CPE Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. If a project's NPV is zero, the actual return on investment equals: → The discount rate used
2. What does a negative Cost Variance (CV) indicate? → The project is over budget
3. Which percent-complete measurement method is most objective for construction activities? → Units completed method — units of work done divided by total units
4. What is the purpose of a Hammock activity in project scheduling? → To summarize a group of activities spanning between two points
5. What distinguishes a Certified Planning Engineer certified professional from non-certified practitioners? → Validated competency through standardized assessment
6. Variance at Completion (VAC) is calculated as: → BAC - EAC
7. How should a CPE manager address underperformance? → Provide timely feedback with support and a clear improvement plan
8. On a CPE exam context, 'expected monetary value' (EMV) of a risk is calculated as: → Probability × Impact
9. In a Linear Scheduling Method (LSM) or Time-Chainage diagram, the slope of an activity line represents: → The production rate or velocity of the activity
10. In schedule performance reporting, a Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA) chart plots: → The forecast finish date of key milestones over successive reporting periods
11. In schedule network analysis, what is the significance of a 'Near-Critical Path'? → It has small total float and could become critical if activities are delayed
12. Estimate at Completion (EAC) using the formula EAC = BAC / CPI assumes: → Future cost performance will match current CPI
13. The 'Cost of Quality' concept includes which two main categories of costs? → Conformance costs and non-conformance costs
14. When applying the three-point estimating (PERT) formula for cost, what weights are applied to optimistic (O), most likely (M), and pessimistic (P)? → O×1, M×4, P×1 divided by 6
15. When performing 'What-If Scenario Analysis' in scheduling, the planner typically: → Models alternative scenarios to evaluate the impact of risks or changes
16. How does the CPE body of knowledge relate to daily practice? → Provides the framework guiding decisions and standard practices
17. What is the difference between quality assurance and quality control? → Processes vs product inspection
18. When conducting a risk assessment for CPE operations, which factor gets HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
19. A contractor submits a claim for 'constructive acceleration.' This means: → The owner directed faster work without a formal order
20. Which communication artifact is most critical for keeping project stakeholders aligned on schedule status in a CPE-managed project? → Progress S-curve with earned value overlay
21. A project has a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 0.85. What does this indicate? → The project returns $0.85 for every $1 invested
22. Which Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) level directly feeds into the project schedule as schedulable activities? → Work Packages
23. A Schedule Performance Index (SPI) of 0.85 indicates that the project is: → Behind schedule — only 85 cents of scheduled work completed per dollar planned
24. The Estimate at Completion (EAC) formula EAC = BAC / CPI is used when: → Current cost performance is expected to continue for the remainder of the project
25. What is the goal of risk management in projects? → Identify and mitigate risks
26. A parametric cost model for construction estimates $250 per square foot. If the building is 10,000 sq ft, what is the estimated cost? → $2,500,000
27. A Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram is primarily used in quality management to: → Identify root causes of quality problems
28. A project's Baseline Execution Index (BEI) is used to measure: → The ratio of activities completed on time vs. those that were planned to be complete
29. Under the American Institute of Architects (AIA) A201 General Conditions, a 'Change Order' requires agreement from: → Owner, contractor, and architect
30. A stakeholder matrix in project planning is used primarily to: → Identify stakeholder influence and interest to tailor communication strategies