CEA Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CEA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📚 CEA Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample CEA Questions & Answers
1. What is a 'backdoor Roth IRA' contribution strategy used by high-income earners?
The backdoor Roth strategy allows high-income earners who exceed direct Roth IRA income limits to make non-deductible traditional IRA contributions and immediately convert them to a Roth IRA, subject to the pro-rata rule.
2. Under the SECURE Act 2.0 (effective 2023), at what age must required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin for individuals born between 1951 and 1959?
SECURE Act 2.0 increased the RMD starting age to 73 for individuals born between 1951 and 1959, and to 75 for those born in 1960 or later.
3. How should CEA professionals handle confidential information related to family governance & wealth transfer?
Confidential information must be handled according to established protocols, regulatory requirements, and professional ethics standards, including proper access control and disclosure procedures.
4. What is the purpose of probate administration?
The purpose of probate administration is to legally manage and distribute a deceased person's estate under court supervision. This comprehensive process involves identifying and inventorying all assets, paying off any outstanding debts and taxes, and ultimately distributing the remaining assets to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. It ensures that the deceased's wishes, as expressed in a will, are carried out, or that state law is followed if no will exists.
5. What is the most effective way to measure success in life insurance & estate liquidity within CEA professional practice?
Effective measurement combines multiple data sources — quantitative metrics, qualitative assessments, and stakeholder feedback — all aligned with clearly defined objectives for a comprehensive evaluation.
6. In the context of CEA certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing charitable giving strategies?
When implementing charitable giving strategies, CEA professionals must ensure alignment with industry standards and stakeholder needs. Hasty implementation without proper planning often leads to compliance issues and suboptimal outcomes.