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. Contaminated laundry such as treatment table covers should be handled how in an electrology setting? → Handled minimally, bagged at the point of use, and washed in hot water with detergent
2. Hypertrichosis differs from hirsutism in that hypertrichosis: → Is excessive hair growth in a non-androgen-dependent pattern, affecting any body site
3. Which risk management approach is MOST effective for CPE professionals evaluating workplace hazards? → Proactive hazard identification and assessment
4. In electrolysis, the intensity of electrical current is measured in which unit? → Milliamperes (mA)
5. What is the purpose of the rheostat or intensity dial on a galvanic epilator? → To adjust the milliamperage of direct current delivered to the follicle
6. Which EPA-registered disinfectant category is required to destroy Mycobacterium tuberculosis on electrology implements? → Hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectant
7. What is the role of a patch test before electrolysis treatment? → Check for allergic reactions to treatment
8. When pressured to compromise CPE professional standards, the BEST response is to: → Document the pressure and uphold standards
9. A client's hair in the treated area continues to regrow at the same thickness after 10 sessions. The most likely cause is: → Incorrect probe placement missing the germinal cells
10. Which treatment modality is generally preferred for a client with a pacemaker? → Galvanic electrolysis only
11. What is the purpose of maintaining a signed informed consent form before beginning electrolysis treatment? → To document that the client understands risks, expected results, and treatment details
12. A client's hair regrows thinner and lighter after several electrolysis sessions. This indicates: → Progressive damage to the follicle reducing its ability to produce a terminal hair
13. Hair follicles first appear in the human fetus at approximately: → 9–12 weeks gestation on the face
14. Why is sterilization important in electrolysis procedures? → To prevent infection and ensure hygiene
15. When electrolysis is performed on the upper lip, what probe angle is typically used to follow the natural follicle direction? → An angle that follows the hair's growth direction, often 10–45 degrees
16. The 'manual' timing mode in thermolysis means that: → The electrologist controls current duration using a foot pedal or finger switch
17. A client's intake form reveals they have a pacemaker. What is the electrologist's primary concern? → The pacemaker may interfere with the electrolysis unit's galvanic current
18. Which scenario violates the Certified Professional Electrologist code of professional conduct? → Misrepresenting qualifications or certification status
19. In electrical terms, 'polarity' as applied to galvanic electrolysis refers to: → The positive (anode) and negative (cathode) poles of the direct current circuit
20. During a patch test, the electrologist is primarily evaluating: → The client's individual skin reaction to the planned modality and settings
21. What is the benefit of using gentle cleansing before electrolysis? → Remove oils and dirt for better treatment
22. Single-use probe sleeves in electrology are classified as which type of item under Spaulding's classification? → Critical item
23. Which phase immediately follows catagen in the hair cycle? → Telogen
24. When assessing a client's skin texture during consultation, 'coarse' texture most directly refers to: → The presence of visible pores and uneven surface
25. What does the blend method of electrolysis combine? → Galvanic and thermolysis methods
26. How long is the average hair growth cycle? → 2-6 years
27. Melanocytes in the hair follicle are concentrated in the: → Bulb matrix surrounding the papilla
28. During consultation, a client mentions they recently completed a chemical peel 5 days ago. What is the appropriate action? → Postpone electrolysis until the skin has fully healed, typically 2-4 weeks post-peel
29. Which type of electrolysis current uses high-frequency alternating current to generate heat within the follicle? → Thermolysis (shortwave/RF)
30. Which financial record is essential for tracking whether an electrology practice is profitable? → A profit and loss statement