CES Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. How soon after a service or session should documentation be completed? → As soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours
2. A CES is offered a significant financial incentive by a supplier to recommend their blasting products exclusively. This situation represents: → A conflict of interest that must be disclosed or declined
3. In the context of explosive chemistry, what is 'brisance'? → The shattering effect of an explosive, related to its detonation velocity and pressure
4. What is the maximum amount of explosive materials that can be stored in a Type 4 magazine? → 50 lbs net explosive weight
5. What is the primary chemical reaction product concern when ANFO detonates with a negative oxygen balance? → Production of toxic carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides (NOx)
6. The American Table of Distances (ATD) used for explosives storage is published by which organization? → Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME)
7. Which class of person is prohibited from possessing explosive materials under 18 U.S.C. § 842(i)? → A person who has been convicted of a felony punishable by more than one year imprisonment
8. Which document serves as the primary legal authorization allowing a licensed explosives user to transport explosives on public roads? → The DOT hazmat transportation permit
9. Which property of an explosive indicates its ability to do work as measured by the volume of gas produced per unit mass? → Gas volume
10. What does the principle of 'professional integrity' require of a CES when submitting post-blast reports? → Reports should accurately reflect all conditions, deviations, and outcomes
11. During a post-blast incident review, a CES should use the 'root cause analysis' method primarily to: → Identify underlying systemic failures to prevent recurrence
12. Under 27 CFR Part 555, how often must a licensee or permittee conduct a physical inventory of explosive materials? → Annually at minimum
13. In the context of explosion injuries, which organ system is MOST vulnerable to primary blast injury? → Air-containing organs (lungs, GI tract, ears)
14. Why is grounding important when handling explosives? → It prevents static discharge that could trigger an explosion
15. When conducting a post-blast evaluation, which indicator most reliably confirms complete detonation of an explosive charge? → Presence of a blast crater matching calculated dimensions
16. What should a practitioner do when regulations conflict with employer policies? → Follow the regulation, as legal requirements supersede employer policies
17. What is a CES's ethical duty when they observe a worker at their site who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs? → Remove the worker from the blast site immediately and document the incident
18. In a blasting operation risk register, residual risk is defined as: → The risk that remains after controls are implemented
19. In assessing post-blast structural damage, a 'level 5' damage classification under UFC 3-340 generally means: → Collapse of primary structural members
20. In a wet borehole, which product characteristic is MOST critical when selecting an explosive? → High water resistance to prevent desensitization
21. What should be done if an error is discovered in existing records? → Draw a single line through the error, note the correction, date, and initial
22. When evaluating blasthole drilling patterns, 'burden' is defined as: → The distance from the front row of holes to the free face
23. A CES is asked to certify that a magazine meets federal storage standards, but they notice a deficiency in the ventilation system. They should: → Refuse to certify compliance until the ventilation deficiency is corrected
24. A licensed blaster accepting a new job assignment should verify which of the following FIRST? → That their license is valid in the state where work will be performed
25. Which federal agency oversees the regulation of explosives in the U.S.? → ATF
26. What is the primary purpose of a booster in an explosive train? → To amplify the initiation signal to reliably detonate a less-sensitive main charge
27. How often must explosive storage magazines be inspected? → At least monthly as per regulations
28. What is the ethical obligation of a CES who is aware of a competitor illegally storing explosive materials? → Report the competitor to the ATF
29. Which regulatory body in the United States classifies and regulates explosive materials under the Organized Crime Control Act? → Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
30. What is the primary component of TNT? → Trinitrotoluene