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Key Facts: BTS CPI Exam

Level 5 (Bac+2)

RNCP and EQF national qualification level

France compétences RNCP37374

10/20

Overall passing weighted average

Règlement général du BTS

Total examination coefficients across units E1-E6

Arrêté du 16 février 2016 modifié

120 ECTS

European academic credits awarded

Arrêté du 16 février 2016

6 hours

Duration of the U42 Conception préliminaire written paper

Arrêté du 16 février 2016, annexe IV

31-08-2028

RNCP registration expiry date

France compétences RNCP37374

BTS CPI 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 modifié par arrêté du 7 juillet 2021, the qualification comprises six compulsory units totalling 28 coefficients: written design examinations including E4.2 Conception préliminaire (coef 6, 6 h), CAD detailed design projects (E5 coef 6), prototyping (E6 coef 5), and general academic papers. Candidates need an overall average of at least 10/20 and register free of examination fees via Cyclades. The official examination is in French; OpenExamPrep provides a 100-question English-language MCQ study adaptation covering mechanics, machine elements, materials, tolerancing, and manufacturing.

Sample BTS CPI Practice Questions

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

1A solid circular drive shaft of diameter d = 40 mm is subjected to a pure axial tensile force of F = 120 kN. What is the nominal normal tensile stress (sigma) developed in the shaft cross-section?

A.120.0 MPa

B.75.0 MPa

C.95.5 MPa

D.191.0 MPa

Explanation: Cross-sectional area is A = pi * d² / 4 = pi * (0.040 m)² / 4 = 1.2566 * 10⁻³ m² = 1256.6 mm². The normal tensile stress is sigma = F / A = 120,000 N / 1256.6 mm² = 95.49 MPa ≈ 95.5 MPa.

2A structural steel tie rod of length L = 2.50 m and cross-sectional area A = 500 mm² has Young's modulus E = 210 GPa. What is its elastic elongation (Delta_L) when subjected to an axial tensile load of 63 kN?

A.1.50 mm

B.3.00 mm

C.0.75 mm

D.2.25 mm

Explanation: By Hooke's law, elongation is Delta_L = (F * L) / (E * A). Substituting: Delta_L = (63,000 N * 2500 mm) / (210,000 N/mm² * 500 mm²) = 157,500,000 / 105,000,000 = 1.50 mm.

3A simply supported beam of span L = 4.0 m carries a concentrated point load F = 12 kN at its exact midspan. What is the maximum bending moment (M_f_max) in the beam?

A.24.0 kN*m

B.6.0 kN*m

C.48.0 kN*m

D.12.0 kN*m

Explanation: For a simply supported beam with a central point load, each support reaction is R = F / 2 = 6 kN. The maximum bending moment occurs at midspan (x = L/2 = 2.0 m): M_f_max = R * (L/2) = (F * L) / 4 = (12 kN * 4.0 m) / 4 = 12.0 kN*m.

4A rectangular cross-section beam has width b = 60 mm and height h = 120 mm. What is its second moment of area (moment quadratique I_z) and elastic section modulus (I_z / v) about its neutral horizontal bending axis?

A.I_z = 4.32 * 10⁶ mm⁴ and W_el = 72,000 mm³

B.I_z = 8.64 * 10⁶ mm⁴ and W_el = 144,000 mm³

C.I_z = 17.28 * 10⁶ mm⁴ and W_el = 288,000 mm³

D.I_z = 2.16 * 10⁶ mm⁴ and W_el = 36,000 mm³

Explanation: For a rectangular section: I_z = (b * h³) / 12 = (60 * 120³) / 12 = (60 * 1,728,000) / 12 = 8,640,000 mm⁴ = 8.64 * 10⁶ mm⁴. The distance from the neutral axis to the outer fiber is v = h / 2 = 60 mm. The section modulus is W_el = I_z / v = (b * h²) / 6 = (60 * 120²) / 6 = 144,000 mm³.

5A solid circular transmission shaft of diameter d = 50 mm transmits a torque of M_t = 980 N*m. What is the maximum torsional shear stress (tau_max) at the shaft outer surface?

A.39.9 MPa

B.79.8 MPa

C.19.9 MPa

D.159.6 MPa

Explanation: The polar section modulus of a solid cylinder is W_0 = I_0 / (d/2) = (pi * d³) / 16 = pi * (50 mm)³ / 16 = 24,543.7 mm³. The maximum torsional shear stress is tau_max = M_t / W_0 = (16 * M_t) / (pi * d³) = (16 * 980,000 N*mm) / (pi * 125,000 mm³) = 15,680,000 / 392,699 = 39.93 MPa ≈ 39.9 MPa.

6Under the von Mises yield criterion (critère de l'énergie de distorsion), what is the equivalent stress (sigma_eq) for a structural point subjected to a planar state of stress with normal bending stress sigma = 160 MPa and torsional shear stress tau = 60 MPa?

A.220.0 MPa

B.170.9 MPa

C.191.0 MPa

D.264.0 MPa

Explanation: For combined uniaxial normal stress and shear stress, the von Mises equivalent stress formula is: sigma_eq = sqrt(sigma² + 3 * tau²). Substituting the given values: sigma_eq = sqrt(160² + 3 * 60²) = sqrt(25,600 + 3 * 3,600) = sqrt(25,600 + 10,800) = sqrt(36,400) ≈ 190.79 MPa ≈ 191.0 MPa.

7A cantilever beam of span L with flexural rigidity E*I carries a concentrated downward point load F at its free end. What is the formula for the maximum elastic deflection (y_max) at the free end?

A.y_max = (F * L³) / (48 * E * I)

B.y_max = (F * L³) / (3 * E * I)

C.y_max = (F * L⁴) / (8 * E * I)

D.y_max = (F * L²) / (2 * E * I)

Explanation: Integrating the differential equation of beam deflection d²y/dx² = -M_f(x) / (E*I) with boundary conditions y(0) = 0 and y'(0) = 0 yields the classic deflection equation y(x) = (F / (6 * E * I)) * (3 * L * x² - x³). Evaluating at the free end x = L gives y_max = (F * L³) / (3 * E * I).

8What is the physical meaning of the theoretical stress concentration factor (coefficient de concentration de contrainte K_t = sigma_max / sigma_nom)?

A.The safety factor applied to account for operator error during assembly

B.The ratio of the ultimate tensile strength to the yield strength of the alloy

C.The coefficient of thermal expansion divided by Young's modulus

D.The ratio of the localized peak stress occurring at a geometrical discontinuity (fillet, hole, notch) to the nominal stress calculated across the net cross-section

Explanation: Geometric discontinuities such as fillets, grooves, keyways, and transverse holes disrupt the uniform flow of stress trajectories (flux lines), concentrating stress locally. K_t is a dimensionless factor defined as K_t = sigma_peak / sigma_nominal. It is determined by component geometry and elasticity, playing a critical role in fatigue and brittle fracture design.

9Under the ISO rating life standard ISO 281 for rolling bearings, what is the basic rating life equation (L_10) in millions of revolutions for a deep groove radial ball bearing subjected to an equivalent dynamic load P with basic dynamic load rating C?

A.L_10 = (C / P)^(10/3)

B.L_10 = (C / P)²

C.L_10 = (C / P)³

D.L_10 = (C / P)⁴

Explanation: According to ISO 281, the nominal rating life exceeded by 90% of identical bearings is L_10 = (C / P)^p in millions of revolutions, where exponent p = 3 for ball bearings (point contact) and p = 10/3 (≈ 3.33) for roller bearings (line contact).

10A deep groove ball bearing has a dynamic load rating C = 32.0 kN and experiences a constant radial equivalent load P = 4.0 kN while rotating at n = 1500 rpm. What is its nominal rating life in operating hours (L_10h)?

A.5,689 hours

B.1,896 hours

C.11,378 hours

D.28,444 hours

Explanation: First calculate life in millions of revolutions: L_10 = (C / P)³ = (32.0 / 4.0)³ = 8³ = 512 million revolutions. Converting to operating hours at n = 1500 rpm: L_10h = (10⁶ * L_10) / (60 * n) = (512 * 10⁶) / (60 * 1500) = 512,000,000 / 90,000 = 5,688.89 hours ≈ 5,689 hours.

About the BTS CPI Exam

The BTS CPI is France's leading two-year higher education qualification (Bac+2, RNCP level 5, 120 ECTS) for mechanical design technicians, CAD drafters, and product development specialists. Defined by the arrêté du 16 février 2016 (modifié par arrêté du 7 juillet 2021), it prepares graduates to transform functional specifications (cahier des charges fonctionnel) into fully detailed, manufacturable mechanical systems. The curriculum encompasses structural sizing using strength of materials (RDM), mechanical transmission element sizing (gears, bearings, shafts, fasteners), material selection, manufacturing process design (machining, sheet metal, injection molding, additive manufacturing), and Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS ISO 1101). This OpenExamPrep bank provides an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of the complete technical curriculum.

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 ten units totalling 28 coefficients, defined by the arrêté du 16 février 2016 (NOR MENS1604248A, JORF n°0060 du 11 mars 2016; first session 2018) as amended by the arrêté du 7 juillet 2021 (JORF n°0199 du 27 août 2021): E1 Culture générale et expression (U1, coef 3, written 4 h), E2 Langue vivante étrangère - Anglais (U2, coef 2), E3 Mathématiques et physique-chimie (U31 Mathématiques, coef 2, written 2 h; U32 Physique-Chimie, coef 2, written 2 h), E4 Étude préliminaire des produits (U41 Expression du besoin et cahier des charges fonctionnel, coef 2, oral 20 min; U42 Conception préliminaire, coef 6, written 6 h), E5 Projet industriel (U51 Conception détaillée, coef 5, oral 40 min; U52 Soutenance du rapport de stage, coef 1, oral 20 min), and E6 Prototypage et industrialisation des produits (U61 Projet de prototypage, coef 2; U62 Projet collaboratif d'optimisation, coef 3, practical 4 h). An optional second modern language is available.

Time Limit

About 18 hours of written papers, oral defences and practical project 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.

25 of 100 questions

Mechanical Sizing & Strength of Materials (RDM)

Statics and dynamics, normal and shear stresses, bending moments, shaft torsion, beam deflections, Mohr's stress circle, and Von Mises failure criteria

25 of 100 questions

Machine Elements & Mechanical Transmission

Gear train kinematic ratios and torque, belt and chain drives, bearing selection and L10 rating life, bolt pre-tensioning, and shaft keying calculations

15 of 100 questions

Materials Selection & Metallurgy

EN 10027 steel designations, cast irons, aluminum alloys, polymers, composite materials, heat treatment processes, and Rockwell/Vickers hardness testing

15 of 100 questions

Manufacturing Processes & Prototyping

CNC machining design rules, sheet metal stamping and folding, plastic injection molding design, casting methods, and 3D printing technologies

20 of 100 questions

Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) & Tolerancing

ISO 1101 geometric tolerances (form, orientation, location, runout), MMC/LMC modifier principles, ISO 286 limit fits (H7/g6), 1D tolerance stack-up analysis, and CAD drafting conventions

Preparing for the BTS CPI Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 10/20 overall weighted average across all units
Assessment: Six épreuves covering ten units totalling 28 coefficients, defined by the arrêté du 16 février 2016 (NOR MENS1604248A, JORF n°0060 du 11 mars 2016; first session 2018) as amended by the arrêté du 7 juillet 2021 (JORF n°0199 du 27 août 2021): E1 Culture générale et expression (U1, coef 3, written 4 h), E2 Langue vivante étrangère - Anglais (U2, coef 2), E3 Mathématiques et physique-chimie (U31 Mathématiques, coef 2, written 2 h; U32 Physique-Chimie, coef 2, written 2 h), E4 Étude préliminaire des produits (U41 Expression du besoin et cahier des charges fonctionnel, coef 2, oral 20 min; U42 Conception préliminaire, coef 6, written 6 h), E5 Projet industriel (U51 Conception détaillée, coef 5, oral 40 min; U52 Soutenance du rapport de stage, coef 1, oral 20 min), and E6 Prototypage et industrialisation des produits (U61 Projet de prototypage, coef 2; U62 Projet collaboratif d'optimisation, coef 3, practical 4 h). An optional second modern language is available.
Time limit: About 18 hours of written papers, oral defences and practical project 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

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BTS CPI: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the fundamental beam bending formula: sigma = Mf * y / I_z, and know the area moment of inertia for rectangular (b*h^3 / 12) and circular (pi*d^4 / 64) cross-sections

2Practice ISO 286 limit fits calculations: calculate upper and lower limits, clearance, and interference for common fits such as H7/g6 (running fit) and H7/p6 (press fit)

3Understand ISO 1101 geometric tolerancing symbols and modifier principles, especially Maximum Material Requirement (MMR / circle M) and how bonus tolerance is unlocked

4Familiarize yourself with bearing rating life calculations using the ISO 281 formula: L10 = (C / P)^p in millions of revolutions, where p = 3 for ball bearings and p = 10/3 for roller bearings

5Review plastic injection molding design guidelines: ensure uniform wall thickness, provide minimum draft angles (1 to 2 degrees), and avoid thick sections to prevent sink marks (retassures)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BTS CPI qualification in France?

The Brevet de Technicien Supérieur (BTS) Conception des Produits Industriels (CPI) is a French national higher vocational degree at level 5 of the RNCP (Bac+2, 120 ECTS). It trains technicians to design, develop, and model mechanical consumer and capital goods from initial concept through CAD modeling, structural sizing, and prototyping to production readiness.

How is the BTS CPI examination organized?

Under the arrêté du 16 février 2016 modifié par arrêté du 7 juillet 2021, the examination comprises six compulsory units totalling 28 coefficients: E1 Culture générale et expression (coef 3, written 4 h), E2 Anglais (coef 2, oral), E3 Mathématiques et physique-chimie (coef 4: Maths coef 2, Physique-chimie coef 2), E4 Étude préliminaire des produits (coef 8: U41 Expression du besoin coef 2, U42 Conception préliminaire coef 6, written 6 h), E5 Conception détaillée des produits (coef 6: U51 Conception détaillée coef 5, U52 Rapport d'activités coef 1), and E6 Prototypage et industrialisation (coef 5: U61 Prototypage coef 2, U62 Projet collaboratif coef 3).

What is the passing score for BTS CPI?

Candidates must achieve an overall weighted average of at least 10/20 across all compulsory units. There is no minimum score threshold on individual units. Units with grades of 10/20 or higher can be carried over for up to five consecutive years if a candidate retakes the examination.

How much does it cost to sit the BTS CPI 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 supplies, textbooks, or tuition if attending a private educational institution.

In what language is the official examination administered?

The official national examination is delivered in French, with unit E2 specifically evaluating technical English proficiency. OpenExamPrep provides a 100-question English-language multiple-choice adaptation designed to help English speakers and bilingual mechanical designers master the technical core curriculum.

What practical training or internship is required for BTS CPI?

Candidates in the initial school track must complete a mandatory internship in an industrial design office (bureau d'études) or engineering consultancy for a duration of at least 6 to 8 weeks. Apprentices satisfy this requirement through their dual-training work contract. The internship activities are defended orally as part of unit E5.2.

What CAD and mechanical standards are emphasized in BTS CPI?

The curriculum strongly emphasizes international GPS standards including ISO 1101 for geometrical tolerancing, ISO 5459 for datums, ISO 286 for limit fits, ISO 8015 for fundamental tolerancing principles, and Eurocode/NF EN standards for mechanical calculations and material designations.