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Standards
Certification
Education & Training
Publishing
Conferences & Exhibits‘The CAP® Study Guide is designed to provide a review of key content areas
(domains) covered on the CAP examination and to familiarize the applicant with
the type of questions that may be covered. Actual CAP examination questions are |
not available in the public domain and are not included in this study guide.
Satisfactory completion of study guide questions in no way assures a passing score
on the CAP examination.
Certified Automation Professional® Study Guide, 24 Edition - Version 1.0
December 2008
©ISA - 2008
All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise), without prior written permission of the Publisher:
International Society of Automation
67 Alexander Drive
PO Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
US.A.
httpy//[Link]
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
certified A
ISBN 9
1. Autom
ion Professional (CAP) study guide. -- 2nd ed.
4394-83-90CAP® Study Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction.
Domain 1: Feasibility Study- identify, scope, and justify the automation project ..
Domain 2: Definition- identify and analyze customer requirements...
Domain 3: System Design- design, specify, and procure the hardware/
software used in the control and information system ...
Domain 4: Development- software development and coding
Domain 5: Deployment- field installation, checkout, and startup of the systems .
‘stem
Domain 6: Operation and Maintenance - long term support of the s
CAP ResourcesWELCOME
Thank you for your interest in the ISA
Certified Automation Professional®
(CAP®) Program. The CAP® program
recognizes your experience, knowledge,
and education in automation - and
provides objective, third-party
endorsement of your skills. Certification
from ISA demonstrates your
your credentials as an automation
professional, and opens career
opportunities.
This self-study guide was developed
to help you prepare for the ISA CAP
exam. The CAP Introduction below will
provide you with information about the
Program.
The CAP Study Guide is divided into
six domains to reflect the structure of the
exam. Each domain consists of a
performance domain name and task list,
sample questions, and an answer key,
complete with justifications and acited
reference. Recommended sources for
study are noted in a resource list.
Although the questions in this guide
reflect questions on the exam,
completing this guide is no guarantee of
achieving certification. The best way to
prepare for the exam is to study as much
information relative to the domains and
tasks as possible.
CAP PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The development of a valid
examination for the CAP certification
process began with a clear and concise
definition of the knowledge, skills, and
abilities needed for competent job
performance. Using interviews,
[Link]/CAP
surveys, observation, and group
discussions, ISA worked with
automation professionals to delineate
critical job components. The knowledge
and skill bases for the questions on the
examination were derived from the
actual practice of the automation
professionals as outlined in the 2004
CAP Role Delineation Study. CASTLE
followed the NOCA and ANSI
standards for test development. The
NOCA standards are published in:
National Commission for Certifying
Agencies (2002). Standards for the
Accreditation of Certification Programs.
Washington, D.C.: National Organization
for Competency Assurance. The
American National Standards Institute
(ANSI administers a program for the
accreditation of personnel certification
programs, using ISO/IEC Standard
17024.
Program Definition
An ISA Certified Automation
Professional (CAP) has completed a
four-year technical or technology
degree and five years of experience
working in automation. CAPs are
responsible for the direction, definition,
design, development/ application,
deployment, documentation, and
support of systems, software, and
equipment used in control systems,
manufacturing information systems,
systems integration, and operational
consulting.
The written CAP examination is a
measure of a candidate's general and
basic skills and knowledge of theinformation needed for the CAP to
perform his or her role effectively. To
ensure that the most stringent test
development requirements were
employed during the development of
CAP, ISA contracted with CASTLE
Worldwide, Inc., a full-service testing
company providing licensure,
certification, and specialty
examinations.
CAP PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS &
DOCUMENTATION
The CAP examination is only one
requirement for certification. The
candidate must also meet minimum
requirements comprised of work
experience and education. The
qualification requirements for the
certification are described in detail
below. During the initial two years of
the CAP program (2005 - 2006), the
four year degree requirement will be
waived for automation professionals
who have been working in the
automation field for ten (10) or more
years.
General criteria to qualify to take the
CAP examination include a
commitment to the ISA Code of Ethics
(see Introduction, page XI), a completed
application with documentation
included to support the education and
experience requirements, and the
application fee. Applicants must meet
the qualifications outlined in either
section I or II below to be eligible to sit
for the CAP exam.
[Link]/CAP
The following are acceptable work
experience and education requirement:
‘L If you hold a4 Year Technical Degree:
O Four-year academic degree from an
accredited educational institution in
a technical or technology field
including engineering, chemistry,
physics, math, etc.
O Related work experience.
Related experience means a
minimum of five years of work in
the automation field. One (1) year of
work experience means 1,500 hours
of active employment. A cumulative
total of 7,500 hours of documented
work experience is required during
the five year period prior to your
application date.
IL. If you hold a2 Year Technical
Degree or do not have a degree:
O Related work experience.
Related experience means a
minimum of ten (10) years of
work in the automation field. One
(1) year of work experience
means 1,500 hours of active
employment. A cumulative total
of 15,000 hours of documented
work experience is required
during the ten (10) year period
prior to your application date. A
two year associate degree in
automation or a related field from
an accredited institution may be
used to satisfy two years of the
ten year work requirement.Q_ Evidence of responsible charge
position ;
Two (2) work related references
should be submitted that
demonstrates that the applicant
has had at least two (2) years
experience in automation in a
position of responsible charge.
Each reference should be
completed and signed by a
former supervisor or someone
who is in a position to attest to
the applicant's responsibilities. At
east one of the references must
be signed by a current or former
supervisor. See below for a
definition of “responsible
charge.”
Verification of Employment
Work experience and educational
periods may not overlap when
compiling the total number of years
required for this certification.
Applicants must submit
evidence of work experience
including job duties with the initial
application. If the application
audited, completed Verification of
Employment forms for all employers
will be required. All forms for audit
purposes must be signed by the
supervisor. An applicant with
military experience in the related
technologies defined for the CAP
program must document this period
by submitting a copy of his or her
DD 214 form accompanied by a
written description of this
experience.
For employers that may be
unavailable to provide first-hand
[Link]/CAP
verification, a two-party verification
of the employment must be provided
in the form of a statement signed by
a. co-worker from that period of
employment and notarized by a
notary public. Full contact
information, ie. name, address and
telephone number, must be provided
for all responsible parties who act to
confirm employment verification.
Self employed applicants and
consultants should complete the
Verification of Employment form to
document the required work
experience and include a letter from
at least three (3) current customers
(customers during the eligibility
period), including full contact
information for customers.
Position of Responsible Charge
For applicants who do not meet
the four-year technical degree
requirement, two verifications must
accompany your application that
document that you have held a
position of responsible charge in the
automation field for at least two (2)
years. One of the references must be
from your direct supervisor.
Responsible charge relates to the
span or degree of control an
automation professional has to
maintain while exercising,
independent control and direction of
professional automation work, and
to the level of decisions being made.
Responsible charge does not refer to
management control or
administrative functions such as
accounting, labor relations, or
marketing.The span of control necessary to be
considered ina position of
responsible charge includes:
* Personally makes critical
automation project decisions, or
reviews and approves proposed
decisions prior to
implementation, including
consideration of alternatives.
OR
‘Judges the quality of other
technical specialists and the
validity and applicability of their
recommendations before such
recommendations are
incorporated in the work.
No documents will be returned to
applicants. Please keep a copy of your
application for your records.
RENEWAL
CAPs will be required to renew
their certification every three years.
If you do not renew within 4 months
after your expiration date, your
certification is considered lapsed. In
order to renew, documentation of
work experience in automation
during the time certified will be
required, as well as documentation
of continuing education. A total of
135 Professional Development Points
(PDPs) are required to renew your
certification. The PDPs can be earned
as follows:
© Work experience in automation
0PDPs each year). A minimum of
60 PDPs (2 years) must be obtained
from work experience. A year is
defined as 1,500 hours of active
employment. You must have
‘[Link]/CAP
worked in the automation field for
3,000 total hours during the 3 year
renewal period.
© Aminimum of 45 hours of
continuing education or professional
development activity in an
automation or job-related field. An
hour is defined as a minimum of 50
minutes. Continuing education units
(CEUs) from an authorized provider
are acceptable. One CEU equals 10
PDPs.
Applicants without required
documentation will be notified to
submit the necessary verification. If
the applicant does not respond
within three (3) months, then the
application is considered abandoned.
Applicant will have to submit anew
application and the renewal fee
again to apply for renewal.
Record Retention Policy
All documentation received from
CAP applicants who are not eligible for
certification will be retained for one year
after the application is received.
EXAMINATION
Acomprehensive job analysis
was conducted in 2004 to account for
the work performed by CAPs. The
job analysis identified performance
domains that were subsequently
validated in a nationwide survey.
Exam questions are also distributed
by knowledge or technical topic
categories.
Candidates will have four hours
to complete the examination. The
following tables indicate the
Vvpercentage of questions appearing
on the exam as they relate to each of
the CAP domains and technical topic
categories to ensure broad coverage
of information which is especially
heipful for those preparing for the
CAP exam.
Domains
%% of Questions
Feasibility Study
Definition
System Design
Development
Deployment
Operation and
Maintenance
‘Technical Topic Categories % of Questions
1 Basic Continuous
Control
2 Discrete,
Sequencing, and
Manufacturing
Control
12%
15%
25%
2%
15%
1%
ux
Be
3. Advanced Control 9%
4 Reliability, Safety
and Flectrical
5. Integration and
Software
6 Deployment and
Maintenance
WorkStructure
The examination is closed book. No
13%
2%
16%
ux
reference material of any kind may
be brought in the exam room.
TAKING THE EXAM
For information on taking the
CAP exam, visit [Link]/CAP,
email ISA at cap@[Link], or call
Customer Service at (919) 549-8411.
[Link]
The examination is offered in an
electronic format, or in the
paper/pencil format for private
exam sites. ISA may administer the
CAP exam at special events and
these may be found on the ISA
Network. All candidates will have
four hours to complete the exam.
Electronic exams are available
during three testing windows as
shown in the table below. For details
on applying for electronic testing go
to [Link]/examschedule.
1 March - 30 April
| Window 2:
| 1 July -31 Ag
| Window 3:
1 November ~ 31
| December
If the number of candidates for a
private exam site or a special event
administration of CAP falls below
the minimum number pre-
established for the session, ISA
reserves the right to cancel the
session and reschedule the affected
examinees as quickly as possible. If
an exam site must be cancelled
because of a weather condition or
insurmountable problems in regard
to exam availability, test room
availability, or proctor availability,
ISA will contact the candidates as
quickly as possible and arrange a
replacement exam date. Although
rare, the potential exists for a
cancellation to occur as late as the
actual day of the exam.Candidates will not be admitted
to the examination once it has begun.
Allcandidates should bring their
confirmation letter and a valid photo
identification with signature to the
examination site. Acceptable forms
of identification include driver's
licenses, passports, and government-
issued identification cards.
Unacceptable forms of identification
include gym memberships,
warehouse memberships, school
identification cards, and
identification with signature only.
Inaddition, candidates who are
taking the paper/pencil exam format
should bring at least two No. 2
pencils, a soft eraser suitable for
cleanly erasing incorrect and stray
markings, and a self-powered or
battery-operated non-programmable
calculator. Electronic candidates will
be provided with a calculator on the
computer at the test center.
Examination Fees
Currently, the application fee is
$250.00 for ISA Members and $295.00
for non-members. This fee is subject
to change. The fee must be paid in
US. funds. ISA will accept a check,
certified check, money order, or
credit card. Purchase orders are not
accepted. Payment must be received
with the application before it will be
processed.
Please make all checks payable to
ISA. Your canceled check is your
proof of payment. If you require a
receipt you must contact ISA.
Fees are due in advance and ARE
NOT REFUNDABLE. It is the
[Link]/CAP
responsibility of the applicant to
thoroughly review the requirements
for the examination and apply only if
he or she is qualified, No refunds
will be made for applicants who do
not appear for testing on the
scheduled date.
COMPLETING THE
APPLICATION
Candidates must complete all
sections of the application. The
application is available as a
downloadable PDF file at
[Link]/CAP. You may also
contact ISA at cap@[Link] or (919) 549-
8411 to request a copy.
Applicant Information
Provide complete contact
information as requested. If ISA has
a different mailing address on file for
you, it will be changed to this
preferred mailing address. All ISA-
related materials will be mailed to
this address unless you specify
otherwise.
Indicate if you suffer from a
disability or religious obligation that
would require an accommodation for
test administration. Provide a
written explanation of the
accommodation you request.
Job and Industry Classification
Indicate your primary job function
and the industry in which you
currently work.
viCertification Exam Selection
Information
Mark the appropriate box if you
wish to test electronically. For
private exam sites or special
administrations, specify the date,
city, and state where you will take
the exam.
Employment Summary
‘Complete a record of employment
that fully covers the experience
requirement to sit for the
examination. Section D must be
completed with a description of job
duties in order to process the
application.
Education/Training
Complete a record of education and
training that fully covers the
education requirement to sit for the
examination on the initial
application. Official transcripts must
‘be submitted as documentation to
verify educational degrees if the
application is audited. Certificates do
not serve as verification of an
apprenticeship or training. This
experience must be verified by
signed documentation.
Verification of Employment
Verification of Employment forms
must be completed and signed for all
work experience claimed as
qualification for examination if the
initial application is audited. All
documentation must be provided in
English. Faxed verification is not
accepted. The original signature
must be provided on this form. You
‘www. [Link]
should use this form as well as the
Verification of Responsible Charge
form to document two references
required to meet the responsible
charge eligibility if you do not have a
four year technical degree.
Verification of Employment in
Position of Responsible Charge
Verification of Employment in
Position of Responsible Charge
forms must be completed by your
current and/or former supervisor(s)
if you are documenting ten (10) years
‘of automation experience as
eligibility criteria to sit for the CAP
exam. Two references should be
submitted that document that at least
two (2) years of the ten (10) years
‘experience have been in a position of
responsible charge.
Compliance with Certification
Criteria and Qualifications
Read carefully and sign the
compliance agreement.
Fees
All applications must be
accompanied by full payment of the
required fees. No exceptions will be
granted.
Submitting Materials
Mail application and fee to ISA.
Incomplete or incorrectly completed
applications may be returned to an
applicant. It is the responsibility of
the CAP applicant to promptly
notify ISA in writing of any changes
in his/her name or address.
Notification for admission to the
virexamination, test results, and
renewal of certification depends on
accurate information.
If mailing with a check payment (or
through regular postal delivery),
send all materials to:
ISA
CAP Program
P.O. Box 3561
Durham, NC 27702
If mailing with credit card payment
(or by overnight service), send all
materials to:
ISA
CAP Program
67 Alexander Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Materials sent to any other
address will be returned. Fax, e-mail,
and photocopied applications, or
applications completed in pencil are
not accepted.
‘[Link]/CAP
Certification Status
Each application will be reviewed
for the necessary requirements. If
there are deficiencies, candidates will
receive a letter outlining what
documentation is still required.
Electronic exam candidates will
receive an eligibility letter with
instructions on how to register for an
exam date. For private exam sites or
special exam administrations,
applicants will receive a
confirmation letter that will include
the time, location, and a map, when
available, to the testing site.
Electronic candidates will receive
immediate results at the testing
center. Results for each paper/pencil
exam applicant will be mailed within
thirty (30) days after the examination
date.DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES
Ifan applicant feels he/she was wrongly denied certification, original or renewal,
from the CAP program, then he/she has the right to appeal.
1. Appeals
A. Allappeals shall be in writing.
1. The notice of appeal must be delivered to the Certification Board,
addressed to the attention of the ISA Executive Director, by the close of
onthe of d
The appeal should include the date the notice of denied certification was
received and must state the reasons the applicant believes the denied
certification was in error.
3. The appeal should indicate whether or not the applicant requests a
hearing,
a. Ifa hearing is requested, the applicant must explain why a hearing is,
needed, identify the issues to be resolved at a hearing, list names of
prospective witnesses, and identify documentation and other evidence
to be introduced at the hearing before the Board.
4, The Chair of the Certification Board will select a three-member panel of
the Board to become the Review Panel, one of whom shall be appointed
Chair and will be the final vote in the event of a tie during the ruling.
v
Tl, Procedures
A. The Review Panel will review the appeal and any request for a hearing. The
Review Panel will grant a hearing in connection with the appeal, if requested.
1. Hearing
a, The Chair of the Review Panel will determine the time and location of
the hearing within 90 days after determination that a hearing is
warranted and will notify the applicant within the first 21 days. The
applicant will be notified of the hearing time and location at least 20
days prior to the time determined for the hearing.
b. The applicant may be represented by counsel or represent him/herself
at the hearing. The appiicant may offer witnesses and documents and
may cross-examine any witness.
c. The Review Panel may consider any evidence it deems relevant
without regard to strict application of legal rules of evidence.
4. The applicant is urged to submit a written brief (four copies) 10 days
prior to the hearing to the Certification Board, addressed to the
attention of the ISA Executive Director, for distribution to the panel in
support of his/her position. However, written briefs are not required.
[Link]/CAP 1x2. Deposition
i. If the applicant or Review Panel desires to take a deposition prior
to the hearing of any voluntary witnesses who cannot attend the
hearing, the deposition of a witness may be applied for in writing
to the Chair of the Review Panel together with a written consent
signed by the potential witness that he or she will give a deposition
for one party and a statement to the effect that the witness cannot
attend the hearing along with the reason for such unavailability.
ii. The party seeking to take the deposition of a witness shall state in
detail as to what the witness is expected to testify.
iii, If the Chair of the Review Panel is satisfied that such deposition
from a possible witness will be relevant to the issue in question
before the Panel, then the Chair will authorize the taking of the
deposition. The Chair will also designate a member of the Panel to
be present at the deposition.
iv. The deposition may be taken orally or by video. Any refusal of the
taking of the deposition by the Chair shall be reviewed by the Panel
at the request of the applicant.
v. The party requesting the deposition will pay for the cost connected
with taking the deposition.
B. The applicant will be notified of the result of the Review Panel within 30 days
of the meeting.
I. Final Review
A. lithe Review Panel makes a decision adverse to the applicant, the applicant
may appeal to the full Certification Board for a final review by the close of
business on the 21st day after the notice of decision is issued. Such appeal
shall follow the same procedures as the initial appeal to the extent possible
with the Chair of the Board serving as the Chair of the Final Review Panel.
‘The Chair will once again select a three-member panel, one of whom shall be
himself, to become the Review Panel, and the final vote in the event of a tie
during the ruling shall be his.
B. If the applicant does not petition the Board for review or request a hearing
before the Board regarding the recommendation of rejection of the
application within the time allowed by these rules, the original decision by
the Review Panel shall stand.
‘[Link]THE ISA CODE OF ETHICS
Preamble
As engineers, scientists, educators,
technicians, sales representatives,
and executives in an important and
learned profession; and in order to
safeguard public welfare; and to
establish and maintain a high
standard of integrity and practice;
and as members of ISA, we hold to
these Articles:
Article I
‘Members shall hold paramount the
safety, health and welfare of the
public in the performance of their
duties, and shall notify their
employer or client and such other
authority as may be appropriate
where such obligations are abused.
Members shall hold in confidence
facts, data and information obtained
ina professional capacity, unless the
release thereof is authorized by their
employer or client, and shall not
engage in fraudulent or dishonest
business or professional practices.
Article 11
Members shail perform services
only in areas in which they are
qualified by education or
experience, and shall endeavor to
maintain their professional skills at
the state of the art. Members shall
practice their profession ina
manner which will uphold public
appreciation of the services they
render.
ww. [Link]
Article TI
Members shall issue public
statements only in an objective and
truthful manner, and shall include
all pertinent and relevant
information in professional reports,
statements and testimony. Members
shail be honest and realistic in
making estimates or in stating
claims based on available data.
Members shall offer honest criticism
of work, and shall properly credit
the contributions of others.
Article IV
Members shall act in professional
matters for each employer or client
as faithful agents or trustees, and
shall not participate in any business
association, interest or
circumstances which influence, or
appear to influence, their judgment
or the quality of their services.
Members shall accept
compensation, financial or
otherwise, from only one party for
services on or pertaining to the
same work, unless otherwise agreed
to by all parties; and shall not give
or accept, directly or indirectly, any
gift, payment or service of more
than nominal value to or from those
having business relationships with
their employers or clients.
Article V
Members shall use only proper
solicitation of employments, and
shall represent their abilities,
qualifications, education, technical
xassociations and professional Article VI
registrations without exaggeration ‘Members shalll pledge themselves to
and in accordance with the laws of live and work according to the laws
the locations in which they practice. of man and to the highest standards
of professional conduct, using their
knowledge and skills to the benefit
of all mankind.
Why Should You Join ISA?
Founded in 1945, ISA ([Link]) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that
is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and
other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership
and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA
develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training;
publishes books and technical articles; and hosts the largest conference and exhibition
for automation professionals in the Western Hemisphere.
Here are some of the benefits you enjoy as an ISA Member:
1. Stay current within your field by reading your free InTech magazine every month,
2. Make professional contacts and open the door to your future by participating in
Technical Divisions and other networking activities, such as local Section meetings,
conferences, and symposia.
3. Receive valuable money-saving discounts on all ISA training courses, books, videos,
and CD-ROMs.
4, Shop smarter by using the ISA Directory— ISA’s exclusive annual guide of products,
specifications, manufacturers, sales offices, services, and more.
5. Keep up with industry standards and practices. As an ISA Member, you may
download most standards at no charge to you.
Get ahead by getting involved in ISA. To join ISA, complete an ISA Membership
enrollment form and return it with your CAP Application, or call (919) 549-8411.
[Link]/CAP xlFeasibility Study
PERFORMANCE DOMAIN I
FEASIBILITY STUDY
Identify, scope, and justify the automation project
Task 1: Define the preliminary scope through currently established work
practices in order to meet the business need.
Task 2: Determine the degree of automation required through cost/benefit
analysis in order to meet the business need.
Task 3: Develop a preliminary automation strategy that matches the degree of
automation required by considering an array of options and selecting the most
reasonable option in order to prepare feasibility estimates.
Task 4: Conduct technical studies for the preliminary automation strategy by
gathering data and conducting an appropriate analysis relative to requirements
in order to define development needs and risks.
Task 5: Perform a justification analysis by generating a feasibility cost
estimate and using an accepted financial model to determine project viability.
Task 6: Create a conceptual summary document by reporting preliminary
decisions and assumptions in order to facilitate "go"/"no go" decision making.
[Link]. 1Feasibility Study
1. When beginning a project, why is gathering requirements critical to the success
of an automation project?
A. To establish the design and engineering schedule
B. To define the purpose, scope, and objectives
C. To determine funding and buy-in from stakeholders
D. To provide a basis for performing calculations
2. Which of the following control strategies is used to measure disturbances and
compensate for them before they cause the controlled variable to deviate from the
setpoint?
A. Feedforward
B. Feedback
C. Cascade
D. Open loop
3. What measurements do engineers primarily rely on when using financial tools to
evaluate operational performance?
A. CPI (Cost Performance Index)
B. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planner)
C. KPI (Key Performance Index)
D. MES (Manufacturing Execution System)
4, MOST initial project budgetary cost estimates have an acceptable margin of error of
plus or minus:
A. 10%
B. 30%
C. 50%
D. 70%
[Link] 2Feasibility Study
5. What is the main disadvantage of non-discounted capital investment evaluation
methods?
DOs >
o
These methods are tedious and complicated to use.
These methods cannot be used for automation projects.
These methods do not provide required accuracy for cost benefit analysis.
These methods do not explicitly take into consideration the time value of
money.
What is the NPV of an automation project with the following projected cash flows ai
a discount rate of 10% and an initial investment of $10,000?
Year_| Cash Inflows
1 $1,000 |
2 $2,000 |
3 $2,000
: [ $5,000 |
A
B
c
D.
7. During the budgeting process of the Building Automation System (BAS) for an
addition to an existing office building, the team decides to use a wireless system
using Zigbee. What is a MAJOR advantage of using wireless BAS controllers for this
application?
A
B.
All wiring is eliminated and the number of trades working on the new
addition is greatly reduced.
All wireless controllers are auto-configurable and can be installed anywhere
‘without regard to location.
Upgrades or expansions of legacy systems are cost effective and can be
staged to accommodate budgets and schedules.
. The low-power batteries utilized are a much less expensive energy source
than the local utility.
[Link]/CAP 3Feasibility Study
8. What is a MAJOR advantage of a Distributed Control System (DCS) over a
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Direct Digital Control (DDC)?
A. Awide variety of I/O for encoders, stepper motors, high-speed counters, and
servo drives
B. Ability to program extremely complex, advanced, or proprietary custom
control strategies
C. Faster scanning of control function logic suitable for discrete manufacturing
industries
D. Ease of implementation and modification of common control strategies via
configuration instead of programming
9. What does a management team use to determine whether to terminate a project or
move to the next phase in the project life cycle?
Feasibility study
Earned Value Analysis
Project management plan
Work Breakdown Structure
gos
10. Which of the following tools is commonly used to identify the causes of risks in an
automation project?
A. Design of Experiments
B. Pareto chart
C. Fishbone diagram
D. Control chart
‘[Link] 4Feasibility Study
‘ANSWER KEY - DOMAINT
1. B. To define the purpose, scope, and objectives
Gathering requirements is important because they define the objectives, purpose, scope,
needs, and other key meters. They perform the basis for understanding for the
customer, the engineer, and other stakeholders. Requirements may make it easier to get
funding approval and stakeholder approval but only because the purpose, scope, and
objectives are included. Gathering requirements should not affect the ease of
calculation.
automation project begins,
Reference:
Parshall & Lamb. Applying $88: Batch Control from a User's Perspective. ISA, 2000.
2.A. Feedforward
‘The objective of feedforward control is to measure disturbances and compensate for
them before the controlled variable deviates from setpoint. Feedback control can
compensate for a disturbance only after the control variable has deviated from setpoint.
Cascade is a form of feedback control. Open loop is not a control strategy.
Principles and Practices of Automatic Process Control, 2™' Edition.
Wiley & Sons, 1997.
3.C. KPI (Key Performance Indicators)
Operational and engineering staffs typically use Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to
provide a timelier window into the current performance.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are used to compute metrics on a monthly
basis and are primarily used by accountants.
Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is utilized to schedule production activities.
Cost Performance Index (CPI) is the ratio of earned value to actual cost only, whereas
KPI considers time, cost, and performance.
Reference:
Martin. Bottom Line Automation. ISA, 2006
[Link]/CAP :Feasibility Study
4.B. 30%
It’s commonly accepted to have a preliminary estimate with a margin of error of plus or
minus 30%. A more detailed estimate is done before the bid is presented to reduce the
margin of error to 10%.
Reference:
Whitt. Successful Instrument and Control System Design. ISA, 2004.
5. D. These methods do not explicitly take into consideration the time value of
money.
Non-discounted capital investment evaluation methods like payback and ROI do not
take time value of money into account. Payback determines the time required to recover
the project cost. ROI is expressed as a percentage and is measured by the ratio of yearly
operating cash flow to its first cost.
Reference:
Friedman. Automation and Control System Economics. ISA, 2006.
6. A. - $1,278
ai ) - Initial investment
NPV =(
(+k
1000, 2000, 2000 , 5000
fi
+0.) G+01)" (+0.
2000
+ 2000 ~)- 10,000
Gor eon
NPV =(
NPY = (909 + 1,653 + 1,503 + 3,415 + 1,242) - 10,000
NPV = 8,722 - 10,000 = -1,278
Reference:
Kerzner. Project Management. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2006.
7. C. Upgrades or expansions of legacy systems are cost effective and can be staged to
accommodate budgets and schedules.
Wireless installations allow a simplification of additions to an existing system in an
occupied building, which causes less interruption during the installation process.
www [Link]/CAP 6Feasibility Study
Wireless transmitters must be located where they can communicate with another
controller o router, not just anywhere. Some, but not all, are auto-configurable.
Network routers and existing system equipment generally require some wiring.
Batteries need to be changed annually.
Reference:
www_zigbee.org, SiemensZigbee_success_story[1].pdf, 2007
if implementation and modification of common control siraiegies via
configuration instead of programming
Distributed control systems generally include libraries of common control functions and
strategy examples that can quickly be copied and modified by changing configuration
parameters for a variety of process applications.
Programmable Logic Controllers by design typically feature faster scanning of logic for
discrete manufacturing industries, their original target market.
Direct Digital Control systems are typically used where custom (often proprietary) or
complex advanced control strategies must be implemented and are programmed
specifically for the application.
Programmable Logic Controllers are available with a wide variety of I/O including
modules for uses with encoders, steppers, counters, and servo drives in high-speed
motion control applications.
Reference:
Bettikha. The Management of Control Systems. ISA, 1992.
9. A. Feasibility study
The results of a feasibility study evaluate the alternative conceptual solutions along,
with the associated benefits and costs. The objective of this step in a project life cycle is
to provide management with the predictable results of implementing a specific project
and to provide generalized project requirements. The study is used as the basis on
which to decide whether to proceed to the next steps in the project life cycle or
terminate the project.
The project management plan provides the details of how the project will be planned,
executed, monitored, controlled, and closed.
www. isaorgCAP zFeasibility Study
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a deliverable-oriented hierarchical decomposition
of the work to be executed by the project team to accomplish the project objectives,
Earned Value Analysis is part of project performance tracking.
Reference:
‘A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. Project Management Institute,
2004.
10. C. Fishbone diagram
Fishbone diagrams, also called cause-and-effect diagrams or Ishikawa diagrams, are
used to illustrate how various factors might be linked to potential problems.
Design of Experiments (DOE) is a statistical tool that helps identify which factors may
influence specific variables of a product or process under development or in
production.
Pareto chart is a quality analysis tool that depicts how many defects were generated by
type of category or identified cause.
A control chart’s purpose is to determine whether or not a process is stable or has
predictable performance.
Reference:
‘A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. Project Management Institute,
2004,
‘wor. [Link]/CAP 8Definition
PERFORMANCE DOMAIN II
DEFINITION
Identify customer requirements and complete high-level analysis of the best way to meet
those requirements
Task1: Determine operational strategies through discussion with key
stakeholders and using appropriate documentation in order to create and
communicate design requirements.
Task 2: Analyze alternative technical solutions by conducting detailed studies
inorder to define the final automation strategy.
Task 3: Establish detailed requirements and data including network
architecture, communication concepts, safety concepts, standards, vendor
preferences, instrument and equipment data sheets, reporting and information
needs, and security architecture through established practices in order to form
the basis of the design.
Task 4: Generate a project cost estimate by gathering cost information in order
to determine continued project viability.
Task5: Summarize project requirements by creating a basis-of-design
document and a user-requirements document in order to launch the design
phase.
[Link]/CAP 9Definition
1. Which of the following is a benefit of using an agenda for discussions?
A. To define meeting objectives
B. Toensure equal participation
C. To establish the project communication plan
D. To define the project team roles and responsibilities
2. What control strategy is represented in the attached diagram?
REACTOR
amir > ve |
A. Ratio
B. Cascade
C. Split-range
D. Feedforward
3. Whatis the MOST appropriate technique for modeling linear relationships for a
large number of correlated inputs where the equations are unknown?
A. Artificial neural networks
B. Multivariable statistical process controls
CC. Step response models
D. First principle models
[Link]/CAP 10Definition
4. What is required to find the MOST efficient operating points that are highly
dependent on complex shifting process conditions, such as equipment fouling?
A. Smith Predictor set using Lambda rules
B. Tactical schedulers with business economics
C. Linear programs with detailed process economics
D. Real-time optimization with a detailed process model
5. Whatis the recommended limitation in meters for the length of a "fast Ethernet’ (100
mbs) segment on twisted pair cable?
A. 10
B. 100
Cc. 300
D. 350
6. According to NFPA Electrical Standards for Industrial Machinery (NFPA 79), which
of the following is acceptable for emergency operations?
. Resetting an emergency stop to initiate a machine restart
Using a control room reset to remotely reset an emergency stop
‘Using an emergency stop to initiate an automatic sequenced shutdown of the
machine
Using an emergency slop to ren
causing the hazardous condition as quickly as possible
oS ANe>
7. Which of the following contract types places the PRIMARY risk with the supplier?
A. Cost plus
B. Fixed price
C. Time and material
D. Unit price
[Link]/CAP ulDefinition
8, What standard addresses the electrical safety requirements for employee workplaces
that are necessary for the practical safeguarding of employees?
49 CFR 571
NFPA 70E
NFPA 70 (NEC)
NFPA 79
goe>
9. Which of the following topics is included in the User Requirements Specification
(URS) for an automated system?
Modes of operation such as startup, shutdown, test, and fallback
Personnel required for a test or group of tests
Description of storage devices, with their maximum storage capacities
Software sub-programs and their input, output, and input/output
parameters
gNe>
10. Real-time PLC-to-PLC communication MOST often occurs on which level of
network?
A. Device Network
B. Sensor Network
C. Control Network
D. Enterprise Network
11. What term is used to define the practice of reviewing a facility or process to find
actual or potential hazardous conditions as well as hazardous procedures?
Risk Analysis
Site Safety Survey
Hazard Analysis (HAZAN)
Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP)
oOe>
12. What MINIMUM depth of working space is required by the National Electrical
Code (NFPA 70, 2008 Edition) between a 480 VAC starter panel and the concrete-block
wall opposite the panel in a new pump station if the panel’s 24-inch wide door is open?
A. 2 feet
B. 3 feet
C. 3 feet, 6 inches
D, 4 feet
[Link]/CAP 2Definition
ANSWER KEY - DOMAIN I
1. A. To define meeting objectives
An agenda defines the objectives for the meeting and lists the topics to be covered, the
time allocated to each topic, and the person responsible for each topic. It does not
guarantee equal participation of the attendees. Project team roles and responsibilities
and the project communication plan are parts of the project management plan, not a
meeting agenda.
Reference:
Barkley and Saylor. Customer-Drive Project Management, 2-4 Edition. McGraw Hil
2001.
2. C. Splitrange
Split ranging is an action in which two or more signals are generated (in this case, TV-
1A and TV-1B valve signals) or two or more final control elements are actuated by an
input signal, each responding consecutively with or without overlap. In this case, the
signal determines whether the chilled water valve is opened, both valves are closed, or
the heated water valve is opened.
Feedforward is a method of control that compensates for a disturbance before its effect
can be measured based on a process model that relates a variable to the disturbance it
would cause. Feedforward is usually combined with feedback control to deal with
disturbances that cannot be compensated for by the process model. The controller in
the diagram does not have a process model to compensate for disturbances.
Ratio control maintains a predetermined ratio between two or more variables or
maintains the magnitude of a controlled variable at a fixed ratio to another variable.
The controller in the diagram does not maintain a ratio between two variables; it
provides only chilled water or only heated water to adjust the reactor temperature.
Cascade control is a control technique that incorporates a master loop and a slave loop.
The master loop controls the primary variable and establishes the slave loop setpoint.
The purpose of the slave loop is to reduce the effect of disturbances on the master loop
and improve the dynamic performance of the control. The method in the diagram only
involves a single temperature controller.
Reference:
‘The Automation, Systems, and Instrumentation Dictionary, 4 Edition. ISA, 2003.
www [Link]/CAP eDefinition
3. B. Multivariable statistical process controls
Artificial Neural Networks excel at modeling nonlinear relationships for a relatively
large unknown number of inputs. However, the inputs cannot be correlated and the
training data must cover the whole region. An ANN cannot be used to extrapolate
Values outside the test region and doesn't handle large lags well. The multivariate
Statistical-process control excels at modeling unknown linear relationships for a large
number of inputs that could be correlated. Step response models excel at linear ,
Telationships for a small to moderate number of uncorrelated inputs where dynamics
are important. Step response models are used for linear dynamic on-line property
estimates. First principle models require known equations and parameters that use
Process principles and material and energy balances.
Reference:
Blevins, et al. Advanced Control Unleashed; Plant Performance Management for
Optimam Benefit. ISA, 2003.
4. DB. Real-time optimization with a detailed process model.
The question implies that relationships to find optimum operating points are buried in
the process and change with time. Real-time optimization uses a reconciled high fidelity
Process model with the equipment details, such as heat transfer coefficients and
physical properties of the components.
Tactical schedulers don’t have process knowledge builtin and may request operating
Points that are not achievable or advisable based on equipment and process constraints.
A linear program assumes fixed economic relationships and doesn't deal with
stationary behavior shifts and nontinear process behavior.
A Smith Predictor set using Lambda rules is used for dead-time compensation.
Reference:
Blevins, et al. Advanced Control Unleashed: Plant Performance Management for
Optimum Benefit. ISA, 2003.
‘[Link]/CAP a