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 the Pension Protection Act of 2006, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from IRAs are permitted for individuals who are: → At least 70.5 years old
2. What is a fundamental principle of Financial Analysis & Valuation in Certified Philanthropic Advisor practice? → Following established standards and best practices
3. Which strategy improves nonprofit financial sustainability? → Diversifying revenue streams
4. A Supporting Organization (SO) is a type of public charity. What is its defining characteristic? → It is organized and operated exclusively to support one or more specified public charities
5. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a Grantor Retained Unitrust (GRUT)? → The grantor receives a fixed dollar annuity regardless of trust performance
6. Which skill is most important for success in Fraud Detection & Prevention within Certified Philanthropic Advisor? → Continuous learning and adaptation
7. What is the purpose of feedback in Certified Philanthropic Advisor professional development? → To provide constructive guidance for improvement
8. Which approach best supports quality outcomes in Financial Analysis & Valuation for Certified Philanthropic Advisor? → Systematic application of evidence-based methods
9. What is the primary goal of quality assurance in Certified Philanthropic Advisor? → Ensuring consistent standards and continuous improvement
10. Which metric is commonly used to evaluate nonprofit impact? → Number of beneficiaries served and outcomes achieved
11. How can nonprofits demonstrate accountability to stakeholders? → Providing regular impact reports and financial transparency
12. Which IRS requirement must a donor satisfy to substantiate a single cash contribution of $250 or more? → Contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity
13. A charitable gift annuity (CGA) issued by a charity obligates the charity to: → Pay fixed annuity payments to the donor for life from the charity's general assets
14. Which approach best supports quality outcomes in Fraud Detection & Prevention for Certified Philanthropic Advisor? → Systematic application of evidence-based methods
15. In Certified Philanthropic Advisor practice, what should a professional do when facing a conflict of interest? → Disclose the conflict and recuse if necessary
16. Which risk response strategy involves transferring risk to a third party in Certified Philanthropic Advisor? → Transfer (e.g., insurance)
17. What is the role of documentation in Financial Analysis & Valuation for Certified Philanthropic Advisor? → It provides an accurate record for accountability and reference
18. When a CAP advisor is working with a client whose family members disagree about charitable giving priorities, the advisor's primary obligation is to: → Advocate for the philanthropic interests of the individual client who retained the advisor
19. What is the first step in the risk management process for Certified Philanthropic Advisor? → Identifying potential risks and hazards
20. What is the foundation of professional ethics in Certified Philanthropic Advisor? → Acting with integrity, honesty, and accountability
21. When a donor expresses philanthropy fatigue, which strategy does the CAP curriculum recommend? → Encouraging the donor to reduce giving to sustainable levels and revisit values alignment
22. What does the PDCA cycle stand for in quality management? → Plan, Do, Check, Act
23. According to the CAP curriculum's treatment of donor motivation, which factor most consistently drives transformational charitable gifts? → Values alignment between the donor's core beliefs and the organization's mission
24. What is the role of documentation in Documentation & Reporting for Certified Philanthropic Advisor? → It provides an accurate record for accountability and reference
25. Which skill is most important for success in Financial Analysis & Valuation within Certified Philanthropic Advisor? → Continuous learning and adaptation
26. What is a key factor in building strong donor relationships? → Personalized communication and engagement
27. Which documentation practice is essential in Certified Philanthropic Advisor communication? → Recording all relevant interactions accurately and timely
28. In Certified Philanthropic Advisor, what is a Key Performance Indicator (KPI)? → A measurable value that demonstrates effectiveness
29. A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is best described as: → A charitable giving account sponsored by a public charity where donors recommend grants
30. What is the main tax benefit of making charitable donations? → They reduce taxable income through deductions