PLC Test - Free Test, Topics, Sample Questions and Answers
PLC engineering jobs often require a professional assessment as a pre-hiring measure. Many find themselves anxious or worried ahead of the exam.
JobTestPrep's PLC Test Preparation Package provides accurate practice for the most widely used PLC test - Ramsay Corporation's PLC Test.
With 50 practice questions touching the precise topics you will encounter on the actual test, this practice plan gives you the most focused, tailored prep for your upcoming assessment.
The PLC Test Preparation Package includes:
- Full PLC practice tests - acquainting you with the 5 sections of the Ramsay PLC Test, so you can reduce test anxiety and know what you can expect from the exam.
- A personalized score report - isolating individual topics and letting you know what your weak and strong spots are, so you can give more attention to areas that can use improvement.
- Detailed explanations to all questions - letting you know the rationale behind each answer, so you can get better next time around.
Read below for an overview of the PLC test basic info, test topics, and sample questions with answers and explanations.
Or start with a free, 10-question sample PLC practice test:
PLC Test
Our PLC Test Preparation Package will give you:
Full PLC practice tests, covering:
- Ladder logic
- Peripherals and systems
- PLC and IO basics
- Programming basics
- Troubleshooting
A personalized score report
- Following each test, you receive automated feedback allowing you to assess your skills.
Detailed explanations to all questions
- Understand the logic behind each answer. Refresh your memory and PLC engineering knowledge.
What Is a PLC Test?
The PLC test is a tool to access one's knowledge and skills in the maintenance and repair of programmable logic controllers (PLC). The test usually covers the core aspects of PLCs, such as programming, I/O devices, etc. Another substantial part of the test is dedicated to the interpretation of ladder diagrams and troubleshooting.
Who Takes the PLC Test?
PLC tests are designed for applicants of various fields, including:
- Computer Technicians
- Commercial and Industrial Equipment Technicians
- Electronics Engineering Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers
In addition, PLC questions can appear on a variety of other tests, especially those dealing with maintenance, such as the Amazon Maintenance Technician Test or the MultiCrafTest.
Ramsay Corporation’s PLC Test
Although there are many PLC tests out there, the Ramsay PLC test is by far the most popular among employers.
As with any Ramsay Test, the PLC is developed and administered by Ramsay Corporation is the largest and most professional test provider for technical assessments, used by giants such as Amazon, Walmart, and JLL.
The Ramsay PLC test contains 50 questions on 5 different topics, 10 questions each:
- PLC and I/O Basics
- Programming Basics
- Ladder Logic
- Peripherals and Systems
- Troubleshooting
The test is untimed, but you are expected to complete it within 1 hour.
Accurate Prep for the Ramsay PLC Test
- Covers all 5 test sections
- 70 focused, tailored practice questions
- Replicates the structure and formatting of the actual PLC test
- Detailed explanations to ALL practice questions
PLC Test Sections and Sample Questions
Note: All sample questions you will see below are based on the Ramsay PLC test.
PLC and I/O Basics
This section comprises questions related to the introduction of PLC. It deals with topics such as the different uses and applications of PLCs, safety, I/O (input and output) devices.
PLC and I/O Basics Sample Question
Pick an appropriate sensor for the circuit shown below:
Ladder Logic
This section deals with the visual representation of PLC programming in ladder diagrams. Most questions will require you to interpret the diagram and answer a question based upon it.
Ladder Logic Sample Question
The PLC program shown below controls a burner (B) with three gas detectors surrounding it (s1, s2, and s3).
The burner will be lit _______.
Programming Basics
The programing section deals with the internal programming of the PLC and the functionality of its different components.
Questions in this section are often more fundamental and theoretical and require you to show an understanding of basic concepts, such as programming languages, number systems (binary, octal, hexadecimal), and components (CPU, RAM, etc.)
Programming Basics Sample Question
Logic functions use logic 0 and 1 which are electrical signals of:
Don't show up unprepared! Gain the most accurate, focused preparation for your upcoming PLC test, check out the PLC Test Preparation Package.
Peripherals and Systems
The peripherals and systems section covers the devices attached to the system at the input or output source. Questions in this section may cover things like types of cables and ports, function blocks, and transmission rates (baud, bit).
Peripherals and Systems Sample Question
Which one is NOT a standard baud rate for serial communication?
Troubleshooting
In most cases, you will be required to take a PLC test as a part of the hiring process for technical positions. These jobs require a broad knowledge of troubleshooting, and this test section will be a major part of your score.
Usually, you will be presented with a scenario depicting a problem with a PLC or one of its components and will be requested to detail the actions to locate and/or solve the problem.
Troubleshooting Sample Question
The status indicator of the PLC output module is ON, but the interfaced device does not turn ON. The voltage at the output port is correct. What can be the problem?
Accurate Prep for the Ramsay PLC Test
- Covers all 5 test sections
- 70 focused, tailored practice questions
- Replicates the structure and formatting of the actual PLC test
- Detailed explanations to ALL practice questions
The Ramsay PLC PrepPack
The PLC Test Prep Package contains a total of 70 practice questions (as on the actual assessment), divided into 5 topics:
- PLC and I/O Basics - 10 questions
- Programming Basics - 10 questions
- Ladder Logic - 10 questions
- Peripherals and Systems - 10 questions
- Troubleshooting - 10 questions
Within approximately 2 hours of preparation, you will have a very good understanding of the test content, formatting, and time constraints. That will both give you essential knowledge of the content world of the PLC test and increase confidence.
Benefits
Here are the 3 main benefits of the PLC Test Preparation Package:
- Benefit #1 - Focusing on What Matters
While the range of topics covered in the PLC test is very broad, some topics are more common than others.
Therefore, the PLC Test Preparation Package was designed to put more emphasis on these topics. Knowing where to put your effort in advance will yield a more focused prep and a higher score. - Benefit #2 - Not Forgetting the Theory
Unfortunately, many experienced candidates tend to forget theoretical concepts over the years. That becomes a considerable obstacle in the written PLC test.
The PLC test, however, will assess both your practical AND theoretical knowledge, so make sure you are prepared for that aspect as well. - Benefit#3 - Simulating the Actual Test
Besides knowing the material, to be fully prepared for any test you need to know, well, the test.
Being familiar with the question structure, time constraints, and formatting of the actual Ramsay PLC Test will often be precisely the edge you need to pass. Remember that your test score will be compared to other candidates when your employer decides whether to take you on to the next stage.
That is a benefit only an actual test simulation can give you.
Summary
The PLC is a very common test in the electrical and electronics industry and requires a broad base of knowledge to successfully pass. PLC test sections are also common in maintenance, multicraft, and electricity tests.
Being familiar with the basic definitions and components of PLCs, mastery of ladder diagrams reading, and a sense for troubleshooting are all essential for passing with a high score.