CMM Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which building envelope component has the greatest impact on reducing heating and cooling loads in most U.S. climates? → Roof and ceiling insulation
2. When a maintenance employee refuses to perform a task they believe is genuinely dangerous, what right does OSHA protect? → The right to refuse work when there is a reasonable belief of imminent danger
3. How should hazardous conditions be handled during safety procedures work? → Stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow safety protocols
4. Which type of lighting control system automatically adjusts light levels based on the amount of natural daylight entering a space? → Daylight harvesting (photosensor control)
5. A maintenance supervisor notices a pattern of repeated absenteeism in one technician. What is the BEST first step? → Document the absences and schedule a private counseling meeting
6. How should hazardous conditions be handled during equipment operation work? → Stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow safety protocols
7. Why is data collection important in predictive maintenance? → To anticipate failures before they occur
8. Which metric BEST measures the productivity of a maintenance workforce? → Ratio of planned maintenance hours to total available labor hours
9. How should hazardous conditions be handled during maintenance protocols work? → Stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow safety protocols
10. What is the primary purpose of a maintenance budget? → Plan and allocate maintenance expenses
11. What code compliance requirement applies to technical measurements? → All work must comply with applicable local, state, and national codes
12. What is a benefit of predictive maintenance over reactive maintenance? → Improved equipment reliability
13. Which metric is most commonly used to measure a building's energy use intensity (EUI)? → BTU per square foot per year
14. Which ASHRAE energy audit level involves a detailed analysis of capital-intensive modifications with engineering-level calculations? → Level III
15. How should equipment be maintained for code compliance operations? → Follow manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance schedules
16. What inspection procedure is essential for code compliance? → Systematic inspection following established checklists and standards
17. Which performance evaluation method requires a maintenance manager to rank all employees from highest to lowest performer? → Forced ranking
18. Which training approach is MOST effective for teaching maintenance technicians a new equipment repair procedure? → Hands-on demonstration followed by supervised practice
19. What is the most critical safety requirement in quality inspection? → Following all applicable safety regulations and wearing required PPE
20. What is the purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS)? → Provide info on chemical hazards and safety precautions
21. Which maintenance practice helps extend the lifespan of mechanical equipment? → Preventive maintenance
22. What is typically included in an operating budget for building maintenance? → Routine maintenance costs
23. What environmental protection measure applies to maintenance protocols? → Proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials according to environmental regulations
24. What inspection procedure is essential for technical measurements? → Systematic inspection following established checklists and standards
25. What is the primary purpose of an energy audit in a commercial building? → To identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and costs
26. What environmental protection measure applies to safety procedures? → Proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials according to environmental regulations
27. How should hazardous conditions be handled during material selection work? → Stop work, secure the area, report the hazard, and follow safety protocols
28. What is the primary purpose of a staffing plan in building maintenance management? → To determine the number and types of workers needed to meet operational demands
29. What is a capital expenditure in building maintenance? → HVAC system upgrade
30. What environmental protection measure applies to equipment operation? → Proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials according to environmental regulations