NEN 3140 VP — Competent Person

A Competent Person (VP) is an individual authorized to carry out electrical work under the responsibility of the person in charge. NEN 3140 requires a written appointment by the employer for anyone who works on electrical installations as a VP; a certificate alone does not make someone a VP.

The exam (example/model format)

• 40 questions in 60 minutes
• Pass rate: 70%
• Multiple choice (4 options)
• Retake possible

This is an example/model format, not a universal rule: the exam format differs per exam provider. At PBNA, for example: 40 questions, 60 minutes, at least 28 correct answers. In addition to the written exam there is a practical part that the written exam does not cover.

Appointment versus certificate

A course or exam certificate shows that you have demonstrated the knowledge, but it is not an appointment. You only become a VP once your employer has appointed you in writing (the aanwijzing), stating the installations and the work it applies to. After passing the exam, the employer must therefore still issue the appointment. See IV, WV, VP, VOP and Leek — roles and the written appointment.

Topics

1. Legal obligations (Arbowet, NEN 3140)
2. Risk assessment of electrical work
3. Voltage, current, resistance — basic concepts
4. Connection systems (TN, TT, IT)
5. Protective measures (RCD, circuit breakers)
6. PPE (personal protective equipment)
7. Working on live voltage vs. working on dead voltage
8. Inspection and testing

Exam Tips

• Read every question twice — there is often a double negative.
• Master the time-current curve for circuit breakers and RCDs.
• Remember the 5 golden rules for working at zero voltage:
  1. Isolate
  2. Protect against re-energization
  3. Verify zero voltage
  4. Earth and short-circuit
  5. Shield adjacent parts

Common pitfalls

• Confusion between RCD types AC vs A vs B vs F.
• Incorrect estimation of touch voltage (50 V AC / 120 V DC).
• Forgetting to test the RCD before and after work.