CPC Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A CPC should document a client's cultural and religious preferences in the preneed file primarily to: → Ensure the funeral home staff can honor those preferences accurately at the time of need
2. Which of the following practices would constitute an ethical violation for a CPC? → Receiving an undisclosed commission for recommending a specific insurance product
3. Why is risk management essential in project coordination? → It ensures that risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated to prevent delays
4. Which of the following best describes a 'green burial'? → Burial in a biodegradable container without embalming, allowing natural decomposition
5. Which of the following best describes a 'mausoleum'? → An above-ground building or structure designed to house the remains of the deceased
6. Which of the following memorial merchandise options allows cremated remains to be incorporated into a wearable item? → Cremation jewelry
7. What is the significance of the 'death notification' conversation that a CPC may need to prepare a family for? → It is the emotionally difficult process of informing others that a death has occurred
8. Why is it important to understand a client’s goals and priorities? → To meet the client's vision and priorities for success
9. How does documentation play a role in compliance? → It ensures that all compliance measures are recorded for future reference
10. Which of the following is an example of 'high-pressure sales tactics' that a CPC must avoid? → Suggesting the client will burden their family if they do not sign a contract today
11. A preneed marketing piece must legally include which type of disclosure in most U.S. states? → Information about consumer rights and the availability of a General Price List
12. A client asks about 'above-ground cremation niche' options. The CPC should explain that this refers to: → An individual compartment in a columbarium wall designed to hold a cremation urn
13. In the AIDA marketing model, what does the 'D' stand for, and how does it apply to preneed sales? → Desire — creating an emotional want for the peace of mind that preplanning provides
14. Which organization provides the CPC (Certified Preplanning Consultant) certification? → National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
15. In preneed marketing, 'at-need conversion' refers to: → Converting a grieving at-need family into a preneed purchaser for surviving family members
16. Which of the following is considered the most effective initial approach when prospecting for preneed clients? → Referrals from satisfied preneed clients and community partners
17. What is the primary goal of project management in preplanning? → To ensure the project is completed within the client's expectations
18. What is the role of active listening in client consultation? → It helps the consultant understand the client's needs
19. What is a 'deed of interment right' in a cemetery context? → A legal document granting the right to use a specific burial space for interment
20. What is the typical 'cooling-off' or cancellation period allowed by many US states for preneed contracts sold through door-to-door or off-premises solicitation? → 3 days
21. When preplanning a client's cemetery arrangements, a CPC should confirm that the cemetery's rules allow: → The specific type of marker, monument, or memorial the client desires
22. Which type of disposition involves placing cremated remains in a designated location at sea, which is regulated by the EPA? → Scattering at sea
23. Which type of cemetery is open to members of a specific religious group only? → Religious or denominational cemetery
24. Why is it important to have a clear project scope in preplanning? → It ensures that all parties have clear expectations and prevents scope creep
25. How does time management contribute to successful project coordination? → It ensures that tasks are completed on time and resources are allocated effectively
26. Why is flexibility important in client consultations? → It helps adapt the project to the client’s evolving requirements
27. Which marketing channel has shown the strongest return on investment for community-based preneed outreach in recent years? → Targeted social media advertising combined with community seminars
28. The Kübler-Ross model of grief identifies five stages. Which of the following correctly lists all five stages? → Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance
29. A CPC notices that a client seems to be avoiding the topic of their own death during a preplanning appointment. The best response is to: → Gently acknowledge the difficulty and allow the client to set the pace of the conversation
30. What is the primary purpose of regulatory compliance in the preplanning process? → To ensure legal and regulatory requirements are met