Free Practice Questions for CAP Électricien

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Key Facts: CAP Électricien Exam

Level 3

French national qualification level (Diplôme d'État / EQF Level 3)

Arrêté du 8 février 2018 / RNCP38401

10.0 / 20

Minimum overall weighted average required to obtain the CAP diploma

Code de l'éducation / Règlement général du CAP

0 €

Registration fee for public examination entry via the Cyclades portal

Portail National Cyclades France

3 Units

Compulsory professional units assessed (UP1, UP2, UP3)

Ministère de l'Éducation nationale - Référentiel CAP Électricien

100 MCQs

Targeted practice questions authored in this OpenExamPrep study bank

OpenExamPrep Trade Curriculum

The CAP Électricien is France's premier state trade certification for electricians, featuring a 2-hour written preparation exam (UP1) and extensive hands-on installation, testing, and troubleshooting evaluations (UP2, UP3). Passing requires an overall weighted average >= 10.0/20. This 100-question practice bank covers electrotechnical math, NF C 15-100 residential wiring, bathroom volumes 0/1/2, RCD protection, earthing, and NF C 18-510 safety protocols.

Sample CAP Électricien Practice Questions

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

1An electric convector heater with a pure resistance of 23 Ω is connected to a 230 V single-phase AC circuit. What is the current flowing through the heater?

A.10 A

B.5 A

C.12 A

D.23 A

Explanation: According to Ohm's law, I = U / R. For a resistive load connected to 230 V with R = 23 Ω, the current is I = 230 V / 23 Ω = 10 A.

2Which physical law states that the thermal power dissipated in a conductor is directly proportional to its resistance and the square of the electric current (P = R × I²)?

A.Joule's law (Effet Joule)

B.Lenz's law

C.Faraday's law

D.Coulomb's law

Explanation: Joule's law (l'effet Joule) defines the thermal energy released by an electric current passing through a conductor with resistance R, expressed as P = R × I² in watts (or Q = R × I² × t in joules).

3A steady current of 16 A flows through a circuit conductor with a total resistance of 0.5 Ω. What is the thermal power dissipated along the cable by the Joule effect?

A.64 W

B.128 W

C.256 W

D.8 W

Explanation: Using Joule's law, P = R × I². Here, P = 0.5 Ω × (16 A)² = 0.5 × 256 = 128 W of dissipated thermal power.

4The public electrical distribution network in France delivers alternating current at a standard nominal frequency of 50 Hz. What is the period (T) of this sinusoidal voltage wave?

A.10 ms

B.20 ms

C.50 ms

D.5 ms

Explanation: The period T is the inverse of the frequency: T = 1 / f. For f = 50 Hz, T = 1 / 50 s = 0.020 s = 20 ms.

5The electrical resistance of a conductor is given by Pouillet's formula R = ρ × L / S. If the length (L) of a wire is doubled and its cross-sectional area (S) is halved, how does its resistance change?

A.It remains unchanged

B.It doubles (increases by 2 times)

C.It quadruples (increases by 4 times)

D.It is reduced by half

Explanation: Resistance is directly proportional to length and inversely proportional to cross-section: R' = ρ × (2L) / (S / 2) = 4 × (ρ × L / S) = 4R. Therefore, the resistance quadruples.

6A single copper conductor has a length of 50 m and a cross-section of 1.5 mm². Taking copper resistivity at ambient temperature as ρ = 0.018 Ω·mm²/m, what is the electrical resistance of this conductor?

A.0.60 Ω

B.1.35 Ω

C.0.18 Ω

D.0.06 Ω

Explanation: Using R = ρ × L / S: R = (0.018 Ω·mm²/m × 50 m) / 1.5 mm² = 0.9 / 1.5 = 0.60 Ω.

7A single-phase 230 V electric motor draws an RMS current of 8 A with a power factor (cos φ) of 0.85. What is the active power (P) consumed by the motor?

A.1840 W

B.1564 W

C.2165 W

D.1320 W

Explanation: Active power in single-phase AC is calculated as P = U × I × cos φ. Here, P = 230 V × 8 A × 0.85 = 1564 W.

8What is the unit of apparent power (S = U × I) in alternating current circuits?

A.Watt (W)

B.Volt-ampere reactive (var)

C.Volt-ampere (VA)

D.Joule (J)

Explanation: Apparent power (puissance apparente S) is measured in volt-amperes (VA). Active power (P) is measured in watts (W), and reactive power (Q) is measured in volt-amperes reactive (var).

9An inductive AC load consumes an active power P = 1200 W and has an apparent power S = 1500 VA. What is the reactive power (Q) absorbed by this load?

A.300 var

B.900 var

C.2700 var

D.1000 var

Explanation: According to the power triangle relation S² = P² + Q², the reactive power is Q = √(S² - P²). Here, Q = √(1500² - 1200²) = √(2,250,000 - 1,440,000) = √810,000 = 900 var.

10Two heating elements with resistances R1 = 60 Ω and R2 = 40 Ω are connected in parallel across a 230 V supply. What is the equivalent resistance (Req) of this circuit?

A.100 Ω

B.24 Ω

C.50 Ω

D.20 Ω

Explanation: For two resistors in parallel, Req = (R1 × R2) / (R1 + R2). Here, Req = (60 × 40) / (60 + 40) = 2400 / 100 = 24 Ω. In parallel circuits, Req is always lower than the smallest branch resistance.

About the CAP Électricien Exam

The Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) Électricien is France's foundational state-certified vocational qualification (Niveau 3 / EQF Level 3) registered under RNCP38401 (governed by the Arrêté du 8 février 2018). Administered nationally by the Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse through regional Académies via the Cyclades portal, the diploma certifies professional electricians capable of executing, commissioning, maintaining, and troubleshooting low-voltage electrical installations in residential, commercial, and industrial premises. The qualification demands rigorous theoretical and practical mastery of the French low-voltage electrical installation code (NF C 15-100), including circuit sizing, conductor cross-sections, differential circuit breaker selection (Type AC and Type A 30 mA RCDs), Gaine Technique Logement (GTL) architecture, earthing and equipotential bonding (LEP, LES), bathroom safety zones (Volumes 0, 1, 2), and mandatory workplace electrical safety and authorization rules governed by standard NF C 18-510 (levels B0, B1V, B2V, BR, BC, and 5-step lock-out/tag-out consignation).

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 Électricien qualification assesses candidates across three compulsory professional units established by ministerial decree RNCP38401 (Arrêté du 8 février 2018): Unit UP1 (Étude et préparation d'une intervention, written technical paper, 2 hours, coefficient 4), Unit UP2 (Réalisation et mise en service d'une installation électrique, practical electrical installation workshop and commissioning defense, 7–9 hours, coefficient 9 including 1 coefficient for Prévention Santé Environnement - PSE), and Unit UP3 (Maintenance et dépannage d'une installation électrique, practical diagnostic troubleshooting station, 3–5 hours, coefficient 3). In UP1, candidates interpret electrical architectural plans, calculate circuit loads and voltage drops, select protective circuit breakers and cable cross-sections, and prepare a bill of materials under standard NF C 15-100. In UP2, candidates wire a complete domestic or tertiary electrical cubicle (GTL, distribution panel, RCDs, lighting circuits, PMR sockets, two-way switches, contactors, and network cabling), verify earth resistance and protective bonding continuity, and safely energize the system. In UP3, candidates diagnose simulated electrical faults (short circuits, earth leakage, insulation degradation, defective contactors) using a multimeter and VAT tester while adhering strictly to NF C 18-510 safety isolation rules. Candidates must attain a minimum overall weighted average of 10.0 out of 20 across all units.

Time Limit

Written technical exam: 2h | Practical electrical installation & troubleshooting: 10h–14h

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%

Electrical Principles & Circuit Fundamentals

Ohm's law (U = R × I), electrical resistance and resistivity (R = ρ × L / S), Joule's heating law (P = R × I²), single-phase alternating current fundamentals (230 V RMS, 50 Hz frequency, 20 ms period), active power (P = U × I × cos φ), apparent power (S = U × I in VA), reactive power (Q in var), and power factor.

20%

NF C 15-100 Domestic Wiring & Circuit Sizing

French standard NF C 15-100 branch circuit rules: lighting circuits (max 8 points per 16 A breaker with 1.5 mm² wire), convenience sockets (max 8 per 16 A on 1.5 mm² or max 12 per 20 A on 2.5 mm²), PMR installation heights (0.05 m to 1.30 m), DCL terminal boxes, dedicated kitchen circuits, and 32 A cooking hob circuits (6 mm²).

20%

Bathroom Safety Volumes & Special Locations

Bathroom zoning under NF C 15-100 section 7-701: Volume 0 (tub/shower interior, IPX7, 12 V AC SELV/TBTS), Volume 1 (up to 2.25 m, IPX4/IPX5, 12 V AC TBTS lighting or instantaneous water heater), Volume 2 (60 cm buffer, IPX4, Class II appliances, shaver sockets with isolating transformer), volume caché restrictions, and outdoor damp locations.

20%

Earthing Systems, Equipotential Bonding & Distribution Boards

Gaine Technique Logement (GTL) and distribution panel (TRP) layout, 30 mA residual current devices (RCD / DDR Type AC, Type A, and Type F), earth electrode installation and maximum resistance threshold (100 Ω under standard 500 mA main breaker), main equipotential bonding (LEP), and bathroom supplementary equipotential bonding (LES).

20%

Electrical Safety, PPE & NF C 18-510 Authorization

French standard NF C 18-510 safety rules: authorization titles (B0, B1V, B2V, BR, BC, BS), the 5-step electrical lock-out/tag-out procedure (séparation, condamnation, identification, VAT with NF EN 61243-3 compliant tester, MALT et CC), personal protective equipment (1000 V insulating gloves, arc-flash face shield), and working boundaries.

Preparing for the CAP Électricien Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Minimum 10.0/20 overall weighted average
Assessment: The CAP Électricien qualification assesses candidates across three compulsory professional units established by ministerial decree RNCP38401 (Arrêté du 8 février 2018): Unit UP1 (Étude et préparation d'une intervention, written technical paper, 2 hours, coefficient 4), Unit UP2 (Réalisation et mise en service d'une installation électrique, practical electrical installation workshop and commissioning defense, 7–9 hours, coefficient 9 including 1 coefficient for Prévention Santé Environnement - PSE), and Unit UP3 (Maintenance et dépannage d'une installation électrique, practical diagnostic troubleshooting station, 3–5 hours, coefficient 3). In UP1, candidates interpret electrical architectural plans, calculate circuit loads and voltage drops, select protective circuit breakers and cable cross-sections, and prepare a bill of materials under standard NF C 15-100. In UP2, candidates wire a complete domestic or tertiary electrical cubicle (GTL, distribution panel, RCDs, lighting circuits, PMR sockets, two-way switches, contactors, and network cabling), verify earth resistance and protective bonding continuity, and safely energize the system. In UP3, candidates diagnose simulated electrical faults (short circuits, earth leakage, insulation degradation, defective contactors) using a multimeter and VAT tester while adhering strictly to NF C 18-510 safety isolation rules. Candidates must attain a minimum overall weighted average of 10.0 out of 20 across all units.
Time limit: Written technical exam: 2h | Practical electrical installation & troubleshooting: 10h–14h
Exam / certification fees: 0 € (Free public registration via Cyclades portal) Official sources

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CAP Électricien: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master fundamental electrotechnical formulas: Ohm's law (U = R × I), Joule heating power (P = R × I²), single-phase active power (P = U × I × cos φ), and apparent power (S = U × I in volt-amperes).

2Memorize the mandatory NF C 15-100 residential conductor cross-sections and breaker ratings: 1.5 mm² for lighting (16 A max) and up to 8 sockets (16 A max); 2.5 mm² for up to 12 sockets (20 A max) and dedicated appliances; 6 mm² for 32 A cooking hobs.

3Know the exact bathroom volume boundaries and allowed equipment: Volume 0 is strictly TBTS 12 V AC / IPX7; Volume 1 requires IPX4/IPX5; Volume 2 allows Class II appliances and shaver sockets with isolating transformers.

4Memorize RCD requirements: every dwelling requires at least two 30 mA RCDs; Type A is mandatory for washing machines and cooking hobs to detect pulsed DC residual currents, while Type AC handles standard sinusoidal resistive loads.

5Rehearse the exact sequence of the 5-step consignation under NF C 18-510: Séparation, Condamnation, Identification, VAT (with an NF EN 61243-3 device checked before and after), and MALT/CC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official structure of the French CAP Électricien examination?

The examination evaluates candidates across three core professional units under RNCP38401: UP1 (written technical preparation paper, 2 hours, coefficient 4), UP2 (practical workshop electrical installation and commissioning, 7–9 hours, coefficient 9 including 1 coefficient for PSE), and UP3 (practical diagnostic troubleshooting and maintenance station, 3–5 hours, coefficient 3). Candidates must attain a minimum overall weighted score of 10.0 out of 20 to earn the state diploma.

What are the main circuit sizing rules for residential dwellings under NF C 15-100?

Standard NF C 15-100 specifies that lighting circuits allow a maximum of 8 lighting points protected by a 16 A circuit breaker on 1.5 mm² copper conductors. General comfort power outlets allow a maximum of 8 sockets on a 16 A breaker with 1.5 mm² conductors, or up to 12 sockets on a 20 A breaker with 2.5 mm² conductors. Major kitchen appliances require dedicated 16 A or 20 A circuits on 2.5 mm², while an electric cooktop or cooker requires a dedicated 32 A single-phase circuit wired with 6 mm² conductors.

What are the electrical safety volume restrictions in bathrooms under NF C 15-100?

Section 7-701 defines four key zones: Volume 0 (inside the tub or shower tray: only IPX7 equipment powered by 12 V AC TBTS/SELV); Volume 1 (directly above the basin up to 2.25 m: IPX4/IPX5 equipment powered by 12 V AC TBTS or fixed instantaneous water heaters); Volume 2 (extending 60 cm horizontally from Volume 1 up to 2.25 m: IPX4 Class II equipment, water heaters, and shaver sockets with isolating transformers); and Volume caché (inaccessible space beneath the tub: no electrical accessories permitted unless enclosed and accessible only with a tool).

What are the 5 mandatory steps of electrical lock-out/tag-out (consignation) under NF C 18-510?

Under French safety standard NF C 18-510, the 5 sequential steps of complete electrical de-energization (consignation) are: 1. Séparation (physical disconnection from all electrical energy sources); 2. Condamnation (mechanical padlocking in the open position with warning tag); 3. Identification (confirming the exact installation, switchboard, and circuit); 4. Vérification d'Absence de Tension - VAT (testing for zero voltage between all active conductors and PE using a calibrated NF EN 61243-3 tester verified immediately before and after); and 5. Mise à la terre et en court-circuit - MALT/CC (earthing and short-circuiting conductors when induced voltages or stored energy hazards exist).

Why is this practice question bank presented in English?

This 100-item practice question bank is an English-language study adaptation developed by OpenExamPrep to support bilingual apprentices, international trades trainees, and vocational students in mastering the demanding technical, calculation, and safety regulations of the French CAP Électricien while maintaining authentic French regulatory and electrotechnical terminology.