STUDY GUIDE
CPC ROAD TRANSPORT OPERATOR
Distance Learning Programme
CONTENTS
page
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 3
The course ............................................................................................................... 4
Examination ............................................................................................................... 4
COURSE PROGRAMME ............................................................................................ 5
SELF-STUDY ............................................................................................................ 10
Study hours ............................................................................................................. 10
Perseverance ............................................................................................................ 11
Place and time ........................................................................................................... 11
Quiet environment .................................................................................................... 11
Programme ............................................................................................................. 12
Concentration ............................................................................................................ 12
Reading
............................................................................................................. 13
Memorising ............................................................................................................. 13
Summarising ............................................................................................................. 13
Studying together....................................................................................................... 14
Annex 1 Information on CPC
Annex 2 Examination instructions procedures
2
INTRODUCTION
This Study Guide contains information about the training course programmes
and the examination for obtaining a Certificate of Professional Competence
(CPC) for Road Transport Operators. It also provides some guidelines for
studying the course materials at home and preparing for the exams.
There are four types of CPC's for road transport operators:
 National Road Freight Transport
 International Road Freight Transport
 National Road Passenger Transport
 International Road Passenger transport
The Certificate of Professional Competence for National Road Freight
Operators consists of two parts:
1. Core modules
2. National road freight modules
The Certificate of Professional Competence for International Road Freight
Operators consists of one part:
1. International road freight modules
The Certificate of Professional Competence for National Road Passenger
Operators consists of two parts:
1. Core modules
2. National road passenger modules
3
The Certificate of Professional Competence for International Road Passenger
Operators consists of two parts:
1. International road passenger modules
Detailed information on CPC can be found in Annex 1.
We will first provide information on the training programme. Furthermore we
will pay attention to some techniques and practical tips for self-study.
The course
The course is meant for road transport operators who want to obtain a
Certificate of Professional Competence in National Road Freight Transport,
International Road Freight Transport, National Road Passenger Transport
and/or International Road Passenger Transport.
The objective of the course is to provide knowledge and develop skills to
improve the chance of success when starting a transport operation.
You will be familiarised with the complex regulations of which the objective is
to improve road safety and the quality of road transport in general.
Examination
All parts of the training programmes will be concluded with an official exam.
There are five exams:





Core
National Road Freight Transport
International Freight Transport
National Road Passenger Transport
International Road Passenger Transport
Detailed instructions and procedures of the examination can be found in
Annex 2.
4
COURSE PROGRAMME
The course programme for the CPC National Road Freight Transport and
CPC National Road Passenger Transport consists each of two parts:
 Core
 National
Road Freight
Passenger Transport.
Transport
respectively
National
Road
The Core part consists of the same modules for the two programmes:
The following table shows the modules for the Core part and the
recommended number of study hours:
Study hours
A.
A1
A3
Civil Law
Contracts in road transport
Principals and Sub-contractors
2
1
B
B1
B2
Commercial law
Running a business: conditions and formalities
Organisational forms
2
2
C
C1
C2
C3
Social law
Social institutions
Social security legislation
Work contracts
2
2
2
D
D4
Fiscal law
Income tax
2
E
E1
E2
E3
E4
E5
E6
E7
E8
E9
E11
Business an financial management of the undertaking
Methods of Payment
Forms of credit
Balance sheet
Profit and loss account
Financial ratios
Budgeting
Cost calculation
Organisation chart
Marketing
Fleet management systems
2
2
2
2
2
2
8
3
5
5
Total of study hours on Core modules
48
5
The following table shows the modules for the part National Road Freight
Transport and the recommended number of study hours:
Study hours
A
A2
Civil Law
Legal Obligations - National
2
C
C4
Social law
Drivers' hours and tachograph
8
D
D1
D2
D3
Fiscal law
Value added taxes (VAT)
Motor vehicle tax
Tolls and taxes
2
1
1
E
E10
E12
E13
Business and financial management of the undertaking
Insurance
Invoicing Incoterms
Transport Auxiliaries
2
2
2
F
F1
F2
F3
F4
Access to the market
Starting a business: regulations
Starting a business: additional requirements
Documents
Organisation of the market
4
2
4
2
G
G1
G2
G3
G4
G5
G6
G7
G8
G9
G10
Technical standards and aspects of operation
Weights and dimensions
Vehicle selection
Type approval and technical inspection
Environmental measures
Maintenance planning
Cargo handling
Types of services
Dangerous goods
Perishable goods
Transport of live animals
1
1
3
1
3
2
1
5
3
1
H
H1
H2
H3
H4
Road safety
Drivers' qualifications
Traffic legislation
Safety requirements
Calamities
2
2
2
1
Total of study hours on National Road Freight Transport
modules
60
6
The following table shows the modules for the part National Road Passenger
Transport and the recommended number of study hours:
Study hours
A
A3
Civil Law
Claims
2
C
C4
Social law
Drivers' hours and tachograph
8
D
D1
D2
D3
Fiscal law
Value added taxes (VAT)
Motor vehicle tax
Tolls and taxes
2
1
1
E
E10
E14
E15
Business and financial management of the undertaking
Insurances
Fares and pricing
Invoicing
2
3
2
F
Access to the market
F1/F2
Starting a business
F3
Documents
F6/F7
Organisation of the passenger transport market, types
of services
passenger transport
F7.1
Advantages and conditions of scheduled services
F7.2
Presentation of schedules
F7.3
Duties and rosters
6
2
6
4
4
4
G
G1
G2
G3
G4
G5
Technical standards and aspects of operation
Weights and dimensions
Vehicle selection
Type approval and technical inspection
Environmental measures
Maintenance planning
1
2
3
2
3
H
H1
H2
H3
H4
H5
Road safety
Drivers' qualifications
Traffic legislation
Safety requirements
Calamities
Road networks
2
2
2
2
2
Total of study hours on National Road Passenger Transport
modules
68
7
To do an exam for the CPC International Road Freight Transport or CPC
International Road Passenger Transport, one already needs to have passed
the exams for Core and National Road Freight Transport or National Road
Passenger Transport, respectively.
The following table shows the modules for the part International Road Freight
Transport that will be examined and the recommended number of study hours:
Study hours
A
A4
Civil Law
Contracts (CMR Convention)
4
C
C4
Social law
Drivers' hours and tachograph
4
D
D1
D3
Fiscal law
Value added taxes (VAT)
Tolls and taxes
1
1
E
E1
E10
E12
E13
Business and financial management of the undertaking
Methods of payment
Insurances
Invoicing (Incoterms 2000)
Transport auxiliaries
2
2
3
1
F
F1/2
F3
F4
F5.1
F5.2
Access to the market
Starting a business: regulations
Documents
Organisation of the market
Customs procedures
TIR carnet
1
4
1
8
1
G
G1
G2
G4
G7
G8
G9
G10
Technical standards and aspects of
Weights and dimensions
Vehicle selection
Environmental measures
Transport operating systems
Dangerous goods
Perishable goods
Transport of live animals
H
H1
H2
H4
Road safety
Drivers' qualifications
Traffic legislation
Calamities
operation
Total of study hours on International Road Freight Transport
modules
1
1
1
2
3
2
1
1
2
1
48
8
The following table shows the modules for the part International Road
Passenger Transport and the recommended number of study hours:
Study hours
C
C4
Social law
Drivers’ hours and tachograph
6
D
D1
Fiscal law
Value added taxes (VAT)
2
F
Access to the market
F3
Documentation
F6/F7
Organisation of the passenger transport market, types
of services passenger transport
4
6
H
H1
H4
Road safety
Drivers’ qualifications
Calamities
2
2
SCR
Specific Country Requirements
6
Total of study hours on International Road Passenger Transport
modules
28
9
SELF-STUDY
Study hours
We have seen how many study hours are recommended in order to have a
good chance to pass the exams. The next table summarises the number of
study hours per exam:
Course
number of
recommended
study hours
Core
National Road Freight Transport
Total for CPC National Road Freight Transport
40
60
100
Core
National Road Passenger Transport
Total for CPC National Road Passenger
Transport
40
56
CPC International Road Freight Transport
48
CPC International Road Passenger Transport
32
96
In almost all training programmes most of the participants start the course full
of interest and optimism. Self-study, however, is not easy. It requires selfdiscipline and perseverance to be successful.
You will need to determine how to study efficiently. It is not unlikely that your
study experience is limited and took place several years ago.
As you have seen the requirements for a successful passing of the exams are
quite high. From the number of recommended study hours you can see that
you will need to invest many hours in reading and studying the training texts.
10
Perseverance
Studying with success is not only based on intelligence. Also character
attributes, as sense of responsibility and perseverance are very important.
Practice has shown that intelligent people may abandon their study just
because they had not the right mentality. They did not want to work for it. And
work is needed, particularly as this is a self-study or distance learning
programme with occasional assistance by experienced instructors.
In this paragraph we would like to introduce to you some practical guidelines
for self-study. These guidelines are based on research and practices in
distance learning. The objective is to guide you through the studying process.
Place and time
Quiet
environment
You need a place where you can study quietly and without being bothered by
other people. A quiet environment will help you to concentrate on the texts, to
understand and learn the course material.
Desk
The room where you study should be well organised with a desk or table big
enough to write while some books are opened. You should put on the desk
everything you need within easy reach: books, notepad, ballpoint, pencil,
calculator, dictionary, etc.
Study regularly
If possible, you should try to study regularly, preferably at the same time of the
day or evening, for two or three hours. It will increase you efficiency in
studying and memorising.
However, sitting behind a desk does not automatically mean that you are
studying successfully.
Furthermore, reading a text is not the same as studying successfully. As you
work through the course material, make notes. Try to summarise the points of
interest or subjects that you find difficult to understand.
11
Try to stay focused, but take a brake once in a while to get some fresh air,
something to drink or something light to eat. Do not take a full meal before or
during studying, it will be harder to concentrate and stay focused.
Set targets
Starting out, the exam will seem ages away. You will presumably have plenty
of time to get ready. Not so!
You have a tough program ahead. Make sure you set targets and not save all
the work for the last few days before exams. It will be too late!
You will need time to repeat subjects you have studied earlier.
It could be wise to make a planning for each subject and set a date to be
finished with it.
Programme
Planning
Making a course programme or study scheme is much like project planning.
It is recommended to plan the whole programme including the exam. Write
down this schedule and make sure you will monitor the implementation of this
scheme.
Concentration
Quietness
There many stories about the best way to concentrate yourself for studying.
Many people say that they can study best with a radio switched on, by
listening to music.
Others feel, there is only one thing, which enables maximum concentration:
absolute silence.
Make sure you know what works for you. Music with lyrics in your own
language will undoubtedly distract you, but for some people classical music or
easy listening instrumental music works in a positive way. Make sure it suits
you and take only your own advice. What works for someone else may not
work for you!
When you study, ask your spouse not to disturb you and allow you to stay
focused. You can attend to them during a short brake.
Self-confidence
The biggest mistake you can make is to start studying with the idea that you
are not good at it. There is absolutely nothing you cannot learn. The only thing
12
that is different for each individual is the way in which to study and – to some
degree – how much time should be invested.
Self-confidence is the key to success. Think positive. Try to relate what you
are studying to your everyday practice if possible.
First 15 minutes
It is also very useful to start your study session by reviewing by yourself what
you had been studying the day before. You will soon discover the gaps in your
knowledge and you can work on that.
Memorising things may require repetition. Do not expect to know everything
you have studied overnight.
Last 15 minutes
If you have planned to study two hours, you should try to use the last 15
minutes to review and summarise the material you have been studying.
Practice has shown that these last 15 minutes would be very well spent. If you
do not do that and you just continue to study until the end, you will find out that
you will easily forget the items you have been studying.
Reading
Attentive
You have to learn to read. This sounds silly, because you have already learnt
this on the primary school. However, we are talking here about attentive and
critical reading.
Read two or three paragraphs, close the book and try to repeat and
summarise the contents. You will discover how much progress you can make
in a short period of time. It is better to read the text once thoroughly, than
twice rapidly.
Memorising
Summarising
Making notes is not very easy, but can be learnt as well. It may help to write
down key words when reading a text. Also making summaries of specific
topics contribute to successful learning. When you later want to repeat the
text that you have read, you just look at the key words or the summary and
you will find out if you still remember the details of the text.
Summarising can even be seen as checking whether you understand the
subject. If you are able to summarise it in your own words, you understand
13
what you have studied. If you can write about it, it means you have thought of
a way to reproduce what you have “consumed”.
Studying together
Studying together with someone else can be helpful, specially once you reach
a point of testing whether you understand and are able to reproduce.
Generally, studying together can be stimulating and helpful.
14
Annex 1
Information on CPC
Certificate of Professional Competence
(CPC) for Road Transport Operators.
Some background notes to the
requirements
Introduction
The requirements for the examination of road transport operators for the Certificate of
Professional Competence (CPC) are largely based on Council Directive 96/26/EC, last
amended by Council Directive 98/76/EC, on admission to the occupation of road
haulage operator and road passenger operator and mutual recognition of diplomas,
certificates and other evidence of formal qualification. This directive is intended to
facilitate for these operators the right to freedom of establishment in national and
international transport operations and is one of the most important pieces of European
road transport legislation. This single Directive covers several topics that have an
important impact on the road haulage industry and the passenger transport sector.
The Directive lays down minimum standards for financial standing, professional
competence and good repute for transport operators. Fulfilment of these three
requirements gives the road transport operator the right to obtain an operator's license.
The requirement of professional competence can be fulfilled by obtaining a Certificate
of Professional Competence through a system of exams. Council Directive 98/76/EC
gives detailed information on the examination requirements for obtaining this certificate.
This Certificate valid in one EU Member State is equally valid in other Member States
through the agreement on mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other
evidence of formal qualification.
The IRU Academy has elaborated standards for training and examination in CPC for
road transport operators, which are in full compliance with Council Directive 96/26/EC,
last amended by Council Directive 98/76/EC.
The underlying training programme through distance learning is fully compliant with the
IRU standards.
We will now go into more detail concerning Council Directive 96/26/EC, last amended
by Council Directive 98/76/EC by highlighting the most important elements.
General requirements
1. The law must apply at least to all undertakings transporting passengers or goods
for hire and reward by means of motor vehicles constructed for more then nine persons
and for motor vehicles with over 3,5 tonnes maximum authorised weight.
2. “The occupation of road haulage operator” shall mean the activity of any
undertaking transporting goods for hire or reward by means of either a motor vehicle or
a combination of vehicles.
3. “The occupation of road passenger transport operator” shall mean the activity of
any undertaking operating by means of motor vehicles so constructed and equipped as
to be suitable for carrying more than nine persons - including driver - and intended for
that purpose, passenger transport services for the public or for specific categories of
users against payment by the person transported or by the transport organiser.
4. Member states may exempt undertakings from application of the rules if they use
vehicles of which the maximum authorised weights are between 3,5 and 6 tonnes, and
if these undertakings are engaged exclusively in local transport and having only a
minor impact on the transport market because of the short distances involved.
Good repute
The good repute requirement is not satisfied, or is no longer satisfied, if the natural
person or persons who are deemed to satisfy the triple requirements
1. Have been convicted of serious offences, including offences of a commercial
nature,
2. Have been declared unfit to pursue the occupation of road transport operators
under any rules in force,
3. Have been convicted of serious offences against the rules in force concerning:
 the pay and employment conditions in the profession, or

road haulage or road passenger transport, as appropriate, in particular the
rules relating to drivers' driving and rest periods, the weights and dimensions of
commercial vehicles, road safety and vehicle safety, the protection of the environment
and the other rules concerning professional liability.
Financial standing
 Appropriate financial standing shall consist in having available sufficient resources
to ensure proper launching of the undertaking
 For the purposes of assessing financial standing, the competent authority shall
have regard to: annual accounts of the undertaking; if any; funds available, including
cash at bank, overdraft and loan facilities; any assets, including property, which are
available to provide security for the undertaking; costs, including purchase costs initial
payment for vehicles, premises, plant and equipment and working capital.
 The undertaking must have available capital reserves of at least EUR 9,000 when
only one vehicle is used and at least 5,000 EUR for each additional vehicle.
 The competent authority may accept or require, by way of proof, the confirmation or
assurance provided by a bank or other properly qualified institution. Such confirmation
or assurance may be given by a bank guarantee, possibly in the form of a pledge or
security, or by any other similar means.
Professional Competence
1. The condition relating to professional competence shall consist in the possession of
specified knowledge for the topics: Civil law, Commercial law, Social law, Fiscal law,
Business and financial management of the undertaking, Access to the market,
Technical and environmental standards and aspects of operation, Road safety.
2. It shall be established by means of a compulsory written examination (Multiple
choice questions with 4 possibilities, or open questions or a combination of both and
Written exercises/case studies which may be supplemented by an oral examination).
3. The minimum duration of each test is two hours; if an oral examination is organised,
it may be stipulated that participation is subject to successful completion of the written
examination.
4. Weighting of marks of the tests: written and oral test: each of the three tests a
minimum of 25% and a maximum of 40% of the total number of marks to be given.;
written test: each of the two tests a minimum of 40% and a maximum of 60% of the
total number of marks to be given; with regard to all tests, applicants must obtain an
average of at least 60% of the total number of marks given; in any test not less than
50% of the total number of marks to be given; In one test the mark may reduced from
50% to 40%.
5. Member States may exempt from examination applicants who provide proof of at
least five years practical experience in a transport undertaking at management level,
provided such applicant sits a test, arrangements for which shall be determined by
Member States in accordance with the compulsory subjects for examination.
6. Member States may exempt the holders of certain advanced diplomas or technical
diplomas, which provide proof of a sound knowledge of the compulsory subjects for
examination, from sitting an examination in the subject covered by the diplomas.
7. Member States may exempt undertakings engaging solely in national transport
operations from having to study international subjects, as long as the certificate
mentions that the operator is solely qualified for national transport.
8. A certificate issued by the authority or designated body, drawn up in accordance
with the form of certificate set out in Annex Ia of Council Directive 96/26/EC (as
amended by 98/76/EC), shall be produced as proof of professional competence.
Rejection, withdrawal and offences
1. Rejection of an application for admission to the occupation shall state the grounds
on which they are based.
2. A check should be carried out by the competent authority at least every five years
to ensure compliance with all three qualitative criteria. Competent authorities must
withdraw authorisations, allowing sufficient time for appointment of a substitute, in case
the triple requirements are no longer satisfied.
3. Interested undertakings must be able to defend their interests.
4. Where offences against the rules governing either road haulage or road passenger
transport, as appropriate, have been committed by non-resident road transport
operators and might lead to withdrawal of the authorisation to practice as a road
transport operator, the Member States shall provide the Member State in which such a
road transport operator is established with all the information their possession
concerning those offences and the penalties they have imposed.
5. If the requirement of financial standing is not fulfilled at the time of checking the
authorities may, where the undertaking’s other economic circumstances give grounds
for assuming that the requirements of financial standing will again be fulfilled within the
foreseeable future on the basis of a financial plan, give further notice of not more than
one year.
Mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications
1. A host Member State shall, for the purpose of admission to the occupation of road
transport operator, accept as sufficient proof of good repute an extract from a judicial
record, or failing that, an equivalent document issued by a competent judicial or
administrative authority in the road transport operator's country of origin or the country
whence he comes, showing that these requirements have been met.
2. In case of certain additional good repute requirements not reflected in the foreign
document issued, the host State shall accept as sufficient evidence a certificate issued
by a competent judicial or administrative authority in the country of origin or the country
whence he comes, stating that the requirements have been met.
3. Where in the host Member State a certificate is required as proof of financial
standing, that State shall regard corresponding certificates issued by the banks in the
country of origin or in the country whence the foreign national comes or by other
financial bodies designated by that country, as equivalent to certificates issued in its
own territory.
4. In case of certain additional financial standing requirements not reflected in the
foreign document issued, the host State shall accept as sufficient evidence a certificate
issued by a competent judicial or administrative authority in the country of origin or the
country whence he comes, stating that the requirements have been met.
5. Member States shall recognise as sufficient proof of professional competence
certificates drawn up in accordance with the form of certificate set out in Annex Ia of
Council Directive 96/26/EC (as amended by 98/76/EC).
6. Certificates of other Member States are accepted however additional partial exams
may be compulsory in case the national level for certain aspects is higher than the level
required in the other Member States.
Annex 2
Examination instructions
procedures
Exam Rules for the CPC Road Transport
Operator
(In full compliance with Council Directive 98/76/EC)
GENERAL
Article 1
For the purposes of these rules the following shall mean:
The foundation:
………………
Established at: ………………
The foundation that organises the exam referred to in these rules and that is appointed
by the Minister of ……………….. to award recognised certificates for professional road
haulage and passenger transport.
The board of the foundation:
The board of the foundation is particularly responsible for supervising the examining
board referred to below and setting the exam papers.
Examining board:
The examining board is headed by a chairman, deputy chairman and secretary, who
are all appointed by the board of the foundation and responsible for:

organising the exam;

determining the exam results;

awarding the professional certificates on behalf of the board of the foundation.
The candidate:
Those who are registered to take one or more exam sections.
Credit (certificate):
Evidence that a candidate has successfully completed an exam section.
Professional certificate:
The Professional Certificate for Road Haulage and Road Passenger Transport,
amending Directive 96/26 as referred to in Council Directive 98/78/EC, on admission to
the occupation of road haulage operator and mutual recognition of diploma’s,
certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications intended to felicitate for these
operators the right to freedom of establishment in national and international transport
operations.
Article 2
1. The exam consists of three parts for National Road Haulage, namely Core,
National Road Haulage 1 and National Road Haulage 2; two parts for International
Road Haulage (part 1 and 2); three parts for National Road Passenger Transport,
namely Core, National Road Passenger Transport 1 and National Road Passenger
Transport 2; two parts for International Road Passenger Transport.
2. The exam requirements for the aforementioned subjects are described in Annex 1
to these rules.
Article 3
Each written exam section may be taken xxx times a year in the xxx language.
ANNOUNCEMENT AND REGISTRATION
Article 4
1. The foundation shall determine the dates on which the exam sections are to be
held, as well as the closing dates for registration. It shall announce these dates in
the press at least 3 months before the determined exam dates.
2. Registration shall take place by means of a registration form that can be obtained
from the foundation. Together with the registration form the applicant shall be sent
a copy of the exam rules and details of the exam fees due.
a. When registering the applicant must state on the registration form which exam
section or sections he wishes to take;
b. When registering for the first time the applicant must enclose a pass photo and
an extract from the register of births, deaths and marriages obtainable from the
town clerk in his domicile. Neither of these must be older than 2 months.
EXAM AND CERTIFICATE FEES
Article 5
The board of the foundation shall determine the amounts to be paid for taking the exam
sections as well as for awarding the professional certificate.
EXEMPTION ON THE GROUNDS OF PRELIMINARY TRAINING
Article 6
1. Those who have in their possession one or more of the certificates as referred to in
Annex 2 to these rules or who possess equivalent certificates, may at their request
be exempt from taking the exam in the subject(s) marked with an X in the Annex.
2. Should the applicant wish to make use of the above-mentioned possibility, a copy
of the relevant certificates and if necessary the corresponding list of marks should
be enclosed with the registration form. An official authority, for example the
Chamber of Commerce or the authority that awarded the original, should
authenticate the copy.
3. The foundation accepts no responsibility whatsoever for the loss of respectively
submitted or returned original certificates or copies. The original certificates shall be
returned after inspection if the candidate has enclosed a stamped addressed
envelope for their return. If this is not the case, certificates and copies shall be
returned with the obtained professional certificate for national road transport and
haulage.
REGISTRATION AND ABSENCE
Article 7
Only those who have sent in the registration form together with the relevant documents
and who have paid the fees due by the closing date for registration shall be registered
for one or more exam sections.
Unstamped or insufficiently stamped envelopes shall not be considered and shall be
returned.
Article 8
Should in the opinion of the board a candidate in unforeseen circumstances be
prevented from taking one or more of the exam sections then:

70% of the exam fee(s) that the candidate has paid may be refunded:
1. in the case of the decease of the candidate or their spouse, or relatives up to
the second degree upon surrender of evidence
and
2. in the case of illness/accident, upon surrender of a doctor’s certificate.

50% of the exam fee(s) that the candidate has paid may be refunded should the
candidate cancel in writing within a period of 14 days before the exam.

In all other cases no refund is possible, unless the board decides otherwise.
Paid exam fees shall not be reserved for a following exam.
PROCEDURE DURING THE EXAM
Article 9
1. The candidate shall receive written notification no later than 2 weeks before the
exam section takes place.
2. The written notification shall state: the date, location of the exam, exam timetable
and the exam number of the candidate, as well as the possible tools that may be
used for the exam section concerned.
3. No tools other than those mentioned in 2. above may be found in the direct vicinity
of candidates at the location of the exam.
4. The candidate, who has not received notification within 8 days before the exam
section is to take place, should contact the office of the foundation.
Article 10
The duration of the different exams are as follows:
Exam
style
number of
questions
duration
Core
National road haulage – part
one
National road haulage – part
two
International road haulage
Multiple choice
Multiple choice
20
40
30 minutes
60 minutes
Case
study
or
written
exercises
Short direct questions and
case study
8
90 minutes
60 minutes
National road passenger
transport – part one
National road passenger
transport – part two
International road passenger
transport
Multiple choice
10 direct answer
questions + 3
case study
questions
40
8
90 minutes
10 direct answer
questions + 3
case study
questions
60 minutes
Case
study
or
written
exercises
Short direct questions and
case study
60 minutes
Article 11
The packets containing the exam papers for the various subjects shall be opened each
time by the chairman of the examining board in the presence of 2 candidates. These
candidates shall sign a document as evidence of this.
Article 12
1. The candidate must be able to identity himself for each subject by showing a
passport, driving licence or tourist card. The period of validity of this identification
must not have expired longer than 1 year.
2. The candidate must show the notification of the exam should this be asked.
3. Should the candidate be unable to show the notification or any identification, this
could result in the candidate being excluded from (further) participation in the exam
section.
Article 13
The candidate should write his exam number and the name of the exam subject on
each piece of paper that he is given for working out the exam.
MARKING AND RESULT ASCERTAINMENT
Article 14
1. The examiners responsible for the relevant subject shall mark the exam paper that
the candidate has completed.
2. The marking shall be expressed in marks from 1 to 10; marks that are a fraction of
a half or more shall be rounded off upwards and marks that are a fraction of less
than a half shall be rounded off downwards; marks of 5 and lower shall be classed
as a fail.
Article 15
The national road haulage exam consists of three parts: core; national road haulage 1;
and national road haulage 2. The international road haulage exam consists of two
parts: international road haulage 1 and international road haulage 2. The national road
passenger transport exam consists of three parts: core; national road passenger
transport 1; and national road passenger transport 2. The international road passenger
transport exam consists of two parts: international road passenger transport 1 and
international road passenger transport 2.
The minimum marks for passing the national road haulage exam, national road
passenger transport, international road haulage and international road passenger
transport is 6. The final mark for the exam is the average mark for each of the parts,
whereby the mark for the individual parts should be minimum 5.
Article 16
1. The result referred to in the preceding articles shall be made known to the
candidate in writing as soon as possible, yet no later than three months after the
exam section has taken place.
2. A candidate who has failed an exam section may resit that exam section three
times should he wish within a period of three years.
3. The candidate who successfully passes all the sections within a period of 3 years
shall receive the CPC certificate.
4. The list of mark, the credits and the professional certificate shall be dated and
authenticated by the signatures of the chairman and secretary of the examining
board.
CHEATING AND UNREGULARITY
Article 17
1. The candidate, who in any way before or during an exam section is found guilty of
cheating and/or causes irregularity, shall be excluded from further participation in
the exam section.
2. If the fraud or irregularity is first discovered when the exam section is over, the
candidate shall be denied his credit and/or professional certificate. Should these
have already been awarded the return of the credit and/or professional certificate
would be requested.
3. The chairman of the examining board shall take such decisions. He shall
immediately inform the board of the foundation of this.
4. Within a month of being informed of this decision, the candidate may appeal to the
chairman of the board of the foundation against such a decision. The chairman
shall inform the involved parties as soon as possible of his decision regarding this
appeal.
CONCLUDING ARTICLES
Article 18
1. No correspondence shall be entered into regarding the results of the exam.
2. The marked exam papers shall be available on request at the office of the
foundation during 1 month after the announcement of the result. This is exclusively
for the candidate to inspect them personally. For this a fee must be paid. After the
mentioned time limit has expired the exam work shall be destroyed.
3. Should after inspection the candidate disagree with the result, then he/she may
make this known in writing to the board. For this the candidate must pay xxxx so
that his objection shall be considered. Should his/her objection be allowed, then the
xxxx shall be returned to the candidate.
Article 19
In all other cases, which are not covered by these rules, the board of the foundation
shall decide.
Article 20
These rules take effect as from xxxx. Changes of a material nature in these rules shall
come into force after a lapse of 6 months after being announced in the press.
Chairman
Board of the foundation
Chairman
Examining board
APPENDIX 1
Council Directive 98/76/EC of 1 October 1998 amending Directive 96/26/EC on
admission to the occupation of road haulage operator and road passenger transport
operator and mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal
qualifications intended to facilitate for these operators the right to freedom of
establishment
in
national
and
international
transport
operations
Appendix 1
I.
LIST OF SUBJECTS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 3(4)
The knowledge to be taken into consideration for the official recognition of professional
competence by the Member States must cover at least the subjects listed below for
road haulage and road passenger transport respectively. In relation to these subjects,
applicant road haulage and road passenger transport operators must have the levels of
knowledge and practical aptitude necessary for the management of a transport
undertaking.
The minimum level of knowledge, as indicated below, may not be below level 3 of the
the training-level structure laid down in the Annex to Decision 85/368/EEC (1), that is
the level achieved in training acquired in the course of compulsory education
supplemented either by vocational training and supplementary technical training or by
secondary-level school technical training.
(1) Council Decision 85/368/EEC of 16 July 1985 on the comparability of vocational
training qualifications between the Member States of the European Community (OJ L
199, 31. 7. 1985, p. 56).
A. Civil law
Road haulage and passenger transport
The applicant must, in particular:
1. be familiar with the main types of contract used in road transport and with the rights
and obligations arising therefrom;
2. be capable of negotiating a legally valid transport contract, notably with regard to
conditions of carriage;
Road haulage
3. be able to consider a claim by his principal regarding compensation for loss of or
damage to goods during transportation or for their late delivery, and to understand
how such a claim affects his contractual liability;
4. be familiar with the rules and obligations arising from the CMR Convention on the
contract for the international carriage of goods by road;
Road passenger transport
5. be able to consider a claim by his principal regarding compensation for injury to
passengers or damage to their baggage caused by an accident during
transportation, or regarding compensation for delays, and to understand how such
a claim affects his contractual liability.
B. Commercial law
Road haulage and passenger transport
The applicant must, in particular:
1. be familiar with the conditions and formalities laid down for plying the trade, the
general obligations incumbent upon transport operators (registration, keeping
records, etc.) and the consequences of bankruptcy;
2. have appropriate knowledge of the various forms of commercial company and the
rules governing their constitution and operation.
C. Social law
Road haulage and passenger transport
The applicant must, in particular:
1. be familiar with the role and function of the various social institutions which are
concerned with road transport (trade unions, works councils, shop stewards, labour
inspectors, etc.);
2. be familiar with the employers' social security obligations;
3. be familiar with the rules governing work contracts for the various categories of
worker employed by road transport undertakings (form of the contracts, obligations
of the parties, working conditions and working hours, paid leave, remuneration,
breach of contract, etc.);
4. be familiar with the provisions of Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 (1) and Regulation
(EEC) No 3821/85 (2), and the practical arrangements for implementing these
Regulations.


Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 of 20 December 1985 on the
harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport (OJ L 370,
31. 12. 1985, p. 1).
Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 of 20 December 1985 on recording
equipment in road transport (OJ L 370, 31. 12. 1985, p. 8). Regulation as last
amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1056/97 (OJ L 154, 12. 6. 1997,
p. 21).
D. Fiscal law
Road haulage and passenger transport
The applicant must, in particular, be familiar with the rules governing:
1. VAT on transport services;
2. motor-vehicle tax;
3. the taxes on certain road haulage vehicles and tolls and infrastructure user
charges;
4. income tax.
E. Business and financial management of the undertaking
Road haulage and passenger transport
The applicant must, in particular:
1. be familiar with the laws and practices regarding the use of cheques, bills of
exchange, promissory notes, credit cards and other means or method of payment;
2. be familiar with the various forms of credit (bank credit, documentary credit,
guarantee deposits, mortgages, leasing, renting, factoring, etc.) and with the
charges and obligations arising from them;
3. know what a balance sheet is, how it is set out and how to interpret it;
4. be able to read and interpret a profit and loss account;
5. be able to assess the undertakings's profitability and financial position, in particular
on the basis of financial ratios;
6. be able to prepare a budget;
7. be familiar with his undertaking's cost elements (fixed costs, variable costs, working
capital, depreciation, etc.), and be able to calculate costs per vehicle, per kilometre,
per journey or per tonne;
8. be able to draw up an organisation chart relating to the undertaking's personnel as
a whole and to organise work plans, etc.;
9. be familiar with the principles of marketing, publicity and public relations, including
transport services sales promotion and the preparation of customer files, etc.;
10. be familiar with the different types of insurance relating to road transport (liability,
accidental injury/life insurance, non-life and luggage insurance) and with the
guarantees and obligations arising therefrom;
11. be familiar with the applications of electronic data transmission in road transport;
Road haulage
12. be able to apply the rules governing the invoicing of road haulage services and
know the meaning and implications of Incoterms;
13. be familiar with the different categories of transport auxiliaries, their role, their
functions and, where appropriate, their status;
Road passenger transport
14. be able to apply the rules governing fares and pricing in public and private
passenger transport;
15. be able to apply the rules governing the invoicing of road passenger transport
services.
F. Access to the market
Road haulage and passenger transport
The applicant must, in particular:
1. be familiar with the occupational regulations governing road transport for hire or
reward, industrial vehicle rental and sub-contracting, and in particular the rules
governing the official organisation of the occupation, admission to the occupation,
authorisations for intra- and extra-Community road transport operations,
inspections and sanctions;
2. be familiar with the rules for setting up a road transport undertaking;
3. be familiar with the various documents required for operating road transport
services and be able to introduce checking procedures for ensuring that the
approved documents relating to each transport operation, and in particular those
relating to the vehicle, the driver, the goods and luggage are kept both in the
vehicle and on the premises of the undertaking;
Road haulage
4. be familiar with the rules on the organisation of the market in road haulage
services, on freight handling and logistics;
5. be familiar with frontier formalities, the role and scope of T documents and TIR
carnets, and the obligations and responsibilities arising from their use;
Road passenger transport
6. be familiar with the rules on the organisation of the market in road passenger
transport;
7. be familiar with the rules for introducing road passenger transport services and be
able to draw up transport plans.
G. Technical standards and aspects of operation
Road haulage and passenger transport
The applicant must, in particular:
1. be familiar with the rules concerning the weights and dimensions of vehicles in the
Member States and the procedures to be followed in the case of abnormal loads
which constitute an exception to these rules;
2. be able to choose vehicles and their components (chassis, engine, transmission
system, braking system, etc.) in accordance with the needs of the undertaking;
be familiar with the formalities relating to the type approval, registration and
technical inspection of these vehicles;
3. understand what measures must be taken to reduce noise and to combat air
pollution by motor vehicle exhaust emissions;
4. be able to draw up periodic maintenance plans for the vehicles and their
equipment;
Road haulage
5. be familiar with the different types of cargo-handling and loading devices
(tailboards, containers, pallets, etc.) and be able to introduce procedures and issue
instructions for loading and unloading goods (load distribution, stacking, stowing,
blocking and chocking, etc.);
6.
7. be familiar with the various techniques of "piggy-back" and roll-on roll-off combined
transport;
8. be able to implement procedures for complying with the rules on the carriage of
dangerous goods and waste, notably those arising from Directive 94/55/EC (1),
Directive 96/35/EC (2), and Regulation (EEC) No 259/93 (3);
9. be able to implement procedures for complying with the rules on the carriage of
perishable foodstuffs, notably those arising from the Agreement on the international
carriage of perishable foodstuffs and on the special equipment to be used for such
carriage (ATP);
10. be able to implement procedures for complying with the rules on the transport of
live animals.

Council Directive 94/55/EC of 21 November 1994 on the approximation of the
laws of the Member States with regard to the transport of dangerous goods by
road (OJ L 319, 12. 12. 1994, p. 7). Directive as last amended by Commission
Directive 96/86/EC (OJ L 335, 24. 12. 1996, p. 43).

Council Directive 96/35/EC of 3 June 1996 on the appointment and vocational
qualification of safety advisers for the transport of dangerous goods by road,
rail and inland waterway (OJ L 145, 19. 6. 1996, p. 10).

Council Regulation (EEC) No 259/93 of 1 February 1993 on the supervision
and control of shipments of waste within, into and out of the European
Community (OJ L 30, 6. 12. 1993, p. 1). Regulation as last amended by
Regulation (EC) No 120/97 (OJ L 22, 24. 1. 1997, p. 14).
H. Road safety
Road haulage and passenger transport
The applicant must, in particular:
1. know what qualifications are required for drivers (driving licence, medical
certificates, certificates of fitness, etc.);
2. be able to take the necessary steps to ensure that drivers comply with the traffic
rules, prohibitions and restrictions in force in different Member States (speed limits,
priorities, waiting and parking restrictions, use of lights, road signs, etc.);
3. be able to draw up drivers' instructions for checking their compliance with the safety
requirements concerning the condition of the vehicles, their equipment and cargo,
and concerning preventive measures to be taken;
4. be able to lay down procedures to be followed in the event of an accident and to
implement appropriate procedures for preventing the recurrence of accidents or
serious traffic offences;
Road passenger transport
5. have elementary knowledge of the layout of the road network in the Member
States.
II.
ORGANISATION OF THE EXAMINATION
1. Member States shall organise a compulsory written examination which they may
supplement by an optional oral examination to establish whether applicant road
transport operators have achieved the required level of knowledge in the subjects
listed in part I, in particular, their capacity to use the instruments and techniques
relating thereto and to fulfil the corresponding executive and co-ordination duties.
a. The compulsory written examination shall involve two tests, namely:
 written questions consisting of either multiple choice questions (each with four
possible answers), questions requiring direct answers or a combination of both
systems,

written exercises/case studies.
The minimum duration of each test is two hours.
b. Where an oral examination is organised, Member States may stipulate that
participation is subject to successful completion of the written examination.
2. Where Member States also organise an oral examination, they must provide, in
respect of each of the three tests, for a weighting of marks of a minimum of 25 %
and a maximum of 40 % of the total number of marks to be given.
Where Member States organise only a written examination they must provide, in
respect of each test, for a weighting of marks of a minimum of 40 % and a
maximum of 60 % of the total number of marks to be given.
3. With regard to all the tests, applicants must obtain an average of at least 60 % of
the total number of marks to be given, achieving in any given test not less than 50
% of the total number of marks possible. In one test only, a Member State may
reduce that mark from 50 % to 40 %.
PRACTICAL ORGANISATION OF CPC EXAMS FOR ROAD OPERATORS
I
Instructions for Chairman examination committee
Objective of instructions
The objective of these instructions is to define a uniform working method of the
chairman of the examination committee.
Application area of the procedure
These instructions are applicable to all written examinations held by xxx
Definitions and abbreviations
Not applicable.
Working method
Step 1
15 minutes before the start of the examination candidates may enter the examination
room to take place at their desks, which are provided with their examination numbers.
Step 2
Just before the beginning of the examination the chairman of the examination
committee welcomes the candidates and gives them the following instructions:







Put identification and summons at the right hand top side of the desk.
Only those books for the subject at hand as indicated before are allowed to be
on the desk. All other books are to be removed from the desk.
In the books present no notes are allowed.
No pen cases or own noting paper are allowed on the desk.
No connected mobile telephones.
No writing with pencil.
Candidates are to mention their times of departure on the front page of their
examination papers.
Step 3
Two candidates, appointed by the secretary of the examination committee, are
requested to come forth to sign the declaration stating that the examination paper were
sealed when they arrived.
Step 4
Upon the signal of the chairman, candidates may begin do to their examinations. This
signal is given as soon as all invigilators are ready distributing the examination papers,
thus allowing all to get the same amount of time to do the examination.
Step 5
Upon completion of the exam the candidates are to wait for the signal of the chairman
of the examination committee before leaving the examination room.
Step 6
Ten minutes before the end of each subject the chairman of the examination committee
announces the time left.
Step 7
At the end of each subject the candidates are told that time is up and that they should
put down their pens, put their work into the appropriate folder and leave the room.
II
Instructions for invigilators
Objective of instructions
The objective of these instructions is to define a uniform working method for
invigilators.
Application area of the instructions
These instructions are applicable to all written examinations held by xxx.
Definitions and abbreviations
Not applicable.
Working method
1. Upon entrance
The examination room should be organised in such a way to allow for maximum
spacing between individual desks. On your desk should be present:









a stapler
pen and/or pencil
cards of examination candidates
vigilator’s file, in which should be found:
a list of examination numbers and names of candidates to put signatures on
vigilator’s declaration concerning the examination papers taken in
numbered files and plates with the examination numbers of that block
calculators
name plate that you put on yourself, for you in order to be recognisable.
You start putting down the numbered files on your left, seen when standing in front of
the block. For a number of subjects they can borrow calculators. Later in these
instructions the subjects for which these are applicable will be mentioned. Should there
be any deviations, you will be told when you are invited to that examination.
2. Distribution of examination papers
Upon entrance of the examination candidates, the examination papers will be officially
opened just before commencement of the examination. The papers are then distributed
among the invigilators, who are to hand them out to the candidates of their own block
as quickly as possible. ATTENTION: The examination papers have been numbered
beforehand, so make sure you take the papers corresponding to your own block. You
are to distribute all papers, even when no one is present at a desk. The candidates
may only begin after the chairman has said so.
3. Checks after commencement of the examination
During opening of the examination papers the chairman will ask each candidate to put
their identity cards on their desks. Checking consists of three parts, which are to take
place simultaneously:
Putting a signature
Immediately after distribution of the papers each candidate is to put a signature (after
the appropriate number) on the signature list. For each examination subject there will
be a new list. So please take care to take the correct list.
Identification
At the first subject in which a candidate takes part, he/she is to identify him/herself.
This can be done by means of a passport, official identity card or a driving licence.
Compare the signatures on the signature list with those on the identity cards.
Compare the pictures of the identity cards with the pictures on the candidate cards and
have a look at the candidate him/herself.
Should any of these checks give reason for doubt, the chairman or secretary should be
contacted. He or she will then give further instructions.
Comparison of summons
Apart from an identity card each candidate is to show the original summons. Compare
this summons with the candidate card or signature list. You are to verify if the
examination number and the name correspond EXACTLY. There are always
candidates who fail to carefully read their examination number and who, as a
consequence, take place at the wrong desk.
4. Procedure of exempted candidates or candidates who do not
show up
When in a block desks are unoccupied, action needs to be taken. When a candidate is
exempted from an examination, this is mentioned on the signature list. You make a
note of this on the examination paper directly below the examination number next to
‘time of departure’ (which is not filled in, since the candidate has not been present) and
you put the paper into the numbered file on the desk.
Should a candidate not have turned up you are to mention this both on the examination
paper below the examination number and on the signature list.
5. Checking of candidates during the examination
Candidates are to be checked regularly during the examination. You are to pay
attention to copying, notes, the presence of not allowed books on desks, self-written
text in possibly allowed books, etc.
Which books may be used for which examinations can be found on the timetable.
Should you discover any copying or such, you should inform the chairman or the
secretary of the examination committee. They take possible further steps.
During the examination candidates may only use the toilet after permission of the
invigilator. An invigilator is to accompany the candidate.
Should a candidate leave the room without reporting this to an invigilator and he/she
has left the room without being accompaniment, this candidate is not allowed to reenter the room for the subject in question. Should you leave the room to accompany a
candidate or to use the toilet yourself, you are to tell another invigilator, so that he/she
can check your block.
TIP
Do not walk past candidates too often, do not look at their work and do not speak to
them if this is not necessary. You can let the candidates know you are there, but do not
distract them too much. Do not give answers or clues regarding the examination!!
You are also allowed to check another invigilator’s block, especially because
candidates do not really expect this.
6. Departure of candidates
A candidate is only allowed to leave the room after identification has taken place. At the
first subject the chairman will say when candidates are allowed to leave the room, in
view of possible latecomers. When a candidate is ready, he/she is to put the completed
paper into the appropriate file. Make sure this is really done. Surrounding candidates
may become too tempted to copy.
Should the papers be loosened by the candidates, you are to put them back in the right
order and staple the top left corner. Then put the paper into the file and let a small edge
stick out, so that you do not check the same file repeatedly.
After the candidate has left the room, he is not allowed to re-enter before the start of
the next examination subject.
7. Departure of last candidate
When the last candidate has left, the completed papers are to be collected in order of
increasing of examination numbers (i.e. lowest number on top). Leave the files
unopened on the desk; this enables you to see that you have indeed taken in all the
papers.
Add to the papers the declaration (in twofold) which you already filled in before and
sign now. (Make sure exemptions and candidates who have not showed up are not
indicated on the declaration.)
You have distributed xx papers and collected xx papers at the end of the examination
time. Hand in this complete set along with the signature list of this subject to the
secretary of the examination committee.
In short your actions during the examination:
1.
Make sure all candidate desks have a numbered file to put in the completed
papers.
2.
Proceed to the desk of the board in order to receive the examination papers.
3.
Distribute the papers as quickly as possible to the candidates in your block.
4.
After distribution of the examinations, go to the candidates for identification and
signature.
5.
Indicate the reason for absence during the examinations on the examination
papers and the signature list.
6.
Keep an eye on the candidates during the entire examination (this means also
when signatures are put and even when you distribute the papers).
7.
When the announcement is made that the examination is over, see to it that NO
ONE continues writing.
8.
Collect the papers in the right order.
9.
Hand in the papers along with the declaration (in twofold) and signature list to
the desk of the board of examiners.
10.
At the end of the day hand in the numbered files and plates (neatly arranged).
For a number of subjects candidates can borrow a calculator. In total you will receive
xx numbered calculators. Should any one of them not function properly, you can ask at
the desk of the board of examiners for a new one.
Make sure the calculators are handed in again. Should this not be the case, you can
always ask a candidate upon completion of the last examination if he or she has put it
into their bags by mistake.
III
Summarised exam procedure

Secretary checks with room proprietor one day before the examination.

One hour before the beginning of the examinations he checks the layout of the
chairs and desks.

45 minutes prior to the examination the vigilators are present.

The secretary opens the sealed envelope containing the examination papers in the
presence of two candidates.

The chairman gives the starting signal.

The invigilator checks the examination numbers and identities of the candidates,
candidates put signature on signature list.

10 minutes before the end of the examination the chairman announces that time is
nearly up.

The chairman gives the end signal; all candidates are to leave the examination
room.

Invigilators collect examination papers and hand them over to the secretary of the
examination committee.