CFA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CFA 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 immediate nursing response when a patient experiences wound evisceration? → Cover with a moist sterile dressing and notify the surgeon immediately
2. A CFA professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing metal & wood restoration ethics duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
3. What is the classic symptom triad of pulmonary embolism (PE)? → Dyspnea, chest pain, hemoptysis
4. What is a key consideration when assisting with suturing during surgery? → Sutures should be evenly spaced and have appropriate tension
5. What is a forklift’s center of gravity affected by? → The load weight and position
6. What role does employee training play in fraud prevention? → It helps employees detect and report fraud
7. Jensen's alpha measures portfolio performance as: → The actual portfolio return minus the CAPM-expected return given the portfolio's beta
8. How can the first assistant prevent contamination during surgery? → By maintaining the sterile field and using proper technique
9. An increase in a country's real interest rates, all else equal, tends to: → Attract foreign capital and strengthen the currency
10. Under U.S. GAAP, revenue should generally be recognized when: → Control of the promised good or service is transferred to the customer (ASC 606)
11. What term describes an asset who provides access to a specific high-value target organization? → Penetration agent
12. How does effective risk management reduce liability for field agents? → By ensuring the proper handling of potential hazards and minimizing liability.
13. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of tissue retraction & exposure as it applies to Certified First Assist? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
14. How do under-inflated or worn tires affect the stability triangle? → They reduce the effective support base and increase tip-over risk
15. What is the primary ethical obligation of a CFA professional when a conflict of interest arises during antique & collectible firearm eras activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
16. What impact does non-compliance with firearm laws have on the appraisal process? → Non-compliance can result in invalid appraisals and legal penalties
17. Which combination MOST reduces lateral stability when operating a forklift? → Traveling with a raised load while turning
18. Which depreciation method results in the highest depreciation expense in the early years of an asset's life? → Double-declining balance
19. What is the purpose of maintaining a risk management log? → To record risks and actions taken, ensuring compliance and accountability.
20. What is the primary ethical obligation of a CFA professional when a conflict of interest arises during covert communication devices activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
21. Which of the following is the primary goal of the 'Right Rate' principle within the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework? → To match nutrient supply with crop requirements and minimize nutrient losses
22. How does age affect the functional evaluation of a firearm? → Older firearms may experience wear that reduces functionality
23. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of nra condition grading scale as it applies to Certified Firearms Appraiser? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
24. What is the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) used for in portfolio management? → To assess the expected return of an asset based on its risk
25. Under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), it is illegal for U.S. companies to bribe: → Foreign government officials to obtain or retain business
26. A bond with a 5% annual coupon, $1,000 face value, and 10 years to maturity is priced at $950. The yield to maturity (YTM) is: → Greater than 5%
27. What is the significance of market analysis in firearm appraisal? → Market analysis helps determine fair market value by assessing trends and comparisons
28. What is the purpose of a fenestrated surgical drape? → To expose only the surgical site while covering the rest of the patient
29. In the context of the CFA curriculum, which of the following BEST describes dollar-cost averaging? → Investing a fixed dollar amount at regular intervals regardless of market price
30. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in digital fraud & account takeover to verify that CFA professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks