CME Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which of the following is a renewable energy source? → Solar power
2. What is the purpose of a sanitary sewer system's lift (pump) station? → Pump wastewater to a higher elevation when gravity flow is not feasible
3. A storm hydrograph depicts the relationship between: → Discharge rate (flow) over time at a specific point in a watershed
4. Which pavement design method is most widely used for flexible pavement in US municipal streets? → AASHTO pavement design method
5. What is the purpose of 'retainage' in public construction contracts? → A percentage of progress payments withheld to ensure contract completion and quality
6. What is the minimum residual chlorine level (free chlorine) EPA recommends maintaining throughout a distribution system? → 0.2 mg/L
7. What is the function of a pressure reducing valve (PRV) in a water distribution system? → Reduce higher upstream pressure to a lower, controlled downstream pressure
8. What is biological nutrient removal (BNR) designed to eliminate from wastewater effluent? → Nitrogen and phosphorus that cause eutrophication
9. A sediment basin on a construction site is designed primarily to: → Allow sediment to settle out of stormwater runoff before it is discharged off-site
10. In traffic engineering, what does a 'warrant analysis' determine? → Whether a traffic signal or other control is justified at an intersection
11. What is a roundabout's primary safety advantage over a signalized intersection? → Elimination of high-speed right-angle and head-on conflicts
12. Why are public hearings held during code revisions? → To gather feedback and ensure transparency
13. What does ACI 318 govern in the context of municipal construction? → Design and construction of reinforced concrete structures
14. Which tool is used to visualize city infrastructure layers? → Geographic Information System (GIS)
15. Why is life-cycle assessment (LCA) important? → To assess environmental impact over a product's life
16. What is the primary concern with combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in older US cities? → Discharge of untreated sewage and stormwater to waterways during rain events
17. Why is stakeholder engagement important in public works planning? → To build community support and transparency
18. What is typically required before starting a construction project in a city? → Building permit
19. Which level of service (LOS) is generally considered the minimum acceptable for urban arterials in municipal design? → LOS C
20. What is the benefit of using energy-efficient buildings? → Reduced utility bills and energy use
21. Which infrastructure supports non-motorized transportation? → Pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
22. Which agency oversees the National Highway System (NHS) and provides federal highway funding to municipalities? → FHWA (Federal Highway Administration)
23. What is the primary design standard used for geometric design of US highways and streets? → AASHTO Green Book
24. Manning's equation is primarily used in stormwater engineering to calculate: → Flow velocity and discharge in open channels and pipes
25. Which federal act requires municipalities to consider Title VI equity impacts in transportation planning? → Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI)
26. What is the first phase in a public works project? → Project initiation
27. Which sewer rehabilitation method installs a resin-impregnated liner inside an existing pipe without excavation? → Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP)
28. In the Rational Method, which factor primarily reflects the land use and surface characteristics of a drainage area? → Runoff coefficient (C)
29. What role do wetlands play in sustainability? → Flood management and water purification
30. What is a green infrastructure solution for stormwater management? → Rain gardens