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. Under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, which situation permits disclosure of a client's SUD treatment records without consent? → A court order meeting specific requirements
2. Which neurotransmitter system is primarily implicated in the reinforcing effects of most addictive substances? → Dopamine
3. What is the primary purpose of standardized procedures in Addiction Science? → To ensure consistency, safety, and quality across all practitioners
4. According to the DSM-5, substance use disorders are classified on a severity continuum with how many levels? → Three: Mild, Moderate, and Severe
5. Which of the following best represents a 'recovery capital' asset for a client? → Strong family support network
6. Which term describes a professional's responsibility to protect a client’s privacy and not disclose information without consent? → Confidentiality
7. The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) is primarily used to assess which of the following? → Drug use patterns and associated problems over the past 12 months
8. Which of the following represents a key ethical requirement when initiating a substance use assessment with a new client? → Obtaining the client's informed consent before conducting the assessment
9. Which skill is essential for addiction professionals to manage a crisis situation effectively? → Crisis intervention
10. The continuum of care in addiction treatment includes which sequence from most to least intensive? → Detoxification, residential, intensive outpatient, outpatient
11. What quality metrics are most important in Addiction Science? → Measurable outcomes, process compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction
12. Which screening tool uses a 4-question format with the acronym representing Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener? → CAGE
13. What is the most important foundational concept in Treatment Planning? → Understanding core principles and their practical application in Treatment Planning
14. What is the primary purpose of the continuing education requirement in professional certification programs? → To ensure practitioners remain current with evolving evidence-based practices
15. An addictions professional practicing in a federally qualified health center (FQHC) most likely participates in which care model? → Integrated behavioral health and primary care
16. A client scores 8 or higher on the AUDIT. What does this score typically indicate? → Hazardous or harmful alcohol use requiring further assessment
17. Which concept describes the phenomenon where environmental cues previously associated with substance use trigger intense cravings? → Conditioned cue reactivity
18. Which of the following assessment principles is most consistent with a strength-based, person-centered approach? → Identifying client strengths and protective factors alongside problems
19. A client successfully completes residential treatment and transitions to outpatient care. The CAP counselor should: → Conduct a follow-up check-in to assess adjustment and support needs
20. The CRAFFT screening tool was specifically developed and validated for use with which population? → Adolescents under age 21
21. Which setting would most likely employ an addictions professional in a harm reduction capacity? → Syringe services program
22. Which of the following best describes a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment? → An evaluation covering medical, psychological, social, family, and legal domains
23. Which of the following is a core function of a recovery support specialist (RSS)? → Offering peer-based recovery support using lived experience
24. The CAGE questionnaire screens primarily for: → Alcohol use problems
25. Which of the following CE activities would NOT typically count toward CAP recertification hours? → Reading a peer-reviewed journal without a quiz or certificate
26. In addiction counseling, what does “dual diagnosis” refer to? → A client with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder
27. A co-occurring diagnosis of major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is BEST described as: → A dual diagnosis requiring integrated treatment
28. Which professional development activity best demonstrates a CAP's commitment to cultural humility? → Completing training on LGBTQ+ affirmative counseling practices
29. Which federal agency developed the concept of integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders? → SAMHSA
30. A CAP is completing CE hours and wants to use a self-study course. What must the course include to qualify? → An approved post-test or competency assessment with a certificate