CEA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What happens to an IRA with no named beneficiary if the account owner dies? → The IRA passes per the financial institution's default rules, often to the estate
2. What is wealth transfer? → Transferring assets between generations
3. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for elder law & guardianship in CEA practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
4. In the context of CEA certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing international estate considerations? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
5. Which federal law governs the portability of advance directives across state lines for patients in federally funded healthcare facilities? → The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)
6. What is a living trust? → Trust created during life
7. What is estate planning's role in asset management? → Organize and protect assets
8. An agent under a healthcare proxy generally cannot: → Override a valid POLST signed by the principal when competent
9. A 'contingent beneficiary' on a retirement account receives benefits when: → The primary beneficiary predeceases the account owner
10. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for business succession planning in CEA practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
11. What is the primary purpose of a living will (advance directive)? → To document the principal's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment
12. Which of the following best describes the 'stretch IRA' strategy that was largely eliminated by the SECURE Act for most beneficiaries? → Allowing non-spouse beneficiaries to take distributions over their own life expectancy
13. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for special needs trust planning in CEA practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
14. When a surviving spouse inherits a traditional IRA, which unique option is available that is NOT available to other beneficiaries? → They may roll the inherited IRA into their own IRA and treat it as their own
15. A 'springing' power of attorney becomes effective only when: → A triggering event, such as the principal's incapacity, occurs
16. Which group qualifies as Eligible Designated Beneficiaries (EDBs) under the SECURE Act, allowing them to stretch IRA distributions over their lifetime? → Surviving spouses, minor children, and disabled individuals
17. What is the role of a beneficiary in wealth transfer? → Recipient of transferred assets
18. Which of the following best describes the 'do not resuscitate' (DNR) order in the context of advance directives? → A medical instruction directing that CPR not be performed if the patient's heart stops
19. Which retirement account type allows a surviving spouse to roll over inherited assets and treat the IRA as their own? → Traditional IRA and Roth IRA
20. If a person becomes incapacitated without a durable power of attorney in place, a family member who wants to manage their finances must typically: → Petition the court for a conservatorship or guardianship
21. What is the excise tax penalty under SECURE Act 2.0 for failing to take a required minimum distribution (RMD)? → 25% of the amount not distributed
22. What document allows a principal to authorize an agent to make decisions about anatomical gifts and organ donation? → Healthcare power of attorney
23. What is a trust in wealth transfer? → Legal arrangement for asset management
24. What is capital gains tax? → Tax on profit from asset sale
25. What is the primary estate planning advantage of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA? → It allows beneficiaries to receive income-tax-free distributions
26. In the context of CEA certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing charitable giving strategies? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
27. What is the purpose of probate administration? → Estate management and distribution
28. Which of the following is NOT a non-probate transfer method? → Bequest in a will
29. Under the SECURE Act (2019), most non-spouse beneficiaries who inherit an IRA must distribute all funds within how many years of the owner's death? → 10 years
30. In the context of CEA certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing elder law & guardianship? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices