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Key Facts: BTS CIRA Exam

Level 5 (Bac+2)

RNCP and EQF national diploma level

France compétences RNCP38216

10/20

Overall passing weighted average

Règlement général du BTS

Total examination coefficients across the eight units

Arrêté du 16 février 2016, annexe IV

2018

First examination session under the current référentiel

Arrêté du 16 février 2016

12 weeks

Mandatory industrial internship duration

Arrêté du 16 février 2016

2028

Current RNCP registration renewal validity date

France compétences

BTS CIRA is a French national level 5 qualification (Bac+2, 120 ECTS) certified by the Ministry of Higher Education and examined by the académies. Under the arrêté du 16 février 2016, it comprises six compulsory units totalling 32 coefficients: written technical papers including E5.1 Physico-chimie (coef 4, 2 h) and E5.2 Analyse d'installation (coef 5, 4 h), practical system design (E6 coef 7), and an oral project defence (E4 coef 8). Candidates require an overall weighted average of at least 10/20 and register free of charge via Cyclades. The official examination is in French; OpenExamPrep provides a 100-question English-language MCQ study adaptation covering instrumentation, PID control, chemical physics, valves, and ATEX.

Sample BTS CIRA Practice Questions

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

1In a standard industrial 4-20 mA current loop with a 24 V DC power supply, what is the maximum total loop resistance allowable if the transmitter requires a minimum operating terminal voltage of 12 V DC?

A.1200 ohms

B.300 ohms

C.600 ohms

D.250 ohms

Explanation: The maximum allowable voltage drop across the loop wiring and receiver resistance is V_drop = V_supply - V_min = 24 V - 12 V = 12 V. At maximum loop current (I_max = 20 mA = 0.020 A), maximum allowable loop resistance is R_max = V_drop / I_max = 12 V / 0.020 A = 600 ohms.

2According to the NAMUR NE 43 recommendation for 4-20 mA analog transmitters, which current range designates a detected sensor failure (upscale burnout / fault)?

A.Greater than 21.0 mA (typically between 21.5 mA and 22.0 mA)

B.Between 20.0 mA and 20.5 mA

C.Between 3.8 mA and 4.0 mA

D.Exactly 0.0 mA

Explanation: NAMUR NE 43 specifies the measuring range as 4.0 mA to 20.0 mA, linear overrange / underrange limits as 3.8 mA to 20.5 mA, and fault diagnostic signals as <= 3.6 mA (downscale failure) or >= 21.0 mA (typically 21.5 mA to 22.0 mA for upscale failure).

3What digital communication technique is used by the HART protocol to superimpose digital data on a conventional 4-20 mA analog signal without corrupting the analog value?

A.Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) with high-frequency carrier switching

B.Amplitude Modulation (AM) operating at 100 kHz

C.Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) phase modulation

D.Bell 202 Phase Continuous Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) with zero average DC value

Explanation: HART uses Bell 202 Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) encoding digital 1s at 1200 Hz and 0s at 2200 Hz. The FSK signal is a continuous sinusoidal AC signal (+/- 0.5 mA peak-to-peak) superimposed on the 4-20 mA DC loop. Because its time-averaged DC value is zero, analog controllers reading DC current are unaffected.

4A Pt100 RTD conforming to IEC 60751 has a nominal resistance of 100.00 ohms at 0 °C and a temperature coefficient alpha of 0.003851 °C⁻¹. What is its approximate resistance at 150 °C?

A.138.51 ohms

B.157.77 ohms

C.115.42 ohms

D.177.02 ohms

Explanation: Using the linear approximation R(T) = R_0 * (1 + alpha * T) with alpha = 0.003851 °C⁻¹: R(150) = 100 * (1 + 0.003851 * 150) = 100 * 1.57765 = 157.77 ohms. The full Callendar-Van Dusen polynomial, which adds the negative quadratic term B*T², gives 157.33 ohms, so the linear estimate is about 0.4 ohm (roughly 1 °C) high at this temperature; 157.77 ohms is the value obtained from the first-order relation asked for here.

5Why is a 3-wire or 4-wire connection configuration preferred over a 2-wire configuration for industrial resistance temperature detectors (Pt100)?

A.To compensate for lead wire resistance and prevent measurement errors caused by long cable runs and ambient temperature shifts

B.To increase the measurement excitation current to 50 mA for greater signal-to-noise ratio

C.To allow the RTD sensor to generate its own thermoelectric voltage without an external power source

D.To enable full-duplex Modbus serial communication directly across the sensor platinum element

Explanation: In a 2-wire RTD circuit, lead wire resistances (r1 + r2) add directly in series with the 100-ohm platinum sensor element. Each 0.385 ohm of lead resistance creates an error of 1 °C. A 3-wire bridge circuit or 4-wire constant-current Kelvin connection eliminates the effect of lead resistance and its ambient thermal drift.

6In thermocouple thermometry, what is the role of cold junction compensation (CJC)?

A.To cool the measuring probe using a Peltier element to maintain isothermal conditions

B.To prevent oxidation of the thermocouple measuring junction at temperatures exceeding 1000 °C

C.To account for the thermoelectric voltage produced at the reference terminal junctions where dissimilar thermocouple wires meet instrument copper terminals

D.To convert the thermoelectric microvolt signal directly into a digital pulse train using a thermal resistor

Explanation: A thermocouple produces an EMF proportional to the temperature difference between the hot (measuring) junction and the cold (reference) junction: V_measured = V(T_hot) - V(T_ref). To determine absolute temperature T_hot, the instrument measures T_ref with an isothermal sensor (e.g., Pt100 or thermistor) and adds the equivalent EMF of T_ref to V_measured.

7A hydrostatic differential pressure transmitter is installed on an open atmospheric vertical tank filled with liquid of density rho = 950 kg/m³. Taking g = 9.81 m/s², what differential pressure does the transmitter measure when the liquid level is 4.50 m above the pressure tapping point?

A.44.15 kPa

B.41.94 kPa

C.38.25 kPa

D.4.28 kPa

Explanation: Hydrostatic pressure is given by Delta_P = rho * g * h = 950 kg/m³ * 9.81 m/s² * 4.50 m = 41,937.75 Pa = 41.94 kPa. For an open tank, the low-pressure side of the differential transmitter is vented to atmosphere, so the measured differential pressure is exactly 41.94 kPa.

8When measuring the level of a boiling liquid in a pressurized closed vessel using a differential pressure transmitter with a wet leg filled with condensate (density rho_ref), what condition occurs at the transmitter high-pressure (HP) and low-pressure (LP) ports?

A.The LP port is vented to the atmosphere and never experiences pressure

B.The wet leg connects to the HP port to ensure differential pressure is always zero regardless of level

C.The differential pressure remains strictly constant because vapor pressure cancels hydrostatic head

D.The reference wet leg connects to the LP chamber and creates a negative zero elevation (zero suppression), meaning HP pressure is lower than LP pressure when the tank is empty

Explanation: In a closed tank with condensing vapor, a wet leg is piped from the top vapor space to the transmitter LP port and filled with liquid to provide a stable reference column. When the vessel is empty, the LP port experiences full static head while the HP port experiences zero liquid head, resulting in a negative differential pressure (Delta_P = P_HP - P_LP < 0). This requires zero elevation/suppression calibration.

9An electromagnetic flowmeter (magmeter) operating on Faraday's law of induction requires which fluid property to measure volumetric flow rate?

A.A high magnetic permeability (ferromagnetic particles suspended in fluid)

B.A Reynolds number strictly below 2000 (laminar flow regime)

C.A minimum electrical conductivity (typically >= 5 microS/cm)

D.An optical transparency sufficient for infrared beam transmission

Explanation: Faraday's law states that an induced electromotive force E = B * d * v is generated when a conductive fluid moves with velocity v across a magnetic field B between electrodes separated by distance d. The fluid must possess a minimum electrical conductivity (typically 5 microS/cm, though some modern meters operate down to 0.5 microS/cm). It cannot measure non-conductive fluids like pure hydrocarbons or demineralized steam.

10When measuring fluid flow through an orifice plate (ISO 5167), how does the volumetric flow rate (Q) relate to the measured differential pressure (Delta_P)?

A.Volumetric flow rate Q is proportional to the square root of differential pressure: Q proportional to sqrt(Delta_P)

B.Volumetric flow rate Q is directly proportional to differential pressure: Q proportional to Delta_P

C.Volumetric flow rate Q is proportional to the square of differential pressure: Q proportional to Delta_P²

D.Volumetric flow rate Q is inversely proportional to differential pressure: Q proportional to 1 / Delta_P

Explanation: Applying Bernoulli's principle and the continuity equation across an orifice restriction yields Delta_P = 0.5 * rho * (v2² - v1²). Solving for velocity and volumetric flow rate gives Q = C * epsilon * (pi/4) * d² / sqrt(1 - beta⁴) * sqrt(2 * Delta_P / rho). Flow rate is therefore directly proportional to the square root of differential pressure, requiring square root extraction in the transmitter or controller.

About the BTS CIRA Exam

The BTS CIRA is France's premier two-year higher vocational qualification (Bac+2, RNCP level 5, 120 ECTS) in process instrumentation, automatic closed-loop control, and industrial automation. Defined by the arrêté du 16 février 2016 (NOR : MENS1604381A), it prepares technicians to design, commission, calibrate, and optimize automated control systems in continuous and batch process industries, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, nuclear and renewable energy, food processing, and water treatment. The curriculum covers sensor physics, 4-20 mA and digital fieldbus communication, PID loop tuning, valve and actuator sizing, process thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, and safety-instrumented systems under ATEX and SIL standards. This OpenExamPrep bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of the complete official syllabus.

Exam sponsor: Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche (certifier); examination organised by the académies. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Six épreuves covering eight units totalling 32 coefficients, defined by the arrêté du 16 février 2016 (JORF n°0060 du 11 mars 2016; first session 2018): E1 Culture générale et expression (U1, coef 3, written 4 h), E2 Langue vivante étrangère - Anglais (U2, coef 2; ponctuelle oral 45 min), E3 Mathématiques (U3, coef 3; ponctuelle oral 1 h 35), E4 Épreuve professionnelle de synthèse (coef 8: E41 Rapport de stage, U41, coef 4, oral 30 min; E42 Projet technique, U42, coef 4, oral 15 min), E5 Étude d'un système d'instrumentation, contrôle, régulation (coef 9: E5.1 Analyse physico-chimique d'un procédé et de son environnement, U5.1, coef 4, written 3 h; E5.2 Analyse d'une installation d'instrumentation, contrôle et régulation, U5.2, coef 5, written 3 h), and E6 Conception d'une installation d'instrumentation, contrôle et régulation (U6, coef 7; ponctuelle practical 4 h). An optional second modern language (EF1) is available. E2, E3, E4 and E6 are taken as contrôle en cours de formation (CCF) in accredited establishments.

Time Limit

About 17 hours of written, oral and practical assessment for candidates sitting all units in ponctuelle form

Passing Score

10/20 overall weighted average across all units

Exam / Certification Fees

No examination registration fee is published by the académies; registration is made through the national Cyclades portal. Preparation and tuition costs are separate.

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.

33 of 100 questions

Industrial Instrumentation & Sensor Technology

4-20 mA current loops, HART protocol, Pt100 RTDs, thermocouples, DP transmitters, magnetic and Coriolis flowmeters, radar and hydrostatic level sensors, sensor calibration and measurement accuracy

26 of 100 questions

Closed-Loop Control & Process Regulation

P, PI, PID parameter tuning (Ziegler-Nichols, Cohen-Coon, Broida), transfer functions, Bode and Nyquist plots, cascade control, feedforward control, ratio control, and split-range configurations

10 of 100 questions

Applied Physics & Chemical Processes

Fluid mechanics, Bernoulli equation, head loss, heat exchanger thermal balances, mass balances, chemical reaction equilibria, pH and conductivity instrumentation

13 of 100 questions

Final Control Elements & Control Valves

Control valve sizing (Cv/Kv calculation), linear vs equal percentage vs quick opening trims, valve authority, cavitation, flashing, pneumatic actuators, and electro-pneumatic positioners

18 of 100 questions

Automation, Fieldbuses & Industrial Safety / ATEX

GRAFCET / SFC logic, PLC ladder programming, industrial fieldbuses (Modbus, Profibus, Profinet), Safety Instrumented Systems (IEC 61511 SIL), and ATEX hazardous area classification (Ex-i)

Preparing for the BTS CIRA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 10/20 overall weighted average across all units
Assessment: Six épreuves covering eight units totalling 32 coefficients, defined by the arrêté du 16 février 2016 (JORF n°0060 du 11 mars 2016; first session 2018): E1 Culture générale et expression (U1, coef 3, written 4 h), E2 Langue vivante étrangère - Anglais (U2, coef 2; ponctuelle oral 45 min), E3 Mathématiques (U3, coef 3; ponctuelle oral 1 h 35), E4 Épreuve professionnelle de synthèse (coef 8: E41 Rapport de stage, U41, coef 4, oral 30 min; E42 Projet technique, U42, coef 4, oral 15 min), E5 Étude d'un système d'instrumentation, contrôle, régulation (coef 9: E5.1 Analyse physico-chimique d'un procédé et de son environnement, U5.1, coef 4, written 3 h; E5.2 Analyse d'une installation d'instrumentation, contrôle et régulation, U5.2, coef 5, written 3 h), and E6 Conception d'une installation d'instrumentation, contrôle et régulation (U6, coef 7; ponctuelle practical 4 h). An optional second modern language (EF1) is available. E2, E3, E4 and E6 are taken as contrôle en cours de formation (CCF) in accredited establishments.
Time limit: About 17 hours of written, oral and practical assessment for candidates sitting all units in ponctuelle form
Exam / certification fees: No examination registration fee is published by the académies; registration is made through the national Cyclades portal. Preparation and tuition costs are separate. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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BTS CIRA: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practice linear scaling of 4-20 mA current loops: calculate process variable values corresponding to intermediate currents (e.g. 12 mA = 50% span)

2Master the Broida and Ziegler-Nichols step-response identification methods to derive proportional gain (Kp), integral time (Ti), and derivative time (Td)

3Understand the physical criteria governing control valve trim selection: choose equal percentage trims for processes with variable pressure drop and linear trims for constant pressure drop

4Review the Bernoulli equation and head loss calculations in pipe circuits, paying special attention to the transition from laminar to turbulent flow at Re = 2300

5Memorize the ATEX zoning definitions for gases (Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2) and dusts (Zone 20, Zone 21, Zone 22), and understand the design requirements of Zener barriers and galvanic isolators in Ex-i circuits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BTS CIRA qualification in France?

The Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) Contrôle Industriel et Régulation Automatique (CIRA) is a French national higher vocational degree at level 5 of the RNCP (Bac+2, 120 ECTS). It qualifies technicians in industrial measurement, instrumentation, automatic regulation, and process control across the chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, and water treatment sectors.

How is the BTS CIRA examination structured?

Under the arrêté du 16 février 2016, the examination comprises six compulsory units totalling 32 coefficients: E1 Culture générale et expression (coef 3, written 4 h), E2 Anglais (coef 2, oral 45 min), E3 Mathématiques (coef 3, written 2 h), E4 Épreuve professionnelle de synthèse (coef 8: E4.1 Stage coef 4, E4.2 Projet technique coef 4), E5 Étude d'un système d'instrumentation, contrôle, régulation (coef 9: E5.1 Analyse physico-chimique coef 4, written 2 h; E5.2 Analyse d'installation coef 5, written 4 h), and E6 Conception d'une installation d'instrumentation, contrôle et régulation (coef 7, practical).

What is the passing score for BTS CIRA?

Candidates must obtain an overall weighted average of at least 10/20 across all compulsory examination units. There is no minimum eliminating score on individual subjects. Marks of 10/20 or higher may be retained for five consecutive examination sessions.

How much does it cost to take the BTS CIRA examination?

Registration for the state examination through the French national Cyclades portal is free of examination fees. Candidates are responsible only for their personal study materials, review courses, or tuition if studying in private institutions.

In what language is the official examination conducted?

The official national examination is in French, with unit E2 evaluating English communication skills. OpenExamPrep provides a 100-question English-language multiple-choice adaptation designed to assist bilingual technicians and international learners preparing for the technical and regulatory subjects.

What practical training or internship is required for BTS CIRA?

Students in the conventional school track must complete a mandatory 12-week industrial internship (stage en entreprise) in a process industry or engineering firm. Apprentices fulfill this requirement through their dual-training apprenticeship contract. The internship provides practical data for the E4.1 synthesis report.

What key industrial standards are tested on the BTS CIRA exam?

The examination tests core European and international standards including ISA-5.1 for P&ID piping and instrumentation diagrams, IEC 61131-3 for PLC programming languages (GRAFCET/SFC, Ladder), IEC 60079 series for ATEX explosive atmospheres and intrinsic safety (Ex-i), IEC 61508 / IEC 61511 for Safety Integrity Levels (SIL), and standard control valve sizing rules under IEC 60534.