CPC Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CPC 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.
📋 CPC Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CPC Topics to Study (22)
✍️ Sample CPC Questions & Answers
1. What is the oxidation state of manganese in KMnO4?
With K at +1 and four oxygens at −2 each (total −8), the sum must equal zero, requiring Mn to be +7.
2. Which analytical method is preferred for determining volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water under EPA Method 524?
EPA Method 524 uses purge-and-trap concentration followed by GC/MS analysis to identify and quantify VOCs in drinking water at ppb and sub-ppb levels.
3. The rate-determining step in a multi-step reaction mechanism is the step that:
The rate-determining step has the highest activation energy and is therefore the slowest step; it controls the overall rate of the reaction.
4. Beta-oxidation of fatty acids occurs in which cellular location and produces which primary products?
Beta-oxidation in the mitochondrial matrix (and peroxisomes for very long-chain fatty acids) sequentially cleaves two-carbon units as acetyl-CoA while generating NADH and FADH2 for ATP production.
5. The de Broglie wavelength of a particle is inversely proportional to its:
De Broglie's equation λ = h/p shows that the wavelength is inversely proportional to momentum (p = mv), so heavier or faster particles have shorter wavelengths.
6. What should a laboratory worker do if they are exposed to a hazardous substance?
If a laboratory worker is exposed to a hazardous substance, the immediate priority is to follow emergency procedures and seek medical help without delay. This typically involves flushing the affected area with water, removing contaminated clothing, and reporting the incident to a supervisor. Prompt medical attention is crucial to assess the extent of exposure, minimize harm, and receive appropriate treatment.