CET Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Accessibility & ADA Compliance for CET professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
2. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Governor & Overspeed Protection? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
3. Under ASME A17.1, what is the minimum width of a firefighters' emergency key switch box access opening? → 2 inches
4. What is the typical step riser height used on a standard escalator? → 8 inches
5. Which safety switch stops an escalator when the skirt panel is deflected inward by an obstruction? → Skirt obstruction switch
6. Per ASME A17.1, the minimum conductor size permitted for elevator power circuits is: → 14 AWG, ensuring adequate current capacity and mechanical strength
7. What is the purpose of the terminal stopping device (final limit switch) in a traction elevator? → Stops the car if it passes beyond normal travel limits
8. Under the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, elevator car position indicators must be provided and must include which of the following for accessibility? → Audible signal and visible display announcing each floor
9. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Modernization & Upgrades for CET professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
10. What is the standard color coding for door safety edge wiring on a DC motor-driven door operator? → There is no standard color code — refer to the wiring diagram
11. What is the function of a 'door reversal device' in the elevator door control circuit? → Detects an obstruction and signals the door operator to reverse from closing to opening
12. What does 'selective modernization' mean in the context of elevator upgrades? → Upgrading specific components while retaining other existing parts that still meet code
13. In Governor & Overspeed Protection, what is the FIRST step a CET professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
14. In an elevator safety circuit, what is a 'series circuit' configuration used for? → Ensuring that ALL safety contacts must be closed for the elevator to run
15. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Fire Service & Emergency Operations for CET professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
16. What is the standard minimum number of hoist ropes required for a traction elevator under ASME A17.1? → 3
17. A newly modernized elevator fails its 'full load, full speed' stopping distance test. Which component is MOST likely misadjusted? → Electromagnetic brake torque
18. A passenger elevator installed in a new building covered by ADA must have a minimum weight capacity of how many pounds? → 1,500 lbs (680 kg)
19. When replacing hydraulic elevator cylinder packing (seals), the technician must FIRST: → Relieve all system pressure and support the car on blocking before disassembly
20. Which maintenance task helps prevent 'roping' wear patterns on traction sheaves? → Rotating ropes end-for-end at prescribed intervals
21. A governor that is set to trip at too low a speed relative to rated speed would most likely cause: → Safeties engaging during normal operation
22. Which edition of the ICC/ANSI A117.1 standard governs accessible elevator cab dimensions used in ADA compliance? → The edition adopted by the local jurisdiction
23. According to ASME A17.1, the maximum pressure above which a hydraulic elevator relief valve must open is: → 125% of working pressure
24. According to ADA Standards for Accessible Design, what is the minimum clear floor area required inside an elevator cab for a standard side-entry configuration? → 48 inches wide × 51 inches deep
25. What is the purpose of the 'independent service' mode on an elevator in relation to emergency operations? → It removes the elevator from normal group dispatching for single-car manual control
26. A traction elevator makes a loud 'thud' when stopping at floors. The MOST probable mechanical cause is: → Worn brake lining causing the brake to apply too quickly
27. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Door Operators & Interlocks? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
28. Under ADA, elevator hall call buttons must be located at what maximum height above the finished floor? → 54 inches for side reach and 48 inches for forward reach
29. A hydraulic elevator with a buried single-bottom cylinder must have the cylinder casing inspected for leaks. The MOST reliable method is: → Installing a monitoring tube to detect fluid accumulation inside the casing
30. What is the purpose of a hydraulic elevator 'load-weighing' device in a variable-speed system? → To adjust pump output pressure and flow to optimize performance based on car load