100+ Free PCN Vibration Analysis Category 1 Practice Questions

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Sample PCN Vibration Analysis Category 1 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PCN Vibration Analysis Category 1 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In simple harmonic motion, one complete cycle of a sine wave corresponds to which angular measure?

A.90 degrees

B.360 degrees

C.180 degrees

D.45 degrees

Explanation: One complete oscillation returns the vibrating mass to the same position and velocity direction, which is one full cycle or 360 degrees (2π radians). Period in the time domain and frequency in the spectrum are reciprocals of each other.

2A vibration signal completes one cycle every 0.02 seconds. What is its frequency in hertz?

A.0.02 Hz

B.20 Hz

C.50 Hz

D.2 Hz

Explanation: Frequency is the reciprocal of period: f = 1/T. With T = 0.02 s, f = 1/0.02 = 50 Hz. Converting between period and frequency is routine when reading time waveforms and spectra.

3A fan runs at 1,800 revolutions per minute. What is its shaft rotating frequency in hertz?

A.30 Hz

B.60 Hz

C.1,800 Hz

D.15 Hz

Explanation: Convert rpm to Hz by dividing by 60: 1,800 / 60 = 30 Hz. This 1× running speed is the reference order used for recognising speed-related fault patterns.

4For a pure sine wave, how does the r.m.s. amplitude relate to the peak amplitude?

A.r.m.s. equals peak

B.r.m.s. equals 2 × peak

C.r.m.s. equals peak-to-peak

D.r.m.s. equals peak / √2

Explanation: For a pure sinusoid, r.m.s. = peak / √2 (about 0.707 × peak). Peak-to-peak is twice the peak. Overall vibration meters often report r.m.s. velocity for severity trending for this reason.

5Peak-to-peak displacement is most useful when assessing which of the following?

A.High-frequency bearing noise only

B.Total travel of a vibrating surface between extremes

C.Electrical noise floor of the analyser

D.Oil viscosity in a journal bearing

Explanation: Peak-to-peak measures the full excursion from one extreme to the opposite extreme. It is commonly discussed for low-frequency displacement of shafts or structures. It does not by itself describe bearing noise or lubricant properties.

6For general rotating-machinery severity trending in the mid-frequency range (roughly tens of Hz to about 1 kHz), which parameter is most commonly preferred?

A.Displacement only

B.Acceleration only

C.Velocity

D.Temperature

Explanation: International machinery vibration severity practice commonly uses r.m.s. velocity for general rotating machines in the mid-frequency band because it relates well to vibration energy/severity across that range. Displacement suits very low frequencies; acceleration suits higher frequencies such as gear mesh and bearing defects.

7Which SI-derived unit is commonly used for vibration velocity overall readings on machinery?

A.mm/s

B.mm

C.m/s²

D.rpm

Explanation: Velocity overalls are commonly expressed in mm/s (or in/s). Displacement uses length units such as µm or mils; acceleration uses m/s² or g; rpm is a speed, not a vibration amplitude unit.

8What does the frequency domain primarily show that a raw time waveform does not show directly?

A.Only the exact time of each peak in the waveform

B.Only the sensor's DC bias/ICP voltage

C.Only a single broadband overall with no frequency resolution

D.How vibration energy is distributed across frequencies

Explanation: A spectrum (frequency domain) displays amplitude versus frequency so you can see which frequencies contain energy. The time waveform shows amplitude versus time. Both domains are used in machinery vibration work.

9Resonance occurs when which condition is met?

A.Bearing clearance is unusually large

B.A forcing frequency coincides with a natural frequency of the system

C.The analyser averaging count is increased

D.Lubricant viscosity is within the OEM range

Explanation: Resonance is the large response that occurs when an excitation frequency matches a natural frequency of the structure or rotor-support system. Resonance amplifies vibration and can dominate measured levels.

10At Category 1 level, phase information is best described as:

A.Irrelevant to all vibration work

B.A replacement for amplitude measurement

C.A timing relationship between vibration signals or relative to a once-per-revolution reference

D.A substitute for overall amplitude trending

Explanation: Phase expresses the timing offset between signals, or relative to a tach/keyphasor reference. Phase is used in diagnosis and balancing; single-channel route collectors mainly need to know that it exists and what it represents.

About the PCN Vibration Analysis Category 1 Exam

PCN Vibration Analysis Category 1 is BINDT's entry-level ISO 18436-2 certification for personnel who collect and validate single-channel vibration data on predetermined routes and compare readings against pre-established alert settings. The Annex A Category 1 syllabus totals 30 training hours across principles of vibration, data acquisition, signal processing, condition monitoring, fault analysis, corrective action, equipment knowledge, and acceptance testing. Certification also requires 6 months of verified relevant experience.

Assessment

Closed-book multiple-choice examination aligned to ISO 18436-2 and BINDT CM/GEN Appendix D. Category 1 personnel perform pre-defined, simple single-channel machinery vibration condition monitoring under direction: collect repeatable data, spot poor data, compare overall/single-value readings to pre-established alerts, identify trend deviations, and report visual observations. They are not responsible for choosing sensors/methods or for diagnosis beyond pre-established criteria.

Time Limit

2.0 hours (plus up to 25% extension where CM/GEN clause 9.3 applies)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

PSL/35-CM Issue 26 (2026): Category 1/2 English examination fee £236 ex VAT (£283.20 inc VAT), inclusive of the PCN certification admin charge. ATO training packages and AEC invigilation charges vary — confirm the full cost with your provider. (British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) — PCN Scheme)

PCN Vibration Analysis Category 1 Exam Content Outline

20%

Principles of Vibration

Sine-wave motion, period/frequency, amplitude descriptors, vibration parameters and units, domains, and resonance awareness.

20%

Data Acquisition

Instruments, transducers, mounting, routes, measurement points, and recognising poor data.

Signal Processing

Basic FFT terms, filters, anti-aliasing, resolution, averaging and dynamic range awareness.

Condition Monitoring

Baselines, trending, routes, alternative CM technologies, and pre-set fault recognition.

13%

Fault Analysis

Unbalance, misalignment, looseness and bearing damage patterns in simple spectra and waveforms.

Corrective Action

Alignment, balancing awareness, isolation/damping, resonance control and simple maintenance fixes.

20%

Equipment Knowledge

Motors, pumps, fans, compressors, gearboxes, bearings, process machines and structural resonance recognition.

Acceptance Testing

Pre-set acceptance procedures, standards/evaluation-zone awareness, safety/access and reporting.

How to Pass the PCN Vibration Analysis Category 1 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Assessment: Closed-book multiple-choice examination aligned to ISO 18436-2 and BINDT CM/GEN Appendix D. Category 1 personnel perform pre-defined, simple single-channel machinery vibration condition monitoring under direction: collect repeatable data, spot poor data, compare overall/single-value readings to pre-established alerts, identify trend deviations, and report visual observations. They are not responsible for choosing sensors/methods or for diagnosis beyond pre-established criteria.
Time limit: 2.0 hours (plus up to 25% extension where CM/GEN clause 9.3 applies)
Exam fee: PSL/35-CM Issue 26 (2026): Category 1/2 English examination fee £236 ex VAT (£283.20 inc VAT), inclusive of the PCN certification admin charge. ATO training packages and AEC invigilation charges vary — confirm the full cost with your provider.

Keys to Passing

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

PCN Vibration Analysis Category 1 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master amplitude descriptors (peak, peak-to-peak, r.m.s.) and when velocity versus acceleration is typically preferred for machinery severity trending — Cat 1 questions often test recognition, not advanced maths.

2Practice recognising bad data signatures (no signal, ski-ramp, loose cable, poor mount) because Category 1 personnel must identify errors in collected data before anyone analyses them.

3Learn the classic spectral fingerprints for unbalance (1×), misalignment (1×/2× with axial), looseness (harmonics), and rolling-element bearing noise/damage at an awareness level — Cat 1 compares against pre-set patterns rather than inventing diagnoses.

4Review transducer mounting trade-offs (stud, magnet, probe tip): mounting stiffness changes high-frequency response and is a frequent data-quality trap on routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BINDT PCN Vibration Analysis Category 1?

It is BINDT's PCN certification for ISO 18436-2 Category 1 vibration personnel. Certificated Category 1 analysts perform pre-defined, simple single-channel machinery vibration condition monitoring under direction — collecting repeatable data, recognising poor data, comparing overall readings to alerts, spotting trend deviations, and reporting visual observations. They do not select sensors/methods or perform independent diagnosis beyond pre-established criteria.

How many questions and how long is the official Cat 1 exam?

BINDT CM/GEN Appendix D Table 3 specifies 60 multiple-choice questions in 2.0 hours for Category 1, with a 70% passing grade. Time may be extended by 25% under CM/GEN clause 9.3 for disability or where English is not the candidate's first language.

What training and experience are required?

Annex A Table A.1 requires 30 hours of Category 1 training covering eight subject areas. Table 2 requires 6 months of cumulative relevant vibration-analysis experience. The exam may be taken after training, but the certificate is awarded only after experience is verified (validated by a Category 2 or higher person, or otherwise as allowed by CM/GEN).

How much does the PCN Cat 1 exam cost?

Use BINDT's condition-monitoring fee schedule PSL/35-CM (Issue 26, January 2026): Category 1/2 English examination fee is £236 ex VAT (£283.20 inc VAT), and that amount already includes the PCN certification admin charge (£95 ex VAT when listed separately). Training course fees charged by Approved Training Organisations are separate and vary by provider — confirm the full package with your ATO/AEC.

How does this free practice bank relate to the real exam?

This bank has 100 multiple-choice questions distributed to the Category 1 Annex A hour weights (principles 20%, data acquisition 20%, equipment knowledge 20%, fault analysis 13%, signal processing / condition monitoring / corrective action 7% each, acceptance testing 6%). It is for study only and is not an official BINDT paper.