10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The CFPIHM exam has 75 questions and runs 3 hours.
These 10 free CFPIHM questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Fluid Power Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
Domain 1: Understand hydraulic components and their operation.
Question 1
During commissioning, a pressure-compensated piston pump supplies 40 L/min while the cylinder moves. With the directional valve centered, pressure stabilizes at the 180-bar compensator setting, outlet flow falls to about 1 L/min, and motor current drops. Full flow returns on the next stroke. The relief valve is set at 210 bar. How should the mechanic interpret this behavior?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C - The pump is destroking normally when actuator flow is not required.
Question 2
After a directional valve is replaced, a fixed-displacement pump runs across the relief valve whenever the directional valve is centered. The replacement center blocks P and connects A, B, and T. The machine requires low-pressure pump unloading with both cylinder ports blocked. Which center configuration restores the intended neutral operation?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D - Tandem center
Domain 2: Understand loads and motion.
Question 3
A horizontal, single-rod cylinder must extend against a resisting load. Its full piston area is 10.0 in^2, and the rod cross-sectional area is 4.0 in^2. Gauges at the cylinder ports read 1,500 psi at the cap end and 300 psi at the rod end. Ignoring friction, what net extension force is available?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A - 13,200 lbf
Question 4
An overheating investigation finds 18 L/min flowing steadily through a metering valve. Pressure immediately upstream is 150 bar and immediately downstream is 50 bar. Neglecting changes in velocity and elevation, how much hydraulic power is being converted to heat across this valve alone?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - 3.0 kW
Domain 3: Maintain and repair hydraulic systems.
Question 5
An accumulator has a specified nitrogen precharge of 90 bar at the current temperature. The pump is locked out and the load is mechanically secured. A gauge on the pump side reads zero, but the isolated accumulator oil-side gauge and charging-kit gauge both read 110 bar. Before deciding whether nitrogen must be added or released, the mechanic should:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - Relieve the trapped oil pressure through the designated bleed.
Question 6
Inspection record for a piston being considered for reuse:
Permitted land diameter: 2.4980-2.4990 in.
Caliper reading: 2.4985 in.
Caliper resolution: 0.0005 in.
Specified caliper accuracy: +/-0.0030 in.
Which inspection decision is sound?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C - Remeasure with an outside micrometer verified accurate to +/-0.0001 in.
Domain 4: Troubleshoot hydraulic systems.
Question 7
A pump develops a gravel-like noise and loses delivery as speed increases. The oil is at its specified operating viscosity, reservoir level is correct, and suction connections have passed an air-leak check. At high speed, pump-inlet pressure falls to 0.45 bar absolute; the manufacturer requires at least 0.80 bar absolute. Which fault best fits these findings?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D - Cavitation caused by insufficient pressure at the pump inlet
Question 8
A return-filter indicator operates during a cold start, a condition the machine manual allows during warm-up. After the prescribed warm-up, it resets normally and the filter differential pressure is 0.6 bar at rated flow. The element-change point is 3.0 bar, oil cleanliness is on target, and the scheduled change is not due. What action is warranted by this evidence?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A - Retain the element and record its warm differential pressure.
Question 9
To investigate a holding complaint, a cylinder is disconnected from the machine circuit and secured in a rated test fixture with its piston restrained at midstroke. A separate test source pressurizes the cap end. The rod port drains through a dedicated measurement line. After pressure and temperature stabilize, oil continues to leave the rod port. What does that sustained flow establish?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A - Oil is bypassing internally from one cylinder chamber to the other.
Domain 5: ElectroHydraulic control systems.
Question 10
A 24 VDC directional-valve solenoid has a switched positive supply and a permanent return to supply 0 V. The valve will not shift. With the connector attached and the command ON, each coil terminal measures 24.0 V relative to supply 0 V. A separate resistance test, made with power isolated and the coil disconnected, found normal coil resistance. Where is the fault?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B - An open coil-return connection to supply 0 V