CRA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A recreation aide should avoid leaving blank lines in a progress note because: → Blanks can be filled in fraudulently by others
2. When documenting in a progress note, using the abbreviation 'c/o' means: → Complains of
3. A resident uses a long-handled bath sponge during their bathing routine. This adaptive strategy primarily compensates for: → Limited range of motion in the hips and spine
4. What is 'adventure therapy' primarily designed to address? → Self-efficacy, trust, and problem-solving through challenge experiences
5. A recreation aide observes a participant's prosthetic running blade flexing excessively during sprinting. This most likely indicates: → The blade category (e.g., sprint vs. distance) is mismatched to the activity
6. Which ratio of staff to participants is most critical to maintain for water-based recreation activities involving non-swimmers? → A lower (more supervision-intensive) ratio than land-based activities
7. A participant's family requests that their child not participate in a specific music activity due to religious beliefs. How should the CRA respond? → Acknowledge the request, document it, and arrange an appropriate alternative
8. Which goal best fits a therapeutic recreation plan for a participant recovering from a stroke? → Improve fine motor coordination through supervised craft activities
9. A fire alarm activates during an indoor recreation session. The Recreation Aide should: → Immediately lead participants to the nearest emergency exit following the evacuation plan
10. A client states they have no hobbies or interests. What is the best initial approach for the recreation aide? → Conduct a leisure interest inventory to explore potential areas of enjoyment
11. When documenting a participant incident, a CRA should record: → Objective, factual observations without personal interpretation
12. What is the MAIN therapeutic benefit of pet-assisted therapy in recreational settings? → Reducing anxiety and promoting social interaction through animal contact
13. A participant shares personal health information during a recreation session. What is the CRA's primary ethical obligation? → Keep it confidential and share only on a need-to-know basis
14. During an outdoor activity, a participant complains of chest pain. The CRA's immediate response should be to: → Stop the activity, call for medical help immediately, and stay with the participant
15. The term 'PRN' in a recreation therapy plan means: → As needed
16. When using relaxation techniques in recreational therapy, which method involves tensing and releasing muscle groups? → Progressive muscle relaxation
17. In SOAP format, the 'P' section for a resident with limited mobility might read: → Continue modified chair exercises 3x/week; consult PT re: ambulation goals
18. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in multicultural activity programming to verify that CRA professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
19. What should be included in an incident report in therapeutic recreation? → Date, time, description of incident, and actions taken
20. Which of the following is an example of objective documentation? → 'Participant completed 3 of 5 ring toss attempts independently.'
21. Which documentation practice protects the recreation aide legally? → Recording accurate, factual, and timely notes
22. Which communication strategy is most effective when working with clients who have hearing impairments during group activities? → Using visual cues, written instructions, and maintaining eye contact
23. What is 'group cohesion' in a recreation context? → The degree to which members feel bonded and committed to the group
24. A recreation aide is running an outdoor nature walk program for clients with PTSD. Which therapeutic benefit does this activity primarily offer? → Stress reduction through restorative environment and mindful attention
25. Why is it important for a CRA to maintain up-to-date knowledge of facility policies? → To ensure safe, consistent, and ethically sound service delivery
26. Which of the following is an example of a passive recreation activity? → Watching a movie or listening to music
27. What is the main benefit of incorporating reminiscence activities into therapeutic recreation programs for older adults? → They promote self-identity, dignity, and cognitive engagement through memory recall
28. Under HIPAA, a Recreation Aide should share participant health information with: → Only care team members directly involved in the participant's care
29. Why is a debrief (reflection) valuable at the end of a group recreation activity? → It helps participants process experiences, reinforce learning, and strengthen group bonds
30. Which type of participant behavior should a Recreation Aide address IMMEDIATELY as a safety risk? → A participant who throws equipment toward other participants