STUDY GUIDE FOR THE
CERTIFIED IN ENGINEERING GRAPHICS
CERTIFICATION EXAM
© 2014 - 2021 Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
Table of Contents
Preface 3
Content for the ATMAE Certified in Engineering Graphics Certification (CEG) Exam 4-5
Sample Questions 6-11
References Used for Developing Exam Questions 12
Recommendations for Taking the ATMAE Certified in Engineering Graphics Certification Exam 12
Answers to Sample Questions 12
ATMAE Certification Examination General Information 13
Examination Information 13
Program Assessment 13
Certification after Examination 13
Purpose & Benefits of Certification 14
Eligibility for Certification 14
Certified in Engineering Graphics Certification (CEG) Certification Levels 14-15
Certification Program Fees 16
Page 2 of 14
PREFACE TO THE ATMAE CERTIFIED IN ENGINEERING GRAPHICS (CEG) CERTIFICATION EXAM
We are pleased that you are considering certification in the area of engineering graphics. This engineering graphics exam is
geared toward the industry standard expression of design ideas as contract documents – used within the industrial
enterprise in areas such as manufacturing process planning, quality control, purchasing, and other areas of expertise.
In summary, the following premises were foundational to the development of this ATMAE CEG certification:
1. The ATMAE CEG certification will not include both engineering and architectural graphic topics. While many
educational programs blend these two fields of drafting together, this certification will focus primarily on
engineering graphic standards and practices, as exemplified foremost by the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME) standards, under the umbrella of ANSI standards.
2. The ATMAE CEG certification will not include topics related to manual drafting equipment, and other practices
that are no longer of primary use in industry.
3. The ATMAE CEG certification will not reference particular CAD systems, nor focus on CAD commands,
especially with respect to brand-specific CAD tools such as AutoCAD™. A person can seek AutoCAD
Certification and add such a credential through other avenues. In summary, this certification does not try to
measure the knowledge or expertise one has with respect to a CAD system, but rather the graphic images (i.e.
drawings, prints, etc.) that are created by them.
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CONTENT FOR ATMAE CERTIFIED ENGINEERING GRAPHICS (CEG) CERTIFICATION EXAM
The 16 major content areas from which the exam is comprised are as follows:
Content Area Number of Questions
1. ASME Standards, Terms, and Line Conventions 10
ASME and their role in standardizing engineering graphics
Terms relevant within the scope of standardized engineering graphics
Conventional lines and lettering used in standardized engineering graphic prints
2. ASME Standard Sheets, Title Blocks, Revision Blocks, and Part Lists 5
Sheet sizes and layouts available for imperial and metric applications
Common terms used for blocks on sheets and prints
Techniques, such as zoning and parts lists, important to standardized prints
3. Units, Measuring Devices, Scaling Issues, and Metric/Inch Conversion 10
Common units, decimal and fractional expression, imperial and metric
Common devices, scales, calipers, rulers, etc.
Various scaling issues for views and drawings
Metric-to-inch conversion and expression
4. Geometry Terms, Definitions, and Constructions (2D and 3D) 10
Geometric 2D & 3D shapes, terms, and characteristics
Geometric relationships (parallelism, tangencies, perpendicularity, etc.)
Various aspects of geometric construction (proportion, circumscribing, bisecting, etc.)
5. Orthographic Projection Theory, Standard Representation, and Spatial Visualization 25
Orthographic projection theory and terms
Projection planes (Frontal, Horizontal, and Profile)
Measurements (Height, Width, Depth)
Standard surface terms (Normal, Inclined, Oblique)
Vertex numbering techniques
Cylindrical surface intersections
Fillets, rounds, & runout expression
First angle versus third angle
6. Sectional View Standards, Terms, and Conventional Practices 10
Standard lines for sectionals
Types of sectionals
Conventional practices for sectionals
Special application techniques (S-breaks, webs, spokes, etc.)
7. Auxiliary View Standards, Terms, and Conventional Practices 5
Purposes of primary and secondary auxiliary views
Projection theory & terms for auxiliary view representation
Standard applications of auxiliary views
8. Pictorial Drawings and 3D Modeling Representation Methods 5
Basic projection theory of pictorial drawing methods
Types of pictorial representation
Standard applications of pictorial views
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9. Assembly Drawing Methods 5
ASME terms and types of assembly drawings
Sectional practices for assembly drawings
Exploded/unexploded pictorial/multiview methods for assemblies
Part identification and parts list techniques for assemblies
10. Dimensioning Standards, Including Choice and Placement Methods 15
ASME standard terms and types of lines used in dimensioning
Dimensioning “mechanics” (i.e. spacing, arrow size, text format, etc.)
Dimensioning “choice & placement” techniques
Specialized dimensioning methods (tabular, coordinate, dual, etc.)
11. Tolerancing Calculations and Practices 10
ASME standard terms and techniques of applying tolerance values
Calculation of limits of fit, maximum material condition, & allowance
Standardized precision fits and basic hole system calculations
12. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GDT) 15
Identification of GDT symbols, boxes, and datum identification
Definitions of GDT geometric controls and symbols
Identification and explanation of GDT tolerance zones and modifiers
Reading feature control frames
13. Machining Specifications, Callouts, and Surface Texture Symbols 10
Machining specifications (i.e. knurling, heat treating, broaching, etc.) ASME
standard callouts for drilling, counterboring, countersinking etc. Appearance of
machined features (i.e. holes, keyways, threads, spotfaces, etc.) Surface texture
symbols and basic surface texture specification
14. Screw Thread Representation 5
ASME standard thread notes, thread types, and related callouts
ASME detailed, schematic, and simplified thread representation
Thread terminology (pitch, lead, form, etc.)
15. Springs and Fasteners 5
Graphic representation of springs and fasteners
Types of threaded bolts and screws, including head and tip types
Types of pins, keys, springs, set screws, etc.
16. Specialized Examples – Gears, sheet metal, welding, castings, plastics, etc… 15
Graphic representation of various gears, with typical terms and specifications
Graphic representation characteristic of sheet metal development prints
Graphic representation and drafting practices for welding and welding symbols
Graphic representation characteristics of cast or molded metal parts
Graphic representation characteristics of molded plastic parts
Basic electronic (PC board, schematic, etc.) drafting and graphic representation
Page 5 of 14
SAMPLE QUESTIONS FROM EACH OF THE CONTENT AREAS
1. The governing body that sets the standards for engineering and technical drawings in the United States is:
A. ASME
B. SME
C. IEEE
D. EIA
E. SPE
2. According to standards,
how many different line thicknesses can be present in a drawing?
A. One – all lines the same
B. Two – thick and thin
C. Three – thick, medium, and thin
D. Four – very thick, thick, medium, and thin
E. Five – very thick, thick, medium, thin, very thin
3. In this illustration, what size paper is being folded to 8.5” x 11”?
A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D
E. E
4. If the graphic image shown here appears in the title block, what does it establish?
A. Method of projection
B. Unit of measure
C. ASME standards are to be used
D. Rounding mode
E. Roundness tolerance
5. What measurement is indicated on this enlarged view of a machinist’s scale?
A. 3.625”
B. 3.5”
C. 3-21/32”
D. 3-43/64”
E. 3-3/4”
6. A detail drawing of a 165mm x 200mm part is being placed on A-size paper. What scale would allow the part to be drawn as
large as possible?
A. 1:3
B. 1:2
C. 1:1
D. 2:1
E. 3:1
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7. Examine the illustration of the inscribed pentagon below. How many degrees are in angle COE?
A. 60°
B. 72°
C. 100°
D. 120°
E. 144°
A. 8
B. 9
C. 10
8. How many points of tangency does this graphic diagram include?
D. 12
E. 13
9. If the definition of a normal surface is one that is parallel to a principal plane of projection (frontal, horizontal, or profile), then
for the object pictured, how many normal surfaces are there? (Count ALL surfaces)
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
E. 8
10. At minimum, how many visible and hidden line segments will it take to complete the “missing line problem” to create a correct
multiview drawing?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5
11. What type of sectional view is illustrated here?
A. Removed
B. Half
C. Quarter
D. Broken-out
E. Aligned
12. Which of the following statements about cutting plane lines is FALSE?
A. ASME approves two different appearances, or dash types
B. Can bend if necessary, such as with offset sections
C. Are to be drawn thin, and should always be omitted if center lines coincide with them
D. Are usually omitted for broken-out sections
E. For a half section view, will only have an arrow on one end
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13. Given this front view of a pipe elbow, what type of view would be used to show the true size and shape of the upper flange
instead of a top view?
A. Perspective
B. Auxiliary
C. Isometric
D. Sectional
E. Oblique
14. An auxiliary view of the object pictured below could be projected from the front view to show the true shape and size of which
surface?
A. 1-2-3-4
B. 1-2-3-9-8
C. 2-5-6-7-3
D. 5-6-10-9
E. 6-10-11-7
15. The 3D block lettering shown here was drawn using the principles of projection.
A. oblique
B. isometric
C. orthographic
D. dimetric
E. trimetric
16. In this isometric illustration of 1” square planes and 1” cubes, what is the center-to-center distance between the two marbles,
each centered on a 1” square plane?
A. 1.41”
B. 2.00”
C. 2.24”
D. 2.83”
E. 3.61”
17. Based on the illustration, which of the following can be determined?
A. The hole is a counterbore
B. The part is made of brass
C. The part is cylindrical
D. The hole is a countersink
E. This is two parts in assembly
18. Which of the following terms is often applied to certain types of assembly drawings?
A. Constrained
B. Exploded
C. Parallel
D. Toleranced
E. Included
Page 8 of 14
19. For this part, how many additional dimensions will be required to fully dimension it?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
E. 4
20. Which of the following statements about dimensioning is FALSE?
A. Dimension lines should be spaced at least 10mm (3/8”) away from the part outline
B. Dimension figures must be oriented to read from the bottom of the drawing
C. Where a leader is directed to an arc, its direction should be radial
D. Dimensions should be placed outside the outline of a view if possible
E. It is not permissible for extension lines to cross each other
21. A hole with a size dimension of .356 +.012 /-.000 mates with a shaft dimensioned .345 ±.004. What are the limits of fit for this
relationship?
A. 008”-.012”
B. .015”-.021”
C. .007”-.021”
D. .007”-.027”
E. .008”-.027”
22. As dimensioned, this part will have a vertical distance from surface C to surface D within what range of size?
A. .375”-.386”
B. .371”-.386”
C. .360”-.386”
D. .371”-.375”
E. .360”-.375”
23. What term is defined as the theoretically perfect feature that serves as a reference for dimensions and tolerances, including
geometric tolerances?
A. Datum
B. Feature Control Frame
C. Tolerance
D. Allowance
E. Modifier
24. What respect to this feature control frame, what is the geometric control specified?
A. Flatness
B. Concentricity
C. Runout
D. True Position
E. Circularity
Page 9 of 14
25. According to ASME Y14.36, which of the symbols in the illustration below is the basic surface texture symbol?
A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D
E. E
26. Which operation is performed by the machining bit illustrated here?
A. Spotface
B. Keyway
C. Broach
D. Countersink
E. Counterbore
27. Which method of thread representation is used in this view?
A. Detailed
B. Schematic
C. Hidden
D. Simplified
E. Phantom
28. In the thread note shown, what does the “F” stand for?
A. Fillister
B. Form
C. Fillet
D. Fastener
E. Fine
29. To which of the following do these words describe a type? SQUARE, SLOTTED, FILLISTER, HEX SOCKET?
A. Knurl
B. Fastener head
C. Spring
D. Key
E. Gear
30. Which is a FALSE interpretation of this cap screw drawing?
A. The bolt is “unfinished”
B. The thread is represented in the simplified method
C. Bolt body is chamfered
D. The bolt head is a “hex head”
E. The bolt head is chamfered
Page 10 of 14
31. What term is usually applied to this foldout of a truncated prism?
A. prismation
B. development
C. auxiliary
D. displacement
E. schematic
32. In the former years of traditional drafting, this template would have been used to help the drafter add symbols to the drawing.
Based on what you know about engineering graphics, which of the following areas of drafting utilized this template?
A. Welding drawings
B. Electronic circuit drawings
C. Plastic part drawings
D. Piping diagrams
E. PC board artwork
Page 11 of 14
Bibliography / Reference List: Engineering Graphics and Print Reading
Brown, R., and Brown, W. Print Reading for Industry. Goodheart-Wilcox: Tinley Park, IL, 2011. ISBN 9781605253084
Dimensioning and Tolerancing: ASME Y14.5M-2009. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2009. ISBN 9780791831922
Giesecke F., Mitchell A., Spencer H., Hill I., Dygdon J., Novak J., and Loving, R. Engineering Graphics, 8th Ed. Prentice-Hall: Upper
Saddle River, NJ, 2003. ISBN 0131415212
Goetsch, D., Chalk, W., and Nelson, J. Technical Drawing, 5th Ed. Delmar: Albany, NY, 2005. ISBN 1401857604
Lieu, D., and Sorby, S. Visualization, Modeling, and Graphics for Engineering Design. Delmar Cengage Learning, 2008. ISBN
1401842499
Pictorial Drawing: ASME Y14.4M-1989 (Reaffirmed 2004). The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 1989. ISBN 079182036X
Screw Thread Representation: ANSI Y14.6-2001. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2001. ISBN 0791827445
Recommendations for taking the ATMAE CEG Exam
• Thoroughly review this study guide and review the reference textbooks.
• You do NOT have to pass each section. Only a composite passing score is required.
• Rest well the night before the exam.
• Do NOT leave any questions blank. All questions are multiple choice, so make an educated guess at questions
containing content you may not be familiar with.
• Pace yourself. There are 145 questions and you have 120 minutes (2 hours) to finish.
• Don’t spend too much time on one question because all questions are worth the same.
• Flag questions you are unsure of and come back to them at the end if you have time.
• Maintain a positive attitude. You can always retake the exam if you do not pass.
Answers for the Sample Questions
1. A 9. D 17. E 25. E
2. B 10. E 18. B 26. D
3. C 11. D 19. C 27. D
4. A 12. C 20. E 28. E
5. C 13. B 21. D 29. B
6. C 14. C 22. C 30. A
7. E 15. A 23. A 31. B
8. E 16. C 24. D 32. A
Page 12 of 14
ATMAE CEG Examination & Certification General Information
Examination Information / Program Assessment
The ATMAE Certified in Engineering Graphics Certification Examination is currently available for use for individual
certification and as a program assessment examination. The exam is designed for individuals with a background in the
expression of industrial design ideas through engineering graphics, including geometric construction, orthographic views,
and standardized annotations. This exam can be used for program assessment for both 2-year and 4-year programs that
emphasize engineering graphics in their curriculum.
The exam is an online-only, *open book, 145-question, multiple choice examination focusing on engineering graphic
standards and practices, as exemplified foremost by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standards, under
the umbrella of ANSI standards. The questions fall into 16 main content areas, as detailed beginning at page 4 of this study
guide. (*Examinees are allowed to use printed reference materials (e.g., reference texts) during the exam. However, internet
or software-based references are not allowed to be used during the exam. Oversight of this is the responsibility of the exam
proctor.)
Individual Examinations
Individuals interested in taking the exam on an individual basis should arrange for an exam proctor
https://learn.atmae.org/exam-proctoring and schedule the exam online at https://learn.atmae.org/
Note: If you are an individual with disabilities and need academic accommodations, please call ATMAE at (919) 635-8335
to make the necessary arrangements for you to take the test.
Program Assessment
When used for program assessment purposes, the exam fees are paid by the Program or Department using the exam.
Aggregate exam scores, and comparative score information, are released to the Program or Department contact after
the exams have been scored, and the examination fee has been paid. For more information about the ATMAE
Assessment Exams go to https://www.atmae.org/page/assessmentexams or to obtain scores, contact ATMAE by phone
at (919) 635-8335 or by email at [email protected]
Certification after Examination
As of January 1, 2021 candidates that have paid the exam fee, and passed any ATMAE Certification exam (not given as a
group assessment exam) will be certified upon passing their exam. You do not have to apply for certification.
Candidates that have passed a Group Assessment Exam given by an ATMAE accredited institution must apply for ATMAE
Certification. The initial certification fee (paid at time of initial application within one year of passing the exam) includes
ATMAE membership.
Certificates
Certificates appropriate for framing are issued for one-year periods upon initial certification and upon annual renewal. In
addition, individuals who passed the certification exam and stay current with all applicable fees will be listed on the ATMAE
Certification home page for recognition status by employers and colleagues.
Page 13 of 14
Purpose of ATMAE Certification
The purpose of the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) certification program is to
provide recognition of the attainment of certain standards by professionals working in industry, business, government, and
academia.
Benefits of Certification: Why get certified?
• ATMAE Certification states that you have a recognized level of expertise in a specific field, a distinction that sets you
apart.
• ATMAE Certification provides external validation of your knowledge and competence among others not familiar with the
profession, improving your marketability.
• ATMAE Certification shows your commitment to the profession and your own professional growth, factors that can
affect career advancement.
• ATMAE Certification requires dedication to continuing education, and continued growth and development as a
professional.
• ATMAE Certification may help you access travel grants for educational activities that support your organization’s
continuous improvement efforts and your professional development.
• ATMAE Certification is a link between you, ATMAE and other professionals, a bond of support, strength, and
belonging.
Eligibility for ATMAE Professional Certification
Education: Have a technical, technology-related degree (AS, BS, MS or Doctorate) or an equivalent degree, teach or serve
as an administrator in a technical or technology-related degree program, or be professionally employed in a capacity related
to the discipline of manufacturing, industry, or technology. Individuals are also eligible in the last semester prior to receiving
their AS or BS degree, if their impending graduation is verified on the application by their academic advisor.
Certified in Engineering Graphics (CEG) Certification Levels
Certified in Engineering Graphics (CEG): CEG is the initial certification status awarded to eligible applicants. Certified
individuals may stay at this level indefinitely as long as they pay their renewal fees annually. Upon completion of the initial
three-year CEG certification and acquisition of 30 Professional Development Units (PDUs), a certified individual can elect to
become a Certified Senior Technical Professional.
Certified Senior in Engineering Graphics (CSEG): CSEG is awarded to eligible applicants with three years of post- graduate
professional experience who have completed 30 PDUs of continuing education activity in the three years prior to their
application. CSEG certification is renewable every three years and requires 30 PDUs of continuing education activity within
the prior 3-year CSEG period.
Documentation for CSEG at Application
Appropriate documentation of professional experience and PDUs must be included on the application for
certification. ATMAE reserves the right to verify degree status, professional experience, and PDUs.
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