Multiple-Choice Exam for AIPR Certification

A new phase of the anti-damage reform came into effect on January 1, 2018, aimed at strengthening the expertise of stakeholders involved in the planning and execution of works near underground networks. All parties involved—including public and private project owners, their project management consultants, and construction companies—are affected.

What is AIPR? Who is it for?

The skills acquired by an employee involved in the preparation and execution of work near underground or overhead networks must be verified by the Authorization for Intervention Near Networks (AIPR), issued by their employer. Three categories of personnel are required to hold an AIPR:

– “Designer” profile: This refers to the employee of the client or the project manager responsible for the preparation or supervision of the works. For every project, at least one employee of the client, or of the organization acting on their behalf, must hold a “designer” AIPR certification.

– “supervisor” profile: This refers to the employee of the construction company responsible for the administrative and technical preparation of the works. For every construction site, at least one employee of the contractor must be identified as a holder of an AIPR “supervisor” certification. This supervisor must be present on-site or be able to reach the site within half a day.

– “operator” profile: employees working directly on tasks near overhead or underground networks, whether as heavy equipment operators or as part of emergency repair work. On any construction site, all equipment operators must hold an AIPR certification. On any emergency work site, all personnel involved in earthworks or working near overhead networks are required to hold an AIPR certification.

Minimum requirements for AIPR certification

The issuance of the AIPR by the employer is subject, on one hand, to the employer’s assessment of the individual’s competence and, on the other hand, to the availability of one of the following forms of proof, namely:

• A valid CACES certification for public works equipment operators
• A title, degree, or professional qualification certificate in the construction and public works sectors or related industries, issued within the last 5 years and complying with anti-damage regulations
• A certificate of competence issued following a state-supervised multiple-choice exam, dated within the last 5 years;
• In the case of strictly overhead work with no impact on underground networks, electrical certification is required;
• Any title, degree, or equivalent certificate issued in another European Union Member State.

Obtaining Proof of Competency for AIPR Certification

Currently, CACES certifications do not yet fully—or only partially—incorporate anti-damage regulations. For this reason, CACES training organizations systematically offer a multiple-choice exam alongside the CACES certification process. The exam provided most often corresponds to the “operator” profile. Should an employer require an assessment based on a different profile, this must be specifically requested.

AIPR Validity Period

When referencing a CACES, the AIPR validity period cannot exceed the expiration date of the CACES. When referencing another title, diploma, or professional qualification certificate, the AIPR validity period cannot exceed 5 years following the issuance of said title, diploma, or certificate. For a certificate of competence obtained via multiple-choice examination, the AIPR validity period cannot exceed the expiration date of the certificate of competence, which itself is valid for 5 years.

If you would like to learn more about the multiple-choice questionnaire required to obtain the Aipr, follow this link https://aipr-formations.com/qcm-gratuit/