100+ Free MCA Second Engineer Marine Electro-Technology Practice Questions

Prepare for the MCA Second Engineer — Marine Electro-Technology (SQA Written Examination) exam with instant access — no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

100+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More UK MCA Management Level (III/2) Engineer Academic Examinations

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

MCA Management Level (III/2) Naval Architecture (040-34) — Second/Chief Engineer

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MCA Second Engineer Marine Electro-Technology Exam

≥50%

Pass Mark (each Second Engineer academic paper)

MSN 1857 (M+F) Amendment 1

040-33

SQA Timetable Subject Code (Electrotechnology)

MCA/SQA Marine Engineer Officers examination timetables

4 syllabus blocks

Components, Circuits, Electromagnetism, Machines

GOV.UK Marine Electro-Technology Written Examination Syllabus

Confirm with centre

SQA Exam Fee + Centre Admin

Approved examination centre application forms / SQA

MCA / SQA

Administrator

MSN 1857 engineer certification framework

MCQ study adaptation

This Free Practice Bank

OpenExamPrep study aid (not official paper)

Free 100-question English MCQ study bank for the MCA/SQA Second Engineer Marine Electro-Technology written module (STCW III/2 academics, paper 040-33 Electrotechnology). Official pass mark at least 50% per MSN 1857. Fee and duration: confirm with approved centre/SQA. Covers components, circuit principles, electromagnetism and machines with calculations. Not an official paper simulation.

Sample MCA Second Engineer Marine Electro-Technology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your MCA Second Engineer Marine Electro-Technology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to electron theory, which statement best distinguishes conductors, semiconductors and insulators?

A.Conductors have many free electrons, semiconductors have a moderate number, insulators have almost none free to move

B.Conductors have no free electrons while insulators have many free electrons

C.Semiconductors always have more free electrons than metals

D.Insulators conduct only when reverse-biased like a diode

Explanation: Electron theory classifies materials by availability of free charge carriers. Metals (conductors) have a large density of free electrons, intrinsic semiconductors far fewer, and good insulators almost no free electrons at room temperature. That free-carrier density governs conductivity.

2Which pair correctly matches basic electrical quantities and their SI units?

A.Charge: coulomb (C); current: ampere (A); potential difference: volt (V); power: watt (W)

B.Charge: ampere; current: coulomb; potential difference: watt; power: volt

C.Charge: joule; current: ohm; potential difference: farad; power: henry

D.Charge: weber; current: tesla; potential difference: siemens; power: coulomb

Explanation: Charge is measured in coulombs, current (rate of charge flow) in amperes, potential difference (and emf) in volts, energy in joules, and power in watts. These are the basic electrical quantities on the MCA Marine Electro-Technology syllabus.

3The resistance of a uniform metallic conductor is proportional to which combination of its physical parameters?

A.Length divided by cross-sectional area (R = ρL/A)

B.Cross-sectional area divided by length

C.Volume only, independent of shape

D.Surface area only, independent of length

Explanation: For a homogeneous conductor at constant temperature, R = ρL/A, where ρ is resistivity, L length and A cross-sectional area. Longer wires and thinner wires raise resistance; this is the physical-dimension relation required in the syllabus.

4A copper conductor has resistance 0.40 Ω at 0 °C. Taking α0 for copper as 0.0043 /°C, what is its approximate resistance at 50 °C?

A.0.486 Ω

B.0.400 Ω

C.0.215 Ω

D.0.860 Ω

Explanation: Use R_t = R0(1 + α0 t). R_50 = 0.40(1 + 0.0043×50) = 0.40(1 + 0.215) = 0.40×1.215 = 0.486 Ω. Temperature coefficient α0 is defined at 0 °C as on the syllabus.

5How is the state of charge of a lead–acid cell commonly assessed using a hydrometer?

A.By measuring the relative density (specific gravity) of the electrolyte

B.By measuring only the open-circuit terminal voltage at −20 °C

C.By measuring plate colour with a magnetometer

D.By measuring electrolyte pH alone with litmus

Explanation: On charge, sulphuric acid concentration rises and so does electrolyte relative density; on discharge it falls. A hydrometer reading of relative density therefore indicates state of charge of a lead–acid cell, as required by the syllabus.

6Compared with a lead–acid cell of similar capacity, a nickel–cadmium alkaline cell typically:

A.Has a lower nominal voltage per cell and better tolerance of rough mechanical conditions

B.Has a much higher nominal voltage per cell and cannot retain charge when idle

C.Cannot be connected in series for higher voltages

D.Uses sulphuric acid electrolyte measured by hydrometer like a lead–acid cell

Explanation: Lead–acid cells are about 2 V nominal; Ni–Cd alkaline cells are about 1.2 V nominal. Alkaline cells generally tolerate deeper discharge abuse and mechanical shock better, though they are often heavier/costlier for a given ampere-hour capacity—points listed on the official comparison syllabus.

7Battery capacity is commonly stated in ampere-hours (Ah) at a given rate. What does 100 Ah at the 10-hour rate mean?

A.The battery can theoretically deliver 10 A for 10 hours under the stated conditions

B.The battery always delivers 100 A for 1 hour regardless of temperature

C.The battery stores 100 joules of energy

D.The internal resistance is 100 ohms

Explanation: Ampere-hour capacity at a stated rate is current × time at that discharge rate (here 10 A × 10 h = 100 Ah). Actual delivered Ah depends on rate, temperature and end voltage; the rating is not energy in joules and is not internal resistance.

8Two identical 12 V batteries each have internal resistance 0.05 Ω and open-circuit emf 12.0 V. They are connected in parallel to a 2.0 Ω load. Approximate load current is:

A.5.93 A

B.12.0 A

C.2.94 A

D.240 A

Explanation: Identical cells in parallel keep the same emf but halve the internal resistance: E_eq = 12.0 V and r_eq = 0.05/2 = 0.025 Ω. Total circuit resistance = 2.0 + 0.025 = 2.025 Ω, so I = 12/2.025 = 5.93 A.

9Ampere-hour efficiency of a secondary battery is best defined as:

A.(Discharge ampere-hours / charge ampere-hours) × 100%

B.(Charge voltage / discharge voltage) × 100%

C.(Discharge watts / charge amperes) × 100%

D.(Internal resistance / open-circuit voltage) × 100%

Explanation: Ampere-hour efficiency compares charge returned on discharge to charge put in on charge. Watt-hour efficiency also accounts for voltage differences between charge and discharge and is usually lower than Ah efficiency.

10In semiconductor doping, adding a group-V impurity (e.g. phosphorus) to intrinsic silicon primarily creates:

A.n-type material with donor atoms providing extra electrons as majority carriers

B.p-type material with holes as majority carriers

C.A perfect insulator with no free carriers

D.A metallic conductor with zero band gap

Explanation: Donor (group-V) impurities contribute extra electrons, making n-type material with electrons as majority carriers. Acceptor (group-III) impurities create holes and p-type material.

About the MCA Second Engineer Marine Electro-Technology Exam

The MCA Second Engineer Marine Electro-Technology examination is the SQA academic written paper that develops the electrical theory needed for management-level marine engineers on the STCW III/2 pathway. Under MSN 1857, candidates must obtain at least 50% in each Second Engineer academic subject, including Electro Technology, alongside Mathematics, Applied Mechanics, Applied Heat, Engineering Drawing and Naval Architecture (routes and exemptions vary). The GOV.UK syllabus covers components and batteries, dc/ac circuit analysis with phasors and power factor, magnetic circuits and induction, and dc/ac machines including synchronising and induction motors. The official assessment is a worked written paper (not multiple choice). This free bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation of that syllabus for revision fluency.

Assessment

IDENTITY NOTE (verified 2026-08-08): there is no longer a separate Second Engineer and Chief Engineer academic examination. From 1 January 2017 the two were combined into a single Management Level (STCW III/2) paper per subject (MSN 1857 (M+F)), and Qualifications Scotland — which replaced the SQA on 1 February 2026 — timetables only the 040 Management Engineer series for 2025/26 and 2026/27. This page covers Management Level paper 040-33 Electrotechnology, which is sat once and counts towards both the Second Engineer and the Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency. Official: SQA written examination in Marine Electro-Technology for the Second Engineer / management-level academic suite (STCW III/2 pathway under MSN 1857). The public GOV.UK syllabus covers four blocks — electric/electronic components, electric circuit principles, electromagnetism, and electrical machines — with substantial calculation content. This practice set converts that assessable knowledge into four-option MCQs for study fluency.

Time Limit

Confirm current paper duration with SQA or your approved examination centre when booking (MCA/SQA examination timetables publish start times; the public syllabus HTML does not state duration)

Passing Score

At least 50% in each SQA Second Engineer academic examination at this level, including Electro Technology, as stated in MSN 1857 (M+F) Amendment 1

Exam Fee

Confirm the current SQA examination fee and any centre administration fee with your approved booking centre before applying (approved-centre forms have listed an SQA fee for 040-33 Electrotechnology — e.g. £140 on a 2024–25 form — plus separate admin charges) (Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) / Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA))

MCA Second Engineer Marine Electro-Technology Exam Content Outline

22%

Electric and Electronic Components

Electron theory of conductors/semiconductors/insulators; R, L and C from physical dimensions; temperature coefficient of resistance; lead–acid and alkaline cells; rectifiers; bipolar transistors as switch/amplifier; photo-devices

30%

Electric Circuit Principles

Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws; series/parallel and bridge networks; sinusoidal quantities, rms/mean/form factor; phasors; pure R/L/C behaviour; series R-L-C impedance; active/reactive/apparent power and power factor

25%

Electromagnetism

Flux, flux density, mmf, H, reluctance and air gaps; B–H curves and permeability; force on conductors; Faraday and Lenz laws; self and mutual inductance; motional emf; magnetic energy ½LI²

23%

Electrical Machines

DC generator/motor action and commutators; shunt, series and compound connections; voltage and back-emf equations; starting and speed control; 3-phase alternators and synchronising; squirrel-cage induction motors and marine applications

How to Pass the MCA Second Engineer Marine Electro-Technology Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: At least 50% in each SQA Second Engineer academic examination at this level, including Electro Technology, as stated in MSN 1857 (M+F) Amendment 1
Assessment: IDENTITY NOTE (verified 2026-08-08): there is no longer a separate Second Engineer and Chief Engineer academic examination. From 1 January 2017 the two were combined into a single Management Level (STCW III/2) paper per subject (MSN 1857 (M+F)), and Qualifications Scotland — which replaced the SQA on 1 February 2026 — timetables only the 040 Management Engineer series for 2025/26 and 2026/27. This page covers Management Level paper 040-33 Electrotechnology, which is sat once and counts towards both the Second Engineer and the Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency. Official: SQA written examination in Marine Electro-Technology for the Second Engineer / management-level academic suite (STCW III/2 pathway under MSN 1857). The public GOV.UK syllabus covers four blocks — electric/electronic components, electric circuit principles, electromagnetism, and electrical machines — with substantial calculation content. This practice set converts that assessable knowledge into four-option MCQs for study fluency.
Time limit: Confirm current paper duration with SQA or your approved examination centre when booking (MCA/SQA examination timetables publish start times; the public syllabus HTML does not state duration)
Exam fee: Confirm the current SQA examination fee and any centre administration fee with your approved booking centre before applying (approved-centre forms have listed an SQA fee for 040-33 Electrotechnology — e.g. £140 on a 2024–25 form — plus separate admin charges)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MCA Second Engineer Marine Electro-Technology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Drill Ohm’s law, series/parallel reduction and the impedance triangle until R, X and Z are automatic — most written marks sit on multi-step circuit problems

2Memorise rms/peak/mean/form-factor relationships for sine waves and practise non-sinusoidal form-factor definitions from first principles

3For magnetic circuits, always write S = F/Φ and S = l/(μA); treat air gaps as high-reluctance elements and watch for fringing wording in questions

4Keep generator and motor equations distinct: V = E − Ia Ra (generator) versus V = Eb + Ia Ra (motor)

5Practise synchronising checks as a checklist: voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle — then lamps/synchroscope procedure

6Sketch shunt, series and compound field connections from memory before the written paper

7Work timed calculation sets without a calculator’s equation-solver — show method as markers expect

8Remember this free bank is MCQ study practice; finish with past-style long questions under exam timing for the real written format

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MCA Second Engineer Marine Electro-Technology exam?

It is the SQA academic written examination in Marine Electro-Technology for candidates on the UK MCA Second Engineer (STCW III/2) pathway. The official syllabus is published on GOV.UK under Second Engineer Written Examination Syllabuses and covers components, circuit principles, electromagnetism and electrical machines.

What is the official pass mark?

MSN 1857 (M+F) Amendment 1 states that you must obtain a pass mark of at least 50% in all SQA Second Engineer academic examinations at this level, which include Electro Technology (with Mathematics, Applied Mechanics, Applied Heat, Engineering Drawing and Naval Architecture).

Is the real exam multiple choice?

No. The official assessment is a worked SQA written paper (timetable subject 040-33 Electrotechnology). These free practice items are an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of the same syllabus topics — not an official SQA paper simulation.

What topics does the syllabus cover?

Four main blocks on GOV.UK: electric and electronic components (including batteries, rectifiers and transistors); electric circuit principles (dc/ac networks, phasors, power factor); electromagnetism (magnetic circuits and induction); and electrical machines (dc machines, alternators, synchronising and 3-phase induction motors).

How much does the exam cost?

SQA examination fees are set per subject and diet and are collected through approved centres, which may also charge administration fees. Recent approved-centre application forms have listed an SQA fee for 040-33 Electrotechnology (for example £140 on a 2024–25 form). Confirm the current total with your booking centre.

Who administers the exam?

Written papers are administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and taken at approved examination centres on published diets.

How does this paper fit the Second Engineer CoC?

Electro Technology is one of the academic written subjects for Second Engineer III/2 under MSN 1857. You also need the remaining academics (unless exempt), Engineering Knowledge papers, sea service, ancillary/safety courses, medical fitness and the MCA oral as applicable to your route.

Are calculations required?

Yes. The official syllabus repeatedly requires solving numerical problems on resistance/temperature, batteries, dc/ac circuits, magnetic circuits, induced emf, and machine voltage/current relationships. This practice bank includes calculation items to match that emphasis.