100+ Free PCN Vibration Analysis Category 2 Practice Questions

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Sample PCN Vibration Analysis Category 2 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PCN Vibration Analysis Category 2 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1For a pure single-frequency sinusoidal vibration waveform, what is the exact mathematical relationship between the Root Mean Square (RMS) amplitude and the Zero-to-Peak (Peak) amplitude?

A.RMS = Peak / 1.414 (or 0.707 x Peak)

B.RMS = Peak / 2.000 (or 0.500 x Peak)

C.RMS = Peak x 1.414

D.RMS = Peak x 0.637

Explanation: For a pure sinusoidal wave, the RMS amplitude represents the square root of the arithmetic mean of the squares of the values. Mathematically, RMS = Peak / sqrt(2) ≈ 0.707 x Peak. Peak-to-Peak is twice the Peak amplitude. Note that for complex non-sinusoidal waves, this 0.707 factor does not hold.

2A rotating shaft operates at a constant speed of 3000 RPM. What is the fundamental rotational frequency in Hertz (Hz)?

A.50 Hz

B.300 Hz

C.500 Hz

D.180 Hz

Explanation: Frequency in Hertz (Hz) represents cycles per second. To convert Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) or Cycles Per Minute (CPM) to Hertz (Hz), divide by 60: 3000 RPM / 60 = 50 Hz.

3In a simple harmonic motion system, what is the phase relationship of acceleration relative to displacement?

A.Acceleration leads displacement by 180 degrees

B.Acceleration lags displacement by 90 degrees

C.Acceleration leads displacement by 90 degrees

D.Acceleration and displacement are exactly in phase (0 degrees)

Explanation: Mathematically, velocity is the first derivative of displacement with respect to time (leading displacement by 90 degrees), and acceleration is the derivative of velocity (leading velocity by 90 degrees). Therefore, acceleration leads displacement by 180 degrees (i.e., acceleration is directly opposite in phase to displacement).

4A machine running at 3000 RPM exhibits a pure 1X sinusoidal displacement amplitude of 100 µm peak-to-peak. What is the equivalent 1X peak velocity amplitude?

A.15.71 mm/s peak

B.31.42 mm/s peak

C.11.11 mm/s peak

D.7.85 mm/s peak

Explanation: Rotational frequency f = 3000 / 60 = 50 Hz. Angular frequency omega = 2 * pi * f = 314.16 rad/s. Peak displacement D_peak = 100 µm / 2 = 50 µm = 0.05 mm. Peak velocity V_peak = omega * D_peak = 314.16 rad/s * 0.05 mm = 15.71 mm/s peak.

5According to the natural frequency equation for a single degree of freedom (SDOF) spring-mass system (fn = (1 / 2pi) * sqrt(k / m)), what happens to the natural frequency if the system mass (m) is quadrupled while stiffness (k) remains constant?

A.The natural frequency is reduced by 50% (halved)

B.The natural frequency is reduced to 25% of its original value

C.The natural frequency doubles

D.The natural frequency remains unchanged

Explanation: Since fn is inversely proportional to the square root of mass, fn_new = (1 / 2pi) * sqrt(k / (4m)) = (1/2) * (1 / 2pi) * sqrt(k / m) = 0.5 * fn_original. Quadrupling the mass reduces the natural frequency to exactly half (50% reduction).

6If the structural stiffness (k) of a support pedestal is doubled while the supported rotor mass remains unchanged, by what factor does the natural frequency change?

A.Increases by a factor of 1.414 (sqrt(2))

B.Increases by a factor of 2.000

C.Increases by a factor of 4.000

D.Decreases by a factor of 1.414

Explanation: Natural frequency fn = (1 / 2pi) * sqrt(k / m). If stiffness k becomes 2k, fn_new = (1 / 2pi) * sqrt(2k / m) = sqrt(2) * fn_original ≈ 1.414 * fn_original.

7A structural resonance has a viscous damping ratio (zeta) of 0.05 (5%). What is the theoretical peak amplification factor (Q) at resonance?

A.10.0

B.20.0

C.5.0

D.100.0

Explanation: For light damping, the amplification factor Q (or Quality Factor) at resonance is given by Q = 1 / (2 * zeta). For zeta = 0.05, Q = 1 / (2 * 0.05) = 1 / 0.10 = 10.0.

8Which statement best defines mechanical resonance in a machine system?

A.A condition where a forcing frequency matches a natural frequency of the structure, resulting in high amplitude vibration

B.A condition where the operating speed exceeds the maximum rated speed of the motor

C.An unbalance condition caused by non-uniform mass distribution around the rotor centerline

D.A signal processing distortion caused by exceeding the Nyquist sampling limit

Explanation: Resonance occurs when an external periodic forcing frequency (such as 1X unbalance or 2X misalignment) coincides with a structural natural frequency, leading to large amplification of vibration amplitude.

9What is meant by the 'critical speed' of a rotating shaft?

A.The rotational speed (RPM) that coincides with a lateral natural frequency of the rotor system

B.The maximum safe operational speed specified by the machine manufacturer

C.The speed at which rolling element bearing degradation transitions to stage 4 failure

D.The speed at which the anti-aliasing filter begins attenuating high-frequency signals

Explanation: Critical speed is the rotational speed in RPM at which the shaft's rotational frequency matches one of its lateral bending natural frequencies, causing high rotor deflection and potential machine damage.

10During a machine coast-down test, a Bode plot displays 1X phase and amplitude versus RPM. As the rotor passes through a well-separated single-degree-of-freedom resonance, what total phase shift is observed?

A.180 degrees total shift (90 degrees shift at peak amplitude)

B.90 degrees total shift (45 degrees shift at peak amplitude)

C.360 degrees total shift (180 degrees shift at peak amplitude)

D.0 degrees phase shift throughout the speed range

Explanation: When passing through a single SDOF resonance on a Bode plot, the phase angle between forcing function (unbalance) and response shifts by 180 degrees total. At exact peak resonance (fn), the phase shift is exactly 90 degrees.

About the PCN Vibration Analysis Category 2 Exam

PCN Vibration Analysis Category 2 is BINDT's intermediate ISO 18436-2 certification for personnel qualified to perform vibration diagnosis, database configuration, signal processing setup, and field corrective actions. The Category 2 syllabus covers 38 hours of training across vibration principles, signal processing, fault diagnosis, balancing/alignment, and program administration, requiring 18 months of verified experience.

Assessment

Closed-book multiple-choice examination aligned to ISO 18436-2 and BINDT CM/GEN Appendix D. Category 2 personnel perform single-channel and basic two-channel machinery vibration measurements, maintain databases, configure FFT parameters, perform spectrum/phase analysis, diagnose common faults, and specify corrective actions including single-plane balancing and alignment.

Time Limit

3.0 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

PSL/35-CM Issue 26 (2026): Category 1/2 examination fee £236 ex VAT (£283.20 inc VAT), inclusive of PCN admin fee. Training course package fees vary by Approved Training Organisation (ATO). (British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) — PCN Scheme)

PCN Vibration Analysis Category 2 Exam Content Outline

20%

Principles of Vibration & Dynamics

Resonance, mode shapes, single and multi-degree of freedom systems, stiffness and mass effects.

25%

Data Acquisition & Signal Processing

FFT setup, window functions, sampling, aliasing, resolution, averaging techniques, and phase measurement.

25%

Machine Fault Diagnosis

Spectrum analysis for unbalance, misalignment, looseness, bearing defect frequencies, gear mesh, and electrical faults.

15%

Corrective Action & Balancing/Alignment

Single-plane vector balancing, 4-run method, shaft alignment principles, thermal growth, and isolation.

15%

Program Administration & Acceptance Testing

Alarm thresholds (ISO 10816/20816), band alarms, acceptance testing, reporting, and safety.

How to Pass the PCN Vibration Analysis Category 2 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 2 personnel perform single-channel and basic two-channel machinery vibration measurements, maintain databases, configure FFT parameters, perform spectrum/phase analysis, diagnose common faults, and specify corrective actions including single-plane balancing and alignment.
Time limit: 3.0 hours
Exam fee: PSL/35-CM Issue 26 (2026): Category 1/2 examination fee £236 ex VAT (£283.20 inc VAT), inclusive of PCN admin fee. Training course package fees vary by Approved Training Organisation (ATO).

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 2 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the mathematical formulas for bearing defect frequencies (BPFO, BPFI, BSF, FTF) and gear mesh frequency (GMF = shaft speed × number of teeth).

2Understand the application of Hanning vs Flattop vs Rectangular windows and how Fmax and lines of resolution determine spectrum resolution (Bin width = Fmax / Lines).

3Practice single-plane vector polar plotting for calculating trial weight and correction weight magnitude and angle.

4Memorize ISO 10816 / ISO 20816 velocity severity zones (A, B, C, D) and machine class definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BINDT PCN Vibration Analysis Category 2?

It is BINDT's intermediate ISO 18436-2 certification for vibration analysts qualified to perform single and multi-channel data collection, database setup, signal processing configuration, spectrum and phase fault diagnosis, and basic field corrective actions like single-plane balancing.

How many questions and how long is the Category 2 exam?

BINDT CM/GEN Appendix D Table 3 specifies 100 multiple-choice questions in 3.0 hours for Category 2, with a 70% passing grade.

What prerequisites are needed for Category 2 certification?

38 hours of Category 2 training to ISO 18436-2 / BINDT CM/GEN Appendix D Annex A, plus 18 months of cumulative verified experience in vibration analysis.

How much does the PCN Cat 2 exam cost?

BINDT PSL/35-CM (Issue 26, 2026) lists an examination fee of £236 ex VAT (£283.20 inc VAT), including PCN admin charges. Training course fees are set by individual ATOs.