CPM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPM 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 role of hazard assessments in plant operations? → To identify and assess risks, leading to the implementation of safety measures.
2. Evenly spaced indentations in a bearing raceway that match the rolling element spacing usually indicate what? → Brinelling from impact or improper mounting
3. Which class of fire extinguisher is designed for energized electrical equipment fires? → Class C
4. What should be done with a cold chisel whose head has mushroomed? → Grind the mushroomed edge off
5. Compared with the dial-indicator rim-and-face method, laser shaft alignment mainly offers what advantage? → Faster, more accurate readings with automatic move calculations
6. Why should a gate valve not be used for throttling flow? → The partially open disc vibrates and the seats erode from high-velocity flow
7. How can plant operators ensure compliance with safety standards? → By following safety protocols, attending training, and reporting unsafe conditions.
8. In ISA symbology, what does an instrument balloon with a single solid horizontal line through it mean? → Mounted in the main control room and normally accessible to the operator
9. Which mechanical seal flush plan recirculates fluid from the pump discharge to the seal chamber? → API Plan 11
10. What is the recommended method for mounting a bearing with an interference fit on a shaft? → Heat the bearing evenly with an induction heater
11. Which tool is most appropriate for checking shaft runout on a pump? → Dial indicator
12. In the United States, calibration standards should be traceable to which organization? → NIST
13. A V-belt drive squeals loudly each time the motor starts. What is the most likely cause? → Insufficient belt tension causing slip
14. Why should pipe strain on a pump be checked after piping is connected? → Because piping forces can distort the casing and misalign the shafts
15. Why must compressed air receiver tanks be drained regularly? → To remove condensed water that causes corrosion and carryover
16. How should a standard parallel key fit in its keyway? → Snug on the sides with a slight clearance at the top
17. Which NLGI grease consistency grade is most commonly used for general-purpose rolling element bearings? → NLGI 2
18. A soft foot condition on a motor is best detected by which method? → Loosening one hold-down bolt at a time while indicating foot movement
19. On a P-F curve, what does the P-F interval represent? → The time from detecting a potential failure to functional failure
20. When doing a reverse dial indicator alignment, what should be checked and corrected before taking readings? → Soft foot
21. On a hydraulic schematic, a circle with a solid black triangle pointing outward represents what? → Hydraulic pump
22. What tools are commonly used in the installation of mechanical systems? → Wrenches, torque gauges, lifting equipment, and welding machines are commonly used.
23. Which valve type is best suited for regulating or throttling flow but causes relatively high pressure drop when fully open? → Globe valve
24. A mechanic is installing a new V-belt drive. After initial installation and tensioning, what is the recommended best practice regarding belt tension? → Re-tension the belt after a brief run-in period of 24-48 hours.
25. During shaft alignment, which correction is normally made first? → Vertical corrections with shims
26. In a pneumatic system, what does a flow control valve placed on the exhaust side of a cylinder typically control? → Cylinder speed, smoothly and steadily
27. In a meter-out flow control circuit, where is the flow control valve placed? → In the line leaving the actuator, restricting exhaust flow
28. On a gear-type flexible coupling, what is the most common maintenance requirement? → Periodic lubrication with coupling grease
29. A common rule of thumb for checking V-belt tension is a deflection of about: → 1/64 inch per inch of span
30. What does a pneumatic quick-exhaust valve mounted at a cylinder port do? → Speeds up cylinder movement by venting exhaust air directly at the cylinder