CPE Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A standing workstation is being introduced to reduce sedentary risk. What is the recommended standing-to-sitting ratio for most office workers? → Stand for 30 minutes per hour, sit for 30 minutes per hour
2. In cognitive ergonomics, what is 'inattentional blindness'? → Failure to perceive an unexpected stimulus when attention is focused elsewhere
3. When modifying a hand-tool grip for a precision assembly task, which grip diameter range minimizes gripping force for MOST adult workers? → 30–40 mm (1.2–1.6 in)
4. Error-tolerant design in cognitive ergonomics refers to systems that: → Allow users to detect, recover from, or undo errors without catastrophic consequences
5. In the context of ergonomics program evaluation, what does 'process evaluation' assess? → Whether program activities are implemented as planned (fidelity and reach)
6. In prospective memory research, which type of prospective memory failure is most likely in ergonomics contexts involving suspended tasks? → Habitual intrusion where a completed intention is repeated
7. In an ergonomic assessment, what does an Activity Index (AI) greater than 5 on the Strain Index indicate? → The job is associated with increased risk of hand/wrist musculoskeletal disorder
8. Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of which nerve? → Median nerve
9. Which of the following is a primary advantage of using a between-subjects design over a within-subjects design in ergonomics experiments? → Eliminates order and carryover effects between conditions
10. The 'normal working area' or 'zone of convenient reach' in workstation layout design is defined by: → Forearm rotation around the stationary elbow with the upper arm hanging naturally
11. Total Worker Health (TWH) is a NIOSH framework that integrates occupational safety with: → Worker well-being including lifestyle health promotion activities
12. A telecommuter reports neck and shoulder pain during video calls. Which single intervention is most likely to provide immediate relief? → Raise the laptop screen to eye level using a stand and add an external keyboard and mouse
13. What does the coupling multiplier (CM) in the NIOSH Lifting Equation specifically address? → The quality of the hand-to-object interface (grip quality)
14. What does 'function allocation' mean in work system design? → Deciding which tasks are best performed by humans versus automated systems
15. Illuminance is measured in which unit? → Lux (lx)
16. Which research method is MOST appropriate when an ergonomist wants to understand how experienced workers actually adapt procedures in a real work environment? → Ethnographic field observation and contextual inquiry
17. In the context of human error, which category does 'using a wrong but familiar procedure' best fit under Reason's Generic Error Modeling System (GEMS)? → Mistake
18. An ergonomist recommends replacing a two-handed pinch-grip task with a power-grip tool modification. What is the primary biomechanical rationale? → Power grip engages larger proximal muscles, reducing distal joint stress
19. Tendinitis is best characterized as inflammation of which structure? → Tendon sheath or tendon itself
20. The NIOSH Lifting Equation uses a Recommended Weight Limit (RWL). What is the load constant (LC) used in the equation? → 23 kg
21. Which measure is used in RULA to differentiate between muscle use that is static versus repeated? → Muscle use score (+1 for static posture held >1 min or repeated >4x/min)
22. What is the NIOSH Action Limit (AL) for back compressive force at L5/S1? → 3,400 N
23. Knee clearance height beneath a work surface should be designed based on which anthropometric reference? → 95th percentile male sitting knee height
24. What is the recommended ASHRAE thermal comfort temperature range for sedentary office work in summer? → 73–79°F (23–26°C)
25. For designing hand tool handles, which anthropometric measurement is most relevant for determining optimal grip diameter? → Hand grip circumference (maximum circumference of the closed hand)
26. Which anthropometric measurement is most critical for determining appropriate seated workstation surface height? → Popliteal height
27. In office ergonomics, what is the recommended vertical distance between the top of the monitor screen and the worker's eye level? → The top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level
28. Which noise level (8-hour time-weighted average) triggers OSHA's requirement for a hearing conservation program? → 85 dBA
29. In the context of manual material handling, what does the Lifting Index (LI) represent? → The ratio of actual load to the RWL
30. What is 'mode error' in human factors and ergonomics? → Performing the wrong action because the system is in an unrecognized mode