Free Practice Questions for CACES R484

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card

100+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Exam Review

Key Facts: CACES R484 Exam

5 Years

Validity period of the CACES R484 certificate under CNAM recommendation

CNAM Recommandation R484

6 Months

Mandatory periodic technical inspection (VGP) interval for overhead cranes

Arrêté du 1er mars 2004 / Code du travail

70 / 100

Minimum theoretical score required, with at least the average on every assessed theme

Référentiel d'évaluation CACES R484

120°

Maximum allowable apex angle between sling legs (beyond which lifting is prohibited)

INRS ED 6178 / Guide de l'élingage

72 km/h

Standard wind threshold requiring immediate shutdown and rail anchoring on outdoor gantries

CNAM R484 / Norme NF EN 15011

The CACES R484 is France's premier safety qualification for overhead travelling cranes and gantry cranes, divided into Catégorie 1 (ground control via pendant/radio) and Catégorie 2 (cab control). Certification requires passing a 1-hour standardized theoretical MCQ (minimum 70/100 overall and at least the average on every assessed theme) plus practical maneuvering and slinging tests. Valid for 5 years, it forms the regulatory foundation for an employer's Autorisation de conduite.

Sample CACES R484 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CACES R484 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary regulatory and legal purpose of the CACES R484 recommendation issued by the CNAM in France?

A.It serves as a mandatory state-issued driving licence that legally replaces the employer's operational oversight

B.It provides a standardized evaluation framework to validate an operator's safety competence before an employer issues an Autorisation de conduite

C.It establishes a compulsory technical vehicle inspection certificate for overhead crane mechanical structures

D.It is an optional internal training diploma recognized exclusively by private trade unions

Explanation: The CACES (Certificat d'Aptitude à la Conduite En Sécurité) R484 is a standardized testing mechanism established by the CNAM (Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie). Under French labour law, holding a CACES provides the employer with formal proof that the employee possesses the knowledge and practical skills required to receive an official workplace *Autorisation de conduite* for overhead and gantry cranes.

2Under CNAM Recommandation R484, how are overhead travelling cranes and gantry cranes classified into equipment categories?

A.Catégorie 1 covers ground-controlled cranes (pendant or radio remote), while Catégorie 2 covers cab-controlled cranes

B.Catégorie 1 covers single-girder cranes up to 5 tonnes, while Catégorie 2 covers double-girder cranes exceeding 10 tonnes

C.Catégorie 1 covers indoor overhead travelling cranes, while Catégorie 2 covers outdoor rail-mounted gantry cranes

D.Catégorie 1 covers manual chain hoists, while Catégorie 2 covers all electrically motorized hoist equipment

Explanation: CNAM Recommandation R484 defines two operating categories based on the control interface: Catégorie 1 covers overhead travelling cranes and gantry cranes operated from the ground via a wired pendant push-button station (*boîte à boutons*) or wireless radio remote control (*radiocommande*); Catégorie 2 covers overhead cranes operated from an onboard operator cab (*cabine de conduite*).

3According to article R4323-56 of the French Code du travail, does obtaining the CACES R484 immediately permit a worker to operate an overhead crane on a job site?

A.Yes, the CACES certificate is legally self-sufficient and acts as an immediate nationwide driving permit

B.Yes, provided the certified operator carries the physical CACES card at all times during lifting operations

C.No, the worker must also be granted a formal written Autorisation de conduite issued by their employer

D.No, the worker must register the certificate at the departmental labour inspection office (DREETS) prior to operation

Explanation: Under article R4323-56 of the Code du travail, the CACES certifies personal aptitude, but only the employer possesses legal authority to issue the written *Autorisation de conduite*. The employer must verify medical fitness, validate theoretical/practical proficiency (using CACES), and provide site-specific instruction before granting permission.

4What three statutory conditions must an employer verify before delivering an *Autorisation de conduite* for an overhead crane?

A.Valid medical fitness, verified theoretical and practical driving skills, and workplace/equipment-specific safety instructions

B.Clean police record, high school diploma or equivalent, and completion of a first aid training course

C.Five years of heavy machinery experience, valid CACES card, and personal third-party liability insurance

D.Valid CACES certificate, union membership card, and approval from the French health and safety labour inspectorate

Explanation: Under French regulations (Arrêté du 2 décembre 1998 and Code du travail R4323-56), the employer can only issue the authorization after validating: (1) medical fitness issued by the occupational physician (*médecin du travail*), (2) control of safe operation skills (e.g., via CACES), and (3) knowledge of the workplace layout, site hazards, and instructions for the specific equipment used.

5What is the maximum validity period of a CACES R484 certificate from the date of successful examination?

A.2 years

B.5 years

C.10 years

D.Indefinite, provided the operator remains with the same employer

Explanation: In accordance with CNAM Recommandation R484, the CACES for overhead travelling cranes and gantry cranes is valid for a maximum period of 5 years. At the conclusion of this 5-year cycle, the crane operator must undergo full recertification through an accredited testing organization (*Organisme Testeur Certifié*).

6Who has the sole legal authority to evaluate and certify a worker's medical fitness for overhead crane operations in France?

A.The site safety director or enterprise prevention manager

B.The accredited CACES practical examiner from the certified testing center

C.The occupational physician (*médecin du travail*) during an occupational health examination

D.The worker's personal attending family doctor (*médecin traitant*)

Explanation: Only the occupational physician (*médecin du travail*) assigned to the enterprise's occupational health service can evaluate and confirm medical fitness for driving safety-sensitive lifting machinery under Enhanced Individual Surveillance (*Suivi Individuel Renforcé* - SIR). Neither personal physicians nor site managers possess this regulatory authority.

7What is the general legal rule regarding workers under 18 years of age operating overhead travelling cranes in France?

A.Minors are unconditionally prohibited from operating lifting machinery under any circumstances

B.Minors aged 15 to 17 may operate cranes only if they are registered vocational apprentices subject to an explicit administrative derogation

C.Any minor can operate an overhead crane provided they are directly supervised by an experienced co-worker

D.Minors can operate Catégorie 1 cranes freely, but are prohibited from Catégorie 2 cab-operated cranes

Explanation: Operating power-driven lifting machinery is classified as regulated hazardous work (*travaux réglementés*) prohibited to minors under Code du travail article D4153-27. However, under article R4153-38 to R4153-45, an administrative derogation allows vocational students and apprentices aged 15 to 17 to operate them for professional training purposes, provided medical fitness and prior training are fulfilled.

8Under article 23 of the French Arrêté du 1er mars 2004, what is the mandatory frequency for the periodic technical inspection (*Vérification Générale Périodique* - VGP) of an overhead travelling crane installed in a workshop?

A.Every 3 months

B.Every 6 months

C.Every 12 months

D.Every 5 years, coinciding with CACES renewal

Explanation: Article 23 sets the general rule that lifting appliances covered by article 22 undergo a VGP *tous les douze mois*. The shortened six-month interval is reserved for the mobile or demountable appliances listed in article 20 (II and III) and for appliances that carry people or raise a workstation. A fixed overhead travelling crane or gantry falls under neither exception, so its VGP is annual.

9What is the statutory VGP inspection interval for removable lifting accessories (*accessoires de levage*), such as slings, shackles, and spreader beams?

A.Every 6 months

B.Every 12 months

C.Every 24 months

D.Only when visible fraying, bending, or damage is observed by the rigger

Explanation: According to the Arrêté du 1er mars 2004 (article 24), lifting accessories (*accessoires de levage*) such as chain slings, wire rope slings, textile webbings, shackles, eyebolts, and lifting beams must undergo a periodic inspection (VGP) at least once every 12 months by a qualified person.

10When an overhead crane is newly installed in a workshop or undergoes major structural modification, what statutory verification must be performed prior to its initial operation?

A.A simple visual confirmation by the shop floor team leader

B.A formal commissioning inspection (*Vérification de mise en service*) including static and dynamic load tests

C.An informal test lift using a scrap load weighing 50% of nominal capacity

D.A routine 5-year decennial civil engineering building audit

Explanation: Under articles 5 to 19 of the Arrêté du 1er mars 2004, any lifting appliance being put into service or returning to service after major structural modification or dismantling must undergo a comprehensive *Vérification de mise en service*. This includes aptitude testing, static load test (typically 1.25 times rated capacity), and dynamic load test (1.1 times rated capacity).

About the CACES R484 Exam

The CACES R484 (Certificat d'Aptitude à la Conduite En Sécurité pour Ponts Roulants et Portiques) is the benchmark French national safety qualification established by the Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie (CNAM) and the Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS). Governed under the French Labour Code (Code du travail, articles R4323-55 to R4323-57), the CACES R484 certifies that an industrial equipment operator possesses the knowledge, reflexes, and technical proficiency to operate overhead travelling cranes (ponts roulants), semi-gantry cranes (semi-portiques), and gantry cranes (portiques) safely. The certification distinguishes two categories: Catégorie 1 covers ground-controlled cranes via wired pendant push-button stations or wireless radio remotes, while Catégorie 2 covers cab-controlled cranes operated from an integrated or suspended operator cabin. CACES R484 has a validity period of 5 years, providing employers with verifiable assurance of competency before issuing the mandatory workplace operating authorization (Autorisation de conduite).

Exam sponsor: Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie (CNAM) / INRS. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The CACES R484 certification under CNAM Recommandation R484 evaluates overhead crane operators through a two-part assessment administered by an accredited Organisme Testeur Certifié (OTC). The theoretical examination comprises a standardized multiple-choice test (1 hour) covering regulations, role and duties of operators, crane technology, mechanics, slinging principles, and operational safety. Candidates must score at least 70/100 overall, with no assessed theme scored below its own average. The practical examination (0.5 to 1 hour per category) tests hands-on proficiency: pre-use visual and functional checks, slinging and load securing, trajectory control and anti-sway counter-balancing maneuvers, blind lifting with standard hand signals (NF E 52-401), and shutdown/parking procedures for Catégorie 1 (pendant/radio ground control) and/or Catégorie 2 (cabin control). Successful completion enables the employer to issue an official Autorisation de conduite.

Time Limit

Standardized theoretical MCQ: 1h | Practical maneuvering test: 0.5h–1h

Passing Score

Minimum average of 70/100 on the theoretical test, plus a score at or above the average on every assessed theme; the practical test adds a non-zero mark on each scoring point of the barème

Exam / Certification Fees

Typically 500 €–1,000 € depending on training center and categories (eligible CPF/OPCO)

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.

20%

Regulations, Responsibilities & Crane Standards

French Code du travail requirements (R4323-55 to R4323-57), CNAM Recommandation R484 framework, CACES 5-year validity, role and liability of crane operator vs employer, conditions for issuing the Autorisation de conduite, medical fitness (médecine du travail), regulatory periodic technical inspections (VGP semestrielle), CE marking, user manual, and crane logbook (carnet de bord/registre de sécurité).

25%

Overhead Crane Technology & Safety Mechanisms

Single-girder (monopoutre) vs double-girder (bipoutre) structures, gantry and semi-gantry configurations, runway rails and end stops, hoist mechanisms (palan à chaîne/câble, treuil), steel wire ropes (lay, discard criteria, ISO 4309), drums, sheaves, hooks and safety latches (linguet), travel motions (levage, direction, translation), electromagnetic and electrohydraulic brakes, limit switches (fins de course haut/bas, ralentissement, fin de course translation), overload limiters (limiteur de charge / peson), anticollision systems, and radio transmitter safety protocols (key, dead-man, range limiter).

25%

Rigging, Load Capacity & Sling Calculations

Sling types (câbles acier, chaînes en acier allié grade 80/100, élingues textiles plates ou rondes), color coding and labeling standards (EN 1492, EN 818, EN 13414), Working Load Limit (CMU - Charge Maximale Utile), slinging modes (straight, choke/nœud coulissant, basket/berceau), sling leg angle factor calculations (T = (P / n) / cos(beta/2) or factor 1.0 at 0°, 1.15 at 60°, 1.41 at 90°, 2.0 at 120°), center of gravity (centre de gravité) determination, asymmetrical loading, sharp edge protection (fourreaux de protection, coins d'angle), shackles (manilles), eyebolts (anneaux de levage), lifting beams (palonniers), and spreader bars.

20%

Operating Rules, Trajectory Control & Load Handling

Safe operating rules, strict prohibition of personnel overflight (interdiction de survol de personnes), oblique pulling prohibition (tirage en biais interdit), load swinging dynamics and anti-sway counter-balancing techniques (effet de ballant et contre-balancement), acceleration/deceleration control, combining simultaneous motions, blind lift coordination, standardized hand signals (NF E 52-401), taglines (cordes de guidage), pedestrian exclusion zones, overhead power line clearance (distances de sécurité électrique: 3m < 50kV, 5m >= 50kV), and crushing hazard prevention against building columns or stored stock.

10%

Pre-Use Inspection, Wind Limits & Emergency Procedures

Daily pre-use visual and functional checks (contrôles de prise de poste), hook, latch, wire rope, and brake tests, emergency stop button (arrêt d'urgence) verification, outdoor gantry wind anemometer thresholds (pre-alarm at ~50 km/h, mandatory work stoppage and rail clamping/amarrage at 72 km/h or manufacturer limit), power failure protocol, suspended load emergency management, end-of-shift parking position (crochet remonté au plus haut sans enclencher la fin de course, coupure d'alimentation, télécommande sécurisée), and accident reporting.

Preparing for the CACES R484 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Minimum average of 70/100 on the theoretical test, plus a score at or above the average on every assessed theme; the practical test adds a non-zero mark on each scoring point of the barème
Assessment: The CACES R484 certification under CNAM Recommandation R484 evaluates overhead crane operators through a two-part assessment administered by an accredited Organisme Testeur Certifié (OTC). The theoretical examination comprises a standardized multiple-choice test (1 hour) covering regulations, role and duties of operators, crane technology, mechanics, slinging principles, and operational safety. Candidates must score at least 70/100 overall, with no assessed theme scored below its own average. The practical examination (0.5 to 1 hour per category) tests hands-on proficiency: pre-use visual and functional checks, slinging and load securing, trajectory control and anti-sway counter-balancing maneuvers, blind lifting with standard hand signals (NF E 52-401), and shutdown/parking procedures for Catégorie 1 (pendant/radio ground control) and/or Catégorie 2 (cabin control). Successful completion enables the employer to issue an official Autorisation de conduite.
Time limit: Standardized theoretical MCQ: 1h | Practical maneuvering test: 0.5h–1h
Exam / certification fees: Typically 500 €–1,000 € depending on training center and categories (eligible CPF/OPCO) 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

CACES R484: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the three conditions required for an employer to issue an Autorisation de conduite under Code du travail R4323-56: valid medical fitness, evaluated competence (CACES R484), and workplace/equipment-specific instruction.

2Memorize the sling angle multiplication factors: angle factor = 1 / cos(β/2). At 60° angle between legs factor is 1.15, at 90° it is 1.41, and at 120° it is 2.0 (tension equals full load weight). Never exceed 120°.

3Understand the difference between operational controls and ultimate safety devices: the top limit switch (fin de course haut) is an ultimate emergency stop to prevent block-to-drum impact, never an everyday operating stop.

4Know the counter-balancing (anti-sway) technique: to arrest a swinging load, follow the pendulum motion by nudging the crane bridge or trolley in the direction of the swing just as it reaches maximum displacement.

5Learn the European textile sling color code (EN 1492): Violet = 1 t, Green = 2 t, Yellow = 3 t, Grey = 4 t, Red = 5 t, Brown = 6 t, Blue = 8 t, Orange = 10 t or above, and note that choker hitches reduce CMU by 20% (factor 0.8).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CACES R484 Catégorie 1 and Catégorie 2?

Under CNAM Recommandation R484, Catégorie 1 covers overhead cranes, semi-gantry cranes, and gantry cranes controlled from the ground using either a wired push-button pendant (boîte à boutons filaire) or a wireless radio remote control (radiocommande). Catégorie 2 covers cranes controlled from an operator cabin (conduite en cabine), whether the cabin is fixed to the bridge structure or suspended and traveling with the hoist trolley.

Does holding a CACES R484 certificate automatically authorize me to drive an overhead crane at work?

No. Under French Labour Code article R4323-56, the CACES is a certificate of competence, but only the employer can issue the mandatory Autorisation de conduite. To issue this authorization, the employer must verify three prerequisites: medical fitness certified by the occupational physician (médecin du travail), theoretical and practical competence (demonstrated by the CACES), and site-specific training covering facility hazards, operating rules, and local emergency procedures.

How long is the CACES R484 certification valid in France?

The CACES R484 certificate is valid for 5 years. Before the 5-year expiration date, the crane operator must undergo recertification through an accredited test center (Organisme Testeur Certifié - OTC) to renew their theoretical and practical evaluation.

What is the mandatory inspection frequency for overhead travelling cranes under French law?

Under the Arrêté du 1er mars 2004, overhead travelling cranes (ponts roulants) and gantry cranes (portiques) are power-operated lifting equipment subject to a mandatory periodic technical inspection (Vérification Générale Périodique - VGP) every 6 months. Lifting accessories such as slings, shackles, and lifting beams must be inspected at least once every 12 months.

What is the rule regarding the angle between sling legs during a multi-leg lift?

As the angle between sling legs increases, the tension in each leg multiplies rapidly due to geometry. At an apex angle of 60°, leg tension is 1.15 times the vertical share; at 90°, it reaches 1.41 times; and at 120°, each leg carries 100% of the total load weight. Sling angles exceeding 120° at the hook apex are strictly prohibited under French lifting safety standards.