AIP Certified Parliamentarian (CP) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A 'recess' differs from 'adjournment' in that:

A recess is a temporary break; adjournment ends the meeting entirely (Correct answer)
A recess automatically carries over all pending business to the next meeting
A recess requires a motion; adjournment does not
Adjournment requires a two-thirds vote; recess does not

Correct answer: A recess is a temporary break; adjournment ends the meeting entirely

A recess pauses the meeting temporarily; the assembly resumes from the same point. Adjournment closes the meeting and business resumes only at the next meeting.

Question 2: A 'consent agenda' item that a member objects to must be:

Referred to committee before being discussed
Tabled until the next meeting
Removed from the consent agenda and considered separately (Correct answer)
Voted down by the full assembly

Correct answer: Removed from the consent agenda and considered separately

Any member may request that an item be pulled from the consent agenda for separate consideration; it is then discussed and voted on individually.

Question 3: Which of the following motions can be used to bring back a motion that was laid on the table?

Discharge the committee
Take from the table (Correct answer)
Rescind
Reconsider

Correct answer: Take from the table

The motion to take from the table resumes consideration of a matter that was previously laid on the table.

Question 4: A 'friendly amendment' under strict parliamentary procedure is:

Adopted by unanimous consent
Not recognized—all amendments must follow regular procedure (Correct answer)
Allowed only in committee, not the full assembly
Automatically adopted if the mover consents

Correct answer: Not recognized—all amendments must follow regular procedure

Strict parliamentary law does not recognize 'friendly amendments'; once a motion is before the assembly, it belongs to the assembly and requires formal amendment procedure.

Question 5: What should the chairperson do if the governing documents are silent on a procedural issue?

Delay the meeting until clarification is received.
Consult external sources, like Robert’s Rules of Order (Correct answer)
Ignore the issue and proceed with the meeting.
Make a decision based on personal preference.

Correct answer: Consult external sources, like Robert’s Rules of Order

If an organization's governing documents are silent on a particular procedural issue, it should refer to its adopted parliamentary authority, such as Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised. This external source provides comprehensive rules for situations not covered by the organization's specific bylaws or standing rules. Relying on a recognized authority ensures consistency and fairness in procedural matters.

Question 6: A committee 'rises and reports' when it wants to:

Elect a new committee chair
Permanently dissolve the committee
Return business to the full assembly (Correct answer)
Request additional time to study the matter

Correct answer: Return business to the full assembly

When a committee of the whole or quasi-committee rises, it returns to the status of the regular assembly and presents its recommendations.

Question 7: What is 'perfecting an amendment' in parliamentary practice?

Editing an amendment for spelling and grammar after adoption
Having the parliamentarian review amendment language
Amending a primary amendment with a secondary amendment to improve it before voting (Correct answer)
Presenting the clean version of a motion after multiple amendments

Correct answer: Amending a primary amendment with a secondary amendment to improve it before voting

Perfecting an amendment means using a secondary amendment to improve the primary amendment before the assembly votes on the primary amendment.

Question 8: A special rule of order conflicts with a provision in the organization's bylaws. Which document prevails?

The membership votes to choose which document applies
The bylaws, because they supersede special rules of order (Correct answer)
The special rule of order, as it is more specific
The document adopted most recently controls

Correct answer: The bylaws, because they supersede special rules of order

Bylaws outrank special rules of order in the hierarchy of governing documents, so the bylaw provision prevails.

Question 9: What is the purpose of a recess during a meeting?

To avoid dealing with difficult topics.
To provide time for members to regroup and resume work (Correct answer)
To cancel the meeting.
To end the meeting early.

Correct answer: To provide time for members to regroup and resume work

A recess is a temporary break in a meeting, allowing members to rest, consult, or attend to other matters without ending the meeting entirely. Its purpose is to facilitate continued work by providing a brief pause for regrouping. This temporary suspension helps maintain productivity and focus when the meeting reconvenes, rather than concluding or avoiding topics.

Question 10: What is the effect of a negative vote on the motion to 'postpone indefinitely'?

The main motion remains before the assembly (Correct answer)
The main motion is killed
The main motion is tabled
The main motion is immediately adopted

Correct answer: The main motion remains before the assembly

Defeating postpone indefinitely simply keeps the main motion before the assembly for continued consideration.

Question 11: What is the role of the chairperson in ensuring member participation?

To allow only the most vocal members to speak.
To facilitate discussion and ensure all voices are heard (Correct answer)
To dominate the conversation and make decisions.
To prevent any members from speaking out of turn.

Correct answer: To facilitate discussion and ensure all voices are heard

The chairperson plays a vital role in ensuring member participation by facilitating discussion and ensuring all voices are heard. They should encourage quieter members to speak, manage speaking times, and prevent any single individual from dominating the conversation. This promotes an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives contribute to better decision-making.

Question 12: A 'primary amendment' amends:

The governing documents
The main motion directly (Correct answer)
Another amendment already pending
The agenda

Correct answer: The main motion directly

A primary amendment modifies the main motion directly; a secondary amendment modifies the primary amendment.

Question 13: A motion is said to be 'out of order' when it:

Is introduced before new business
Has not been properly worded
Conflicts with higher authority rules or the main motion (Correct answer)
Lacks a second

Correct answer: Conflicts with higher authority rules or the main motion

A motion is out of order when it violates the organization's governing documents, applicable law, or a higher-ranking rule.

Question 14: Under RONR, what constitutes a 'majority vote' unless otherwise specified?

More than half of eligible voters
More than half of the entire membership
More than half of members present
More than half of votes cast, excluding abstentions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: More than half of votes cast, excluding abstentions

A majority vote under RONR is more than half of the votes actually cast, not counting abstentions or blanks.

Question 15: A 'minority report' may be presented when:

The full assembly overrides the committee
The committee chair disagrees with the majority
One or more committee members dissent from the majority recommendation (Correct answer)
The committee failed to reach quorum

Correct answer: One or more committee members dissent from the majority recommendation

A minority report, signed by one or more dissenting committee members, presents an alternative recommendation to the assembly.

Question 16: The chair must rule an amendment out of order when it is:

Too long to read aloud
Opposed by more than one-third of members
Contrary to the motion's stated purpose
Not germane to the main motion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Not germane to the main motion

An amendment must be germane—directly related to the subject of the motion it amends; non-germane amendments are ruled out of order.

Question 17: When a committee report is presented to the assembly, who typically moves to adopt the report's recommendations?

The presiding officer
The committee chair on behalf of the committee (Correct answer)
The secretary who recorded the committee's minutes
Any member wishing to support the report

Correct answer: The committee chair on behalf of the committee

The committee chair or a designated committee member moves the adoption of the committee's recommendations on behalf of the committee.

Question 18: When an organization's constitution is silent on a procedure, what is the correct course of action?

A special committee must be formed to create a rule
The matter is left to the chair's sole discretion
The procedure cannot be performed until the constitution is amended
The organization's parliamentary authority fills the gap (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The organization's parliamentary authority fills the gap

When governing documents are silent on a procedure, the organization's adopted parliamentary authority (such as RONR) provides the applicable rules.

Question 19: A 'plurality' vote elects in an election when:

The chair rules it sufficient after two ballots
The bylaws specifically authorize election by plurality (Correct answer)
A two-thirds vote so orders
No candidate receives a majority on the first ballot

Correct answer: The bylaws specifically authorize election by plurality

Plurality voting only applies when the bylaws or a specific rule of order expressly authorizes it; otherwise a majority is required.

Question 20: Under RONR, who bears primary responsibility for determining whether a quorum is present at the opening of a meeting?

A quorum committee appointed for that purpose
The secretary, by counting attendance cards
The chair (presiding officer) (Correct answer)
The parliamentarian

Correct answer: The chair (presiding officer)

The chair (presiding officer) is responsible for determining whether a quorum is present before calling the meeting to order and proceeding with business.

Question 21: A member moves to 'suspend the rules and allow a non-member to vote on the pending question.' What is the correct ruling?

The motion is out of order because bylaws cannot be suspended (Correct answer)
The motion requires unanimous consent to adopt
The motion is in order and requires a two-thirds vote to adopt
The motion is in order but requires a majority vote

Correct answer: The motion is out of order because bylaws cannot be suspended

Voting rights of members are a fundamental right protected by the bylaws and cannot be altered by a motion to suspend the rules.

Question 22: A motion is postponed to the next meeting. Where does it appear in the order of business at that meeting?

It must be re-introduced as if it had never been made before
Under new business, since it is new to this meeting
Under officer reports, since only the president can reintroduce postponed motions
Under special orders if it was postponed as a special order, or under unfinished business and general orders otherwise (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Under special orders if it was postponed as a special order, or under unfinished business and general orders otherwise

A postponed motion resurfaces at the meeting to which it was postponed either as a special order (if so designated) or as a general order under unfinished business and general orders.

Question 23: What is the role of a parliamentarian when a member violates the rules?

Allow the member to continue without intervention.
Point out the violation and advise on the correct procedure (Correct answer)
Let the violation go unnoticed.
Disregard the violation to avoid conflict.

Correct answer: Point out the violation and advise on the correct procedure

When a member violates the rules, the parliamentarian's role is to point out the violation and advise on the correct procedure. This helps educate members on proper parliamentary practice and ensures that the meeting adheres to established rules. By doing so, they maintain order and fairness without directly enforcing penalties, which is typically the chairperson's role.

Question 24: What is the best way to address the chairperson's inappropriate behavior?

Raise a point of order to address the violation (Correct answer)
Ignore the behavior and continue the meeting.
Disregard the violation to avoid embarrassment.
Assert authority over the chairperson.

Correct answer: Raise a point of order to address the violation

The best way to address a chairperson's inappropriate behavior or rule violation is to raise a point of order. This formal parliamentary procedure allows any member to call attention to a breach of rules or decorum. It provides a structured and respectful method to correct the situation and ensure the meeting adheres to proper procedure.

Question 25: How does a parliamentarian interpret conflicting rules within governing documents?

By ignoring the conflicting rules.
By prioritizing the most recent or specific rules and considering fairness (Correct answer)
By selecting the rules that favor one side over the other.
By interpreting the rules based on the organization's goals.

Correct answer: By prioritizing the most recent or specific rules and considering fairness

When conflicting rules arise, a parliamentarian must carefully interpret them to maintain order and fairness. Generally, more specific rules take precedence over general ones, and more recently adopted rules supersede older ones, assuming proper adoption. The interpretation should always align with the organization's overall objectives and ensure equitable treatment for all members.

Question 26: A 'point of order' must be raised:

Only during new business
Only by the parliamentarian
At the time the breach occurs, or promptly thereafter (Correct answer)
Before the meeting is called to order

Correct answer: At the time the breach occurs, or promptly thereafter

A point of order must be raised promptly at the time the rule is violated; waiting too long may be interpreted as a waiver of the breach.

Question 27: How should a parliamentarian handle a situation where the chairperson is violating the rules?

By agreeing with the chairperson to avoid conflict.
By ignoring the violation.
By respectfully pointing out the violation and suggesting correction (Correct answer)
By taking over the chairperson's role.

Correct answer: By respectfully pointing out the violation and suggesting correction

When a chairperson violates the rules, a parliamentarian should respectfully point out the violation and suggest the correct procedure. Their role is to advise on parliamentary law, not to take over the meeting or create conflict. This approach helps maintain order and educates the chairperson and members on proper procedure without undermining authority.

Question 28: What is the purpose of a motion to amend in parliamentary procedure?

To change the content of a motion before voting (Correct answer)
To modify a motion after it has been seconded.
To withdraw a motion from consideration.
To amend the agenda for the next meeting.

Correct answer: To change the content of a motion before voting

A motion to amend is used to modify the wording or substance of a main motion that is currently under consideration. This allows members to refine proposals, correct errors, or improve the motion's clarity or effectiveness before a final vote is taken. Amendments ensure that the final decision accurately reflects the will of the assembly.

Question 29: The motion to 'close nominations' requires what vote?

No vote—the chair closes automatically after a set time
Simple majority
Two-thirds vote (Correct answer)
Unanimous consent only

Correct answer: Two-thirds vote

Closing nominations requires a two-thirds vote because it limits members' rights to make additional nominations.

Question 30: What is the effect of a successful appeal from the chair's decision?

The matter is referred to the parliamentarian for final decision
The appeal is noted in the minutes but the ruling stands
The chair must resign
The assembly's decision overrules the chair's ruling (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The assembly's decision overrules the chair's ruling

A successful appeal reverses the chair's ruling and substitutes the assembly's judgment for the chair's on the parliamentary question.

AIP Certified Parliamentarian (CP)

The Certified Parliamentarian credential from the American Institute of Parliamentarians tests comprehensive knowledge of parliamentary procedure including Robert's Rules of Order, motions and voting, debate, committees, governing documents, and professional ethics.

Questions

35 min

Time Limit

80%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

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