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Key Facts: CET Elevator Exam

70%

Passing Score

NAEC

100

Questions

NAEC

3 hours

Exam Time

NAEC

$525

Exam Fee

NAEC

The CET (Certified Elevator Technician) exam is a comprehensive test for elevator industry professionals. While the NAEC does not publish pass rates, a score of 70% is required to pass. The exam consists of 100 questions to be completed in 3 hours. The certification is a key credential for career advancement in the elevator industry.

Sample CET Elevator Practice Questions

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

1Which of the following is the most critical safety check to perform before beginning any work on an elevator?

A.Verify the in-car fan is operational

B.Ensure the cab lighting is functional

C.Confirm the lockout/tagout procedure has been properly applied

D.Check the expiration date of the fire extinguisher

Explanation: Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or repair work. It is the most critical step to prevent accidental electrocution or mechanical movement.

2What is the primary function of the governor in a traction elevator system?

A.To control the speed of the car during normal operation

B.To initiate the safety brake system in the event of an overspeed condition

C.To open and close the car doors automatically

D.To provide backup power to the elevator

Explanation: The governor is a speed-monitoring device that activates the safety gear if the elevator car exceeds its rated speed. This is a crucial component of the elevator's safety system.

3In a hydraulic elevator system, what is the purpose of the plunger?

A.To push the car upwards

B.To grip the rails in an emergency

C.To provide a counterweight to the car

D.To transmit signals to the controller

Explanation: The plunger, also known as a piston or ram, is the component of a hydraulic elevator system that is directly attached to the car and is pushed up by the hydraulic fluid to lift the car.

4What type of current is typically used to power the main drive motor of a modern traction elevator?

A.Direct Current (DC)

B.Alternating Current (AC)

C.Pulsating DC

D.Static AC

Explanation: Modern traction elevators typically use AC motors, often with variable frequency drives (VFDs) for precise speed control and energy efficiency. While older systems used DC motors, AC is now the standard.

5According to ASME A17.1, what is the maximum allowable clearance between the car door and the hoistway door?

A.1/4 inch

B.1/2 inch

C.3/4 inch

D.1 inch

Explanation: ASME A17.1, the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, specifies maximum clearances to prevent shear hazards. The clearance between the leading edge of the car door and the hoistway door is typically limited to 3/4 inch.

6What is the primary purpose of the counterweight in a traction elevator system?

A.To provide a safety brake in case of a free fall

B.To balance the weight of the car and a portion of its rated load

C.To guide the car along the rails

D.To house the control system components

Explanation: The counterweight is designed to balance the weight of the elevator car plus about 40-50% of its rated load. This reduces the amount of energy required to move the car, making the system more efficient.

7Which of the following is NOT a required component of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)?

A.Full-body harness

B.Lanyard

C.Anchor point

D.Hard hat

Explanation: A Personal Fall Arrest System consists of three main components: a full-body harness, a lanyard or lifeline, and an anchor point. While a hard hat is essential personal protective equipment (PPE), it is not part of the PFAS itself.

8What does the term 'roping ratio' refer to in an elevator system?

A.The number of ropes used to hoist the car

B.The ratio of the car's speed to the rope's speed

C.The diameter of the hoist ropes

D.The frequency of rope replacement

Explanation: The roping ratio describes the mechanical advantage of the hoisting system. A 1:1 roping means the car moves at the same speed as the ropes. A 2:1 roping means the car moves at half the speed of the ropes, which requires less motor torque but more rope.

9In a hydraulic system, what is the function of the check valve?

A.To regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid

B.To prevent the backflow of hydraulic fluid

C.To filter contaminants from the fluid

D.To relieve excess pressure in the system

Explanation: A check valve is a one-way valve that allows hydraulic fluid to flow in one direction (from the pump to the cylinder) but prevents it from flowing back in the opposite direction. This holds the car in place when the pump is not running.

10Which of the following is the most common cause of elevator door malfunctions?

A.Power failure to the door motor

B.Misaligned or damaged door tracks

C.Obstructions in the door path

D.Incorrect door close timing

Explanation: While all the options can cause door issues, obstructions in the door path are the most frequent cause of service calls. This can be anything from a small piece of gravel in the sill to a person intentionally holding the doors.

About the CET Elevator Exam

The Certified Elevator Technician (CET) exam is the industry benchmark for elevator professionals. It validates the knowledge and skills required for the installation, maintenance, and repair of elevators and escalators.

Exam sponsor: National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

100 questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$525

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not Published. NAEC does not publish pass rates for the CET exam. Exam sponsor website

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

Official sources

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%

Safety and Risk Management

LOTO, PPE, fall protection, electrical safety, codes and standards

25%

Mechanical Systems

Traction and hydraulic systems, ropes, brakes, governors, doors

25%

Electrical Systems

Motors, drives, controllers, schematics, testing equipment

25%

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Inspections, lubrication, common faults, diagnostics

Preparing for the CET Elevator Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 3 hours
Exam / certification fees: $525 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CET Elevator: Suggested Study Strategy

1Thoroughly study the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

2Focus on understanding electrical schematics and control circuits.

3Memorize key safety procedures, especially Lockout/Tagout.

4Take as many practice questions as possible to familiarize yourself with the format.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the CET Elevator exam?

The CET exam is considered challenging and requires extensive field experience and study. It covers a broad range of topics from electrical and mechanical systems to safety codes and troubleshooting. A minimum of 5 years of experience or completion of an approved apprenticeship is recommended before attempting the exam.

What is the passing score for the CET exam?

The passing score for the CET exam is 70%. The exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions, so you will need to answer at least 70 questions correctly to pass.

How long should I study for the CET exam?

Study time varies based on individual experience. Most candidates spend several months reviewing the exam material, focusing on the NAEC's recommended study guides and the ASME A17.1 safety code. Consistent study over a 3-6 month period is a common approach.