DCA Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the DCA 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.
📋 DCA Exam Format at a Glance
📚 DCA Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample DCA Questions & Answers
1. A diamond with a 'thick' girdle is considered problematic because it:
An excessively thick girdle adds weight to the diamond without meaningfully increasing its face-up appearance, effectively making the diamond cost more per carat than it looks.
2. What is the appropriate response to witnessing unethical conduct by a colleague?
Reporting through established channels with proper documentation follows professional obligations to protect public welfare while ensuring due process.
3. How should equipment maintenance records be maintained?
Detailed maintenance logs with dates, actions, and technician identification provide accountability, support troubleshooting, and demonstrate regulatory compliance.
4. What is the appropriate retention period for professional records?
Record retention must follow state/federal laws and professional licensing requirements, which typically specify minimum retention periods for different record types.
5. What is a 'solitaire' ring setting?
A solitaire setting features a single center diamond as the sole stone, with no accent or side stones, emphasizing the beauty of the one diamond.
6. What does 'prong tipping' refer to in jewelry maintenance?
Prong tipping is a repair technique where new metal is added to the tips of worn or thin prongs to restore the stone's security without replacing the entire setting.