CPI Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in evp classification & analysis to verify that CPI professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
2. What does a thermal imaging camera detect to produce its images? → Infrared radiation emitted by objects
3. Which camera palette setting is most commonly used in paranormal investigations because it offers the highest contrast for spotting temperature anomalies? → Iron (Ironbow)
4. A Class B EVP requires what additional step before it can be evaluated by a review panel? → Amplification or noise reduction to be intelligible to multiple listeners
5. A paranormal investigator notices a bright white human-shaped thermal outline on a wall. The most likely mundane explanation is: → Residual body heat from a person who recently leaned against the wall
6. Why is it important to stay calm during an investigation? → To keep control and professionalism
7. What is the core idea behind residual hauntings? → An event repeats like a recording
8. What is the advantage of using night vision cameras during investigations? → They offer visual data in darkness
9. Which audio editing practice is considered unethical and inadmissible under standard paranormal investigation evidence protocols? → Adding reverb or echo effects to enhance perceived voice quality
10. What is a common skeptical explanation for paranormal experiences? → Misinterpretation of normal stimuli
11. A 'control recording' made outside the active investigation area is used primarily to: → Establish a baseline of environmental sounds to distinguish from anomalous audio
12. What is pareidolia, and how does it affect evidence analysis? → A visual illusion causing misinterpretation
13. In paranormal investigation, a 'cold spot' captured on thermal imaging is most accurately described as: → An area of lower thermal radiation compared to the surroundings
14. What EMF reading range is commonly cited in paranormal research as potentially significant for haunt phenomena? → 2-7 milligauss
15. Which phenomenon causes digital video to show brief rectangular blocks or frozen frames, and could be misinterpreted as a paranormal event? → Codec compression artifacts (macroblocking)
16. What is the primary reason investigators should allow thermal cameras to acclimate before use? → To allow the internal sensor to stabilize to ambient temperature
17. An investigator notices a recurring audio anomaly at exactly 60 Hz. What is the most probable cause? → Electromagnetic interference from AC electrical wiring or equipment inducing a 60 Hz hum
18. What does a chain of custody document ensure in a paranormal investigation? → That evidence is tracked from collection through analysis to prevent tampering or loss
19. A high-pass filter applied during EVP analysis is primarily used to eliminate which type of noise? → Low-frequency rumble from HVAC systems, footsteps, and traffic
20. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in emf & environmental detection tools to verify that CPI professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
21. Which environmental condition can cause a full-spectrum camera's sensor to produce thermal noise that mimics anomalies in a photograph? → Elevated ambient or sensor temperature increasing dark current in the sensor
22. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in historical & archival research to verify that CPI professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
23. According to Konstantin Raudive's classification system, what distinguishes a Type 2 EVP voice from a Type 1 voice? → Type 2 is inaudible without headphones; Type 1 is audible through speakers
24. Why are historical records important in investigations? → They confirm legends with factual support
25. Which equipment is best for detecting cold spots? → Infrared thermometer
26. Which software feature is most useful for isolating a suspected EVP buried within constant low-frequency rumble? → A high-pass filter set to cut frequencies below the rumble threshold
27. What is the Stone Tape Theory? → Explains energy imprints on physical materials
28. During an investigation, a team member discovers a potential gas leak. What is the immediate priority? → Evacuate all personnel immediately and contact emergency services
29. Why is it important to analyze audio recordings in a quiet environment? → To reduce contamination during review
30. Which environmental baseline measurement should be recorded before beginning thermal imaging sweeps? → Ambient air temperature throughout the site