CPB Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPB 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 an example of a detective control? → Reconciliations
2. Which tax is withheld from an employee's paycheck for Social Security? → FICA Social Security tax
3. Which best describes the scope of Economic Concepts & Market Indicators in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
4. What is depreciation? → Allocation of asset cost over time
5. Which of the following is considered a permanent (real) account? → Accumulated Depreciation
6. What is the most important competency assessed in Banking Operations & Products for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability
7. Which best describes the scope of Banking Operations & Products in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
8. Which best describes the scope of Insurance Products & Principles in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
9. Which best describes the scope of Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits in professional practice? → A comprehensive area covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications
10. What common challenge do professionals face when applying Anti-Money Laundering & Fraud Prevention principles? → Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
11. What is the main purpose of accounts payable? → Tracking money owed to suppliers
12. What is the most important element of effective professional communication? → Clarity and accuracy of the message tailored to the audience
13. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
14. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Banking Operations & Products? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
15. What is the fundamental accounting equation that underpins general ledger bookkeeping? → Assets = Liabilities + Owner's Equity
16. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Insurance Products & Principles? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
17. How should negative or difficult information be communicated to stakeholders? → Honestly and promptly, with proposed solutions or mitigation steps
18. What is double-entry bookkeeping? → Recording each transaction in debit and credit accounts
19. What is the first step in the risk management process? → Risk identification — recognizing potential threats and vulnerabilities
20. In double-entry bookkeeping, which account type normally carries a credit balance? → Liabilities
21. What is the effect of late payment on accounts payable? → Damages supplier relationships
22. Which of the following is a temporary (nominal) account? → Rent Expense
23. Which control helps prevent unauthorized access to accounting systems? → User access controls
24. What does the term 'accrual basis' refer to in accounting? → Recording revenues and expenses when earned or incurred
25. What is 'net pay' in payroll? → Pay after all deductions
26. Which financial statement shows a company's financial position at a specific point in time? → Balance sheet
27. What is the purpose of Form W-4 in payroll processing? → To provide tax withholding information
28. What is the recommended approach to staying current in Anti-Money Laundering & Fraud Prevention? → Regular professional development, industry publications, and peer collaboration
29. What is the most important competency assessed in Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability
30. What is the most important competency assessed in Economic Concepts & Market Indicators for professionals in this field? → Applied knowledge and practical problem-solving ability