Free Practice Questions for CAP Monteur Thermique

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Key Facts: CAP Monteur Thermique Exam

10.0 / 20

Minimum weighted grade point average required to earn the CAP diploma

Ministère de l'Éducation nationale - Code de l'éducation

11–14 h

Duration of the UP2 practical pipe fabrication and installation workshop test

Référentiel CAP Monteur en Installations Thermiques (RNCP38306)

3.0 bar

Standard factory relief rating of hydronic heating circuit safety valves

Norme NF P 52-001 / DTU 65.11

28°C

Maximum allowable floor surface temperature for underfloor heating (PCBT)

DTU 65.14 P1-1

100 MCQs

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OpenExamPrep Practice Curriculum

The CAP Monteur en Installations Thermiques is France's national vocational qualification for heating mechanics, testing installation design (UP1), practical workshop assembly (UP2), and hydraulic commissioning/servicing (UP3). This 100-question practice bank covers hydronic circuit calculations, underfloor heating, condensing boilers, heat pumps, expansion vessel sizing, flue draught, and water treatment.

Sample CAP Monteur Thermique Practice Questions

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

1According to French standard DTU 65.14 for low-temperature underfloor heating (PCBT), what is the regulatory maximum water flow temperature allowed into the heating slab?

A.40°C

B.50°C

C.60°C

D.70°C

Explanation: DTU 65.14 stipulates that the maximum design flow temperature (*température maximale de départ*) into an underfloor heating system (PCBT) must not exceed 50°C under normal operating conditions. An independent manual-reset high-limit safety thermostat (*sécurité thermique à réarmement manuel*) is also mandated to interrupt the heat supply at 65°C.

2Under French physiological and health regulations, what is the absolute maximum allowable floor surface temperature in occupied rooms heated by a PCBT system?

A.24°C

B.28°C

C.32°C

D.35°C

Explanation: In accordance with French public health decrees and DTU 65.14, the average surface temperature of a heated floor in occupied premises must never exceed 28°C. This limit prevents venous insufficiency and cardiovascular discomfort for building occupants.

3In hydronic central heating, how is an overhead distribution system (*distribution en parapluie*) configured?

A.Main supply and return pipes run in the basement, rising upward through vertical branch risers to each emitter

B.The primary supply line rises directly to the top floor or attic and distributes downward to emitters, with return lines collected at the base

C.A single continuous pipe loops through all radiators in series, returning directly to the boiler

D.Underfloor radiant manifolds feed wall-mounted fan coil units directly from intermediate floor levels

Explanation: A *distribution en parapluie* (umbrella distribution) routes the main hot supply pipe vertically up to the highest level (attic or top floor ceiling), where horizontal distribution headers feed vertical drop pipes descending to radiators. Return water is collected in a common horizontal return header at the bottom level.

4What is the primary operational advantage of implementing a Tichelmann reverse-return loop (*boucle de Tichelmann*) in a multi-radiator hydronic network?

A.It halves the total linear length of pipe required in the building

B.It equalizes the total circuit length and pipe friction resistance to every heat emitter, facilitating natural hydraulic balance

C.It allows the installation of radiators without any shut-off or balancing valves

D.It doubles the temperature drop (Delta T) across every individual radiator

Explanation: In a Tichelmann reverse-return loop, the first emitter supplied is the last emitter returned, making the total supply plus return piping length identical for all emitters. This creates virtually identical hydraulic pressure drops across every branch, minimizing balancing efforts.

5A heating zone requires a thermal output of 8,400 W with a design temperature regime of 75°C flow and 65°C return (Delta T = 10 K). Using the standard specific heat capacity formula (c = 1.163 Wh/(kg·K)), what is the required design mass flow rate Q in liters per hour (L/h)?

A.361 L/h

B.722 L/h

C.840 L/h

D.1,444 L/h

Explanation: The hydronic flow rate formula is Q = P / (c * Delta T). Substituting the values: Q = 8,400 W / (1.163 Wh/(kg·K) * 10 K) = 8,400 / 11.63 ≈ 722.27 L/h (or kg/h, assuming 1 L water ≈ 1 kg).

6Why is it strictly forbidden by trade practice to install a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) head on a radiator situated in the same room as the primary ambient room thermostat (*thermostat d'ambiance*)?

A.The thermostatic head creates electrical interference with the room thermostat's radio signal

B.The two regulation devices compete: the TRV can throttle flow early, preventing the room thermostat from reaching its setpoint and causing the boiler to run continuously

C.The lockshield valve on that radiator would be subjected to excessive static water pressure

D.The return water temperature would rise instantly above the flue gas dew point

Explanation: If a TRV is installed in the reference room (*pièce témoin* or *pièce pilote*) alongside the room thermostat, it may close before the room thermostat reaches its target temperature. Consequently, the room thermostat will continually call for heat, causing the boiler and circulation pump to run nonstop.

7What is the specific mechanical function of the lockshield valve (*té de réglage*) installed at the outlet return of a hydronic radiator?

A.Automatically expelling trapped air pockets during heating operation

B.Adjusting hydraulic flow resistance (Kv) to achieve proper system balancing and allowing radiator isolation without draining the whole network

C.Regulating room temperature according to daily solar heat gains

D.Preventing reverse water flow during domestic hot water production

Explanation: The *té de réglage* (lockshield balancing valve) is preset using an Allen key to throttle water flow according to design calculations, ensuring each radiator receives its design flow regardless of distance from the pump. It also isolates the radiator for maintenance without draining the entire circuit.

8On an underfloor heating manifold (*collecteur de distribution PCBT*), how are the visual direct-reading flowmeters (*débitmètres à flotteur*) typically graduated and adjusted?

A.Graduated in m³/h and adjusted by turning the supply thermostatic bypass screw

B.Graduated in liters per minute (L/min) or L/h and adjusted by rotating the glass sight tube or top collar to position the internal float

C.Graduated in bars and adjusted with a pressure-reducing screw

D.Graduated in degrees Celsius (°C) and adjusted by resetting the electronic mixing curve

Explanation: Direct-reading flowmeters on a PCBT manifold feature a graduated transparent sight glass, typically calibrated in L/min (or L/h). Rotating the flowmeter collar adjusts the internal needle valve, moving the float to match the calculated flow rate for that specific loop.

9Why does French standard DTU 65.14 strongly mandate the use of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX/PER) or multilayer pipes with an Oxygen Barrier (BAO - *Barrière Anti-Oxygène*) in underfloor heating circuits?

A.To prevent pipe burst from high-frequency hydraulic water hammer

B.To prevent atmospheric oxygen from diffusing through pipe walls into the water, thereby halting aerobic bacterial growth and metallic corrosion sludge

C.To eliminate the need for thermal expansion perimeter foam strips along baseboards

D.To increase the radiant thermal conductivity of the synthetic polymer

Explanation: Synthetic plastic pipes are naturally permeable to atmospheric oxygen molecules. An EVOH oxygen diffusion barrier (BAO) stops oxygen entering the hydronic water, preventing aerobic bacterial slimes (*boues*) and severe corrosion of ferrous system components (boilers, pumps, steel radiators).

10Prior to applying floor finishes over a traditional cement-based PCBT screed, what initial heating protocol (*protocole de première mise en chauffe*) must be carried out according to DTU 65.14?

A.Start heating immediately on day 2 at 60°C to accelerate chemical curing

B.Wait a minimum of 21 days of natural curing, then heat with water at 20°C–25°C for at least 3 days, increasing by 5°C daily up to design temperature, maintained for at least 4 days

C.Wait 48 hours, apply maximum boiler output for 12 hours, then shut down completely

D.Heat the slab continuously at 55°C for 24 hours while keeping windows fully open

Explanation: DTU 65.14 requires at least 21 days of curing for traditional cement screeds (or 7 days for certain anhydrite screeds) before commissioning. The initial heat-up begins gently at 20°C–25°C for 3 days, rises in daily 5°C steps to maximum design temperature, holds for at least 4 days, and cools progressively to relieve drying stresses.

About the CAP Monteur Thermique Exam

The Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) Monteur en Installations Thermiques is France's state-recognized vocational qualification (Niveau 3 / EQF Level 3, RNCP38306) certifying professional heating installers and hydronic system technicians. Governed by the Ministère de l'Éducation nationale et de la Jeunesse, this qualification confirms mastery in fabricating and assembling central heating circuits (steel, copper, multi-layer PEX), installing boilers (gas condensing, biomass pellets) and heat pumps (air/eau PAC), setting up underfloor heating (PCBT DTU 65.14) and radiator networks, integrating closed expansion vessels and safety relief groups, sizing room-sealed flues (DTU 61.1 / DTU 24.1), and conducting hydraulic balancing, water treatment, and system commissioning.

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 Monteur en installations thermiques (RNCP38306) evaluates candidates across three compulsory professional testing units: UP1 (Étude et préparation d'une intervention, written technical test, coefficient 3, duration 2h), UP2 (Réalisation d'une installation thermique, practical workshop test of pipe fabrication, brazing, autogenous welding, assembly, and pressure testing, coefficient 10, duration 11h–14h including Prévention Santé Environnement - PSE), and UP3 (Mise en service et maintenance des installations, practical commissioning, hydraulic balancing, combustion control, and customer handover oral, coefficient 5, duration 2h–3h). Candidates must attain an overall weighted score of at least 10.0 out of 20 across all units.

Time Limit

Written technical exam: 2h | Practical heating installation & 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%

Hydronic Heating Systems & Heat Emitters

Two-pipe hydronic networks, underfloor heating (PCBT DTU 65.14, 50°C max fluid / 28°C max floor), radiator sizing, thermostatic valves, and lockshield balancing.

20%

Boilers & Heat Pump Generators

Gas condensing boilers (flue dew point ~55°C, acidic condensate neutralization pH 3-5), air-to-water heat pumps (COP, buffer tanks), and wood pellet boilers.

20%

Expansion Vessels, Safety Valves & Circuit Protection

Closed expansion vessel sizing and precharge pressure (P0 = H/10 + 0.3 bar), 3-bar heating safety relief valves, automatic air purgers, and electronic circulation pumps.

20%

Flue Gas Venting, Air Supply & Combustion (DTU 24.1 / DTU 61.1)

Room-sealed concentric flues (C13 horizontal, C33 vertical, 3% fall to boiler), open-flue natural draught (B22/B23, 40 cm above ridge), CO poisoning risks, and flue gas analysis.

20%

Fabrication, Commissioning, Hydraulic Balancing & Maintenance

Steel pipe threading and oxyacetylene autogenous welding, copper brazing, hydraulic pressure testing (1.5x working pressure), flow rate formulas, sludge removal, and water hardness (°f).

Preparing for the CAP Monteur Thermique Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Minimum 10.0/20 overall weighted average
Assessment: The CAP Monteur en installations thermiques (RNCP38306) evaluates candidates across three compulsory professional testing units: UP1 (Étude et préparation d'une intervention, written technical test, coefficient 3, duration 2h), UP2 (Réalisation d'une installation thermique, practical workshop test of pipe fabrication, brazing, autogenous welding, assembly, and pressure testing, coefficient 10, duration 11h–14h including Prévention Santé Environnement - PSE), and UP3 (Mise en service et maintenance des installations, practical commissioning, hydraulic balancing, combustion control, and customer handover oral, coefficient 5, duration 2h–3h). Candidates must attain an overall weighted score of at least 10.0 out of 20 across all units.
Time limit: Written technical exam: 2h | Practical heating installation & commissioning: 12h–16h
Exam / certification fees: 0 € (Free public registration via Cyclades portal) Official sources

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CAP Monteur Thermique: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the hydronic flow rate formula Q = P / (c * Delta T): with water (c = 1.163 Wh/(kg*K)), flow rate Q in L/h equals thermal power P in Watts divided by (1.163 * Delta T).

2Memorize the dew point temperature of natural gas combustion (~55°C): to achieve continuous condensation in a condensing boiler, return water must remain well below 55°C (ideally 30°C to 45°C).

3Remember the minimum slope for horizontal condensing flue ducts: DTU 61.1 requires at least 3% (approx. 3 cm per meter) sloping downwards towards the boiler so acidic condensates drain back into the appliance's built-in trap.

4Know the difference between heating safety valves (3 bar, red cap) and domestic hot water safety groups (7 bar, blue cap): never interchange them.

5Understand why aluminum-silicon heat exchangers require strict pH monitoring: heating water pH must be maintained between 7.5 and 8.5, as a pH above 8.5 dissolves the protective alumina passivation layer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official structure of the CAP Monteur en Installations Thermiques examination?

The examination comprises three vocational units: UP1 (Étude et préparation d'une intervention, 2-hour written exam, coefficient 3) evaluating heating plan interpretation, pipe sizing, and component selection; UP2 (Réalisation d'une installation thermique, practical workshop exam of 11 to 14 hours, coefficient 10) evaluating steel pipe welding, copper brazing, emitter mounting, and circuit assembly; and UP3 (Mise en service et maintenance des installations, practical test of 2 to 3 hours, coefficient 5) assessing hydraulic filling, pressure testing, burner commissioning, combustion analysis, and oral technical debriefing.

How is the passing score determined for the CAP Chauffagiste?

Candidates must achieve an overall weighted average of at least 10.0 out of 20 across all professional and general educational units. While there is no single eliminatory threshold on a specific sub-paper, a severe safety breach during practical gas or electrical testing in UP2/UP3 can result in immediate termination of the practical test.

What is the formula for setting the nitrogen precharge pressure of a closed expansion vessel?

According to French heating trade practice, the initial nitrogen precharge pressure P0 (in bar) is set according to static height: P0 = (Static Height in meters / 10) + 0.2 to 0.5 bar (typically + 0.3 bar), with a minimum base precharge of 0.5 to 0.8 bar. For example, for an installation with a static height of 7 meters between the expansion vessel and the highest emitter: P0 = (7 / 10) + 0.3 = 1.0 bar. This pressure must always be adjusted while the hydronic water side is depressurized (pression d'eau = 0).

What are the regulatory temperature limits for an underfloor heating system (PCBT) under DTU 65.14?

Under French standard DTU 65.14, the maximum flow water temperature delivered into the floor heating loops must not exceed 50°C, and an independent manual-reset safety limit aquastat (sécurité thermique à réarmement manuel) must shut off the heat generator or circulation pump if water temperature reaches 65°C. In addition, the finished surface floor temperature in occupied spaces must never exceed 28°C for human physiological vascular comfort.

Can private or adult candidates (candidats libres) register for the CAP Monteur Thermique?

Yes. Adult candidates, career changers, and independent learners can register online free of charge (0 €) through the national Cyclades examination portal between October and November of each year to sit for the theoretical and practical testing sessions in May/June.

Why are practice questions for this French qualification presented in English?

This practice bank provides an English-language study adaptation to support bilingual apprentices, international HVAC technicians, and foreign tradespeople seeking formal French state certification while rigorously maintaining authentic French technical terms (e.g., PCBT, DTU, disconnecteur BA, filasse de chanvre, té de réglage).