CCEP Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. In the Varus Stress Test of the knee, excessive lateral joint gapping compared to the contralateral side indicates injury to which structure? → Lateral collateral ligament
2. The valgus stress test of the knee evaluates the integrity of the: → Medial collateral ligament
3. The posterior interosseous nerve (deep branch of the radial nerve) enters the posterior forearm by passing through which structure? → Supinator muscle (arcade of Frohse)
4. Which test for lateral ankle ligament integrity involves applying inversion stress to the hindfoot to assess the calcaneofibular ligament? → Talar Tilt Test
5. What is the primary unit of structure and function in living organisms studied in CCEP? → Cell
6. Which technique uses a sustained longitudinal distraction force to reduce compressive joint pain before glide mobilizations? → Joint distraction
7. A Trendelenburg sign during single-leg stance indicates weakness of which muscle group? → Ipsilateral hip abductors
8. The Lachman test for ACL integrity is preferred over the anterior drawer test because it is more sensitive at which knee flexion angle? → 20–30 degrees
9. Cupping therapy applied to the posterior thigh for hamstring flexibility creates its therapeutic effect primarily through: → Negative pressure that lifts and decompresses superficial and deep fascia layers
10. The 'empty can' test for supraspinatus integrity is performed with the shoulder in which position? → 90° abduction in the scapular plane, full internal rotation, thumb pointing down
11. Which provocative test evaluates medial collateral ligament integrity at the knee by applying a valgus stress? → Valgus stress test
12. What is the value of continuing education in joint mobilization for CCEP professionals? → It keeps professionals current with evolving standards and practices
13. The plantar fascia originates from the: → Medial process of the calcaneal tuberosity
14. Taping the ankle in slight eversion after a lateral ankle sprain is intended primarily to: → Limit inversion and protect healing lateral ligaments
15. Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) demonstrates which characteristic finding on shoulder arthrography? → Reduced joint volume and contracted capsule (rim sign)
16. Clicking or 'clunking' at the wrist during ulnar deviation that resolves after a triquetrohamate adjustment implicates which structure? → Triquetrohamate joint
17. A 'sail sign' on a lateral elbow radiograph is caused by which finding? → Anterior fat pad elevation from joint effusion
18. When adjusting the proximal tibiofibular joint with an anterior-to-posterior thrust, the patient is best positioned in which way? → Supine with knee flexed to 90°
19. A patient presents with a 'click' in the hip during flexion, reproduced consistently. The most likely diagnosis is: → Snapping hip syndrome (coxa saltans)
20. The sural nerve is typically formed by contributions from which two nerves? → Tibial and common peroneal nerves
21. A 17-year-old athlete presents with knee pain after a jump landing. Imaging reveals a tibial tubercle avulsion fracture. Management should include: → Immobilization and urgent orthopedic referral
22. A spring test on the first tarsometatarsal joint that reproduces dorsal pain with absent springiness indicates which listing? → Dorsal fixation of the 1st TMT
23. The 'scapular-thoracic' adjustment performed with the patient seated and the arm draped over the practitioner's thigh primarily mobilizes which joint? → Scapulothoracic articulation
24. Anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome involves entrapment of which nerve under the inferior extensor retinaculum on the dorsum of the foot? → Deep peroneal nerve
25. The Q-angle in the knee assessment is measured between the quadriceps line of pull and which other reference? → Line from ASIS through patella center to tibial tuberosity
26. When using the Ottawa Ankle Rules, which finding indicates the need for radiographic imaging? → Point tenderness at the posterior edge of the lateral malleolus
27. A cyclist presents with numbness and tingling in the ulnar distribution of the hand from prolonged handlebar pressure. What is the most likely diagnosis? → Handlebar palsy (ulnar neuropathy at Guyon's canal)
28. A soccer player sustains acute knee pain after a valgus stress mechanism. Which ligament is most commonly injured? → MCL
29. Which pattern of hip joint restriction is most consistent with early osteoarthritis of the hip using the capsular pattern? → Greatest loss of internal rotation, then flexion, then abduction
30. When treating a frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) in the freezing phase, the primary chiropractic goal should be: → Pain management, gentle AROM within pain-free range, and patient education