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Key Facts: CAP Froid et Climatisation Exam

RNCP38560

Official national vocational qualification code registered with France Compétences

France Compétences Répertoire National

12–16 Hours

Total practical hands-on workshop examination duration (UP2 & UP3)

Ministère de l'Éducation nationale - Référentiel CAP Froid

0 €

Public examination registration fee via the national Cyclades portal

Portail National Cyclades France

10.0 / 20

Minimum weighted overall passing grade required across all examination units

Règlement général du CAP - Code de l'éducation

100 MCQs

Comprehensive practice questions authored in this OpenExamPrep trade bank

OpenExamPrep Trade Curriculum

The CAP Froid et Climatisation is France's premier state trade credential for refrigeration and air conditioning installers (RNCP38560). It couples a 2-hour written engineering paper (UP1) with 12 to 16 hours of rigorous practical piping, brazing, wiring, and commissioning exams (UP2 & UP3). Passing requires an overall weighted average of >= 10.0/20. This 100-question practice bank covers the vapor compression cycle, F-Gas regulations, copper brazing under dry nitrogen, electrical controls, superheat/subcooling calculations, and pump-down operation.

Sample CAP Froid et Climatisation Practice Questions

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

1What thermodynamic process occurs across a thermostatic expansion valve (*détendeur thermostatique*) on the Mollier enthalpy (*h-log P*) diagram?

A.Isenthalpic expansion at constant enthalpy (*h = cte*)

B.Isentropic expansion at constant entropy (*s = cte*)

C.Isobaric cooling at constant pressure (*P = cte*)

D.Isothermal expansion at constant temperature (*T = cte*)

Explanation: The expansion device causes a sudden pressure drop without exchanging external work or heat with the surroundings. On the Mollier *h-log P* chart, this process is represented by a vertical downward line from high condensing pressure to low evaporating pressure at constant specific enthalpy (*détente isenthalpique*, *h1 = h2*).

2Which compressor construction completely encloses both the electric drive motor and the compression mechanism inside a hermetically welded steel shell without an external shaft seal?

A.Open-type compressor (*compresseur ouvert*)

B.Hermetic compressor (*compresseur hermétique*)

C.Semi-hermetic compressor (*compresseur semi-hermétique*)

D.Magnetic levitation compressor (*compresseur à paliers magnétiques*)

Explanation: A hermetic compressor encloses the electric motor stator and rotor along with the mechanical compression pump inside a welded steel casing. This design eliminates rotating shaft seal leaks entirely, making it common in residential split units and small commercial plug-in cabinets.

3In a standard single-stage vapor compression circuit, which component rejects heat to the ambient sink while the refrigerant undergoes a phase change from vapor to liquid?

A.The liquid receiver (*bouteille réservoir*)

B.The condenser (*condenseur*)

C.The evaporator (*évaporateur*)

D.The suction accumulator (*bouteille anti-coup de liquide*)

Explanation: The condenser accepts superheated high-pressure vapor discharged from the compressor, de-superheats it, condenses it into liquid by releasing latent heat of condensation to the cooling medium (air or water), and provides liquid subcooling.

4What is the technical term for the thermal energy absorbed by a refrigerant during evaporation at constant pressure without changing its temperature?

A.Sensible heat (*chaleur sensible*)

B.Latent heat of vaporization (*chaleur latente de vaporisation*)

C.Superheat enthalpy (*enthalpie de surchauffe*)

D.Subcooling enthalpy (*enthalpie de sous-refroidissement*)

Explanation: Latent heat of vaporization is the energy required to change the state of a substance from liquid to vapor at constant saturation pressure and temperature. In refrigeration, this latent change in the evaporator provides the primary cooling effect.

5What is the primary operational function of the evaporator in a commercial cold room installation?

A.To absorb heat from the refrigerated room air and boil low-pressure liquid refrigerant into vapor

B.To compress vapor refrigerant from evaporating pressure to condensing pressure

C.To subcool liquid refrigerant before it enters the filter drier

D.To separate lubricating oil from high-pressure discharge vapor

Explanation: The evaporator acts as a heat exchanger that allows cold, low-pressure liquid refrigerant to absorb heat from the cold room air (circulated by fans or natural convection), causing the refrigerant to boil at its saturation temperature.

6Where should the sensing bulb (*bulbe thermostatique*) of a thermostatic expansion valve be positioned on the suction line for accurate superheat control?

A.On a straight horizontal section of copper suction line immediately exiting the evaporator, tightly strapped and insulated

B.Directly on the underside (6 o'clock position) of an oil trap riser

C.On the liquid line upstream of the moisture sight glass

D.Directly inside the compressor crankcase oil sump

Explanation: The bulb must be securely clamped to a clean, straight horizontal section of the suction line immediately after the evaporator outlet and insulated from ambient air. On suction lines smaller than 7/8 inch, it is placed at 1 o'clock or 2 o'clock, avoiding the bottom (6 o'clock) where pooling oil creates thermal inertia.

7A cold room operates with an evaporating pressure of 1.0 bar gauge and a condensing pressure of 15.0 bar gauge. Assuming an atmospheric pressure of 1.0 bar, what is the compression ratio (*taux de compression tau*)?

A.8.0

B.15.0

C.7.5

D.14.0

Explanation: The compression ratio (*taux de compression*) must always be calculated using absolute pressures: *tau = P_discharge_abs / P_suction_abs*. Here, *P_suction_abs = 1.0 + 1.0 = 2.0 bar abs*, and *P_discharge_abs = 15.0 + 1.0 = 16.0 bar abs*. Thus, *tau = 16.0 / 2.0 = 8.0*.

8On a Mollier enthalpy (*h-log P*) diagram, what does the right-hand boundary curve of the saturation vapor dome represent?

A.The saturated liquid curve (*courbe d'ébullition*, quality x = 0)

B.The saturated vapor curve (*courbe de rosée*, quality x = 1)

C.The critical isotherm (*isotherme critique*)

D.The constant volume isochoric line

Explanation: The right-hand curve of the saturation dome is the saturated vapor line (*courbe de rosée*), where vapor quality *x = 1.0*. Any point to the right of this curve represents superheated vapor (*vapeur surchauffée*).

9When is a thermostatic expansion valve with external pressure equalization (*égalisation externe de pression*) technically required?

A.Whenever the evaporator incorporates a venturi distributor or has an internal refrigerant pressure drop exceeding 0.15 to 0.2 bar

B.Only when using natural hydrocarbon refrigerants such as R290

C.Exclusively on small plug-in domestic refrigerators with capillary tubes

D.Whenever the condensing pressure exceeds 25 bar

Explanation: Internal pressure drops across multi-circuit distributors or large evaporator coils cause the pressure under the diaphragm to be higher than the actual evaporator outlet pressure in an internally equalized valve. An external equalization line taps into the evaporator outlet, ensuring the valve senses the true evaporating pressure at the bulb location.

10How does a scroll (spiral) compressor compress refrigerant vapor compared to a reciprocating piston compressor?

A.Two matching involute spirals—one stationary and one orbiting—trap vapor pockets and compress them smoothly toward a central discharge port

B.Two counter-rotating intermeshing helical screws compress vapor axially along a cylindrical casing

C.A spinning impeller uses high centrifugal force to accelerate gas into a diffuser ring

D.A reciprocating piston moves up and down inside a cylinder with suction and discharge reed valves

Explanation: Scroll compressors feature one fixed spiral and one orbiting spiral driven by an eccentric shaft. As the orbiting scroll moves, crescent-shaped gas pockets are trapped at the outer rim and smoothly squeezed into smaller volumes toward the center discharge port.

About the CAP Froid et Climatisation Exam

The Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) Installateur en Froid et Conditionnement d'Air is France's state-certified Level 3 vocational diploma (RNCP38560 / EQF Level 3) governed by the Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse. It certifies the professional competence of refrigeration technicians, HVAC-R fitters, and commercial cooling installers. Technicians certified under this standard are qualified to assemble, braze, wire, evacuate, charge, commission, leak-test, and maintain commercial cold rooms, supermarket cooling loops, split air-conditioning systems, and heat pumps in compliance with European F-Gas regulations (EU 517/2014 & EU 2024/573) and French environmental codes. Candidates demonstrate mastery of thermodynamics on Mollier h-log P charts, oxy-acetylene torch brazing with copper-phosphorus and silver alloys under continuous nitrogen purge, electrical motor starters and safety pressure switches, vacuum dehydration (< 270 Pa), superheat and subcooling calculations, and CERFA 15497 traceability.

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 Installateur en froid et conditionnement d'air qualification is structured around three core professional test units defined in the national curriculum (RNCP38560): UP1 (Étude et préparation de la mise en œuvre, coefficient 4, 2-hour written technical paper), UP2 (Réalisation et mise en œuvre des systèmes frigorifiques et climatiques, coefficient 9, ~8-hour hands-on practical workshop), and UP3 (Mise en service et maintenance des installations, coefficient 5, ~4- to 6-hour practical commissioning, electrical controls testing, and oral diagnostic defense, which integrates 1 coefficient for Prévention Santé Environnement - PSE). In UP1, candidates read architectural plans, calculate thermal loads, size refrigeration piping, select expansion valves, and interpret fluid and electrical schematics. In UP2, candidates shape, flare, bend, and braze seamless copper piping under nitrogen flow on a test bench, mount refrigeration components, and wire electrical control panels. In UP3, candidates execute nitrogen pressure proofing, deep vacuum dehydration, refrigerant charging by weight, system start-up, superheat and subcooling tuning, pump-down verification, recovery procedures, and complete the official CERFA 15497 intervention report. To obtain the diploma, candidates must achieve an overall weighted average of at least 10.0 out of 20.

Time Limit

Written technical exam: 2h | Practical refrigeration piping, brazing, & commissioning: 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.

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%

Thermodynamic Cycle & Refrigeration Principles

Mollier enthalpy diagram (h-log P), isobars, isotherms, isenthalpic expansion, isentropic compression, compressor types (hermetic, semi-hermetic, scroll, reciprocating), latent and sensible heat, compression ratios, and thermostatic expansion valve mechanics.

20%

F-Gas Regulations & Refrigerants

European F-Gas Regulation (EU 517/2014 & EU 2024/573), GWP values, phase-down schedules, HFC/HFO blends, natural refrigerants (R290, R744 CO2), safety group classifications (A1, A2L, A3), leak inspection periodicities (t CO2-eq), recovery cylinders, and CERFA 15497 reporting.

20%

Refrigeration Piping, Brazing & Nitrogen Purging

Dehydrated seamless copper tubing (EN 12735-1), 45° SAE flaring (dudgeonnage), oxy-acetylene torch brazing with copper-phosphorus and silver alloys, continuous dry nitrogen purging to prevent internal copper oxidation, component thermal shielding, oil traps, and line sizing.

20%

Electrical Circuits & Safety Controls

Single-phase and three-phase refrigeration schematics, compressor starter relays and capacitors (PSC, CSIR, CSR), contactors and thermal overloads, high-pressure (HP) and low-pressure (BP) safety switches, crankcase heaters (résistance de carter), and automatic pump-down circuits.

20%

Evacuation, Charging & Commissioning Diagnostics

High-pressure strength and tightness testing with dry nitrogen (30–35 bar), vacuum dehydration (< 270 Pa / 2 mbar), electronic scale charging by weight, superheat calculation (target 5–8 K), subcooling calculation (target 4–7 K), and airflow temperature differential diagnostics.

Preparing for the CAP Froid et Climatisation Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Minimum 10.0/20 overall weighted average
Assessment: The CAP Installateur en froid et conditionnement d'air qualification is structured around three core professional test units defined in the national curriculum (RNCP38560): UP1 (Étude et préparation de la mise en œuvre, coefficient 4, 2-hour written technical paper), UP2 (Réalisation et mise en œuvre des systèmes frigorifiques et climatiques, coefficient 9, ~8-hour hands-on practical workshop), and UP3 (Mise en service et maintenance des installations, coefficient 5, ~4- to 6-hour practical commissioning, electrical controls testing, and oral diagnostic defense, which integrates 1 coefficient for Prévention Santé Environnement - PSE). In UP1, candidates read architectural plans, calculate thermal loads, size refrigeration piping, select expansion valves, and interpret fluid and electrical schematics. In UP2, candidates shape, flare, bend, and braze seamless copper piping under nitrogen flow on a test bench, mount refrigeration components, and wire electrical control panels. In UP3, candidates execute nitrogen pressure proofing, deep vacuum dehydration, refrigerant charging by weight, system start-up, superheat and subcooling tuning, pump-down verification, recovery procedures, and complete the official CERFA 15497 intervention report. To obtain the diploma, candidates must achieve an overall weighted average of at least 10.0 out of 20.
Time limit: Written technical exam: 2h | Practical refrigeration piping, brazing, & commissioning: 12h–16h
Exam / certification fees: 0 € (Free public registration via Cyclades portal) Official sources

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CAP Froid et Climatisation: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practice reading Mollier enthalpy charts (h-log P) to instantly locate evaporating pressure, condensing pressure, discharge temperature, isenthalpic expansion, and refrigerating capacity Delta h.

2Memorize the superheat and subcooling diagnostic matrix: low superheat (< 5 K) risks liquid slugging to the compressor, high superheat (> 8 K) starves the evaporator; low subcooling (< 4 K) indicates refrigerant undercharge or flash gas, while high subcooling (> 7 K) points to an overcharged system.

3Understand the automatic pump-down electrical cycle: the room thermostat controls the liquid solenoid valve; when closed, the compressor pumps all low-side refrigerant into the condenser/receiver until the low-pressure switch (BP) trips the contactor.

4Know F-Gas leak testing intervals by heart: stationary equipment containing 5 to 50 tonnes of CO2 equivalent must be checked every 12 months (24 months with fixed leak detection), 50 to 500 t CO2-eq every 6 months, and > 500 t CO2-eq every 3 months.

5Review oxy-acetylene torch settings and alloy requirements: copper-phosphorus alloy (B-CuP) is self-fluxing for copper-to-copper joints, whereas silver-bearing alloy with external flux is mandatory for joining copper to brass or steel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official structure of the French CAP Installateur en Froid et Conditionnement d'Air examination?

The examination comprises three vocational units: UP1 (written technical exam, 2 hours, coefficient 4) covering technical blueprints, piping sizing, thermodynamic cycles, and electrical diagrams; UP2 (practical workshop exam, ~8 hours, coefficient 9) evaluating copper pipe shaping, 45° flaring, oxy-acetylene brazing under nitrogen, and component mounting; and UP3 (practical commissioning & maintenance, ~4–6 hours, coefficient 5 including 1 coefficient for PSE) covering pressure testing, vacuum dehydration, refrigerant charging, superheat/subcooling tuning, fault finding, and an oral technical debrief.

What is the passing standard for the CAP Froid et Climatisation diploma?

Candidates must achieve a cumulative weighted average of at least 10.0 out of 20 across all examination units. A score below 10.0/20 overall results in failure, though passing marks (>= 10/20) in individual units can be retained for up to 5 consecutive examination sessions.

How are superheat (surchauffe) and subcooling (sous-refroidissement) calculated during commissioning?

Superheat is calculated at the evaporator outlet as: Surchauffe = Suction pipe temperature (measured with a contact probe) minus Saturation evaporating temperature (read from the low-pressure gauge converted via refrigerant P-T scale), with a normal target of 5 K to 8 K. Subcooling is calculated at the condenser outlet as: Sous-refroidissement = Saturation condensing temperature (read from the high-pressure gauge converted via P-T scale) minus Liquid line pipe temperature, with a normal target of 4 K to 7 K.

Why is dry nitrogen flow mandatory during copper brazing in refrigeration?

Brazing copper without nitrogen causes atmospheric oxygen to react with glowing copper at 650°C–800°C, producing brittle black copper oxide scale (calamine). When refrigerant and oil circulate through the operating system, this scale flakes off and circulates, clogging filter-drier cores, plugging expansion valve needles, and causing mechanical seizure of compressor bearings.

Can independent candidates (candidats libres) register for the CAP Froid examination?

Yes. Independent candidates can register without tuition fees (0 €) through the official French national Cyclades portal between October and November each year. However, because UP2 and UP3 involve hazardous refrigerants, pressurized gases, and oxy-acetylene torches, candidates must provide proof of safety training and possess or prepare for the Category I refrigerant handling certificate (Attestation d'aptitude aux fluides frigorigènes).