Practice Exam Questions And Correct

Certified Automation Professional (CAP) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

Q1. In process automation, what is the primary purpose of a PID controller?

• Convert analog signals to digital
• Regulate process variables by adjusting control outputs
• Provide system diagnostics
• Perform sequence control

Rationale: PID controllers continuously adjust outputs to keep process

variables at setpoint.Q2. Which of the following best describes a distributed control system

(DCS)?

• Single controller handling all field devices 1 / 4

• Relay-based hardwired control
• A network of controllers providing coordinated process control
• A system without operator interfaces

Rationale: DCS architectures distribute control across multiple networked

controllers.Q3. What is the main function of a safety instrumented system (SIS)?

• Improve product quality
• Reduce process risk to an acceptable level
• Optimize energy consumption
• Increase production rate

Rationale: SIS exists to mitigate hazards and achieve required risk

reduction.Q4. HART communication uses which method?

• Serial RS-232
• FSK superimposed on 4–20 mA signal
• Bluetooth low energy
• Infrared modulation

Rationale: HART overlays frequency-shift keying on the analog loop.

Q5. In a PLC scan cycle, what happens first?

• Output update
• Input scan
• Logic execution 2 / 4

• Memory cleanup

Rationale: PLCs read all inputs before executing logic.

Q6. Which layer of the ISA-95 model deals with manufacturing operations management?

• Level 0
• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3

Rationale: Level 3 defines operations management processes.

Q7. What is the primary purpose of a redundancy architecture?

• Increase cycle speed
• Improve system availability
• Reduce network traffic
• Decrease energy consumption

Rationale: Redundant components reduce downtime and improve

availability.Q8. A thermocouple works on which principle?

• Resistance change
• Capacitance variation
• Seebeck effect
• Magnetic induction

Rationale: Thermocouples generate voltage due to temperature-

dependent thermoelectric effect. 3 / 4

Q9. Which controller mode eliminates steady-state error?

• Proportional only
• Integral
• Derivative
• On/off

Rationale: Integral action removes offset over time.

Q10. What is the primary function of an operator HMI?

• Perform closed-loop control
• Provide visualization and control interface for operators
• Manage historian data
• Route network packets

Rationale: HMI enables operator interaction with the control system.

Q11. Which standard addresses functional safety of E/E/PE systems?

A. ISA-95

B. ISA-101

C. IEC 61508

D. IEC 61158

Rationale: IEC 61508 defines requirements for functional safety lifecycle.

Q12. A deadband in a controller is used to:

• Increase gain
• Reduce unnecessary switching
• Improve noise filtering
• Increase sensitivity
• / 4