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Key Facts: CAP Charpentier Bois Exam

14–18 Hours

Total duration of practical workshop fabrication and on-site erection exams (UP2 + UP3)

Ministère de l'Éducation nationale - Référentiel CAP Charpentier Bois

Coef 17

Total combined coefficient for professional units UP1, UP2, and UP3

Arrêté du 10 avril 2020 / RNCP41012

0 €

Registration fee for public examination entry via the national Cyclades portal

Portail National Cyclades France

<= 18–20%

Maximum allowable timber moisture content for interior structural framing (NF DTU 31.1)

Norme NF DTU 31.1 Charpente et escaliers en bois

UNESCO 2009

Year French timber lofting (l'Art du Trait de Charpente) was recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative List

The CAP Charpentier Bois is France's premier state certification for structural timber framers, combining a 2-hour written engineering analysis (UP1) with 14 to 18 hours of workshop joinery and on-site erection assessments (UP2, UP3). Passing requires an overall average >= 10.0/20. This 100-question practice bank covers timber grading, roof pitch trigonometry, art du trait lofting, traditional joinery, and working-at-height safety regulations.

Sample CAP Charpentier Bois Practice Questions

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

1According to the European structural timber standard EN 338, what does the designation 'C24' indicate regarding the mechanical performance of structural softwood?

A.A characteristic bending strength (fm,k) of 24 N/mm² parallel to the grain

B.A maximum density limit of 240 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content

C.A characteristic compressive strength perpendicular to the grain of 24 N/mm²

D.A mean modulus of elasticity (E0,mean) of 24 GPa parallel to the grain

Explanation: In the EN 338 classification system for softwoods (prefix 'C' for coniferous), the numeric value designates the characteristic bending strength parallel to the grain (fm,k) in N/mm² (or MPa). A C24 softwood provides a guaranteed 5th percentile bending strength of 24 N/mm² with a mean modulus of elasticity of 11 GPa.

2Which visual and physical characteristic distinctly identifies Douglas fir (*Pseudotsuga menziesii*) when selected for structural roof framing in France?

A.Uniform pale ivory timber with non-distinct sapwood and no annual ring contrast

B.A pinkish-brown to salmon heartwood clearly delineated from a narrow, pale cream sapwood

C.Deep dark olive timber with prominent resin canals weeping liquid pitch at room temperature

D.A ring-porous hardwood structure with high tannin content and broad medullary rays

Explanation: Douglas fir (Douglas / Pin d'Oregon) is characterized by a marked contrast between its pale cream sapwood (aubier) and its pinkish-red to salmon heartwood (duramen). Its heartwood exhibits natural Class 3 durability against fungal decay, making it popular in French timber framing.

3Under French construction standard NF DTU 31.1, what is the maximum allowable moisture content (*taux d'humidité*) for structural solid timber framing at the time of installation in an enclosed building envelope?

A.20%

B.28%

C.35%

D.12%

Explanation: Under NF DTU 31.1, structural timber intended for covered roof framing must not exceed 20% moisture content (and ideally 18% or lower for insulated, heated structures). Moisture levels above 20% expose framing to excessive drying shrinkage, twisting, and fungal germination.

4According to standard NF EN 335, what risk class (*classe d'emploi*) corresponds to structural timber used under a roof where it is protected from weather but subject to occasional elevated ambient humidity?

A.Classe d'emploi 2

B.Classe d'emploi 1

C.Classe d'emploi 3.2

D.Classe d'emploi 4

Explanation: Classe d'emploi 2 applies to interior wood or structural timber protected from direct rain under a roof cover, but where occasional temporary condensation or high relative humidity may occur (such as attic framing and trusses).

5Which wood-destroying insect (*insecte xylophage*) poses the greatest structural threat to dry seasoned softwood roof framing in France?

A.Le capricorne des maisons (*Hylotrupes bajulus*)

B.La grosse vrillette (*Xestobium rufovillosum*)

C.Le lyctus brun (*Lyctus brunneus*)

D.Le sirex géant (*Urocerus gigas*)

Explanation: The house longhorn beetle (*Hylotrupes bajulus*), known in French as *le capricorne des maisons*, is the primary wood-boring pest of dry softwood roof framing. Its larvae tunnel through the sapwood of spruce, pine, and fir for 3 to 10 years, hollowing out structural members while leaving a deceptively sound outer veneer.

6Under European standard EN 338, which strength class is commonly assigned to visual structural grade French oak (*chêne*) used in heavy timber carpentry?

A.D30

B.C18

C.GL28h

D.D18

Explanation: Deciduous hardwood species are graded under the 'D' prefix according to EN 338. Structural French oak commonly qualifies for class D30 (or D24 to D35 depending on visual defect sizing), providing a characteristic bending strength of 30 N/mm².

7A carpenter prepares a cutting list (*débit*) requiring 30 rafters (*chevrons*) measuring 75 mm × 110 mm in cross-section, each with a length of 4.20 m. What is the total volume of timber in cubic meters (m³)?

A.1.0395 m³

B.1.3860 m³

C.0.9450 m³

D.10.395 m³

Explanation: Volume = Quantity × Width × Height × Length. First convert all dimensions to meters: 75 mm = 0.075 m, 110 mm = 0.110 m. Cross-sectional area = 0.075 m × 0.110 m = 0.00825 m². Total volume = 30 × 0.00825 m² × 4.20 m = 1.0395 m³.

8When measuring the moisture content of structural timber on site using an electrical resistance pin meter (*humidimètre à pointes*), how should the electrode pins be driven?

A.Across the grain (perpendicular to wood fibers) to a depth of approximately one-third the piece thickness

B.Parallel to the grain inserted barely 1 mm into the surface glaze

C.Directly into an end-grain cut face along the longitudinal growth rings

D.Through a knot core with insulated sleeves removed

Explanation: Standard moisture protocol requires inserting electrode pins perpendicular to the grain orientation at roughly one-third (1/3) of the timber piece's thickness to measure core moisture accurately. Testing parallel to the grain or near end-grain gives distorted readings due to rapid edge drying.

9What physical phenomenon occurs when timber dries below its Fiber Saturation Point (*Point de Saturation des Fibres* - PSF, approximately 30% moisture content)?

A.Water within cell lumens (eau libre) begins to evaporate without changing timber volume

B.Water within cell walls (eau liée) begins to evacuate, causing dimensional shrinkage and increasing mechanical strength

C.The timber becomes immune to attacks by wood-decay fungi and termites

D.Internal cell sap crystallizes and doubles the timber's electrical conductivity

Explanation: Above the PSF (~30%), drying timber only loses 'free water' (*eau libre*) contained in open cell cavities, which causes no dimensional change. Below the PSF, bound water (*eau liée*) leaves the cell walls themselves, triggering cellular shrinkage, radial/tangential contraction, and an increase in mechanical stiffness.

10In glued-laminated timber (*bois lamellé-collé* - BLC) conforming to standard NF EN 14080, what does the letter 'h' signify in the grade designation 'GL24h'?

A.Homogeneous glulam (*lamellé-collé homogène*), where all lamellae throughout the entire cross-section belong to the same strength class

B.High-humidity glulam (*haute hygrométrie*), manufactured with phenolic resins for permanent submersion

C.Horizontal glulam (*horizontal*), designating beams designed solely for flatwise bending loads

D.Hardwood glulam (*hêtre*), indicating laminations fabricated from steamed beech wood

Explanation: In European glulam standards, 'h' stands for *homogeneous* (*homogène*), indicating that all laminations across the entire beam depth share the same grade (e.g. C24). This contrasts with combined glulam ('c' for *combiné*, e.g. GL24c), where outer tensile and compressive zones have higher grade laminations than the inner core.

About the CAP Charpentier Bois Exam

The Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) Charpentier Bois is the state-recognized national trade diploma (Niveau 3 / EQF Level 3) certifying skilled timber framing carpenters across France. Regulated under RNCP41012 and established by the Arrêté du 10 avril 2020, the certification validates comprehensive technical mastery in drafting and reading architectural plans, timber species selection, mechanical stress grading (C18, C24, D30), full-scale geometric lofting (l'art du trait de charpente, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list), traditional heavy timber joinery fabrication, and rigorous crane-assisted structural roof erection following strict French labor safety mandates (R408 scaffolding, fall arrest harnesses). Candidates are examined through written engineering calculations and hands-on workshop and on-site construction performances.

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 Charpentier Bois qualification evaluates candidates across three primary professional units governed by the Arrêté du 10 avril 2020 (RNCP41012): UP1 Étude et préparation d'un ouvrage de charpente (2-hour written technical analysis, coefficient 4), UP2 Fabrication d'un ouvrage de charpente en atelier (practical workshop cutting and machining test, 10 to 12 hours, coefficient 8), and UP3 Mise en œuvre d'un ouvrage de charpente sur chantier (practical assembly, erection, and safety test, 4 to 6 hours, coefficient 5, which incorporates Prévention Santé Environnement - PSE). In UP1, candidates interpret structural architectural blueprints, calculate true lengths and bevel cuts using trigonometry and descriptive geometry, and draft fabrication cutting lists (débits). In UP2, candidates execute full-scale lofting (épure), lay out timber components, and machine traditional joinery (tenons, mortises, embrèvements, scarf joints) using both stationary and portable woodworking machinery. In UP3, candidates assemble trusses on site, secure temporary cross-bracing, erect purlins and rafters safely at height using R408 scaffolds and safety nets, and anchor the structural frame to masonry foundations.

Time Limit

Written technical exam: 2h | Practical timber cutting and assembly: 14h–18h

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.

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%

Timber Technology & Grading

Softwoods (épicéa, sapin, douglas, mélèze) and hardwoods (chêne, châtaignier), visual and mechanical strength grading (C18, C24, D30), moisture content equilibrium (< 18-20% for framing), wood preservative treatment classes (1 to 4), glulam (bois lamellé-collé - BLC), and engineered composite timbers (LVL, CLT).

20%

Traditional Roof Framing & Trusses

Components of the traditional king-post truss (ferme traditionnelle à poinçon et contrefiches), tie beams (entrait franc et entrait retroussé), principal rafters (arbalétriers), king post (poinçon), struts (contrefiches), purlins (panne faîtière, ventrières, sablière), rafters (chevrons), and eaves framing (coyaux, bascule de coyaux).

20%

Geometric Lofting & Art du Trait

Full-scale floor lofting (tracé d'épure), alignment and rafter layout (hersage), plumb and level lines (aplomb et niveau), hip rafters (arêtiers), valley rafters (noues), backing cuts and bevelling (barbe et chanlatte), and true length determination via descriptive geometry.

20%

Timber Joinery & Structural Connectors

Traditional step joints (embrèvement avant, arrière, à double entaille), mortise-and-tenon joints secured with draw-bored hardwood pegs (chevilles chêne/acacia), bolted scarf joints (trait de Jupiter), gusset plates, timber dowels, split-ring connectors, and Eurocode 5 galvanized steel brackets.

20%

Site Erection, Bracing & Working at Height

Crane rigging and truss lifting protocols, sling angles, temporary structural bracing (contreventement provisoire), wind-bracing trusses (poutres au vent), erection sequence, R408 certified frame scaffolding, safety nets (filets anti-chute), personal fall arrest systems (EPI antichute), and beam saw workshop safety.

Preparing for the CAP Charpentier Bois Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Minimum 10.0/20 overall weighted average
Assessment: The CAP Charpentier Bois qualification evaluates candidates across three primary professional units governed by the Arrêté du 10 avril 2020 (RNCP41012): UP1 Étude et préparation d'un ouvrage de charpente (2-hour written technical analysis, coefficient 4), UP2 Fabrication d'un ouvrage de charpente en atelier (practical workshop cutting and machining test, 10 to 12 hours, coefficient 8), and UP3 Mise en œuvre d'un ouvrage de charpente sur chantier (practical assembly, erection, and safety test, 4 to 6 hours, coefficient 5, which incorporates Prévention Santé Environnement - PSE). In UP1, candidates interpret structural architectural blueprints, calculate true lengths and bevel cuts using trigonometry and descriptive geometry, and draft fabrication cutting lists (débits). In UP2, candidates execute full-scale lofting (épure), lay out timber components, and machine traditional joinery (tenons, mortises, embrèvements, scarf joints) using both stationary and portable woodworking machinery. In UP3, candidates assemble trusses on site, secure temporary cross-bracing, erect purlins and rafters safely at height using R408 scaffolds and safety nets, and anchor the structural frame to masonry foundations.
Time limit: Written technical exam: 2h | Practical timber cutting and assembly: 14h–18h
Exam / certification fees: 0 € (Free public registration via Cyclades portal) Official sources

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CAP Charpentier Bois: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master roof pitch conversions and right-triangle trigonometry: understand how to convert slope percentage into degrees (tan(alpha) = pitch %) and calculate true rafter lengths using L = horizontal run / cos(alpha).

2Memorize the anatomy of the ferme traditionnelle: identify the structural role and force types (tension vs compression) of the entrait (tension tie), arbalétriers (compression rafters), poinçon (tension/suspension king post), and contrefiches (compression struts).

3Understand the mechanics of embrèvements: distinguish between an embrèvement avant (front notch), embrèvement arrière (heel notch), and embrèvement à double entaille, and calculate the maximum allowable depth (typically 1/6 to 1/4 of tie-beam depth) to prevent shear failure.

4Review timber strength classes and moisture guidelines: know that softwood framing typically requires C18 or C24 (minimum bending strength 18 or 24 N/mm²), while hardwoods like oak are graded D30, and moisture content must not exceed 18%–20%.

5Learn scaffolding and working-at-heights safety regulations: memorize the requirements of R408 scaffolding erection, daily inspections, anchorages, and the mandatory use of safety nets and certified fall arrest harnesses during roof erection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official structure of the French CAP Charpentier Bois examination?

The examination is divided into three professional units under RNCP41012: UP1 (written technical analysis and blueprint reading, 2 hours, coefficient 4), UP2 (workshop timber fabrication and joinery machining, 10-12 hours, coefficient 8), and UP3 (on-site erection, assembly, and safety, 4-6 hours, coefficient 5, including PSE). Candidates must also complete or be exempt from general education units (French, history-geography, mathematics-sciences, and physical education).

How is the passing score determined for the CAP Charpentier Bois?

To be awarded the diploma, candidates must achieve a weighted overall average of at least 10.0 out of 20 across all units. Performance in the professional units (UP1, UP2, UP3) is critical due to their high combined weighting (coefficient 17).

What is 'l'Art du Trait de Charpente' in French timber framing?

L'Art du Trait is the traditional French geometrical drafting discipline used by carpenters since the Middle Ages to project complex three-dimensional roof framing intersections onto a two-dimensional full-scale drawing floor (l'épure). Inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, it forms a central pillar of the CAP Charpentier Bois curriculum.

What is the statutory moisture content limit for structural timber in French construction?

Under French building standards (DTU 31.1 and DTU 31.2) and Eurocode 5, structural timber used for roof framing must have a moisture content of 20% or lower (typically <= 18% for timber installed in heated or enclosed building envelopes) at the time of installation to prevent excessive shrinkage, warping, and fungal infestation.

How much does it cost to register for the official CAP Charpentier Bois exam?

Registration through the national Cyclades portal for the official French Ministry of Education examination is completely free of charge (0 €) for all candidates, including apprentices, vocational school students, and independent adult candidates (candidats libres).

Why is this practice question bank presented in English?

This 100-question study bank is an English-language adaptation created by OpenExamPrep to assist international apprentices, bilingual tradespeople, and foreign carpenters in mastering the rigorous engineering principles and trade practices required by the French national standard while retaining authentic French architectural and timber framing terms.