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.
- In cognitive ergonomics, what is 'inattentional blindness'? → Failure to perceive an unexpected stimulus when attention is focused elsewhere
- Error-tolerant design in cognitive ergonomics refers to systems that: → Allow users to detect, recover from, or undo errors without catastrophic consequences
- In the context of ergonomics program evaluation, what does 'process evaluation' assess? → Whether program activities are implemented as planned (fidelity and reach)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of which nerve? → Median nerve
- The 'normal working area' or 'zone of convenient reach' in workstation layout design is defined by: → Forearm rotation around the stationary elbow with the upper arm hanging naturally
- Total Worker Health (TWH) is a NIOSH framework that integrates occupational safety with: → Worker well-being including lifestyle health promotion activities
- What does 'function allocation' mean in work system design? → Deciding which tasks are best performed by humans versus automated systems
- Illuminance is measured in which unit? → Lux (lx)
- Tendinitis is best characterized as inflammation of which structure? → Tendon sheath or tendon itself
- The NIOSH Lifting Equation uses a Recommended Weight Limit (RWL). What is the load constant (LC) used in the equation? → 23 kg
- What is the NIOSH Action Limit (AL) for back compressive force at L5/S1? → 3,400 N
- Knee clearance height beneath a work surface should be designed based on which anthropometric reference? → 95th percentile male sitting knee height
- What is the recommended ASHRAE thermal comfort temperature range for sedentary office work in summer? → 73–79°F (23–26°C)
- For designing hand tool handles, which anthropometric measurement is most relevant for determining optimal grip diameter? → Hand grip circumference (maximum circumference of the closed hand)
- Which anthropometric measurement is most critical for determining appropriate seated workstation surface height? → Popliteal height
- In the context of manual material handling, what does the Lifting Index (LI) represent? → The ratio of actual load to the RWL
- What is 'mode error' in human factors and ergonomics? → Performing the wrong action because the system is in an unrecognized mode
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves compression of neurovascular structures in which anatomical area? → Space between the clavicle and first rib
- Cognitive load theory in instructional design suggests that effective training should: → Manage intrinsic, extraneous, and germane cognitive load to optimize learning
- Why is the understanding of human behavior important for ergonomics? → To design workplaces that align with how people interact with their environment
- Which process hazard analysis (PHA) method uses a structured 'what-if' questioning approach to identify ergonomic and process risks? → HAZOP
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) first affects which frequency range? → 4,000 Hz (4 kHz notch)
- When a fixed (non-adjustable) horizontal reach distance must be set, which anthropometric reference ensures all users can access the control or object? → 5th percentile female forward reach
- Why is it important to involve employees in ergonomics assessments? → To help assess their specific needs and challenges in the workplace
- In thermal ergonomics, what does the acronym 'WBGT' stand for? → Wet Bulb Globe Temperature
- What is an example of a common ergonomic intervention? → Adjusting workstation height and improving tool ergonomics
- In ergonomic design, 'accommodation percentage' refers to: → The proportion of the target population whose dimensions fall within the design limits
- How can cognitive ergonomics improve workplace design? → By reducing cognitive load and improving decision-making processes
- What is the main goal of ergonomic interventions? → To improve employee comfort and reduce the risk of injuries
- Which stage of Wickens' Multiple Resource Theory (MRT) refers to central processing of information? → Processing stage
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