CSS Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the CSS exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 CSS Exam Format at a Glance

115
Questions
150 min
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score

📚 CSS Topics to Study (38)

Enforcement Actions & Reporting Obligations · 9 cardsRisk Analysis & Due Diligence · 9 cardsSanctions Laws & Regulatory Frameworks · 9 cardsScreening Processes & Compliance Systems · 9 cardsEnforcement Actions & Reporting Obligations · 7 cardsEnforcement Actions & Reporting Obligations · 7 cardsEnforcement Actions & Reporting Obligations · 7 cardsEnforcement Actions & Reporting Obligations · 7 cardsRisk Analysis & Due Diligence · 7 cardsRisk Analysis & Due Diligence · 7 cardsRisk Analysis & Due Diligence · 7 cardsRisk Analysis & Due Diligence · 7 cardsSanctions Laws & Regulatory Frameworks · 7 cardsSanctions Laws & Regulatory Frameworks · 7 cardsSanctions Laws & Regulatory Frameworks · 7 cardsSanctions Laws & Regulatory Frameworks · 7 cardsScreening Processes & Compliance Systems · 7 cardsScreening Processes & Compliance Systems · 7 cardsScreening Processes & Compliance Systems · 7 cardsScreening Processes & Compliance Systems · 7 cardsSecondary Sanctions & Extraterritorial Reach · 7 cardsSecondary Sanctions & Extraterritorial Reach · 7 cardsSecondary Sanctions & Extraterritorial Reach · 7 cardsCSS Correspondent Banking & Trade Finance · 6 cardsCSS Correspondent Banking & Trade Finance · 6 cardsCSS Correspondent Banking & Trade Finance · 6 cardsCSS Financial Institution Obligations & Controls · 6 cardsCSS Financial Institution Obligations & Controls · 6 cardsCSS Financial Institution Obligations & Controls · 6 cardsCSS Licensing & Exemptions · 6 cards

✍️ Sample CSS Questions & Answers

1. In the context of trade-based sanctions evasion, 'transshipment' refers to:
Shipping goods through a non-sanctioned third country to disguise their origin or ultimate destination

Transshipment as a sanctions evasion technique involves routing goods through a third, non-sanctioned country (a 'transit hub') to obscure that they originated from or are destined for a sanctioned country.

2. What is a 'specific license' in the OFAC licensing framework?
An individual authorization granted by OFAC for a particular transaction or set of transactions

A specific license is an individual written authorization from OFAC permitting a particular person or entity to engage in a transaction that would otherwise be prohibited.

3. The Berman Amendments to IEEPA and TWEA exempt which category of activities from US sanctions restrictions?
Information and informational materials, including news

The Berman Amendments prohibit the President from using IEEPA or TWEA to restrict the importation or exportation of information or informational materials, protecting free flow of information.

4. Which international body publishes risk indicators specifically designed to help financial institutions detect trade-based money laundering and sanctions evasion?
FATF (Financial Action Task Force)

FATF has published guidance and trade-based money laundering (TBML) risk indicators to help financial institutions and regulators identify suspicious trade transactions that may involve sanctions evasion, money laundering, or terrorist financing.

5. Which OFAC program guidance specifically addresses the sanctions compliance obligations of the insurance sector?
OFAC Insurance Industry Guidance (2004, updated periodically)

OFAC has published specific guidance for the insurance industry (including brokers, agents, and underwriters) outlining how sanctions obligations apply to insurance products such as policies, claims, and reinsurance.

6. Which of the following best describes 'disgorgement' as used in OFAC civil settlements?
Recovery of profits gained through sanctionable conduct

Disgorgement requires a violator to give up profits earned through the sanctions violation, preventing unjust enrichment and serving as a deterrent beyond the base civil penalty.

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