CPI Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a 'safety plan' within a CPI behavioral risk framework? → To outline proactive strategies that reduce risk before a crisis occurs
2. A staff member notices their colleague applying a hold that compresses the individual's neck. What is the correct CPI response? → Verbally redirect the colleague and adjust the hold immediately
3. Which of the six SAMHSA trauma-informed care principles focuses on individuals having a voice in their own care? → Empowerment
4. When assessing behavioral risk using the CPI model, which factor is considered a PRIMARY environmental contributor to escalating behavior? → Staff-to-client ratios and physical setting
5. A staff member correctly uses a 'supportive stance' during an assessment interaction. This stance is BEST described as: → Positioning at an angle, maintaining a non-threatening body posture
6. A client's individualized care plan (ICP) should be reviewed and updated at minimum: → At regular intervals and after significant behavioral changes
7. Which communication style is most effective in Crisis Prevention Intervention Certification professional settings? → Assertive and respectful
8. Which of the following best describes 'negligence per se' in the context of a CPI physical intervention? → Violating a statute or regulation that directly causes harm to the individual
9. Which of the following best describes confidentiality in Crisis Prevention Intervention Certification? → Protecting sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure
10. In the context of CPI Wellness, which sleep hygiene practice is most directly linked to reducing staff emotional exhaustion and secondary traumatic stress? → Maintaining a consistent sleep-wake schedule
11. When designing a CPI training classroom, which seating arrangement best supports both instruction and quick staff response to a crisis? → U-shape or horseshoe configuration
12. When adapting CPI team interventions for a two-person staff situation where one person has limited upper-body strength, the modification should: → Redistribute roles so each person's responsibilities match their physical capabilities
13. Which of the following is an example of a proactive programming strategy based on client assessment findings? → Scheduling preferred activities during times the client historically shows highest stress
14. According to the CPI model, which of the following correctly lists the four staff attitudes in the order they correspond to the crisis levels? → Supportive, Directive, Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention, Therapeutic Rapport
15. Which factor is most important when assessing an individual's risk of escalation? → Recognizing early warning signs
16. When building motivational rapport, CPI recommends staff use which communication approach with individuals who are resistant? → Open-ended questions that invite the individual to share their perspective
17. Which classroom setup strategy reduces the likelihood of a participant feeling 'put on the spot' during group CPI instruction? → Using think-pair-share or small group discussion before whole-group sharing
18. When repositioning a person from a prone hold to a lateral recovery position, which physiological benefit is achieved? → Relief of weight on the chest restores normal respiratory mechanics
19. A progression in CPI training exercises is best defined as: → Moving from foundational skills to more complex or demanding applications
20. According to CPI, which factor most strongly predicts whether a verbal de-escalation attempt will succeed? → The quality of the therapeutic relationship established before the crisis
21. According to CPI, which factor makes a physical intervention legally and ethically justifiable? → There is an imminent risk of harm that cannot be managed by less restrictive means
22. According to CPI's understanding of behavior, what is the primary driver behind most acting-out behavior in crisis situations? → An unmet need or inability to communicate effectively
23. A person with osteoporosis is involved in a physical restraint. What injury is MOST likely if standard holds are applied? → Bone fracture
24. When using the CPI COPING Model, what does the 'O' stand for? → Options
25. What is the appropriate staff attitude in response to the Anxiety level in the CPI Crisis Development Model? → Supportive
26. A staff member notices that an individual becomes more cooperative when given choices. Which CPI principle does this reflect? → Supporting autonomy to increase motivation and cooperation
27. Which instructional method is MOST effective for teaching the CPI Non-Violent Crisis Intervention decision-making model to a group? → Case study analysis followed by guided group debrief
28. Which pattern of caffeine use is most likely to worsen anxiety disorders and lower the crisis threshold in individuals with a history of panic attacks? → High daily caffeine intake from multiple sources throughout the day
29. A client's programming team is conducting a functional behavior assessment (FBA). What is the primary goal of an FBA? → To identify the function or purpose that a problem behavior serves for the client
30. During the Tension Reduction phase of the CPI Crisis Development Model, which motivational approach is MOST appropriate? → Providing calm support, therapeutic rapport-building, and emotional validation