CPP Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which element of a URL should a proofreader flag as an SEO problem in the slug '/blog/post?id=4829&ref=newsletter'? → Dynamic parameters instead of descriptive keywords
2. When reviewing web copy, a proofreader finds the sentence: 'Our software is used by Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and freelancer's.' What is wrong? → An apostrophe is incorrectly added to a plural noun
3. What is the primary purpose of consistent document formatting? → To ensure clarity and professionalism
4. Which sentence correctly uses 'complement' vs. 'compliment'? → The sauce complemented the dish beautifully.
5. A document uses the number '1,000,000' in its English version. The Spanish localized version shows '1.000.000.' The proofreader should: → Accept it as correct because Spanish uses periods as thousands separators
6. A proofreader uses a macro in Microsoft Word to automate repetitive formatting checks. Which built-in tool is used to record and run macros? → Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor / Macros menu
7. The symbol '¶' is inserted in running text during proofreading. What does it indicate? → Begin a new paragraph here
8. What is the relationship between legal & medical document proofreading and overall Certified Professional Proofreader professional competency? → It is an essential component that strengthens the overall competency framework
9. Which edition of the MLA Handbook introduced the concept of 'containers' for organizing source information? → 8th edition
10. In AP style, which of the following titles is capitalized correctly before a name? → President Joe Biden
11. A 'house style sheet' given to a proofreader typically documents: → Client-specific spelling, terminology, and formatting decisions for a project
12. What type of clause is underlined in: 'Although the manuscript was long, the editor finished it quickly'? → Dependent (subordinate) clause
13. Which sentence has correct subject-verb agreement? → The team is winning the game.
14. A legal exhibit label reads 'Exhibit A-1' in the body text and 'Exhibit A.1' in the exhibit tab. How should a proofreader handle this discrepancy? → Flag the inconsistency and query which form is authoritative
15. A prescription reads 'Take 1 tablet P.O. B.I.D. × 10 days.' Which abbreviation is on the Joint Commission's 'Do Not Use' list? → B.I.D.
16. A proofreader notices that a document alternates between single-spacing and 1.5-line spacing within body text paragraphs. This is: → A formatting inconsistency that should be flagged
17. Which of the following is the correct term for text that is set to align along both the left and right margins? → Justified
18. Which is the correct use of 'that' vs. 'which' in American English? → The error that appeared on page 3 was critical.
19. Which of the following is spelled correctly? → accommodate
20. Which sentence avoids a comma splice? → The proof was complete; it was submitted immediately.
21. What information is essential to include in a freelance proofreading invoice? → Client's personal address, invoice number, payment terms, itemized services, and total due
22. What is the purpose of a sign-off sheet in professional proofreading workflows? → To formally document that each quality-check stage has been completed and approved
23. A proofreader notices an article's internal links all use the anchor text 'read more.' What is the best correction strategy? → Replace each anchor with the target page's primary keyword phrase
24. The word 'principal' vs. 'principle': which sentence is correct? → The principal concern is accuracy.
25. When using the serial comma (Oxford comma), which sentence is correctly punctuated? → She proofread novels, articles, and reports.
26. Which sentence correctly uses an Oxford (serial) comma? → She proofread the title, body, and footnotes.
27. Which clause in a freelance proofreading contract protects you if a client publishes a document containing an error you did not catch? → Indemnification (limitation of liability) clause
28. Which of the following is the correct spelling? → conscientious
29. What is 'front matter' in a book? → All pages before the main text, including the title page and table of contents
30. Which correctly uses 'discreet' vs. 'discrete'? → The report covers four discrete categories.