CEC Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the CEC 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.

📋 CEC Exam Format at a Glance

75
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
80.00%
Passing Score

📚 CEC Topics to Study (21)

✍️ Sample CEC Questions & Answers

1. Under federal regulations, how long must certified enrollment counselors (Navigators/Assisters) retain applicant records and documentation?
5 years

Federal Navigator regulations generally require that records related to enrollment assistance be retained for a minimum of 5 years to support oversight and auditing requirements.

2. Which of the following does NOT qualify as a life event for a Special Enrollment Period?
Choosing to leave a job voluntarily without losing coverage

Voluntarily leaving a job without losing health coverage does not trigger a SEP because coverage was not involuntarily lost.

3. A consumer reports a loss of job-based health coverage that will take effect in 45 days. As a Certified Enrollment Counselor, what should you advise them regarding their enrollment options?
They can apply for a Special Enrollment Period now, as they expect to lose coverage within the next 60 days.

A consumer who expects to lose qualifying health coverage within the next 60 days is eligible to apply for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This allows them to enroll in a new Marketplace plan before their current coverage ends, preventing a gap in coverage.

4. A consumer who gains U.S. citizenship or lawful presence qualifies for which type of Special Enrollment Period?
Gain of Eligible Immigration Status SEP

Gaining citizenship or lawful presence makes a consumer newly eligible for Marketplace coverage, triggering a SEP.

5. What is the purpose of the ACA Marketplace?
To allow individuals to purchase health insurance

The ACA (Affordable Care Act) Marketplace, also known as the exchange, is an online platform where individuals, families, and small businesses can compare and purchase health insurance plans. It aims to make health coverage more accessible and affordable by offering various plans and financial assistance based on income, expanding access to care.

6. For a self-employed applicant, which combination of documents BEST verifies annual income for Marketplace purposes?
Most recent federal tax return and a current profit/loss statement

A self-employed applicant's most recent federal tax return combined with a current profit/loss statement provides both a historical baseline and a current-year income estimate for Marketplace verification.

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Your CEC Study Path
1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation