PER Exam: What it is like and What I should know

If you have come this far it is because you are thinking about preparing for the PER exam. Maybe you are already studying or you are simply curious. Obtaining this title requires passing a theoretical exam and attend practical navigation and radio operator classes.

Obtaining this nautical qualification, issued by the General Directorate of the Navy, will allow you to navigate boats up to 15 meters in length up to 12 miles from the coast. It is very important to prepare the theoretical exam thoroughly. But all in time. First let's focus on the technical aspects of the degree.

Our goal is to help you and accompany you throughout the entire process, if you want get your PER in Barcelona We inform you of everything. Therefore, let's start with the first step, the PER exam. In this article we explain in great detail what this theoretical test consists of. You are ready?

What is the PER Exam like?

First of all, we have to know well what the PER exam consists of. It is a theoretical test that must be passed to obtain the title of Recreational Boat Skipper. It consists of 45 multiple choice questions formulated independently of each other, with four possible answers each. The maximum time to answer all questions is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The test is divided into two blocks: theory and practice

PER Theory Exam

The theoretical exam of the PER is divided into 2 parts, one called specific theoretical and another complementary.

In the parts we can find questions to demonstrate our knowledge on different topics.

• Specific theoretical: It is made up of six blocks. Nomenclature, Mooring and anchoring elements, Safety, Legislation, Beacons and Regulations (RIPA).
• Complementary theoretical: It is made up of the blocks of Maneuver, Emergencies at sea, Meteorology, Navigation theory and Navigation chart.

PER practices

The PER practices They do not require an exam but their completion and subsequent validation of qualification will be issued by certified nautical schools.

The PER Safety and Navigation Practices consist of a total of 16 hours minimum training in sailing regime. Likewise, it is necessary to complete 12 hours of short-range radio operator practice.

To prepare for the PER exam, at Anclademia we offer you a series of monthly courses with which you will obtain the necessary knowledge to pass the theoretical test. You want to know more?

PER Calendar: When is the Exam

Each autonomous community establishes a exam schedule. These dates may be modified by each community, so you are urged to consult the official publications of the various convening entities.

In Catalonia you can now see the dates of the exams here

How many failures are allowed on the PER exam?

The correction of the exam is governed by a double assessment criterion. So, to pass, you must answer 32 questions correctly, allowing or not exceeding a maximum number of errors depending on the block to which it corresponds.

The blocks that have limitations on failed responses are the following:

• Questions about the International Convention to Prevent Collisions at Sea: Out of 10 questions, a maximum of 5 errors are allowed.
• Beacon Theme: 5 questions, a maximum of 2 errors allowed.
• Chart: Of the 4 questions asked, at least two must be answered correctly.

You must keep in mind that incorrect answers do not subtract. If you do not know the solution, it is advisable to check one of the four options. You have a 25% chance of hitting. You're lucky too!

How long does it take for the PER notes to come out?

When the call for exams is published, the estimated date of publication of the grades is also usually included. This period usually ranges between a month and a month and a half, depending on the call.

The provisional notes will be published first. The examinee will have a period of ten calendar days, counted from the day following the publication of the grade, to request a review if he or she so considers it. The exam board will notify the result within a period of 20 calendar days, counted from the date of completion of the presentation.

However, all these deadlines are stipulated once the call for said exams has been officially published.

What is needed to obtain the PER?

The requirements to obtain the PER title are the following:

• Be of age.
• Approve the corresponding theoretical examination.
• Carry out safety and navigation practices (16 hours).
• Take the short-range radio operator training course (12 hours).
• Pass a psychotechnical medical examination.

How much does the PER course cost?

At Anclademia we have everything organized. Every month we offer courses for obtain the PER degree. You will have the support of the teachers, who will help you with the theoretical part. We will provide you with the teaching material and you can choose between different schedules.

You can do the practices when it best suits you, there is no need to finish the theory before the practice. You can combine it however you want.

The practical classes will be taught in the classrooms of the Port Olimpic in Barcelona. The practices will be given in this same place. And best of all, the price! Get your degree for only €438.

To register for the Recreational Boat Skipper exam you have to pay fees that amount to €55.98.

What are the PER practices like?

The regulations establish that to obtain the PER title you must provide a certificate from an approved school of having completed the stipulated navigation practices. In the case of the Recreational Boat Skipper, they must have a minimum duration of 16 hours, divided into departures of 4 hours each, making two day departures.

Ready to take control of a pleasure boat? At Anclademia we train you so that you can pass the PER exam. Check all the information about our course.