tensile strength to slice through tough urethane while being soft enough that they will not scratch paint, gouge aluminum flanges, or shred sensitive interior trim and curtain airbag modules located along the A-pillars.
10After cutting out an old bonded windshield, how should the remaining cured polyurethane bead on the pinch weld (baie de pare-brise) be prepared?
A.Grind the pinch weld flange completely down to bare shiny steel with a coarse 36-grit sanding disc
B.Burn off all remaining adhesive with a propane torch until bare metal is exposed
C.Leave the entire old jagged bead untouched and apply the new adhesive directly on top
D.Trim the old bead down to an even residual thickness of 1 to 2 mm using a sharp scraper chisel, leaving a clean, level bed
Explanation: The residual polyurethane bead provides the best possible chemical adhesion substrate for fresh polyurethane (polyurethane-to-polyurethane bonding). It must be trimmed smoothly with a dedicated trimming scraper to an even thickness of approximately 1 to 2 mm without exposing bare metal.

About the CAP Carrossier Automobile Exam

The CAP Carrossier automobile (which replaced the former CAP Réparation des carrosseries, created by the arrêté du 30 décembre 2022, RNCP37601, first examination session 2025) is France's state vocational qualification for auto body repairers, collision technicians, and panel beaters. Certified by the French Ministry of Education, the diploma assesses competence in removing, replacing, and aligning exterior and structural vehicle panels, repairing sheet metal dents using hammer-and-dolly and stud-welder pulling techniques, repairing damaged plastic bumpers using hot-air welding and structural adhesives, replacing welded unibody sections using resistance spot welding (SER) and MIG brazing (CuSi3), replacing direct-glazed windshields, and verifying frame alignment using electronic 3D measuring systems. The official examination is conducted in French through workshop practical tests. OpenExamPrep provides a 100-question English-language MCQ study adaptation of that syllabus — not an official translation, and not a simulation of the practical examination format.

Exam sponsor: Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse (administered locally by Académies). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Three professional units defined by the arrêté du 30 décembre 2022: EP1 Intervention et réparation sur élément (unit UP1, coefficient 7, ponctuel pratique, 3 h), EP2 Préparation des fonds et des surfaces (unit UP2, coefficient 3, ponctuel pratique, 1 h) and EP3 Intervention sur les inamovibles et les vitrages (unit UP3, coefficient 5, ponctuel pratique, 4 h). One coefficient point within EP1 is awarded for the chef-d'œuvre for scolaires and apprentis. General units are EG1 Français-histoire-géographie-enseignement moral et civique (coef 3), EG2 Mathématiques et physique-chimie (coef 2), EG3 Éducation physique et sportive (coef 1) and EG4 Prévention-santé-environnement (coef 1), unless exempted.

Time Limit

8 hours of professional practical assessment (EP1 3 h + EP2 1 h + EP3 4 h) plus general-education units (EG1 2 h 25, EG2 1 h 30, EG4 1 h)

Passing Score

10/20 overall weighted average, and at least 10/20 across the professional units

Exam / Certification Fees

Free (0 € examination fee for national Cyclades public candidate registrations)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25 of 100 questions

Removable Panels, Trim & Glazing Replacement

Removal, fitting, and gap alignment (jeux et affleurements) of doors, hoods, and tailgates; polyurethane direct-glazing urethane windshield bonding; and ADAS radar/camera disconnection

25 of 100 questions

Sheet Metal Repair & Panel Beating

Direct and indirect hammer-and-dolly blows, metal stretching and heat shrinking, stud-welder dent pulling, paintless dent repair tools, and behavior of mild, HLE, and UHLE high-strength steels

20 of 100 questions

Plastic & Composite Repairs

ISO resin identification (PP/EPDM, PE, ABS, PUR, SMC), hot-air and nitrogen plastic torch welding, reinforcing mesh and wire staples, and structural polyurethane adhesive repair

15 of 100 questions

Welded Panel Replacement & Joining Techniques

Spot weld cutting, unibody panel sectioning locations, inverter resistance spot welding (SER), MIG/MAG steel welding, MIG brazing (CuSi3), and structural rivets/bonding

15 of 100 questions

Frame Measurement, Structural Pulling & Safety

Unibody collision dynamics, hydraulic vector pulling towers, datum lines and mechanical tram gauges, computerized 3D laser/acoustic measuring benches, and pyrotechnic SRS safety

Preparing for the CAP Carrossier Automobile Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 10/20 overall weighted average, and at least 10/20 across the professional units
  • Assessment: Three professional units defined by the arrêté du 30 décembre 2022: EP1 Intervention et réparation sur élément (unit UP1, coefficient 7, ponctuel pratique, 3 h), EP2 Préparation des fonds et des surfaces (unit UP2, coefficient 3, ponctuel pratique, 1 h) and EP3 Intervention sur les inamovibles et les vitrages (unit UP3, coefficient 5, ponctuel pratique, 4 h). One coefficient point within EP1 is awarded for the chef-d'œuvre for scolaires and apprentis. General units are EG1 Français-histoire-géographie-enseignement moral et civique (coef 3), EG2 Mathématiques et physique-chimie (coef 2), EG3 Éducation physique et sportive (coef 1) and EG4 Prévention-santé-environnement (coef 1), unless exempted.
  • Time limit: 8 hours of professional practical assessment (EP1 3 h + EP2 1 h + EP3 4 h) plus general-education units (EG1 2 h 25, EG2 1 h 30, EG4 1 h)
  • Exam / certification fees: Free (0 € examination fee for national Cyclades public candidate registrations) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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CAP Carrossier Automobile: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the difference between direct and indirect panel beating: direct hammering hits the high spot directly on the dolly, while indirect hammering places the dolly under the low spot while hitting the adjacent ridge to raise the metal.
2Understand sheet metal shrinking (rétreinte): know when and how to cool a heated metal crown (point chaud) with a wet rag or air nozzle to collapse stretched grain structure.
3Memorize plastic identification codes: identify thermoplastics (such as PP, PE, ABS) that can be melted and welded with a hot-air torch versus thermosetting plastics (such as PUR and SMC) that must be repaired using two-component structural adhesives.
4Review MIG brazing parameters: understand why CuSi3 wire with 100% argon shielding gas is required for galvanized panels and high-strength steels to minimize heat input.
5Know structural measuring bench concepts: understand the three reference planes (datum plane, centerline plane, and zero transverse plane) used to diagnose structural unibody twist, sway, and mash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAP Carrossier automobile qualification in France?

The CAP Carrossier automobile, created by the arrêté du 30 décembre 2022 (RNCP37601) with a first examination session in 2025, is France's state vocational qualification (Level 3 EQF / France Niveau 3) for automotive collision repairers and panel beaters. It replaced the former CAP Réparation des carrosseries, which no longer appears in the ministry's list of current CAP specialities. It qualifies graduates to repair sheet metal body panels, restore vehicle structural geometry, weld automotive panels, and repair plastic vehicle components.

How is the French CAP body repair exam conducted?

The examination consists of three practical hands-on workshop tests: EP1 Intervention et réparation sur élément (coefficient 7, 3 h) covering panel repair and reshaping; EP2 Préparation des fonds et des surfaces (coefficient 3, 1 h) covering substrate preparation before refinishing; and EP3 Intervention sur les inamovibles et les vitrages (coefficient 5, 4 h) covering welded panels and bonded glazing. Candidates must achieve at least 10/20 overall and at least 10/20 across the professional block.

Why is MIG brazing (soudo-brasure) used instead of conventional MIG welding on modern car bodies?

MIG brazing uses a copper-silicon (CuSi3) filler wire melted at a lower temperature (~1,000°C) than steel (~1,500°C). This avoids vaporizing the protective zinc galvanization layer on adjacent metal, prevents burn-through on thin ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) panels, and preserves the metallurgical properties of heat-sensitive modern alloys.

How much does it cost to register for the CAP carrossier exam?

Registration through the national Cyclades portal for the official French Ministry of Education examination is completely free of charge for students, apprentices, and independent candidates (candidats libres).

Why is this preparation bank provided in English?

OpenExamPrep provides an English-language study adaptation of the official French curriculum to assist international technicians, bilingual apprentices, and foreign auto body repairers preparing for French certification. Official French terms (such as jeux et affleurements, tas et marteau, and soudo-brasure) are retained alongside clear English explanations.