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. How many copies does a standard federal CCF contain, and what is the purpose of Copy 1? → Five copies; Copy 1 is sent to the laboratory with the specimen
2. What must collectors avoid to maintain ethical practice? → Maintaining neutrality
3. What GC-MS confirmation cutoff concentration must be met or exceeded for a marijuana specimen to be reported as a confirmed positive? → 15 ng/mL of THC-COOH
4. What information must be confirmed from the donor's ID before beginning the collection process? → Full legal name and a photo match
5. Which DOT agency requires drug testing for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers? → Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
6. How long must collection site records, including copies of the CCF, be retained under DOT regulations? → At least two years
7. What is the first step in a specimen collection procedure? → Verify the donor's identity
8. What should a collector do if a donor refuses to sign the CCF? → Document the refusal and notify the DER
9. What is the primary testing method used by certified laboratories as the initial screen for drug metabolites in urine? → Immunoassay
10. What must a collector do when the employer's pre-printed CCF contains incorrect information? → Cross out the incorrect information, enter the correct data, initial and date the change
11. If a donor is still unable to provide a specimen after the three-hour shy bladder period, what must the collector do? → Discontinue the collection and document it as an incomplete collection, notifying the DER
12. When can donor information be shared? → Only with authorized individuals
13. If a donor refuses a required direct observed collection under DOT regulations, the collector must: → Document the refusal and immediately notify the Designated Employer Representative (DER)
14. Under DOT Part 40, direct observed collection requirements apply specifically to which specimen type? → Urine specimens only
15. Under DOT Part 40, who must serve as the observer for a male donor during a direct observed collection? → A male observer
16. Which federal agency's regulations govern specimen validity testing procedures for transportation industry drug testing programs? → The Department of Transportation (DOT) under 49 CFR Part 40
17. What should be done if a specimen is tampered with? → Document and report immediately
18. When must a collector report a potential fatal flaw on the CCF to the laboratory? → Immediately, as fatal flaws may require the specimen to be cancelled
19. How should a specimen be handled after collection? → Secured and promptly transferred
20. Under DOT regulations, may a collection site employee of the opposite gender serve as the observer for a direct observed collection? → No, the observer must be the same gender as the donor
21. In a federal workplace drug testing program, who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that only authorized individuals are tested? → The collector, in coordination with the employer
22. Which of the following is NOT a specimen validity test parameter measured by the laboratory? → The donor's blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
23. Which federal agency's drug testing program covers aviation employees such as pilots and air traffic controllers? → Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
24. What must a collector do if they make an error on the CCF during the collection process? → Draw a single line through the error, make the correction, and initial and date the change
25. Which section of the CCF must the collector complete to certify the collection was performed according to federal guidelines? → Step 4, the collector certification section
26. How should a collector handle a situation where the name on the custody and control form (CCF) does not match the donor's presented ID? → Correct the discrepancy on the CCF before proceeding and document the change
27. What must be done if a split specimen collection is required? → Split the original specimen into two containers
28. What should be emphasized in privacy training for collectors? → Emphasizing confidentiality and security
29. What must be verified before shipping a specimen? → Seal integrity and paperwork accuracy
30. How must a certified laboratory handle a specimen received with a broken seal or tampered packaging? → Document the condition, reject the specimen, and notify the collection site and MRO