CAP Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the primary purpose of earning the CAP accreditation? → To demonstrate competency in accounting support tasks and enhance employability
2. A candidate fails one section of the CAP exam. What is the typical retake policy? → They may retake only the failed section after a waiting period
3. After earning the CAP credential, how does a professional maintain it? → By completing continuing education requirements as specified by the NACPB
4. When preparing a bank reconciliation, a deposit in transit should be: → Added to the bank balance
5. Which industry sector is known to have the highest concentration of accounting paraprofessional positions in the US? → Finance and insurance
6. Which of the following is a core topic tested on the CAP exam? → Accounts payable and receivable management
7. Which of the following is a typical benefit of obtaining the CAP certification? → Increased job security and marketability in accounting roles
8. What is the most important foundational concept in Financial Statements? → Understanding core principles and their practical application in Financial Statements
9. Which of the following is a key characteristic that distinguishes the CAP from informal on-the-job accounting training? → The CAP provides standardized, third-party verified competency validation
10. A candidate wants to maintain their CAP certification. What is typically required? → Earning continuing education credits (CPE) each year
11. What is the significance of documentation in Bookkeeping Fundamentals? → It provides a record for accountability, quality assurance, and legal compliance
12. Total expenses are $42,000 and sales revenue is $60,000. What percentage of revenue do expenses represent? → 70%
13. What does Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) measure in accounts receivable management? → The average number of days to collect payment from customers
14. What is the purpose of a subsidiary ledger in accounts payable? → To provide detailed records for each individual vendor
15. What is a common eligibility requirement for candidates seeking the CAP certification? → A high school diploma or equivalent
16. When a previously written-off account is collected, the first step under the allowance method is to: → Reverse the write-off by reinstating the receivable
17. An item is on sale for $68.00, which is 20% off the original price. What was the original price? → $85.00
18. Which of the following is considered a “soft skill” that CAP certification candidates should develop? → Communication skills
19. What is the purpose of a lock-box system in cash management? → To accelerate collection of customer payments through a bank P.O. box
20. Which skill is most essential for a Certified Accounting Paraprofessional working in bookkeeping? → Understanding of payroll processing
21. Which document summarizes all transactions in a customer's account and is sent to request payment? → Statement of account
22. What is the significance of documentation in Financial Statements? → It provides a record for accountability, quality assurance, and legal compliance
23. What is the significance of documentation in Payroll Processing? → It provides a record for accountability, quality assurance, and legal compliance
24. A company receives a $200 interest credit on its bank statement that it has not yet recorded. This item should be: → Added to the book balance
25. When replenishing a petty cash fund, the journal entry debits: → Various expense accounts and credits Cash
26. Outstanding checks on a bank reconciliation are: → Deducted from the bank balance
27. Which IRS form must employers file quarterly to report payroll taxes withheld from employees? → Form 941
28. An accounting paraprofessional at a manufacturing company is asked to perform job costing. This task primarily involves: → Tracking direct materials, direct labor, and overhead costs per production job
29. What quality metrics are most important in Bookkeeping Fundamentals? → Measurable outcomes, process compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction
30. What does the credit term '2/10 Net 30' mean? → 2% discount if paid within 10 days, full amount due in 30 days