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Key Facts: CAP Maçon Exam

10.0 / 20

Minimum overall weighted average required to earn the CAP Maçon diploma

Code de l'éducation / Arrêté du 30 mars 2021

12–16 Hours

Total duration of practical workshop examinations (UP2 + UP3)

Référentiel CAP Maçon (RNCP41830)

0 €

Registration fee for public examination entry via the Cyclades portal

Portail National Cyclades France

10 blocks/m²

Standard hollow concrete block unit coverage for 20x20x50 cm blocks under DTU 20.1

DTU 20.1 Maçonnerie de petits éléments

100 MCQs

High-yield practice questions authored in this OpenExamPrep study bank

OpenExamPrep Trades Curriculum

The CAP Maçon is France's official state trade qualification for building masons, evaluating candidates through UP1 written engineering and preparation (2h, coef 4), UP2 practical masonry bonding (8–10h, coef 8), and UP3 reinforced concrete and finishing (6–8h, coef 6). Earning the diploma requires an overall average >= 10.0/20. This 100-question practice bank covers DTU 20.1 block laying, rebar cover rules, formwork shoring, strip foundations, optical level surveying, and R408 scaffold safety.

Sample CAP Maçon Practice Questions

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

1Under French building standard DTU 20.1, what are the standard nominal dimensions (height x thickness x length) of a common hollow concrete masonry unit (*parpaing creux*) and how must it be oriented when laid?

A.20 cm high x 20 cm thick x 50 cm long, laid with hollow cells facing downwards (*alvéoles en sous-face*)

B.25 cm high x 20 cm thick x 40 cm long, laid with hollow cells facing upwards to receive mortar infill

C.20 cm high x 15 cm thick x 60 cm long, laid on its side with cells oriented horizontally

D.15 cm high x 20 cm thick x 50 cm long, laid with cells facing upwards to form continuous grout channels

Explanation: Standard French hollow concrete blocks (*blocs de béton manufacturé creux*) have nominal dimensions of 20 x 20 x 50 cm (actual size 19 x 19 x 49 cm to allow for 1 cm mortar joints). DTU 20.1 requires them to be bedded with the hollow cavities facing downward so that the solid thick bottom face provides a continuous upper surface to receive the next mortar bed.

2How many standard hollow concrete blocks (nominal dimensions 20 cm height x 50 cm length) are required to construct exactly 1 square meter of finished masonry wall, excluding wastage?

A.8 blocks

B.10 blocks

C.12 blocks

D.15 blocks

Explanation: Each block with its mortar joint covers an area of 0.50 m (length) x 0.20 m (height) = 0.10 m². Therefore, the number of blocks needed per square meter is 1.0 m² / 0.10 m² = 10 blocks. In site takeoffs, masons typically add 5% for handling breakage and cutting offcuts.

3According to DTU 20.1, what is the mandatory minimum overlap (*recouvrement*) of vertical joints between two successive courses in a running bond (*pose à joint croisé*)?

A.At least 5 cm or 1/10 of the block length

B.At least one-third of the block length, with an absolute minimum of 100 mm (or half-block in standard practice)

C.Exactly 25 cm with zero allowable tolerance

D.Vertical joints do not need to overlap as long as bed joints are reinforced with steel mesh

Explanation: DTU 20.1 states that masonry units in running bond must break joint by at least one-third of their length, with a strict minimum of 100 mm (0.10 m). In professional trade practice on 50 cm blocks, masons aim for a half-block overlap (25 cm) to ensure optimal lateral load distribution and shear strength across the wall.

4What is the primary technical characteristic and operational advantage of a *mortier bâtard* compared to a pure cement mortar in building masonry?

A.It combines Portland cement with hydraulic lime, improving plasticity, workability, and moisture vapor permeability while reducing shrinkage cracking

B.It uses synthetic epoxy resins to achieve full structural cure within two hours in sub-zero temperatures

C.It eliminates sand entirely to create a pure binder paste that prevents all water penetration

D.It contains metallic fibers designed to replace vertical steel tie-beams in earthquake zones

Explanation: A *mortier bâtard* (bastard mortar) is formulated with dual binders: Portland cement (which provides rapid mechanical strength) and hydraulic lime (chaux hydraulique, which imparts high plasticity, excellent trowel workability, water retention, and vapor permeability). This combination makes it easier to butter vertical joints and significantly reduces early drying shrinkage cracks.

5What is the standard allowable thickness range for horizontal bed joints (*joints d'assise*) and vertical head joints (*joints montants*) when laying traditional concrete blocks under DTU 20.1?

A.1 to 3 mm

B.10 to 15 mm

C.25 to 35 mm

D.40 to 50 mm

Explanation: DTU 20.1 specifies that standard mortar joints for concrete blocks must be between 10 mm and 15 mm thick. A joint thinner than 10 mm prevents proper leveling and full block bedding, while a joint thicker than 15 mm weakens wall compressive strength and increases drying shrinkage.

6A mason must order hollow concrete blocks (20x20x50 cm) for a straight wall measuring 8.00 m in length and 2.60 m in height. The wall contains one exterior doorway measuring 0.90 m in width and 2.10 m in height. Including a 5% allowance for cuts and wastage, how many blocks must be ordered?

A.189 blocks

B.199 blocks

C.218 blocks

D.208 blocks

Explanation: Gross wall area = 8.00 m x 2.60 m = 20.80 m². Opening area = 0.90 m x 2.10 m = 1.89 m². Net masonry area = 20.80 - 1.89 = 18.91 m². At 10 blocks/m², base block count = 18.91 x 10 = 189.1 blocks. Adding 5% wastage: 189.1 x 1.05 = 198.56 blocks, rounded up to 199 blocks.

7When constructing an exterior wall using rectified horizontally perforated clay bricks (*briques alvéolaires de type Monomur*), what specialized mortar application method is mandated?

A.Traditional masonry troweling with a 15 mm layer of pure Portland cement mortar

B.Application of a thin adhesive joint (1 to 3 mm) using an applicator roller (*rouleau applicateur*) or dipping method (*trempage*)

C.Laying the bricks dry without any mortar and filling hollow perforations with sand

D.Applying expanding polyurethane foam gun canisters across all load-bearing residential exterior walls

Explanation: Rectified clay bricks have mechanically ground top and bottom faces accurate to within 0.5 mm. They are laid using thin-joint adhesive mortar (*mortier-joint mince*) applied in a 1 to 3 mm calibrating layer with a mortar roller box (*rouleau applicateur*) or by dipping the underside. This eliminates thermal bridging through mortar joints and speeds erection.

8What is the primary requirement when laying autoclaved cellular concrete blocks (*béton cellulaire*) on the first course (*arase de départ*) directly above a concrete foundation slab?

A.The first course must be set on a leveling bed of water-repellent cement mortar (*mortier hydrofugé*) over an approved damp-proof membrane

B.The first course must be laid dry directly onto the freshly poured concrete slab without any mortar

C.Cellular blocks must be soaked in water for 24 hours prior to laying to maximize bonding

D.The first course must always be laid on timber firring battens to prevent thermal bridging

Explanation: Because autoclaved cellular concrete is porous and prone to capillary suction, the first course must be laid on a perfectly leveled bed of water-repellent cement mortar (*mortier hydrofugé* with damp-proof membrane / feutre bitumeux) to block rising capillary damp and provide an absolute level surface for subsequent thin-bed gluing.

9What does the European cement designation **CEM II/B-LL 32.5 R** printed on a commercial cement bag signify to a professional mason?

A.Pure Portland cement with 0% mineral additions, 32.5 MPa compressive strength at 7 days, rapid setting time under 10 minutes

B.Portland composite cement containing 21% to 35% limestone additions (LL), 32.5 MPa standard 28-day compressive strength, with high early strength (R)

C.High-alumina refractory cement intended solely for kiln and fireplace construction with 32.5% alumina content

D.Masonry cement with low hydration heat designed exclusively for massive dam construction

Explanation: Under EN 197-1, 'CEM II' designates Portland composite cement, 'B' indicates secondary constituent content between 21% and 35%, 'LL' specifies high-purity limestone (*calcaire*), '32.5' is the minimum standard compressive strength in MPa at 28 days, and 'R' denotes high early strength (*résistance initiale élevée*). This is the standard general-purpose masonry cement used across French jobsites.

10Why does a mason rake out the external mortar joints (*dégarnissage des joints*) to a depth of 10 to 15 mm while the mortar is still fresh on a wall intended to receive a traditional exterior render (*enduit de façade*)?

A.To save mortar volume and speed up curing of the inner concrete core

B.To create a mechanical key (*clé d'accrochage*) that ensures optimal adhesion of the base coat (*gobetis*) of the exterior render

C.To allow the wall to ventilate humidity horizontally out through the unsealed gaps

D.To facilitate insertion of horizontal electrical conduits along the exterior facade

Explanation: Raking out joints (*dégarnissage*) to a depth of 10–15 mm creates a recessed profile. When the render base coat (*gobetis* / sous-enduit) is thrown on, it keys mechanically into the recesses, locking the render to the masonry substrate and preventing delamination or hollow spots (*défaut d'adhérence*).

About the CAP Maçon Exam

The Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) Maçon is France's state-recognized vocational qualification (Niveau 3 / EQF Level 3, registered under RNCP41830) certifying skilled professional masons and structural building craftspeople. Regulated by the Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse under Arrêté du 30 mars 2021, the diploma qualifies holders to execute core residential, commercial, and civil structural works. The curriculum encompasses traditional and modern masonry bonding according to DTU 20.1 (hollow concrete blocks, cellular concrete, perforated clay bricks), timber formwork carpentry and shoring, steel rebar reinforcement placement according to Eurocode 2 and French building standards, concrete casting and mechanical needle vibration, foundation strip footings (DTU 13.12) and ground-supported slabs (DTU 13.3), precision topographical setting out using builder's levels and the 3-4-5 method, and rigorous compliance with scaffolding safety standards (R408 recommendation).

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 Maçon certification is structured into three mandatory professional assessment units governed by Arrêté du 30 mars 2021 (RNCP41830): UP1 (Étude et préparation d'un ouvrage de maçonnerie, coefficient 4, 2-hour written technical exam covering technical drawing decoding, quantity takeoffs, structural calculations, DTU compliance, and setting-out planning); UP2 (Réalisation d'ouvrages de maçonnerie, coefficient 8, practical workshop exam of 8 to 10 hours testing hollow block and brick bonding, mortaring, plumb, alignment, and joint finishing); and UP3 (Réalisation d'ouvrages en béton armé et finitions, coefficient 6, practical workshop and oral assessment of 6 to 8 hours evaluating formwork carpentry, rebar fabrication and placement, concrete batching, vibratory compaction, lintel/chaînage execution, and surface screeding). General education units (EG1 French/History-Geography, EG2 Math/Science, EG3 Physical Education, EG4 Prévention Santé Environnement - PSE) complete the diploma requirements. Candidates must achieve a minimum overall weighted average of 10.0 out of 20.

Time Limit

Written technical exam: 2h | Practical masonry and reinforced concrete: 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%

Masonry Materials & DTU 20.1 Standards

Standard dimensions and structural roles of hollow concrete masonry units (parpaings creux 20x20x50), perforated clay bricks (briques alvéolaires), cellular concrete (béton cellulaire), mortar classifications (mortier de ciment CEM II, mortier bâtard ciment/chaux), horizontal and vertical joint thickness rules (10–15 mm), head joints (joints montants), joint raking, plumb and alignment tolerances with builder's line (cordeau) and spirit level.

25%

Reinforced Concrete & Formwork

Timber formwork design (planches de coffrage, panneaux contreplaqués, serre-joints, étais), release oil application, high-adherence steel reinforcement (fers à béton HA B500, cadres, étriers, épingles, treillis soudé), concrete cover requirements (enrobage minimum 30 mm indoors, 50 mm aggressive/exterior environments), internal immersion vibrator compaction (aiguille vibrante), poured-in-place and precast lintels (linteaux), and seismic tie-beams (chaînages horizontaux et verticaux).

20%

Foundations & Ground Slabs

Continuous strip footings (semelles filantes DTU 13.12), frost-free ground depth (garde hors-gel according to French climatic zones and altitude), ground-supported floor slabs (dallage sur terre-plein DTU 13.3), compacted crushed-stone layer (hérisson drainant), sand blinding (lit de sable), polyethylene damp-proof membrane (film polyane), under-slab insulation, and shrinkage crack-control mesh.

18%

Site Layout & Optical Leveling

Corner square layout using the 3-4-5 Pythagorean triangle method, diagonal square verification, batter boards (chaises d'implantation), builder's optical level (lunette de chantier / niveau optique), leveling staff reading (mire parlante métrique en E), transfer of benchmark elevations (repère NGF / trait de niveau à 1.00 m), and percentage slope calculations.

17%

Scaffolding & Site Safety

Modular tube-and-fitting scaffolding assembly and safety inspection under Recommendation R408, base plate and sole board distribution, structural anchor ties, collective fall arrest systems (guardrails >= 1.00 m, midrails at 45–50 cm, 15 cm toe boards), personal protective equipment (S3 safety boots, chinstrap safety helmets, anti-vibration gloves, eye protection against caustic wet cement), and respirable crystalline silica dust controls.

Preparing for the CAP Maçon Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Minimum 10.0/20 overall weighted average
Assessment: The CAP Maçon certification is structured into three mandatory professional assessment units governed by Arrêté du 30 mars 2021 (RNCP41830): UP1 (Étude et préparation d'un ouvrage de maçonnerie, coefficient 4, 2-hour written technical exam covering technical drawing decoding, quantity takeoffs, structural calculations, DTU compliance, and setting-out planning); UP2 (Réalisation d'ouvrages de maçonnerie, coefficient 8, practical workshop exam of 8 to 10 hours testing hollow block and brick bonding, mortaring, plumb, alignment, and joint finishing); and UP3 (Réalisation d'ouvrages en béton armé et finitions, coefficient 6, practical workshop and oral assessment of 6 to 8 hours evaluating formwork carpentry, rebar fabrication and placement, concrete batching, vibratory compaction, lintel/chaînage execution, and surface screeding). General education units (EG1 French/History-Geography, EG2 Math/Science, EG3 Physical Education, EG4 Prévention Santé Environnement - PSE) complete the diploma requirements. Candidates must achieve a minimum overall weighted average of 10.0 out of 20.
Time limit: Written technical exam: 2h | Practical masonry and reinforced concrete: 12h–16h
Exam / certification fees: 0 € (Free public registration via Cyclades portal) Official sources

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CAP Maçon: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practice volume and material takeoffs daily: calculate concrete volumes (V = L * W * H), hollow block counts (10 blocks of 20x20x50 per square meter of wall area, plus 5% wastage), and mortar dry batch quantities (approx. 50–60 liters of mortar per m² of 20 cm block wall).

2Master the 3-4-5 Pythagorean theorem for site setting out: 3.00 m on one baseline and 4.00 m on the perpendicular baseline must produce an exact hypotenuse of 5.00 m across the diagonal (or multiples like 6-8-10 m) to ensure square corners.

3Memorize optical level staff reading: the French metric 'E' staff (mire parlante) is graduated in centimeters; read whole meters and decimeters from the numbers, centimeters from the E bars, and estimate millimeters by eye.

4Learn rebar nomenclature and hooks: High-adherence steel (HA B500) has a characteristic yield strength of 500 MPa. Standard anchorage hooks require a bend of 90° (with 10 bar diameters extension) or 135°/180° (with 5 bar diameters extension).

5Review concrete compaction protocols: insert the immersion vibrator (aiguille vibrante) rapidly and vertically at intervals of 8 to 10 needle diameters, penetrate 10 cm into the underlying layer, and withdraw slowly (approx. 3–5 cm/sec) to eliminate trapped air pockets without causing aggregate segregation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The examination comprises three professional units: UP1 Étude et préparation d'un ouvrage de maçonnerie (written technical exam, 2 hours, coefficient 4) covering technical blueprint analysis, quantity takeoffs, setting-out geometry, and DTU standards; UP2 Réalisation d'ouvrages de maçonnerie (practical workshop test, 8–10 hours, coefficient 8) testing blocklaying, bricklaying, mortar preparation, plumb, and alignment; and UP3 Réalisation d'ouvrages en béton armé et finitions (practical workshop and oral test, 6–8 hours, coefficient 6) evaluating formwork assembly, rebar placement, concrete casting, vibratory compaction, lintels, and surface finishing.

What are the essential requirements of DTU 20.1 for hollow concrete block masonry?

DTU 20.1 dictates that standard hollow concrete blocks (parpaings creux 20x20x50 cm) must be laid with hollow cores facing downwards (alvéoles débouchant en sous-face) to provide a solid mortar bed. Horizontal bed joints and vertical head joints must measure between 10 mm and 15 mm of well-compacted mortar, vertical joints must be staggered by at least one-third (and typically one-half) the length of a block between successive courses (minimum 100 mm overlap), and walls must be plumbed and leveled continuously.

How is the minimum concrete cover (enrobage) determined on French masonry sites?

According to Eurocode 2 and French national application standards, the minimum concrete cover (enrobage) protects reinforcing steel from corrosion and ensures load transfer. In covered interior dry environments, the standard minimum cover is 30 mm (or 20–25 mm for non-aggressive indoor structures with controlled quality). For exterior structures exposed to rain, condensation, or alternating humidity, the minimum cover is 30 mm to 40 mm. In aggressive marine or chemical environments, or for concrete poured directly against unprepared ground, the mandatory cover increases to 50 mm.

What does INRS Recommendation R408 govern regarding scaffolding?

Recommendation R408 from the CNAM/INRS establishes safety standards for assembling, dismantling, and working on fixed facade scaffolds (échafaudages de pied). It mandates that workers be formally trained and certified, scaffolds be erected on firm base jacks and timber spreaders, safety guardrails consist of an upper rail at >= 1.00 m, an intermediate rail at 45–50 cm, and a 15 cm toe board (plinthe), access trapdoors remain closed, and anchorage ties resist design wind and working loads.

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

Yes. Any adult candidate can register free of charge (0 €) as an individual candidate (candidat libre) through the national Cyclades examination portal (cyclades.education.gouv.fr) during the autumn registration window (October–November) to sit the theoretical and practical exams held in May–June at an accredited regional vocational center.