DEA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which agency ultimately schedules and reschedules controlled substances after HHS provides medical recommendations? → DEA
2. Records of controlled substance transactions must generally be retained for at least how long? → 2 years
3. What term describes the branch of pharmacology that studies the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action? → Pharmacodynamics
4. Which plant is the source of cocaine? → Erythroxylum coca (coca plant)
5. Which act established the DEA? → Controlled Substances Act
6. The murder of DEA Agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena in 1985 led to what major operation? → Operation Leyenda
7. What term describes the illegal transfer of legally manufactured controlled substances into the illicit market? → Diversion
8. Which DEA form is used to report the theft or significant loss of controlled substances? → DEA Form 106
9. The Controlled Substances Act was enacted as part of which 1970 law? → Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act
10. What physical fitness component is a core part of DEA Special Agent training at Quantico? → The Physical Task assessment including runs and sit-ups
11. The DEA's Aviation Division primarily supports operations by providing what? → Air surveillance and transport for enforcement
12. Which of the following best describes 'interdiction' in DEA operations? → Intercepting drugs in transit before they reach the market
13. Under DEA rules, who may legally receive a Schedule II controlled substance transfer using DEA Form 222? → A DEA-registered purchaser
14. If a document says a suspect was 'apprehended without incident,' it means the arrest happened: → Smoothly, with no trouble
15. What does the DEA require before controlled substances can be destroyed by a registrant? → Use of DEA Form 41 and authorized method
16. A DEA registration number is required for a practitioner to do what? → Prescribe controlled substances
17. How often must a DEA registration be renewed? → Every 3 years
18. How many refills are generally permitted for a Schedule II prescription? → Zero refills
19. Prescriptions for Schedule III and IV drugs may be refilled up to how many times within six months? → 5 times
20. Which schedule contains drugs with a lower abuse potential such as anabolic steroids and ketamine? → Schedule III
21. If a document states an order was 'rescinded,' it means the order was: → Cancelled or revoked
22. In 'The evidence was deemed insufficient,' the word 'deemed' most nearly means: → Judged or considered
23. Which DEA program monitors the distribution of listed chemicals used to make illegal drugs? → Diversion Control Program
24. A report reads: 'The agency will disseminate the bulletin to field offices.' 'Disseminate' means to: → Distribute widely
25. What is the primary mechanism of action of opioids at the cellular level? → They bind to mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptors
26. Which schedule contains drugs like oxycodone and fentanyl that have accepted medical uses but high abuse potential? → Schedule II
27. Based on its pharmacological effects on the central nervous system, methamphetamine is classified as which type of drug? → CNS stimulant
28. What is drug diversion? → The transfer of legally prescribed controlled substances for illicit use
29. To reschedule or deschedule a controlled substance, the DEA must consult with which agency for a scientific and medical evaluation? → FDA/HHS
30. If a controlled substance prescription is transferred between pharmacies for refill purposes, what must be documented? → The transfer information on both pharmacy records