CPAS Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. If the PACS archive reports unexpectedly low free storage, what should the administrator investigate first? → Orphaned or duplicate studies, failed deletion jobs, or runaway log file growth
2. Why is regular software updating important in PACS security? → To apply security patches and reduce vulnerabilities
3. What is the primary goal of quality assurance in professional practice? → To ensure consistent delivery of products or services that meet established standards
4. How does HL7 benefit electronic health record (EHR) systems? → It standardizes data exchange and communication
5. What role does continuing education play in maintaining certification? → It ensures professionals stay current with evolving standards and practices
6. Which component ensures routing of imaging studies in workflow systems? → Workflow engine
7. What is the role of documentation in regulatory compliance? → It provides verifiable evidence that standards are being met
8. What is the consequence of non-compliance with mandatory regulations? → Penalties including fines, license revocation, and potential legal action
9. What does DICOM stand for in medical imaging? → Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine
10. When a diagnostic workstation displays images with incorrect window/level values, what is the most likely cause? → Incorrect DICOM presentation state or workstation display calibration settings
11. Which log file type should a PACS administrator consult first when diagnosing failed DICOM image routing? → DICOM service and application logs on the sending or receiving system
12. What technology allows radiologists to securely access the hospital PACS from a remote location or home office over the internet? → VPN (Virtual Private Network)
13. Which IHE transaction is responsible for sending a completed study notification back to the RIS after images are stored in PACS? → RAD-13 (Modality Images Stored)
14. When should established methodologies be reconsidered? → When evidence shows better alternatives exist or when outcomes decline
15. What is a DICOM tag used for? → To describe image attributes and metadata
16. When applying core principles in practice, what should be the first consideration? → Safety and compliance with established standards
17. What is the purpose of a RAID system in PACS? → To ensure secure and redundant storage
18. What role do key performance indicators play in strategic implementation? → They provide measurable benchmarks to track progress toward strategic objectives
19. What is the first step in the risk management process? → Risk identification — recognizing potential threats and vulnerabilities
20. Which data storage method is best for long-term PACS data archiving? → Cloud or offsite storage solutions
21. What does VLAN stand for and why is it used in PACS network design? → Virtual LAN — isolates PACS traffic for security and performance
22. Which HL7 version is widely adopted in healthcare systems? → HL7 Version 2.x
23. What is the role of benchmarking in establishing best practices? → Comparing performance against top performers to identify improvement opportunities
24. What defines a "best practice" in professional settings? → A method or technique that has consistently shown superior results through evidence
25. What is the purpose of a feedback mechanism in professional communication? → To ensure messages are received, understood, and to identify areas for improvement
26. Why is data encryption important in medical imaging systems? → To protect sensitive information
27. What does RIS typically manage in imaging informatics? → Radiology workflows and patient information
28. What type of storage is commonly used for long-term archiving in PACS? → Tape libraries
29. What ensures diagnostic imaging workflow efficiency? → Integrated and automated workflows
30. Which system component manages user access and security in PACS? → Access control server