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Key Facts: CACES R487 Exam

5 Years

Validity period of the CACES R487 certificate across all categories

CNAM Recommandation R487

72 km/h

Statutory maximum permissible operating wind speed (20 m/s) before mandatory weathercocking

INRS ED 6341 / Recommandation R487

6 Months

Mandatory interval for Periodic General Inspection (VGP semestrielle)

Arrêté du 1er mars 2004 / Code du travail

70 / 100

Minimum overall passing score on the standardized theoretical examination

CNAM R487 Référentiel de compétences

100 MCQs

Practice questions in this OpenExamPrep study curriculum

OpenExamPrep Practice Bank

The CACES R487 is France's premier tower crane operator qualification, issued under CNAM Recommandation R487. Passing requires at least 70/100 on the standardized theoretical MCQ test (with at least the average on every assessed theme) and rigorous practical maneuvering tests on GME (Cat 1), GMA (Cat 2), or ground-controlled cranes (Cat 3). This 100-question practice bank covers moment limits, load charts, wind cutoffs, rigging angles, and weathercocking protocols.

Sample CACES R487 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CACES R487 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under CNAM Recommandation R487, what is the maximum validity period of the CACES R487 certificate for tower crane operators in France?

A.3 years

B.10 years

C.5 years

D.Permanent (lifetime validity once issued)

Explanation: The CACES R487 certificate is valid for a maximum period of 5 years from the date of issuance across all categories. To maintain valid certification, the operator must undergo a formal recertification process (recyclage) including theoretical and practical examinations before the 5-year expiration date.

2According to Article R. 4323-56 of the French Labor Code, which three mandatory conditions must an employer verify before delivering an *Autorisation de conduite* to a tower crane operator?

A.Possession of a standard car driving license (Permis B), clean criminal record, and 2 years of construction experience

B.A medical fitness certificate issued by the occupational physician, verified competence (e.g. CACES R487), and knowledge of the site-specific instructions and equipment

C.Completion of an engineering degree, an employer interview, and a high-voltage electrical authorization

D.Validation of an eye examination by an optician, trade union membership, and 30 hours of simulator practice

Explanation: Under the French Labor Code, the employer's internal *Autorisation de conduite* is legally mandatory to operate lifting equipment and requires three cumulative elements: (1) an occupational medical fitness certificate (*avis d'aptitude médicale*) specifically covering work at height and crane operation, (2) verified theoretical and practical operating competence (such as CACES R487), and (3) instruction on site-specific risks, safety rules, and the specific crane model.

3Which crane type is officially classified under CACES R487 Catégorie 1?

A.Grues à montage par éléments (GME) à conduite en cabine

B.Grues à montage rapide (GMA) à conduite en cabine

C.Grues à tour à conduite exclusive depuis le sol par télécommande

D.Grues mobiles télescopiques sur porteur routier

Explanation: Under CNAM Recommandation R487, Catégorie 1 covers element-assembled tower cranes (Grues à montage par éléments - GME) operated from an elevated control cabin. GME cranes are erected section-by-section using auxiliary mobile cranes and are typical on medium-to-large high-rise construction sites.

4Under CACES R487, which specific crane family and driving mode defines Catégorie 2?

A.Element-assembled tower cranes (GME) operated from the ground

B.Overhead gantry and bridge cranes used in precast yards

C.Luffing-jib tower cranes operated without counterweights

D.Fast-erecting tower cranes (Grues à montage rapide - GMA) with cabin control

Explanation: Catégorie 2 of CACES R487 designates fast-erecting tower cranes (Grues à montage rapide - GMA) controlled from a cabin. GMA cranes deploy autonomously using mechanical or hydraulic folding systems and are common on residential and smaller commercial projects.

5What is the technical scope of CACES R487 Catégorie 3?

A.Heavy industrial crawler cranes lifting above 100 tonnes

B.Tower cranes (GME or GMA) operated from the ground using a radio remote control or pendant control

C.Element-assembled cranes operated with an auxiliary co-pilot in the cabin

D.Self-propelled rough-terrain cherry pickers and aerial work platforms

Explanation: CACES R487 Catégorie 3 certifies operators to operate tower cranes (either GME or GMA) from the ground using a wireless radio remote control (télécommande radio) or a tethered pendant control station (pupitre). Ground operation introduces specific pedestrian and visibility risks evaluated during the practical test.

6Beyond the general periodic verification (VGP), which additional statutory examination is imposed on tower cranes alone, and how often must it be carried out?

A.The *examen approfondi de l'état de conservation*, at least every 5 years under the Arrêté du 3 mars 2004

B.A full static and dynamic load test repeated every 3 months by the operator

C.An annual anemometer calibration certificate issued by the crane manufacturer

D.A monthly weld radiography of the mast sections signed off by the site foreman

Explanation: The Arrêté du 3 mars 2004 singles out tower cranes for an *examen approfondi de l'état de conservation* of their essential components, required at least every five years. It is waived only where the employer can show, through the *carnet de maintenance*, that the manufacturer's own in-depth examinations were performed at the manufacturer's stated frequency. This examination is additional to the VGP required by the Arrêté du 1er mars 2004.

7Before a tower crane is put into service following its erection or re-anchoring on a new construction site, what regulatory verification must be completed?

A.A formal commissioning inspection (*vérification de mise en service*) conducted by an accredited inspection body, including static and dynamic proof tests

B.A simple visual confirmation of oil levels and battery charge by the site mason

C.An informal test lift of an empty concrete bucket signed off by the transport driver

D.A sound pressure level test conducted by the local municipal police

Explanation: Every time a tower crane is assembled on a new site or undergoes major structural modification, French law (Arrêté du 1er mars 2004) mandates a thorough commissioning verification (*vérification de mise en service*). This entails verifying structural integrity, safety cutoffs, ground stability, and conducting static load tests (coefficient 1.25) and dynamic load tests (coefficient 1.1).

8During the occupational medical examination (*visite médicale d'aptitude*) for a tower crane operator, which specific clinical factors are rigorously evaluated?

A.Ability to run 5 kilometers in under 25 minutes and carry 60 kg of cement bags

B.Valid international passport and bilingual language proficiency

C.Possession of a personal civil liability insurance policy and blood type card

D.Absence of vertigo and acrophobia, cardiovascular health, visual acuity, stereoscopic depth perception, and auditory function

Explanation: Operating a tower crane involves working at heights (access ladders, cab) and precision manipulation of suspended loads over workers. The occupational health physician (*médecin du travail*) must specifically certify fitness for work at height (*aptitude au travail en hauteur*), depth perception, lack of acrophobia, balance, cardiovascular stability, and absence of conditions causing sudden loss of consciousness (epilepsy, severe diabetes).

9If a site superintendent instructs a crane operator to lift an unknown load that visibly causes the crane's moment limiter to alarm, or during wind gusts exceeding 72 km/h, what is the operator's legal authority under French law?

A.The operator must follow all superintendent orders immediately and submit a written grievance after the shift

B.The operator has the right and legal obligation to exercise the right of withdrawal (*droit de retrait*), halting the maneuver without fear of sanction

C.The operator must disable the moment limiter buzzer and attempt the lift at lowest winch speed

D.The operator must transfer the cabin controls to any laborer willing to complete the lift

Explanation: Under Article L. 4131-1 of the French Labor Code, any worker who has reasonable cause to believe a work situation presents a grave and imminent danger to their life or health (or that of others) possesses the right of withdrawal (*droit de retrait*). The crane operator holds ultimate operational responsibility for lifting safety and must refuse any unsafe order.

10What is the primary regulatory purpose of the crane maintenance logbook (*carnet de maintenance*) mandated by Article R. 4323-20 of the French Labor Code?

A.Maintaining complete chronological traceability of all structural repairs, cable replacements, component modifications, and periodic inspections over the crane's entire life

B.Recording the daily attendance and payroll hours of all subcontractor employees on site

C.Invoicing the general contractor for concrete volumes poured each week

D.Documenting meteorological weather forecasts printed from the national weather service

Explanation: The *carnet de maintenance* is a mandatory legal document that travels with the crane. It must record every maintenance operation, wire rope replacement, brake relining, safety device check, structural modification, and copies of all VGP reports to ensure continuous safety traceability.

About the CACES R487 Exam

The CACES R487 (Certificat d'Aptitude à la Conduite En Sécurité des grues à tour) is the nationally recognized certification established by CNAM and INRS to validate the theoretical knowledge and practical competence required to operate tower cranes safely in France. Regulated under Articles R. 4323-55 to R. 4323-57 of the French Labor Code, operating a tower crane requires an official employer's operating authorization (Autorisation de conduite), which is customarily issued upon obtaining the CACES R487 and passing a specialized occupational medical fitness exam. The certification covers GME (component-erected cranes) and GMA (fast-erecting cranes), testing crane mechanics, load moment limiting devices, load charts, rigging physics, wind limits (72 km/h operating maximum), dynamic anemometer alarms, standardized hand signaling (NF E 52-401), anti-collision zoning, and mandatory weathercocking (mise en girouette libre). OpenExamPrep provides a comprehensive 100-question practice bank formatted in English with authentic French technical and regulatory terminology.

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 R487 (Certificat d'Aptitude à la Conduite En Sécurité des Grues à Tour) is governed by the Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie (CNAM) and INRS under Recommandation R487. The certification comprises two compulsory components: (1) A standardized theoretical examination (tronc commun test théorique, 1 hour) assessing candidate knowledge of crane regulations, site safety, mechanical kinematics, moment limiter principles, load charts, sling angle calculations, wind dynamics, and emergency procedures. Candidates must achieve an overall score >= 70/100, with no assessed theme scored below its own average. (2) A practical examination (1 to 1.5 hours per category) conducted by a certified tester (Organisme Testeur Certifié - OTC) on actual tower cranes. Practical tests evaluate pre-use inspection (prise de poste), traveling and slewing precision, swinging load damping, placing loads out of sight with a signaller/radio, obstacle clearing, and end-of-shift safe parking (mise en girouette). Categories include: Catégorie 1 (Grues à montage par éléments - GME with cabin control), Catégorie 2 (Grues à montage rapide - GMA with cabin control), and Catégorie 3 (Grues à tour à conduite du sol via radio remote control or pendant).

Time Limit

Standardized theoretical MCQ: 1h | Practical maneuvering tests: 1h–1.5h per category

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 1,000 €–2,500 € depending on category GME/GMA (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 of 100 questions

Regulations & Crane Classifications

French Labor Code requirements (R. 4323-55 to R. 4323-57), CACES 5-year validity period, employer operating authorization (Autorisation de conduite), occupational medical fitness for heights/vision, roles of constructor/hirer/user, and mandatory 6-month periodic inspections (VGP semestrielle under Arrêté du 1er mars 2004).

25 of 100 questions

Tower Crane Mechanics & Safety Devices

Structural anatomy of GME and GMA cranes (mâture, flèche, contre-flèche, contrepoids, tirants), slewing mechanisms, hoist winches, non-rotating wire ropes, load moment limiters (limiteur de couple), maximum gross load limiters, hoist/trolley/slewing limit switches, and electronic anti-collision interference systems.

20 of 100 questions

Rigging & Load Handling

Sling selection (chains, wire ropes, synthetic webbing), working load limit (CMU / WLL) calculations, sling angle de-rating factors (facteur d'angle), center of gravity location, tagline handling, tag-line stability, strict prohibition of oblique pulling (tirage en biais), and NF E 52-401 standardized hand signals.

20 of 100 questions

Wind Limits & Site Environmental Risks

Anemometer operating principles and alarm setpoints (50 km/h pre-alarm, 72 km/h / 20 m/s mandatory shutdown), dynamic wind load and sail area (prise au vent) on formwork shutters (banches), overhead power line safe approach distances (5 m >= 50 kV, 3 m < 50 kV), ground bearing pressure, and forbidden overflight zones.

15 of 100 questions

Inspection, Operating Protocols & Weathercocking

Daily pre-use inspection (prise de poste), safety logbook (carnet de maintenance), radio communication protocols, blind lifting coordination, emergency stop execution, end-of-shift safe parking, and the complete free weathercocking (mise en girouette libre) procedure.

Preparing for the CACES R487 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 R487 (Certificat d'Aptitude à la Conduite En Sécurité des Grues à Tour) is governed by the Caisse Nationale de l'Assurance Maladie (CNAM) and INRS under Recommandation R487. The certification comprises two compulsory components: (1) A standardized theoretical examination (tronc commun test théorique, 1 hour) assessing candidate knowledge of crane regulations, site safety, mechanical kinematics, moment limiter principles, load charts, sling angle calculations, wind dynamics, and emergency procedures. Candidates must achieve an overall score >= 70/100, with no assessed theme scored below its own average. (2) A practical examination (1 to 1.5 hours per category) conducted by a certified tester (Organisme Testeur Certifié - OTC) on actual tower cranes. Practical tests evaluate pre-use inspection (prise de poste), traveling and slewing precision, swinging load damping, placing loads out of sight with a signaller/radio, obstacle clearing, and end-of-shift safe parking (mise en girouette). Categories include: Catégorie 1 (Grues à montage par éléments - GME with cabin control), Catégorie 2 (Grues à montage rapide - GMA with cabin control), and Catégorie 3 (Grues à tour à conduite du sol via radio remote control or pendant).
Time limit: Standardized theoretical MCQ: 1h | Practical maneuvering tests: 1h–1.5h per category
Exam / certification fees: Typically 1,000 €–2,500 € depending on category GME/GMA (eligible CPF/OPCO) Official sources

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CACES R487: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master load moment calculations (C = P x R): remember that moment capacity is expressed in tonne-meters (t.m). If a crane has a rated moment of 120 t.m, at a 30-meter radius the maximum allowable load is 120 / 30 = 4.0 tonnes (assuming gross capacity is not exceeded).

2Memorize the sling angle multiplier (facteur d'angle): as the angle between sling legs increases, cable tension rises sharply. At 60° between legs the tension factor is 1.155; at 90° it is 1.414; at 120° each leg carries 100% of the total load weight (factor 2.0). Never exceed 120° under any circumstances.

3Know safety device cutoffs cold: understand the distinction between the maximum gross load limiter (limiteur de charge maximale), which protects the hoist rope and winch, and the moment limiter (limiteur de moment), which protects the crane from structural buckling or tipping by cutting off outward trolley travel and hoisting.

4Memorize the mandatory electrical clearance zones under NF C 18-510: maintain at least 3 meters from overhead lines under 50,000 V (50 kV) and at least 5 meters from lines operating at or above 50,000 V.

5Review the NF E 52-401 standardized hand signals: ensure you know the exact manual gestures for stop (emergency vs normal), raise, lower, trolley out, trolley in, and slewing left/right, as hand signals are heavily tested on the theoretical MCQ exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal difference between CACES R487 and the employer's Autorisation de conduite?

The CACES (Certificat d'Aptitude à la Conduite En Sécurité) R487 is a personal certificate of theoretical and practical competence issued to the operator by an accredited testing organization (OTC) and is valid across France for 5 years. However, under French Labor Code Article R. 4323-56, holding a CACES alone does not legally authorize the worker to operate a crane on a job site. The employer must issue an internal operating authorization ('Autorisation de conduite') after verifying three mandatory conditions: (1) valid medical fitness certificate from the occupational physician, (2) verified competence (such as CACES R487), and (3) instruction on site-specific risks, crane instructions, and site ground conditions.

What are the three crane categories covered under CNAM Recommandation R487?

CNAM Recommandation R487 classifies tower cranes into three categories: Catégorie 1 covers element-assembled tower cranes (Grues à montage par éléments - GME) with cabin control; Catégorie 2 covers fast-erecting tower cranes (Grues à montage rapide - GMA) with cabin control; and Catégorie 3 covers tower cranes (either GME or GMA) operated from the ground using a radio remote control (télécommande) or pendant control (pupitre).

What is the maximum permissible wind speed for operating a tower crane in France?

Under CNAM R487 and European standard EN 14439, the standard maximum permissible operating wind speed is 72 km/h (20 m/s), unless the crane manufacturer's instruction manual specifies a lower threshold. Most cranes feature a two-stage anemometer: an audible/visual pre-alarm warning at 50 km/h, and an alarm at 72 km/h requiring immediate suspension of all lifting operations, lowering of the hook, and placing the crane into free weathercocking (mise en girouette). Handling large sail-area loads such as formwork panels (banches) typically requires stopping operations at significantly lower wind speeds (e.g., 50 km/h or as indicated in the site health and safety plan PPSPS).

What is the required procedure for placing a tower crane in free weathercocking (mise en girouette)?

At the end of every work shift or whenever wind speeds approach the operating cutoff limit, the operator must: (1) unhook all loads and rigging gear, (2) raise the hook block to its upper limit switch near the trolley, (3) bring the trolley to the manufacturer-specified parking position (typically close to the mast), (4) disengage the slewing brake mechanism (défreinage de l'orientation) to allow the jib to swing freely with the wind, (5) isolate and lock the electrical power supply switch (sectionneur), and (6) lock the cabin and access ladder security gates.

How often must a tower crane undergo periodic safety inspection (VGP)?

Under the French Ministerial Decree of March 1, 2004 (Arrêté du 1er mars 2004), tower cranes used on construction sites must undergo a General Periodic Verification (Vérification Générale Périodique - VGP) every 6 months (semestrielle). In addition, a thorough commissioning verification (vérification de mise en service) must be performed every time the crane is erected or reconfigured on a new site before being placed into operation.