SPE Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What does a 'waterfall' cash flow structure in a joint venture typically determine? → The order in which stakeholders receive cash distributions after costs are recovered
2. What is 'fracture tortuosity' and how does it affect hydraulic fracturing? → Near-wellbore complexity causing high friction pressure and restricted proppant entry
3. In a horizontal well, what is the primary function of a rotary steerable system (RSS)? → Provide continuous rotation while steering the bit to the target trajectory
4. Which economic indicator measures the time required for cumulative cash inflows to recover the initial investment? → Payback period
5. The concept of 'skin factor' in well testing represents: → Additional pressure drop due to near-wellbore damage or stimulation
6. What does the acronym ALARP stand for in petroleum industry risk management? → As Low As Reasonably Practicable
7. Which rock physics model relates changes in pore fluid to seismic velocity, forming the basis for fluid substitution in seismic interpretation? → Gassmann's equation
8. What does a separator do in production operations? → Separates oil, gas, and water phases
9. In the hierarchy of hazard controls, which option provides the highest level of worker protection? → Elimination of the hazard
10. Which of the following best describes the role of 'stabilizers' in a bottom hole assembly (BHA)? → To centralize the BHA in the wellbore and control bit trajectory
11. What is the main goal of production operations in oil & gas fields? → Safely and efficiently extract hydrocarbons
12. Which casing string is primarily designed to protect freshwater aquifers and support the wellhead? → Surface casing
13. A pressure buildup test is shut in after a production time 'tp'. The Horner approximation works best when which condition is met? → Production time (tp) greatly exceeds shut-in time (Δt)
14. Which petrophysical parameter is defined as the ratio of pore volume to total bulk volume of a rock sample? → Porosity
15. OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.147, the 'lockout/tagout' standard, is designed to protect workers from: → Unexpected energization or release of stored energy during servicing
16. Which drilling fluid property describes its ability to suspend cuttings when circulation is stopped? → Gel strength
17. In a gas reservoir, P/Z vs. cumulative gas production (Gp) plots are used to estimate: → Original gas in place (OGIP)
18. A company uses a 12% discount rate. A project costing $10M today returns $15M in 4 years. What is the approximate NPV? → -$0.45M
19. The Lorenz coefficient is used in reservoir engineering to quantify: → Vertical heterogeneity of permeability
20. In ESP design, what does the term 'pump intake pressure' (PIP) represent? → Bottomhole flowing pressure at the pump suction inlet
21. In a water-wet reservoir, where does water preferentially reside? → Contact with grain surfaces
22. What causes the 'horns' or spike anomalies seen on resistivity logs at bed boundaries? → Current focusing artifacts when tool straddles two beds of contrasting resistivity
23. Under BSEE regulations for offshore platforms, a Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) must include a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for which tasks? → Routine and non-routine tasks that pose a risk to personnel or environment
24. The Corey exponents in relative permeability correlations control: → The shape of the krw and kro curves between endpoint saturations
25. What does the term 'equivalent circulating density' (ECD) represent in drilling operations? → The effective mud weight at a given depth accounting for annular friction pressure losses
26. What is the primary purpose of a pressure transient test (e.g., buildup test) in reservoir engineering? → Determine reservoir permeability, skin, and boundaries
27. ISO 14001 is an international standard that provides a framework for: → Environmental management systems
28. Which regulatory body oversees offshore safety and environmental compliance for oil and gas operations on the US Outer Continental Shelf? → BSEE
29. In a gas gathering system, which parameter is most critical in sizing the pipeline diameter to avoid excessive pressure drop? → Volumetric flow rate at standard conditions
30. A production platform detects a H2S concentration of 10 ppm in the work area. According to OSHA guidelines, what action is required at this concentration? → Workers must be warned and exposure monitored — this is the ceiling limit