PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for CAP Carreleur Mosaïste

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Exam Review

Key Facts: CAP Carreleur Mosaïste Exam

10.0 / 20

Minimum overall passing score across all examination units

Code de l'éducation / Règlement du CAP

12–16 Hours

Total duration of practical workshop examinations (UP2 + UP3)

Référentiel CAP Carreleur Mosaïste (Arrêté du 15 avril 2019)

0 €

Public registration fee for taking the examination via Cyclades

Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse

< 0.5%

Maximum residual moisture allowed for tiling over calcium sulfate (anhydrite) screeds

CPT Cahier 3577 CSTB / DTU 52.2

100 MCQs

High-yield practice questions authored in this OpenExamPrep study bank

OpenExamPrep Trades Curriculum

The CAP Carreleur Mosaïste is the official French national trade qualification for professional tilers and mosaicists, evaluating candidates across three units: UP1 written preparation (2h, coef 3), UP2 practical floor and wall tile installation (10-12h, coef 9), and UP3 specialized waterproofing and finishing (4-5h, coef 4). Passing requires an overall grade >= 10.0/20. This 100-question practice bank covers DTU 52.1/52.2 regulations, screed moisture diagnostics, C2S1 adhesive classifications, SPEC/SEL waterproofing, and calepinage layout calculations.

Sample CAP Carreleur Mosaïste Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CAP Carreleur Mosaïste 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 technical distinction between the scopes of French standards DTU 52.1 and DTU 52.2 in tiling installation?
A.DTU 52.1 governs direct adhesive bonding onto cured screeds, whereas DTU 52.2 regulates traditional thick mortar bed installations.
B.DTU 52.1 governs traditional mortar bed installations (pose scellée), whereas DTU 52.2 governs bonded tile installations using adhesive mortars (pose collée).
C.DTU 52.1 is strictly restricted to outdoor terraces, whereas DTU 52.2 applies exclusively to interior wall faïence.
D.DTU 52.1 regulates organic paste adhesives (D1/D2), whereas DTU 52.2 regulates cementitious grouts (CG1/CG2).
Explanation: In French building standards, DTU 52.1 covers traditional thick mortar bed installations (*pose scellée sur mortier traditionnel*), where tiles are embedded directly into fresh mortar. In contrast, DTU 52.2 covers thin-bed and medium-bed bonded tiling (*pose collée*) using factory-engineered adhesive mortars applied to cured, dry substrates.
2According to DTU 52.2, what is the maximum allowable surface flatness deviation under a 2-meter straightedge for a substrate receiving bonded floor tiles?
A.7 mm under a 2 m straightedge
B.10 mm under a 2 m straightedge
C.5 mm under a 2 m straightedge
D.2 mm under a 2 m straightedge
Explanation: DTU 52.2 stipulates that a substrate intended for bonded ceramic tiling (*pose collée*) must exhibit a normal flatness tolerance not exceeding 5 mm under a 2-meter straightedge (*règle de 2 mètres*). If deviations exceed 5 mm, a localized patch or general leveling compound (*ragréage d'égalisation*) must be applied before tiling.
3What is the maximum permissible residual moisture content for an unheated calcium sulfate (anhydrite) screed before bonded ceramic tiling can proceed?
A.Less than 0.5% moisture measured by calcium carbide hygrometer
B.Less than 1.5% moisture measured by calcium carbide hygrometer
C.Less than 3.0% moisture measured by calcium carbide hygrometer
D.Less than 4.5% moisture measured by calcium carbide hygrometer
Explanation: Under French CSTB guidelines (CPT Cahier 3577) and DTU 52.2, calcium sulfate (fluid anhydrite) screeds are exceptionally sensitive to moisture. The residual moisture content must be strictly below 0.5% (measured with a calcium carbide bomb hygrometer) before any tiling or priming can occur.
4When tiling over a calcium sulfate (anhydrite) screed incorporating a low-temperature hydronic underfloor heating system (*plancher chauffant*), what is the maximum allowable residual moisture content?
A.Less than 0.2% moisture
B.Less than 0.8% moisture
C.Less than 1.0% moisture
D.Less than 2.0% moisture
Explanation: When an underfloor heating system is integrated into a calcium sulfate screed, the residual moisture threshold is reduced from 0.5% down to less than 0.2% (using a calcium carbide bomb). This extreme dryness ensures that heat cycles will not vaporize trapped water, which would break the adhesive bond.
5What is the minimum statutory curing and drying period required by DTU 52.2 for a newly poured traditional cement screed before bonded ceramic tiling can begin?
A.7 days
B.14 days
C.28 days
D.60 days
Explanation: DTU 52.2 specifies that a newly placed traditional cementitious screed must cure and dry for at least 28 days (approximately 1 month) under normal atmospheric conditions before bonded tiling can be carried out. This allows the cement hydration process to stabilize and the majority of drying shrinkage to conclude.
6Using a calcium carbide bomb (*bombe au carbure*), what is the maximum residual moisture content permitted for an unheated traditional cement screed prior to adhesive tiling?
A.Less than 4.5%
B.Less than 0.5%
C.Less than 8.0%
D.Less than 10.0%
Explanation: For an unheated traditional cement-based screed, DTU 52.2 permits bonded tiling when residual moisture has dropped below 4.5% by weight, as verified by a calcium carbide hygrometer. If heated, the screed must reach below 2.0% after a full thermal commissioning cycle.
7What is the primary technical function of applying an adhesion primer (*primaire d'adhérence*) onto a porous gypsum plasterboard or porous screed before applying adhesive mortar?
A.To waterproof the substrate against pressurized standing water
B.To regulate substrate porosity, prevent water from being sucked out of the adhesive, and promote mechanical bonding
C.To replace the need for perimeter expansion joints
D.To chemically dissolve surface dirt and oils without mechanical cleaning
Explanation: A porous substrate rapidly absorbs the mixing water out of adhesive mortars, causing 'starvation' and dry-curing (*brûlage de la colle*). Applying an acrylic or synthetic resin primer regulates absorption, consolidates fine surface dust, and ensures the adhesive maintains enough water to hydrate properly.
8During the curing of a fluid calcium sulfate (anhydrite) screed, a friable surface skin (*laitance de surface*) forms. What mandatory mechanical operation must the tiler verify or carry out prior to tiling?
A.Acid etching using concentrated hydrochloric acid
B.Mechanical sanding (*égrenage / ponçage*) with coarse abrasive (grit 16–24) followed by industrial vacuuming
C.Moistening the surface daily for two weeks
D.Applying a thick coat of linseed oil
Explanation: Fluid calcium sulfate screeds bleed a weak, non-adherent surface film (laitance). According to professional CPT rules, this surface skin must be mechanically removed by sanding (*égrenage / ponçage*) using a rotary floor machine with grit 16–24 sandpaper or a diamond disc, followed by meticulous vacuuming, before primer and tile adhesive can bond to the sound core.
9A floor substrate exhibits localized hollows exceeding 5 mm. When selecting a self-smoothing leveling compound (*enduit de lissage / ragréage autolissant*) for a commercial premises classified P3, what performance class is required?
A.A P3-classified leveling compound suitable for thicknesses up to 10 mm per pass
B.A P2 residential-only paste compound limited to 1 mm
C.A non-hydraulic plaster paste without aggregate
D.A bitumen mastic coating
Explanation: Under CSTB certification for leveling compounds, the product classification (e.g., P2, P3, P4, P4S) must match or exceed the UPEC requirement of the room. For a P3 commercial room, an enduit de lissage classified P3 (typically a cement-based compound capable of 3 to 10 mm single-pass application) must be specified.
10In addition to the 2-meter straightedge rule, what is the localized flatness tolerance under a 20 cm ruler required by DTU 52.2 for a bonded tiling substrate?
A.Maximum 1 mm deviation under a 20 cm ruler
B.Maximum 3 mm deviation under a 20 cm ruler
C.Maximum 5 mm deviation under a 20 cm ruler
D.Maximum 0.1 mm deviation under a 20 cm ruler
Explanation: DTU 52.2 specifies two complementary flatness checks: a general tolerance of 5 mm under a 2 m straightedge, and a localized tolerance of 1 mm under a 20 cm ruler (*réglet de 20 cm*). The 20 cm check prevents abrupt ridges or sharp hollows that cause tile lippage or corner breakage.

About the CAP Carreleur Mosaïste Exam

The Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) Carreleur Mosaïste is France's state-recognized vocational qualification (Niveau 3 / EQF Level 3, registered under RNCP39328) for professional wall and floor tilers and mosaic craftspeople. Administered by the Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse and organized regionally through the Cyclades examination portal, the certification verifies mastery of French building codes (DTU 52.1 for traditional mortar bed installation and DTU 52.2 for bonded adhesive tiling), screed preparation and moisture diagnostics (cement vs. anhydrite), European adhesive mortar standards (EN 12004 C1/C2/C2S1/C2S2), waterproofing membrane systems (SPEC and SEL), precise geometrical calepinage, tile cutting with diamond machinery, and occupational safety regarding respirable crystalline silica dust.

Exam sponsor: Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse (MEN). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The CAP Carreleur Mosaïste certification is structured into three mandatory professional assessment units under the RNCP39328 national standard: UP1 (Étude et préparation d'un chantier de pose de carrelage, coefficient 3, 2-hour written technical exam evaluating blueprint decoding, quantity surveying, calepinage planning, and DTU 52 compliance); UP2 (Réalisation d'ouvrages de carrelage et de mosaïque, coefficient 9, practical workshop exam of 10 to 12 hours testing screed leveling, double-buttering adhesive application, large-format porcelain installation, and mosaic detailing); and UP3 (Réalisation d'ouvrages spécifiques et finitions, coefficient 4, practical and oral test of 4 to 5 hours evaluating SPEC/SEL liquid waterproofing systems, acoustic underlays, stair cladding, expansion joint caulking, and occupational risk prevention). General education units (EG1 French/History-Geography, EG2 Math/Science, EG3 Physical Education, EG4 PSE) complete the diploma unless candidates hold an equivalent secondary qualification.

Time Limit

Written technical exam: 2h | Practical wall and floor tiling tests: 12h–16h

Passing Score

Minimum 10.0/20 overall weighted average

Exam / Certification Fees

0 € (Free public registration via Cyclades portal)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

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%

Substrate Preparation & DTU Standards

Rules of DTU 52.1 (traditional mortar bed installation) and DTU 52.2 (thin-bed adhesive tiling), tolerance limits (5 mm under 2 m straightedge, 1 mm under 20 cm ruler), screed drying kinetics, moisture testing via carbide bomb (< 0.5% for calcium sulfate/anhydrite screeds, < 4.5% for cement screeds), priming porous and non-porous substrates, and crack bridging.

20%

Adhesive Mortars & Grouting Systems

European standard EN 12004 classifications: standard cementitious (C1), improved cementitious (C2), deformable (C2S1), highly deformable (C2S2), dispersion adhesives (D1, D2), fast-setting (F), slip-resistant (T), and extended open time (E). EN 13888 grout types (CG1, CG2, CG2WA, RG epoxy), trowel notch selection, and double-buttering (double encollage) surface coverage.

20%

Tile Materials & Cutting Techniques

Characteristics of porcelain stoneware (grès cérame émaillé and pleine masse, water absorption <= 0.5%), glazed earthenware wall tiles (faïence), terracotta, natural stone (granite, marble, travertine), and glass mosaic. Manual score-and-snap cutters (carrelette), diamond wet saws, angle grinders, mitering (coupe d'onglet), plunge holes, and diamond hole saws.

20%

Waterproofing & Acoustic Underlays

Waterproofing systems for wet rooms: SPEC (Système de Protection à l'Eau sous Carrelage for private showers and bathrooms) and SEL (Système d'Étanchéité Liquide for exterior balconies, terraces, and commercial walk-in showers). Perimeter sealing bands (bandes d'étanchéité), uncoupling membranes (nattes de désolidarisation), and thin acoustic underlays (SCAM).

20%

Tiling Layout, Expansion Joints & Safety

Calepinage principles (establishing main perpendicular axes, symmetrical placement, avoiding cut strips smaller than half a tile), structural and movement joints, perimeter joints (minimum 5 mm), intermediate fractioning joints (every 40-60 m² or 8 linear meters indoors), respirable crystalline silica dust exposure, P3 dust respirators, and PPE.

Preparing for the CAP Carreleur Mosaïste Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Minimum 10.0/20 overall weighted average
  • Assessment: The CAP Carreleur Mosaïste certification is structured into three mandatory professional assessment units under the RNCP39328 national standard: UP1 (Étude et préparation d'un chantier de pose de carrelage, coefficient 3, 2-hour written technical exam evaluating blueprint decoding, quantity surveying, calepinage planning, and DTU 52 compliance); UP2 (Réalisation d'ouvrages de carrelage et de mosaïque, coefficient 9, practical workshop exam of 10 to 12 hours testing screed leveling, double-buttering adhesive application, large-format porcelain installation, and mosaic detailing); and UP3 (Réalisation d'ouvrages spécifiques et finitions, coefficient 4, practical and oral test of 4 to 5 hours evaluating SPEC/SEL liquid waterproofing systems, acoustic underlays, stair cladding, expansion joint caulking, and occupational risk prevention). General education units (EG1 French/History-Geography, EG2 Math/Science, EG3 Physical Education, EG4 PSE) complete the diploma unless candidates hold an equivalent secondary qualification.
  • Time limit: Written technical exam: 2h | Practical wall and floor tiling tests: 12h–16h
  • Exam / certification fees: 0 € (Free public registration via Cyclades portal) 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

CAP Carreleur Mosaïste: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the European adhesive mortar classification system (EN 12004): C1 (normal cementitious), C2 (improved), C2S1 (deformable, deflection 2.5–5 mm), C2S2 (highly deformable, deflection >= 5 mm), and D1/D2 (ready-mixed organic pastes).
2Memorize the DTU 52.2 double-buttering (double encollage) threshold: required for floor tiles with surface area > 3,600 cm² (e.g., 60x60 cm) or when specified by substrate/exterior conditions, and on interior walls for tiles > 1,200 cm².
3Calculate mortar adhesive consumption based on trowel notch size: U6 (~3.5 kg/m² simple gluing), U9 (~4.5–5 kg/m²), and double-buttering with U9/DL20 requiring 6 to 8 kg/m².
4Practice calepinage layout calculations: always start by locating the centerline or entry line, calculating whole tile counts and remaining perimeter offcuts, and ensuring no perimeter border tile is narrower than half a tile width.
5Review workplace safety and health (PSE): understand the chronic hazards of respirable crystalline silica dust generated by cutting tiles, the legal workplace exposure limit (0.1 mg/m³ in France), and the mandatory use of P3 filtering masks and water-suppressed or HEPA-vacuum diamond tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official structure of the French CAP Carreleur Mosaïste examination?

The examination comprises three professional units: UP1 Étude et préparation d'un chantier (written technical paper, 2 hours, coefficient 3) testing blueprint reading, quantity takeoffs, and calepinage plans; UP2 Réalisation d'ouvrages de carrelage et de mosaïque (practical workshop exam, 10–12 hours, coefficient 9) testing screeding, tile laying, and mosaic execution; and UP3 Réalisation d'ouvrages spécifiques et finitions (practical and oral exam, 4–5 hours, coefficient 4) evaluating waterproofing (SPEC/SEL), acoustic isolation, expansion joints, and safety.

What are the core differences between DTU 52.1 and DTU 52.2?

DTU 52.1 regulates traditional bonded or unbonded thick mortar bed tiling (pose scellée sur mortier traditionnel), where tiles are set directly onto freshly laid mortar screeds. DTU 52.2 regulates thin-bed adhesive tiling (pose collée), where tiles are bonded with factory-formulated adhesive mortars (C1, C2, C2S1, C2S2) onto cured, dry, and dimensionally stable substrates like concrete slabs or screeds.

What are the mandatory residual moisture limits before tiling on screeds in France?

Under French building rules, calcium sulfate / anhydrite screeds (chapes fluides à base de sulfate de calcium) must reach a residual moisture content below 0.5% (or below 0.2% if heated floor). Cement-based screeds (chapes ciment) must typically have dried for at least 28 days and reach a residual moisture level below 4.5% (or below 2% when heated) measured using a calcium carbide hygrometer.

What is the difference between a SPEC and a SEL waterproofing system?

A SPEC (Système de Protection à l'Eau sous Carrelage) is a water-protection under-tile coating designed exclusively for indoor domestic wet areas (private bathrooms, shower walls). It protects moisture-sensitive substrates (like plasterboard) from incidental splashing. A SEL (Système d'Étanchéité Liquide) is a certified elastomeric liquid waterproofing membrane that creates a true continuous watertight barrier, mandatory for outdoor terraces, balconies, and public or barrier-free walk-in showers (douches à l'italienne).

Can independent candidates (candidats libres) take the CAP Carreleur Mosaïste exam?

Yes. Any adult candidate can register free of charge (0 €) as a candidat libre via the national Cyclades portal (candidat.examens-concours.gouv.fr) during the annual registration window (usually October–November) to sit for the theoretical and practical exams at a designated regional vocational center.