CMPS Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CMPS exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CMPS Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CMPS Topics to Study (69)
✍️ Sample CMPS Questions & Answers
1. A 55-year-old client separates from their employer and wants penalty-free access to their 401(k). Which rule allows this?
The Rule of 55 allows penalty-free 401(k) distributions if the employee separates from service in or after the year they turn 55.
2. The Homeownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA) applies to high-cost mortgages. Which of the following is a HOEPA trigger for a first-lien loan?
For first-lien mortgages, HOEPA is triggered when the APR exceeds the Average Prime Offer Rate (APOR) by more than 6.5 percentage points.
3. A homeowner wants to renovate their kitchen for $40,000. They are comparing a personal loan at 11% vs. a HELOC at 7%. Over 5 years, approximately how much does the HELOC save in interest?
A 4% rate differential on $40,000 over 5 years saves approximately $4,800 in interest, making the HELOC the superior cash flow choice.
4. A mortgage planner learns that a client's employer has gone bankrupt after the loan was submitted but before closing. The ethical action is to:
Material changes in a client's financial situation must be disclosed to the lender before closing, as concealment constitutes mortgage fraud.
5. When evaluating the financial benefit of paying discount points to lower a mortgage rate, the 'break-even point' is calculated as:
The break-even point equals the upfront cost of points divided by the monthly savings, indicating how many months until the borrower recoups the cost.
6. Under IRS rules, which scenario qualifies for the 10% early withdrawal penalty exception without needing a 72(t) election?
The IRS allows a penalty-free IRA withdrawal of up to $10,000 (lifetime limit) for a first-time home purchase, without a 72(t) election.