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. What is the CIA triad in information security? → Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
2. Under the EPPA, which category of workers may lawfully be subjected to polygraph testing by private employers? → Employees suspected of theft causing economic loss to the employer
3. An examiner who accepts compensation contingent on achieving a specific test outcome (e.g., a 'deceptive' result) is violating: → Fundamental ethics rules prohibiting contingency-based fees in forensic work
4. What does a 'blocking' artifact in the respiration tracing indicate during polygraph data analysis? → A possible countermeasure or apnea
5. Which APA-approved computerized polygraph system uses proprietary algorithms such as OSS-3 for scoring? → Lafayette LX5000
6. The pneumograph component of a polygraph measures which physiological parameter? → Thoracic and abdominal respiratory movement
7. Which of the following best describes the 'galvanic skin response' (GSR) as measured in polygraph exams? → Changes in skin electrical conductance caused by sweat gland activity
8. What does the term 'general arousal' refer to in the context of polygraph psychophysiology? → A non-specific elevation in physiological activity across multiple response channels
9. The purpose of the 'walk-away' technique during an interview is to: → Create psychological tension that may prompt voluntary disclosure
10. The 'time constant' of an amplifier in a polygraph instrument affects which aspect of the recorded signal? → The rate at which the tracing returns to baseline after a slow deflection
11. When a numerical chart score falls in the 'inconclusive' range, the examiner should: → Conduct additional charts or report the result as inconclusive per format standards
12. What is the purpose of recording a 'silent answer test' or breath-holding sample during pre-test instrument checks? → To verify the pneumograph responds correctly to deliberate breathing changes
13. An examinee who is a non-native English speaker requests an interpreter for their polygraph examination. The examiner should: → Obtain a qualified neutral interpreter and document the accommodation
14. In the Air Force Modified General Question Test (AFGQT), how many relevant questions are typically included per chart? → 3
15. What is the significance of 'habituation' when analyzing polygraph data across multiple chart runs? → It may diminish comparison question responses, reducing their diagnostic utility
16. What is the mode of: 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 3, 6? → 3
17. A subject describes an event in excessive present tense during a past-event interview. This may indicate: → The event is being fabricated or scripted in real time
18. Which polygraph channel is most likely to show a sustained elevation rather than a phasic (brief, sharp) response during psychological stress? → Cardio (blood pressure cuff)
19. When the Daubert standard is applied to polygraph evidence, judges evaluate reliability primarily based on: → Whether the technique has been tested, peer-reviewed, and has known error rates
20. What continuing education requirement does the American Polygraph Association impose on its certified members? → 30 hours of continuing education every two years
21. In cardiovascular analysis, what tracing feature is most often associated with a significant response to a test question? → Rise in relative blood pressure and changes in pulse amplitude
22. What is the consequence for an APA-accredited school that does not maintain required faculty qualifications? → Placement on probationary accreditation status
23. What is the purpose of a topic sentence? → To introduce the main idea of a paragraph
24. Which polygraph component records electrodermal activity (skin conductance)? → Galvanic skin response sensor
25. A subject consistently uses distancing language (e.g., 'the gun' instead of 'my gun'). This linguistic indicator may suggest: → Psychological distancing from the object or act
26. During calibration of a computerized polygraph, the examiner adjusts the 'gain' setting. This adjustment controls: → The amplitude of the recorded physiological signal
27. An examiner formulates the question: 'Do you know for sure who threatened your supervisor?' This is an example of a: → Relevant question addressing knowledge rather than direct participation
28. A polygraph examiner changes the wording of a relevant question after the first chart. This practice is: → Generally prohibited because it prevents valid within-test comparisons
29. What role does ethics play in Examination Techniques practice? → It guides professional conduct and protects stakeholders
30. Under EPPA, how much advance written notice must an employer provide to an employee before a polygraph examination in an ongoing investigation? → 48 hours