CMS Metrication History & Policy

Question 1

Which U.S. federal law officially designated the metric system as the preferred system of weights and measures?

Accepted Answer

Metric Conversion Act of 1975

Answer

The Metric Conversion Act of 1975 declared the metric system the preferred system for U.S. trade and commerce.

Question 2

The General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) meets how often?

Accepted Answer

Every four to six years

Answer

The CGPM meets approximately every four to six years to review and update the SI system.

Question 3

Which country was the first to adopt the metric system as its official system of measurement?

Accepted Answer

France

Answer

France officially adopted the metric system in 1795 following the French Revolution, becoming the first country to do so.

Question 4

The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) is located in:

Accepted Answer

Sèvres, France

Answer

The BIPM is headquartered in Sèvres, near Paris, France, established by the Metre Convention in 1875.

Question 5

What year was the Metre Convention (Treaty of the Metre) signed?

Accepted Answer

1875

Answer

The Metre Convention was signed on May 20, 1875, establishing international metrological cooperation.

CMS - Certified Metrication Specialist Practice Test