ALTA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ALTA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The title business is closely related to which of the following professions? → Law and accounting
2. Which of the following items would NOT typically be shown on an ALTA/NSPS land title survey? → Underground storage tank locations unless evidenced above ground
3. In American Land Title Association, what role does continuing education play in title search? → To keep professionals current with evolving standards, technologies, and best practices
4. What is a best practice in American Land Title Association lien priority? → A method or technique recognized as superior based on evidence and expert consensus
5. A title commitment is best described as: → A promise by the title company to issue a policy once stated conditions are satisfied
6. What is 'Table A' in an ALTA/NSPS land title survey? → A set of optional additional survey items a client may request
7. What is the primary objective of lien priority in American Land Title Association? → To ensure competence and proficiency in core lien priority concepts
8. Which of the following IS regulated by RESPA? → The purchase of a residential condominium unit with a mortgage.
9. How does a title company typically manage gap risk at closing? → By recording the deed and mortgage simultaneously or obtaining a gap indemnity agreement
10. Which of the following is a common fraud scheme that title companies must guard against? → Wire fraud involving diverted closing funds
11. What is a best practice in American Land Title Association closing procedures? → A method or technique recognized as superior based on evidence and expert consensus
12. The effective date of a title commitment is significant because it: → Establishes the date through which the public records were searched
13. Of the following descriptions, which does the term “land” encompass? → The exposed surface of the Earth.
14. What is the relationship between theory and practice in American Land Title Association lien priority? → Theory provides the foundation and framework that guides effective practical application
15. In American Land Title Association, why is title search knowledge important for professional certification? → It demonstrates competence and ensures practitioners meet established standards
16. What is the relationship between theory and practice in American Land Title Association real estate transactions? → Theory provides the foundation and framework that guides effective practical application
17. Which type of sentence error occurs when two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation? → Run-on sentence
18. In most states, the body of law made by published decisions of appellate courts is called what? → The Common Law
19. Real estate is the foundation of all _________. → wealth
20. In an ALTA/NSPS survey, what must the surveyor do if a gap or overlap is discovered along a boundary line? → Show it on the survey and note it in the surveyor's report or certificate
21. In most states, the law governing real property comes from two bodies of law. Which are they? → The Common Law
22. A security instrument in real estate generally secures an obligation of the borrower to repay a ________________. → Bond or note
23. In American Land Title Association, what is the primary function of strategic planning in escrow management? → To set long-term goals and determine the best approach to achieve them
24. Which party typically orders an ALTA/NSPS land title survey in a commercial real estate transaction? → The buyer, lender, or both
25. In ALTA, what is the relationship between standards and advanced concepts? → Standards provide the framework and benchmarks that guide professional practice
26. What is the common instrument used to convey title to real property? → A deed
27. The validity of a deed depends on which of the following attributes? → Its execution is according to legal technical requirements.
28. In American Land Title Association, why is lien priority knowledge important for professional certification? → It demonstrates competence and ensures practitioners meet established standards
29. Which management approach in American Land Title Association emphasizes continuous improvement through small, incremental changes? → Kaizen methodology
30. Which of the following best describes due diligence in American Land Title Association regulatory compliance? → Conducting thorough investigation and analysis before making decisions