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Key Facts: TP EIMSA Exam

Level 3

National qualification level (RNCP38561 / EQF Level 3, Ministère du Travail)

France Compétences

5h 35m

Total candidate evaluation time: 5h 15m practical scenario (MSP in 2 parts) + 20m final interview

France Compétences RNCP38561

2 Blocs

Compulsory competence units: RNCP38561BC01 (Installer) and RNCP38561BC02 (Maintenance)

France Compétences RNCP38561

3h 15m

Practical wiring modification duration from technical dossier under invigilation

France Compétences RNCP38561

2029

RNCP38561 registration is active until 21 March 2029 (supersedes RNCP32297)

France Compétences

The TP Électricien d'Installation et de Maintenance des Systèmes Automatisés (Level 3, RNCP38561, active to 2029) is the French Ministry of Labour qualification for automated machinery electricians. Evaluated in French over 5h 35min — a 5h 15min practical scenario (3h 15m wiring modification, 30m commissioning, 55m troubleshooting/repair, 15m IoT sensor parameterisation, 20m preventive maintenance) plus a 20-minute final interview on the dossier professionnel — the certification covers cabinet assembly, integration, commissioning, repair, and safety. This 100-question practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation; it is not an official translation and does not replace workshop practical testing.

Sample TP EIMSA Practice Questions

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

1According to standard EN 60204-1 (Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines), which insulated conductor colour is mandatory for the protective bonding conductor (PE) in an industrial automated control cabinet?

A.Bi-colour combination GREEN-AND-YELLOW along its entire length

B.Solid LIGHT BLUE along its entire length

C.Solid BLACK with yellow heat-shrink sleeves at both ends

D.Solid GREEN with bare copper visible at terminal connection points

Explanation: EN 60204-1 section 13.2.2 strictly mandates that the protective conductor (PE) must be readily distinguishable by the bi-colour combination GREEN-AND-YELLOW along its entire length. This colour combination is reserved exclusively for protective conductors and must not be used for any other purpose.

2When wiring the internal control circuits of an automated machine cabinet according to EN 60204-1 recommendations, which wire colours designate AC control circuits and DC control circuits respectively?

A.DARK BLUE for AC control circuits, and RED for DC control circuits

B.RED for AC control circuits, and DARK BLUE for DC control circuits

C.BLACK for AC control circuits, and LIGHT BLUE for DC control circuits

D.BROWN for AC control circuits, and GREY for DC control circuits

Explanation: Under EN 60204-1 section 13.2.4, recommended colours for identification of control circuits are RED for AC control circuits and DARK BLUE for DC control circuits. This distinct differentiation allows maintenance electricians to immediately recognise circuit voltage types during troubleshooting.

3In an industrial control cabinet, certain circuits remain live even when the main supply disconnecting switch (sectionneur général) is switched to the OFF (0) position, such as interlocking signals from an adjacent machine. According to EN 60204-1, which wire colour must be used for these circuits?

A.VIOLET

B.WHITE

C.ORANGE

D.YELLOW

Explanation: EN 60204-1 section 13.2.4 explicitly specifies that ORANGE insulated conductors must be used to identify circuits that remain energized when the main machine disconnecting device is open (e.g., inter-cabinet interlocking circuits, cabinet interior service lighting, or external power feeds). In addition, a warning label must be affixed near the main switch.

4Why is it mandatory in industrial automated cabinet assembly to crimp bootlace ferrules (embouts de câblage) onto the stripped ends of flexible multi-strand (Class 5) copper conductors before inserting them into screw terminals?

A.To insulate the conductor against magnetic interference emitted by nearby variable frequency drives

B.To raise the conductor cross-section to the next standard gauge and increase current-carrying capacity

C.To convert the stranded conductor into a permanent solid copper wire that resists mechanical bending outside trunking

D.To prevent splaying or breakage of individual copper strands under screw pressure and ensure reliable long-term contact resistance

Explanation: Flexible Class 5 multi-strand wires consist of dozens of fine copper strands. Direct clamping with a screw can shear individual strands, cause loose strands to splay outward causing short circuits, or result in loosening over time due to copper creep. Crimp ferrules encase all strands in an electro-tinned copper sleeve, ensuring mechanical integrity, low contact resistance, and gas-tight termination.

5A wiring technician is installing slotted PVC trunking (goulotte de câblage) in a machine control cabinet. To comply with standard panel-building trade practices and allow for thermal dissipation as well as future wiring modifications, what is the recommended maximum cross-sectional wire fill factor (taux de remplissage)?

A.60% to 70% of the internal duct cross-sectional area

B.95% to 100% of the internal duct cross-sectional area

C.25% to 30% of the internal duct cross-sectional area

D.10% to 15% of the internal duct cross-sectional area

Explanation: In industrial panel building, the standard rule of thumb is a maximum fill factor of 60% to 70% (often specified as a 30% reserve). Exceeding 70% causes excessive internal heating due to Joule losses, makes it difficult or impossible to snap the trunking lid closed without pinching conductors, and prevents routing additional wires during machine commissioning or modification.

6An electrician must size a regulated 24 V DC switch-mode power supply (alimentation à découpage) for an automated packaging cell. The load inventory is: PLC CPU and rack drawing 1.2 A; 16 electro-pneumatic solenoid valves at 0.12 A each; 10 inductive proximity sensors at 0.025 A each; and 2 safety relay coils drawing 0.15 A each. To ensure reliability and provide a 25% reserve margin, which standard power supply rating should be selected?

A.2.5 A (60 W)

B.5 A (120 W)

C.10 A (240 W)

D.20 A (480 W)

Explanation: Summing the continuous loads: PLC = 1.2 A; Solenoid valves = 16 × 0.12 A = 1.92 A; Sensors = 10 × 0.025 A = 0.25 A; Safety relays = 2 × 0.15 A = 0.30 A. Total continuous current = 1.2 + 1.92 + 0.25 + 0.30 = 3.67 A. Adding a 25% design/reserve margin gives: 3.67 A × 1.25 = 4.5875 A. The closest standard commercial DIN-rail power supply rating above this value is 5 A (24 V × 5 A = 120 W).

7On an industrial electrical schematic drawn in accordance with standard EN 81346-2 and French panel-building conventions, how is an external terminal strip typically designated, and how are its individual terminals identified?

A.With the letter prefix '-KM' followed by contact numbers (e.g. -KM1:13-14)

B.With the letter prefix '-Q' followed by pole numbers (e.g. -Q1:1-3-5)

C.With the letter prefix '-X' followed by a number (e.g. -X1), and individual terminals sequentially numbered (1, 2, 3...)

D.With the letter prefix '-KA' followed by coil terminals (e.g. -KA1:A1-A2)

Explanation: Under EN 81346-2, letter code 'X' is the standardised class for electrical connection and distribution items, including terminal strips (-X), connectors (-X), and sockets. In industrial cabinets, main terminal blocks are labelled -X1 (power supply / motors), -X2 (control inputs/outputs), etc., with individual slice terminals numbered sequentially.

8To prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI/CEM) between high-power inverter outputs and sensitive low-voltage signals inside a control cabinet, what installation practice must be strictly observed?

A.Bundle VFD motor cables and analog 4-20 mA sensor cables tightly together inside the same slotted trunking to equalize electrostatic charges

B.Ground both ends of all signal cable conductors directly to 24 V DC positive to suppress noise spikes

C.Route VFD output cables directly behind the PLC CPU card to minimize the length of cabinet chassis earth straps

D.Route variable speed drive motor cables and sensitive analog/communication cables in separate trunking separated by at least 100 mm to 200 mm, or cross them at 90 degrees if crossing is unavoidable

Explanation: Electromagnetic compatibility (CEM/EMC) rules require physical separation between noisy 'culprit' cables (VFD motor output, which carries high dV/dt pulse-width modulation) and sensitive 'victim' cables (analog 0-10V / 4-20mA, thermocouple, Profinet/Ethernet). Routing them in separate wire ducts with ≥ 100-200 mm clearance or an earthed metallic divider, and crossing only at 90°, minimizes capacitive and inductive cross-talk.

9When connecting the braided copper shield of a motor power cable driven by a variable frequency drive (VFD) at the cabinet entry gland plate, what is the best practice for high-frequency noise suppression?

A.Clamping the uninsulated shield braid 360 degrees around its circumference against a conductive, unpainted EMC gland or earthing rail

B.Twisting the braided shield into a long pigtail (queue de cochon) and securing it with a terminal block onto the 24 V DC negative terminal

C.Leaving the shield completely isolated and taped back at both ends to prevent circulating earth currents

D.Soldering a 0.5 mm² single-strand yellow jumper wire between the shield and the cabinet door hinge

Explanation: At high switching frequencies (kHz to MHz generated by VFD IGBTs), cable shields exhibit high inductive reactance if connected via a twisted pigtail (queue de cochon). A 360° circumferential clamp (étrier de blindage CEM / presse-étoupe CEM) directly against an unpainted metallic grounding rail provides minimal surface impedance, effectively shunting high-frequency common-mode noise to earth.

10A technician connects a standard 3-wire DC inductive proximity sensor (PNP, normally open) to a 24 V DC PLC digital input card. What are the standard wire colours and connections according to IEC 60947-5-2?

A.BLUE to +24 V DC, BROWN to 0 V (ground/return), and BLACK to the PLC digital input terminal

B.BROWN to +24 V DC, BLUE to 0 V (ground/return), and BLACK to the PLC digital input terminal

C.BLACK to +24 V DC, WHITE to 0 V (ground/return), and BLUE to the PLC digital input terminal

D.BROWN to +24 V DC, BLACK to 0 V (ground/return), and BLUE to the PLC digital input terminal

Explanation: Standard IEC 60947-5-2 defines the universal colour code for 3-wire DC sensors: BROWN (Brun) = Positive supply (+24 V DC), BLUE (Bleu) = Negative supply / 0 V, and BLACK (Noir) = Switching signal output (connected to the PLC input). For a PNP sensor, the output transistor switches +24 V DC onto the black wire when activated.

About the TP EIMSA Exam

The Titre Professionnel (TP) Électricien d'Installation et de Maintenance des Systèmes Automatisés is France's state-certified vocational qualification (Niveau 3 / EQF Level 3) for electricians specializing in automated machinery, control cabinet wiring, industrial equipment integration, and electrotechnical maintenance. Registered under France Compétences fiche RNCP38561 (active until 21 March 2029, superseding RNCP32297) and certifed by the Ministère du Travail, du Plein emploi et de l'Insertion, the title validates professionals who build, modify, commission, troubleshoot, and maintain automated industrial machinery and electrical control panels. The qualification encompasses two core competence blocs: RNCP38561BC01 (Installer des équipements automatisés: mounting and wiring control cabinets from schematics, routing cables, terminating ferrules and terminal strips, integrating field sensors and actuators, executing point-to-point continuity checks, insulation resistance testing at 500 V DC, and sequential commissioning); and RNCP38561BC02 (Assurer la maintenance d'équipements automatisés: structured electrical troubleshooting, multimeter voltage/resistance measurements, replacing defective contactors/relays/drives, parameterising IO-Link connected IoT sensors, performing preventive maintenance, retorquing terminals, thermographic inspection, NF C 18-510 5-step consignation, electrical PPE, and DEEE waste sorting). The official assessment is conducted in French through a 5h 15min practical scenario and a 20-minute final interview; this bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation of the underlying theory, standards, and calculations.

Exam sponsor: Ministère du Travail, du Plein emploi et de l'Insertion / DREETS. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The assessment for the Titre Professionnel Électricien d'installation et de maintenance des systèmes automatisés (RNCP38561) comprises two main components totaling 5 hours 35 minutes of candidate evaluation time: 1. Mise en situation professionnelle (05 h 15 min total) divided into two parts: Première partie (03 h 45 min) consisting of a wiring modification on an automated system from a technical dossier under an invigilator (03 h 15 min), followed by commissioning of the automated equipment from a procedure in the presence of the jury (00 h 30 min); Deuxième partie (01 h 30 min) in the presence of the jury, consisting of fault-finding on faulted automated equipment, repair and commissioning from a procedure (00 h 55 min), verification of a connected IoT sensor parameterisation (00 h 15 min), and preventive maintenance of the equipment (00 h 20 min). 2. Entretien final (00 h 20 min) with the jury, which includes discussion of the candidate's dossier professionnel. The jury is habilitated by the territorial representative of the ministry (DREETS/DDEETS) and composed of qualified trade professionals. Candidates who validate both competence blocs (RNCP38561BC01 and BC02) are awarded the full Titre Professionnel; individual validated blocs are certified as Certificats de Compétences Professionnelles (CCP).

Time Limit

5h 35min

Passing Score

Validation of both competence blocs (RNCP38561BC01 and RNCP38561BC02) by the jury; partial validation is certified as individual CCPs

Exam / Certification Fees

No separate examination fee is published for the candidate: the validation session sits inside a funded pathway; AFPA prices the full qualifying course at 12,852 € net of tax

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.

25%

Cabinet Wiring & Field Integration

Industrial control panel component mounting, DIN rail layout, slotted ducting (goulottes) fill ratios, bootlace ferrules, terminal marking under EN 81346-2, conductor colour coding under EN 60204-1 (black power, red AC control, dark blue DC control, orange external interlocks, green/yellow PE), EMC cable separation and 360-degree shield bonding, 24 V DC switch-mode power supply sizing, and field device integration (inductive/photoelectric PNP sensors, safety switches, emergency stop dual channels, reversing contactors).

25%

Commissioning & Electrical Testing

Pre-commissioning point-to-point continuity checks (sonnage), insulation resistance testing (500 V DC ≥ 1.0 MΩ under EN 60204-1), phase rotation checks (L1-L2-L3), three-phase motor active power and starting current calculations, star-delta motor coupling rules, three-phase voltage drop (ΔU) calculations, thermal overload relay setting, fuse coordination (aM vs gG), and PLC I/O checkout.

25%

Fault Diagnosis & System Repair

Structured fault diagnosis methodology, half-split troubleshooting (dichotomie), multimeter voltage drop and resistance measurements, contactor contact degradation diagnosis, 24 V DC short-circuit/ground fault isolation, solenoid valve coil resistance checks, motor single-phasing detection, stator insulation breakdown testing, VFD fault diagnosis, and parameterising connected IoT sensors (IO-Link) using IODD device descriptions.

25%

Preventive Maintenance & Electrical Safety

NF C 18-510 5-step electrical consignation (séparation, condamnation, identification, VAT with approved dedicated detector, MALT/CC), electrical PPE (1000 V insulating gloves, arc-flash face shield), employer-issued habilitation symbols and limits (BR, B1V, B2V, BC), terminal tightening torques, Joule heating prevention, infrared thermographic hotspot detection, cabinet cooling maintenance, DEEE / WEEE industrial waste sorting, hazardous lithium battery disposal, and motor energy efficiency (IE classes, Affinity laws).

Preparing for the TP EIMSA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Validation of both competence blocs (RNCP38561BC01 and RNCP38561BC02) by the jury; partial validation is certified as individual CCPs
Assessment: The assessment for the Titre Professionnel Électricien d'installation et de maintenance des systèmes automatisés (RNCP38561) comprises two main components totaling 5 hours 35 minutes of candidate evaluation time: 1. Mise en situation professionnelle (05 h 15 min total) divided into two parts: Première partie (03 h 45 min) consisting of a wiring modification on an automated system from a technical dossier under an invigilator (03 h 15 min), followed by commissioning of the automated equipment from a procedure in the presence of the jury (00 h 30 min); Deuxième partie (01 h 30 min) in the presence of the jury, consisting of fault-finding on faulted automated equipment, repair and commissioning from a procedure (00 h 55 min), verification of a connected IoT sensor parameterisation (00 h 15 min), and preventive maintenance of the equipment (00 h 20 min). 2. Entretien final (00 h 20 min) with the jury, which includes discussion of the candidate's dossier professionnel. The jury is habilitated by the territorial representative of the ministry (DREETS/DDEETS) and composed of qualified trade professionals. Candidates who validate both competence blocs (RNCP38561BC01 and BC02) are awarded the full Titre Professionnel; individual validated blocs are certified as Certificats de Compétences Professionnelles (CCP).
Time limit: 5h 35min
Exam / certification fees: No separate examination fee is published for the candidate: the validation session sits inside a funded pathway; AFPA prices the full qualifying course at 12,852 € net of tax Official sources

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TP EIMSA: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize the EN 60204-1 conductor color code: Black for AC/DC power, Red for AC control, Dark Blue for DC control, Orange for circuits remaining live when the main disconnect is opened, and Green-and-Yellow strictly reserved for PE.

2Know the five steps of NF C 18-510 consignation by heart: 1. Séparation; 2. Condamnation; 3. Identification; 4. VAT (with immediate tester self-test); 5. MALT/CC when required.

3Practice three-phase power calculations: Active power P = √3 × U × I × cos φ, apparent power S = √3 × U × I, and line current I = P / (√3 × U × cos φ). Remember that mechanical shaft power must be divided by efficiency (η) to obtain electrical absorbed power.

4Understand the half-split troubleshooting method (dichotomie): when testing a long series string of safety switches or sensors, test voltage at the midpoint to eliminate 50% of the circuit in a single measurement.

5Learn the requirements for IO-Link connected sensors: master port parameter storage, teach-in procedures, switching thresholds (SP1/SP2), and interpreting optical margin or diagnostic event flags.

6Review the practical scenario structure: 3h 15min is dedicated to physical wiring modification from a schematic dossier, so practice neat wire dressing, proper ferrule crimping, and immediate redlining of schematic drawings (mise à jour en rouge).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official format and duration of the TP Électricien d'Installation et de Maintenance des Systèmes Automatisés examination?

The RNCP38561 fiche specifies a total candidate assessment time of 5 hours 35 minutes before a jury of trade professionals habilitated by the DREETS/DDEETS. It consists of a 5-hour 15-minute practical scenario (mise en situation professionnelle) divided into two parts: Part 1 (3h 45min total: 3h 15min wiring modification on automated equipment from a technical dossier under invigilation, followed by 30min equipment commissioning before the jury); Part 2 (1h 30min total with jury: 55min fault-finding, repair, and commissioning; 15min verification of connected IoT sensor parameterisation; and 20min preventive maintenance). The session concludes with a 20-minute final interview (entretien final) covering the candidate's professional dossier (dossier professionnel).

Does this English-language practice bank replace the official workshop assessment?

No. The official French assessment is hands-on and performance-based, conducted on real automated industrial machinery and electrical cabinets in French. This 100-question practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed to help learners and technicians master the underlying electrical engineering principles, standard formulas, wire color conventions, testing procedures, safety regulations, and troubleshooting methodologies. It does not replace workshop practice or the oral examination.

Is an NF C 18-510 electrical authorization an entry prerequisite for this Titre Professionnel?

No. The RNCP38561 certification fiche lists no prerequisite for entry. Under French labor law (Code du Travail), an electrical authorization (habilitation électrique NF C 18-510, such as symbol BR or B2V) is an individual legal document issued exclusively by an EMPLOYER based on medical fitness and safety training for tasks carrying electrical risk in the workplace. It is not an entry requirement or diploma component of the certification itself, although candidates are thoroughly trained in the 5-step consignation procedure and VAT safety protocols.

What is the difference between TP EIMSA (Level 3) and TP Technicien de Maintenance Industrielle (Level 4)?

The TP Électricien d'Installation et de Maintenance des Systèmes Automatisés (RNCP38561) is a Level 3 (CAP/BEP level) qualification focused squarely on the electrical and automated aspects of machinery: cabinet layout, wiring modifications, field sensor/actuator integration, electrical commissioning, and electrical troubleshooting. In contrast, the TP Technicien de Maintenance Industrielle (TMI, RNCP41536) is a Level 4 (Bac level) multi-technical qualification that encompasses mechanical transmission repair, shaft alignment, bearing mounting, industrial hydraulics, pneumatic circuits, manual machining, and welding, alongside advanced predictive maintenance (AMDEC/GMAO).

How is the Titre Professionnel awarded upon completion?

The complete Titre Professionnel is awarded when the candidate successfully validates both compulsory competence blocs: RNCP38561BC01 (Installer des équipements automatisés) and RNCP38561BC02 (Assurer la maintenance d'équipements automatisés). If only one bloc is validated, the candidate receives a Certificat de Compétences Professionnelles (CCP) for that bloc, which is permanently retained, and can present the remaining bloc in a subsequent session within the validity period of the title.