CEC Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A consumer loses their job on March 15 and their employer coverage ends April 30. When does their 60-day SEP window begin? → April 30 (date coverage actually ends)
2. The Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) is paid directly to whom? → The health insurance company on the enrollee's behalf
3. When a data breach exposes applicant personal information, what is the enrollment counselor's immediate ethical responsibility? → Notify affected individuals and report the breach to appropriate institutional authorities
4. What is the minimum actuarial value for a Silver plan under ACA metal tier standards? → 70%
5. What is 'reconciliation' in the context of the Advance Premium Tax Credit? → Comparing APTC received to the actual credit owed based on final income
6. What is the main principle of ethical client service? → Serving the client with honesty and transparency
7. What documentation may be required to verify a SEP triggered by marriage? → Marriage certificate
8. An enrollment counselor realizes mid-conversation that a student's academic background makes them a poor fit for the program. The ethical response is to: → Honestly discuss the fit concerns and suggest more appropriate alternatives
9. Which verification scenario requires the Marketplace to check DHS immigration records through the Federal Data Services Hub? → A lawfully present non-citizen claiming eligibility based on immigration status
10. A client avoids eye contact during the enrollment meeting. The counselor should FIRST: → Recognize this may be a cultural norm and continue the meeting respectfully
11. Which Medicare part covers outpatient services, including doctor visits and preventive care? → Part B
12. Which metal tier plans are eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR)? → Silver plans only
13. What is one consequence of breaching client confidentiality? → Potential legal penalties and loss of certification
14. An enrollment counselor is approached by a law enforcement officer requesting a student's address without a court order. Under FERPA, the counselor should: → Refuse and direct the officer to obtain a lawful court order or subpoena
15. Which document is MOST commonly used to verify current wages from an employer during a Marketplace application? → Recent pay stubs from the past 30 days
16. Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest for an enrollment counselor? → Receiving a personal bonus from a third-party lender for steering students to their loans
17. How long does a Marketplace applicant typically have to submit documentation to resolve a data inconsistency after receiving notice? → 90 days
18. A consumer who loses job-based coverage on June 15 has how many days to enroll in a Marketplace plan using a Special Enrollment Period? → 60 days
19. A consumer is switching from COBRA continuation coverage to a Marketplace plan. Which enrollment scenario is correct? → Loss of COBRA triggers a Special Enrollment Period but electing COBRA does not
20. What documentation is typically needed for program eligibility verification? → Proof of income, residency, and identity
21. What is the Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC)? → A subsidy paid in advance to lower monthly Marketplace premiums
22. Which of the following BEST describes cultural humility as applied by an enrollment counselor? → Maintaining an ongoing commitment to self-reflection and learning about diverse cultures
23. A phishing email sent to an enrollment counselor's work account asks them to click a link and log in to 'verify their credentials.' The counselor should: → Delete the email and report it to the IT security team
24. A 35-year-old single adult with no dependents has income at 140% FPL. Which program is most appropriate? → Medicaid (in expansion states)
25. What does MAGI stand for in the context of determining ACA subsidy eligibility? → Modified Adjusted Gross Income
26. Which federal agency's records does the Marketplace primarily use to verify Social Security numbers? → Social Security Administration (SSA)
27. An enrollment counselor is helping a client understand their rights to appeal a plan's coverage denial. What is the first level of the Medicare appeals process? → Redetermination by the plan
28. What is the maximum length of a COBRA continuation coverage period for a qualifying event of termination of employment? → 18 months
29. Which type of SEP applies to a consumer who permanently moves to a new area that offers different Marketplace plans? → Change in Residence SEP
30. Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are available exclusively with which Marketplace metal tier? → Silver