CMS Metric Documentation & Communication

Question 1

According to NIST SP 811, how should a space be used when writing metric quantities?

Accepted Answer

A space between the number and the unit symbol

Answer

NIST SP 811 requires a space between the numerical value and the unit symbol (e.g., 5 kg, not 5kg).

Question 2

When writing metric unit symbols, they should be:

Accepted Answer

Lowercase except those derived from proper names

Answer

Metric unit symbols are lowercase unless derived from a proper name, such as Hz (hertz), N (newton), or Pa (pascal).

Question 3

Which is the correct way to express a range of measurements?

Accepted Answer

Both A and B are acceptable per NIST SP 811

Answer

NIST SP 811 accepts both '5 to 10 kg' and '5 kg to 10 kg' as correct, but discourages '5-10 kg' due to ambiguity.

Question 4

The correct symbol for 'micrometre' is:

Accepted Answer

µm

Answer

The correct symbol is µm (micro = µ, metre = m), though 'um' is sometimes used in ASCII contexts.

Question 5

When expressing large numbers in metric documentation, the preferred separator is:

Accepted Answer

Spaces (e.g., 1 000 000)

Answer

The SI recommends using thin spaces to separate groups of three digits instead of commas or periods, which have different meanings in different countries.

CMS - Certified Metrication Specialist Practice Test

CMS - Certified Metrication Specialist Practice Test

CMS Metric Documentation & Communication