CPI Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CPI exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CPI Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CPI Topics to Study (69)
✍️ Sample CPI Questions & Answers
1. What does the term 'osmotic blistering' refer to in the context of fiberglass pool shells?
Osmotic blistering occurs when water molecules permeate the fiberglass gel coat and collect in pockets between layers, forming blisters due to osmotic pressure differentials.
2. Under the ADA, what is required for a public swimming pool with 300 or more linear feet of pool wall?
The ADA Standards for Accessible Design require pools with 300 or more linear feet of wall to provide at least two accessible entry points, with at least one being a pool lift or sloped entry.
3. A CPI inspector is reviewing a public pool's safety plan and finds no Aquatic Facility Safety Plan (AFSP) on file. Why is this a compliance issue?
The MAHC and many state codes require aquatic facilities to maintain a written safety plan that covers emergency response, staff training, and operational procedures.
4. During a pool shell inspection following a significant earthquake, a CPI inspector should give HIGHEST priority to examining:
Seismic events can cause structural cracking throughout the shell and deck and can shear pipe fittings, all of which pose safety and water-loss risks requiring immediate evaluation.
5. An inspector finds that a pool's return lines were installed using galvanized steel pipe in a chlorinated system. What is the correct finding?
Galvanized steel corrodes rapidly in chlorinated water, introducing zinc and iron contamination and leading to premature pipe failure.
6. How should pool inspection reports be written?
Pool inspection reports must be clear, detailed, and objective to effectively communicate findings and recommendations. A detailed report provides specific information about identified issues, while objectivity ensures the assessment is unbiased and factual. Including actionable recommendations guides the pool owner on necessary steps for remediation, making the report a valuable tool for ensuring safety and compliance.