CCT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which contract type transfers the most financial risk to the contractor? → Firm Fixed Price
2. What is the purpose of a cost risk analysis (Monte Carlo simulation) in estimating? → To quantify the probability of completing the project within a given budget
3. Which term describes a contractor's right to retain funds owed until the owner fulfills payment obligations? → Mechanic's Lien
4. In Certified Casper Technician practice, what is the FIRST step when a safety hazard is identified in the workplace? → Immediately secure the area and report the hazard
5. A project's cumulative planned value (PV) curve plotted over time is commonly called what? → S-curve
6. Which scheduling technique creates a time-phased budget by spreading cost estimates across the project schedule? → Cost loading
7. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) principle applies to ALL CCT certified professionals regardless of their specific role? → PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and replaced as needed
8. Which term describes the minimum acceptable rate of return used to discount project cash flows in NPV analysis? → Hurdle Rate
9. What distinguishes a Certified Casper Technician certified professional from a non-certified practitioner? → Certification validates competency through standardized assessment against benchmarks
10. When conducting a risk assessment for CCT operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
11. When conducting a risk assessment for CCT operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
12. What is the role of labor cost estimation in construction budgeting? → To estimate how much to pay workers and allocate labor costs within the project budget.
13. What does the term 'cost normalization' refer to in cost estimating? → Adjusting historical costs to a common time period using indices
14. Which foundational principle is MOST important for success in Certified Casper Technician? → Commitment to continuous learning, ethical practice, and quality outcomes
15. Why is accurate documentation important in budgeting? → It helps track actual expenses against the budget, providing accountability.
16. What is the primary purpose of a cost baseline in project management? → To measure and monitor cost performance over time
17. Why is it important to have a contingency plan in cost control? → To handle unexpected expenses and prevent cost overruns.
18. What should be done when cost overruns are detected? → Take corrective actions, review the budget, and adjust resources or scope.
19. What is the benefit of financial forecasting in project financial analysis? → It assists in making informed financial decisions for the project.
20. The Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) in EVM is best described as: → The time-phased budget plan against which project performance is measured
21. A project's To-Complete Performance Index (TCPI) based on BAC is 1.25. This means the project team must: → Complete $1.25 of work for every $1.00 spent going forward
22. What does Earned Value (EV) represent in Earned Value Management? → The budgeted value of work actually completed
23. Rebar (reinforcing steel) is measured and priced in construction estimates primarily by which unit? → Pounds or tons
24. What does a 'bottom-up' estimation approach involve? → It estimates the cost by evaluating each component and then summing them.
25. Which type of cost is directly traceable to a specific cost object such as a product or project? → Direct cost
26. Which of the following materials exhibits the HIGHEST volatility in market pricing, requiring the most frequent cost updates in an estimate? → Structural lumber (dimensional softwood)
27. Which factor most significantly causes material quantity 'waste allowances' to vary between different materials on a construction project? → Material form, cutting requirements, and installation method
28. What financial metric is commonly used to evaluate a project's profitability? → Net Present Value (NPV).
29. A project has a BAC of $500,000, an EV of $300,000, and an AC of $350,000. What is the Cost Performance Index (CPI)? → 0.86
30. What is the MOST effective way for new CCT professionals to build competency? → Combining formal education, mentored practice, and ongoing professional development