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. What is the primary purpose of a 'man-trap' or airlock entry system in a secure facility? → Prevent tailgating and unauthorized access
2. In loss prevention, 'shrinkage' refers to: → The loss of inventory due to theft, damage, administrative error, or vendor fraud
3. Why is regular review important in CPI risk management? → Conditions change and new risks emerge requiring updates
4. What role do standard operating procedures play in CPI Forensic Science & Analysis? → Ensuring consistency and quality through documented instructions
5. What is 'pretext' as used in intelligence and investigative contexts? → A fabricated scenario or identity used to elicit information
6. What is evidence-based practice in CPI Investigation Procedures & Methods? → Integrating research evidence with expertise and client needs
7. Which of the following OSINT sources would provide the most current real-time location intelligence on a subject? → Publicly tagged social media check-ins and posts
8. What is the primary objective of an asset protection program? → To minimize financial losses from theft, fraud, and operational errors
9. During an inspection, a CPI finds that a key control log shows 12 keys issued but only 10 returned. What should be the inspector's recommendation? → Re-key or replace affected locks and conduct an investigation to locate the missing keys
10. Which lighting type is most effective for perimeter security in outdoor environments? → High-pressure sodium or LED floodlights with motion activation
11. Which behavior by a subject most strongly indicates they may be conducting counter-surveillance against an operative? → Making sudden direction changes and checking reflections in windows
12. Which of the following is an example of internal theft in asset protection? → An employee voiding legitimate transactions to steal cash
13. What is peer review in CPI Investigation Procedures & Methods? → Quality evaluation by qualified colleagues for improvement
14. How do regulations differ from standards in CPI practice? → Regulations are legally binding; standards are typically voluntary
15. During a security inspection, a CPI finds that emergency exit doors lack proper hardware. Which standard governs life safety exit requirements? → NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)
16. What does exception-based reporting (EBR) primarily help loss prevention professionals identify? → Anomalous transactions or behaviors that may indicate fraud or theft
17. What is 'counter-surveillance' in the context of professional inspections? → Techniques used to detect whether one is being followed or observed
18. An inspector's client asks whether they should walk away from the purchase based on the inspection findings. The ethical response is to: → Decline to advise on the transaction and refer the client to their real estate advisor
19. What is 'vulnerability' in the context of a security risk assessment? → A weakness or gap in security measures that could be exploited by a threat
20. What is the importance of continuing education for CPI professionals in Interview & Interrogation Techniques? → Maintaining current knowledge and adapting to industry changes
21. Under CPI professional standards, how should an inspector handle a situation where the client is not present during the inspection? → Conduct the inspection normally and provide a complete written report
22. What is the hierarchy of controls in CPI risk management? → Elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, then PPE
23. What is the importance of continuing education for CPI professionals in Forensic Science & Analysis? → Maintaining current knowledge and adapting to industry changes
24. What is a corrective action plan in CPI compliance? → A strategy to address deficiencies and prevent recurrence
25. What is peer review in CPI Surveillance & Intelligence? → Quality evaluation by qualified colleagues for improvement
26. How does professional liability insurance protect CPI practitioners? → Covering financial losses from claims of negligence or errors
27. What does the term 'dry cleaning' mean in surveillance tradecraft? → A route or set of actions taken to detect and lose any surveillance on oneself
28. Which type of lock is most commonly recommended for high-security access control in commercial inspections? → High-security deadbolt with anti-pick pins
29. What is evidence-based practice in CPI Interview & Interrogation Techniques? → Integrating research evidence with expertise and client needs
30. Which risk treatment option involves purchasing insurance or outsourcing to reduce financial exposure? → Risk transference