100+ Free Metallbaumeister/in HFP Practice Questions

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Key Facts: Metallbaumeister/in HFP Exam

480 min

Official assessment time

Metaltec Suisse Prüfungsordnung

Grade 4.0

Minimum pass grade (1.0-6.0 scale)

Metaltec Suisse Prüfungsordnung

CHF 2,300

Official examination fee

Metaltec Suisse fee schedule

EN 1090 / SIA

Core structural standards

SIA / EN Norms

Four examination parts totalling 21–28 hours, dominated by a 12–14 hour CAD construction assignment; the overall grade and Part 1 must reach 4.0. These practice questions are an English-language MCQ study adaptation of the construction, building physics, costing and management knowledge — not a simulation of the official assignments. The HFP is currently under revision, expected to conclude by 2027.

Sample Metallbaumeister/in HFP Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Metallbaumeister/in HFP exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A metal construction engineer is calculating the characteristic wind velocity pressure (qp) according to SIA 261 for a 22-meter-tall commercial building located in Zurich (altitude 430 m above sea level, Terrain Category III / Geländekategorie III - suburban area). According to SIA 261, what is the correct approach to determine the wind action on the mullion-transom facade?

A.Determine the basic velocity pressure qp0 (0.90 kN/m2) adjusted for Zurich's altitude, apply the profile coefficient ch(z) for Terrain Category III at z = 22 m, and multiply by the aerodynamic external pressure coefficients (cpe) for pressure and suction zones

B.Apply a constant uniform wind pressure of 0.50 kN/m2 across the entire facade height regardless of terrain category or building height

C.Use the unreduced wind speed of 130 km/h and multiply directly by the glass area without applying peak pressure coefficients ch(z)

D.Calculate wind actions solely based on the 500-year return period earthquake acceleration spectra according to SIA 261

Explanation: According to SIA 261 (Einwirkungen auf Tragwerke), the characteristic wind velocity pressure qp(z) is determined by multiplying the reference velocity pressure qp0 (which accounts for geographic location and altitude) by the height-dependent profile factor ch(z) corresponding to the specific Terrain Category (Geländekategorie I to IV). The resulting wind action on facade elements is then obtained by multiplying qp(z) by the respective aerodynamic pressure coefficients (cpe for external surfaces, cpi for internal pressure) to account for windward pressure and leeward/corner suction peaks.

2An entrance canopy with a monopitch roof (inclination alpha = 5°) is attached to a 15-meter-high vertical facade in Chur (altitude 600 m a.s.l.). When calculating the characteristic snow load (s) according to SIA 261, how must the metal construction master account for snow drifting against the adjacent high facade wall?

A.Ignore snow accumulation at the wall junction because wind continuously blows snow off low-pitch canopies

B.Combine the undrifted snow load shape coefficient mu1 with an additional snow drift shape coefficient mu2 that increases linearly toward the facade wall based on the height difference and canopy length

C.Apply the basic ground snow load sk without multiplying by any roof shape or thermal coefficients

D.Reduce the snow load by 50% because the monopitch angle of 5° allows instant snow sliding

Explanation: Under SIA 261 Section 5, when a canopy roof abuts a higher vertical building wall, snow drifting caused by wind turbulence generates significant localized accumulation. The engineer must calculate both the regular undrifted load case (shape coefficient mu1 = 0.8 for alpha <= 30°) and the drifted snow load case (mu2), which creates a triangular snow surcharge adjacent to the wall depending on the wall height and canopy projection length.

3When verifying the structural safety (Ultimate Limit State / ULS / Tragfähigkeit) and serviceability (Serviceability Limit State / SLS / Gebrauchstauglichkeit) of a steel canopy according to SIA 260 and SIA 263, which partial safety factor combination is correct for the persistent design situation?

A.ULS: Ed = 1.0 * Gk + 1.0 * Qk; SLS: Ed = 1.50 * Gk + 1.35 * Qk

B.ULS: Ed = 2.0 * (Gk + Qk); SLS: Ed = 0.5 * (Gk + Qk)

C.ULS: Ed = 1.35 * Gk + 1.50 * Qk,1 + sum(1.50 * psi_0,i * Qk,i); SLS: Ed = 1.0 * Gk + 1.0 * Qk,1 + sum(psi_0,i * Qk,i) (characteristic combination)

D.ULS: Ed = 1.15 * Gk + 1.15 * Qk; SLS: Ed = 1.0 * Gk without variable loads

Explanation: According to SIA 260 (Basis of Structural Design), for permanent and transient design situations at the Ultimate Limit State (ULS / Tragfähigkeit), permanent actions Gk are factored by gamma_G = 1.35 and the leading variable action Qk,1 by gamma_Q = 1.50 (with accompanying variable actions factored by 1.50 * psi_0). For the Serviceability Limit State (SLS / Gebrauchstauglichkeit) characteristic combination, all partial safety factors are set to 1.0.

4A steel roof girder (IPE 360 in S355JR, span L = 8.0 m) is subjected to positive bending moments from gravity loads. The compression flange is unrestrained along its span between end supports. What stability failure mode must the metal construction master calculate according to SIA 263?

A.Local flange crushing (Flanschquetschung) without lateral displacement

B.Pure plastic torsional warping (Wölbkrafttorsion) without any flexural bending component

C.Punching shear failure (Durchstanzen) of the IPE web

D.Lateral-torsional buckling (Biegedrillknicken), determined by calculating the ideal elastic critical moment Mcr and applying the reduction factor chi_LT based on the non-dimensional slenderness lambda_bar_LT

Explanation: According to SIA 263 (Stahlbau), when an open I-section beam has an unbraced compression flange subject to bending, it is susceptible to lateral-torsional buckling (Biegedrillknicken). The verification involves determining the elastic critical moment Mcr, deriving the relative slenderness lambda_bar_LT, selecting the appropriate buckling curve, and applying the reduction factor chi_LT to determine the design buckling resistance Mb,Rd.

5A steel column (HEB 180 in S235JR, system length L = 4.5 m) is rigidly clamped into the reinforced concrete foundation at the bottom and pinned at the top against horizontal sway. What is the theoretical effective buckling length (Knicklänge lk / s) to be used for flexural buckling verification according to SIA 263?

A.lk = 0.70 * L = 3.15 m

B.lk = 1.00 * L = 4.50 m

C.lk = 2.00 * L = 9.00 m

D.lk = 0.50 * L = 2.25 m

Explanation: Under classical Euler buckling cases incorporated into SIA 263, Euler Case 3 (fixed at base, pinned with lateral restraint at top) has a theoretical effective length factor of beta = 0.70. Therefore, the buckling length lk is 0.70 * 4.5 m = 3.15 m.

6A metal construction enterprise is contracted to fabricate and erect a welded steel canopy over the passenger platform of a major Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) transit station. The project engineer specifies Consequence Class CC3, Service Category SC2 (dynamic fatigue from passing high-speed trains), and Production Category PC2. According to EN 1090-2 (Table B.1), what Execution Class (EXC) is legally required?

A.EXC1 (Execution Class 1)

B.EXC3 (Execution Class 3)

C.EXC2 (Execution Class 2)

D.EXC4 is always mandatory for any public building in Switzerland regardless of matrix classification

Explanation: According to EN 1090-2 (Annex B, Table B.1 selection matrix), combining Consequence Class CC3 (high consequence for loss of human life / major infrastructure) with Service Category SC2 (dynamic/fatigue loading) and Production Category PC2 (welded components in steel grades >= S355) dictates Execution Class 3 (EXC3). EXC4 is typically reserved for extreme special structures such as nuclear facilities or exceptional long-span railway bridges under CC3/SC2 with special national provisions.

7Under EN 1090-2, what are the mandatory material inspection certificate requirements according to EN 10204 for structural steel hollow sections (S355J2H) used in an EXC3 execution class framework?

A.A simple Declaration of Compliance with the order 2.1 without any test results

B.A Test Report 2.2 containing non-specific test results from continuous factory production control

C.An Inspection Certificate 3.1 according to EN 10204, confirming specific testing by the manufacturer's authorized inspection representative independent of the production department, with complete traceability to the heat number

D.No certificate is necessary provided the fabricator stamps the material with an internal inventory code

Explanation: Under EN 1090-2 (Section 5 and Table 1), for structural steel in S355 and for all components in Execution Class EXC3, specific inspection documentation is mandatory. This requires an Inspection Certificate 3.1 according to EN 10204, which validates specific chemical analysis and mechanical testing (yield, tensile, Charpy V-notch impact) with documented heat traceability.

8A Swiss metal construction enterprise seeks certification to fabricate welded steel structures under Execution Class EXC3 according to EN 1090-2. Which quality standard for fusion welding must the workshop fulfill according to ISO 3834?

A.EN ISO 3834-3 (Standard quality requirements / Standard-Qualitätsanforderungen)

B.EN ISO 3834-4 (Elementary quality requirements / Elementare Qualitätsanforderungen)

C.ISO 9001 certification alone replaces any need for ISO 3834 compliance

D.EN ISO 3834-2 (Comprehensive quality requirements / Umfassende Qualitätsanforderungen)

Explanation: According to EN 1090-2 Table 12, the welding quality management level is directly linked to the Execution Class: EXC1 requires ISO 3834-4 (Elementary), EXC2 requires ISO 3834-3 (Standard), and EXC3 requires EN ISO 3834-2 (Comprehensive quality requirements / Umfassende Qualitätsanforderungen).

9According to EN ISO 14731 (Welding coordination — Tasks and responsibilities) and EN 1090-2, what qualification level is required for the responsible welding coordinator (Schweissaufsichtsperson) in an enterprise welding S355 structural steel with plate thicknesses > 25 mm under Execution Class EXC3?

A.Comprehensive technical knowledge (Level C), equivalent to an International Welding Engineer (IWE / EWE)

B.Basic technical knowledge (Level B), equivalent to an International Welding Practitioner (IWP)

C.Specific technical knowledge (Level S), equivalent to an International Welding Specialist (IWS)

D.No formal welding coordination qualification is required if the workshop foreman has 10 years of experience

Explanation: Under EN 1090-2 (Table 14 / ISO 14731), for Execution Class EXC3 with steel grades S355 and material thickness exceeding 25 mm (material group 1.2), the responsible welding coordinator must possess 'Comprehensive technical knowledge' (Level C), which corresponds to the International Welding Engineer (IWE) or European Welding Engineer (EWE) qualification.

10A welding procedure for MAG welding (process 135) of butt welds in S355J2 steel was qualified by a Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR) according to EN ISO 15614-1 on 15 mm plate. Which change in production constitutes an essential variable (wesentliche Variable) that invalidates the existing WPS and requires a new WPQR test?

A.Changing the welding machine manufacturer while keeping the same welding process and electrical parameters

B.Changing the parent metal group from Group 1 (unalloyed structural steel) to Group 8 (austenitic stainless steel 1.4404 / 316L)

C.Minor adjustment of preheating temperature by +10°C above the qualified minimum preheat

D.Using a 1.2 mm solid wire electrode instead of 1.0 mm of the exact same classification and shielding gas

Explanation: Under EN ISO 15614-1, parent material grouping according to ISO/TR 15608 is an essential variable (wesentliche Variable). A WPQR qualified on Group 1 carbon steel (S355) cannot qualify welding on Group 8 austenitic stainless steel (1.4404). Such a fundamental metallurgical transition requires an entirely separate qualification test.

About the Metallbaumeister/in HFP Exam

This Swiss federal higher professional examination certifies master metal construction contractors. Administered by Metaltec Suisse / AM Suisse under SBFI supervision, it validates expertise in structural steel design (SIA 260/261/263), EN 1090 execution classes (EXC1-EXC3), welding coordination (ISO 3834/14731), curtain walling (EN 13830), building physics (SIA 380/1, SIA 181), VKF fire safety, NPK estimation, and Swiss contract law (SIA 118, OR).

Assessment

Part 1 Konstruktion: written CAD design, 12–14 h. Part 2 Kalkulation: written, 4–6 h. Part 3 Bauphysik und Statik: written, 4–6 h. Part 4 Präsentation/Befragung: oral, 1–2 h. Total 21–28 hours, all parts weighted equally (AM Suisse Prüfungsordnung/Wegleitung).

Time Limit

21 to 28 hours in total across the four examination parts

Passing Score

Overall grade at least 4.0, Part 1 Konstruktion at least 4.0, at most one other part below 4.0, and no part below 3.0

Exam Fee

not-published — the fee is set by the QS-Kommission and published with each Ausschreibung (AM Suisse / Metaltec Suisse, QS-Kommission Höhere Berufsbildung, under SBFI supervision)

Metallbaumeister/in HFP Exam Content Outline

30%

Technische Unternehmensführung

Structural standards (SIA 260/261/263), EN 1090 execution classes (EXC1-EXC3), ISO 3834/14731 welding coordination, mullion-transom statics, aluminum design (EN 1999).

25%

Fassadentechnik und Bauphysik

Curtain walling (EN 13830), structural glazing, thermal insulation (SIA 380/1, U-values), condensation, SIA 181 acoustics, VKF fire protection (EI30/EI60).

25%

Projektmanagement und Kalkulation

NPK estimation, pre- and post-costing, machine hourly rates, workshop scheduling, CNC workflows, site erection, SUVA BauAV safety.

20%

Administrative Unternehmensführung

Corporate finance, Swiss contract law (SIA 118, OR 363-379), GAV Metallgewerbe, ISO 9001/EN 1090 quality assurance, risk management.

How to Pass the Metallbaumeister/in HFP Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Overall grade at least 4.0, Part 1 Konstruktion at least 4.0, at most one other part below 4.0, and no part below 3.0
Assessment: Part 1 Konstruktion: written CAD design, 12–14 h. Part 2 Kalkulation: written, 4–6 h. Part 3 Bauphysik und Statik: written, 4–6 h. Part 4 Präsentation/Befragung: oral, 1–2 h. Total 21–28 hours, all parts weighted equally (AM Suisse Prüfungsordnung/Wegleitung).
Time limit: 21 to 28 hours in total across the four examination parts
Exam fee: not-published — the fee is set by the QS-Kommission and published with each Ausschreibung

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
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Metallbaumeister/in HFP Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master EN 1090-2 execution class criteria (EXC1-EXC3) and ISO 3834 quality requirements.

2Calculate U-values of frames and curtain wall facades according to EN ISO 10077-1/2 and SIA 380/1.

3Apply SIA 261 wind and snow load distributions on facade glass and mullion-transom profiles.

4Understand SIA 118 contract provisions: 2-year guarantee period, 5-year defect limitation, and warranty retentions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the official HFP exam multiple choice?

No. The official examination consists of written technical project designs, business calculations, and an oral master colloquium. This bank is an English MCQ study adaptation.

Which languages are official?

The official examination is available in German and French.

What is the fee for the examination?

The official examination fee is CHF 2,300. Preparatory courses are eligible for up to 50% federal subject financing from SBFI.

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