CPC Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the CPC 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.

📋 CPC Exam Format at a Glance

Questions

120 min

Time Limit

70.00%

Passing Score

Take a Full CPC Exam Simulation →

📚 CPC Topics to Study (38)

Air Traffic Control Procedures & Regulations · 9 cards Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills · 9 cards Emergency Response & Safety Management · 9 cards Navigation Systems & Radar Operations · 9 cards Air Traffic Control Procedures & Regulations · 7 cards Air Traffic Control Procedures & Regulations · 7 cards Air Traffic Control Procedures & Regulations · 7 cards Air Traffic Control Procedures & Regulations · 7 cards Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills · 7 cards Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills · 7 cards Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills · 7 cards Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills · 7 cards Emergency Response & Safety Management · 7 cards Emergency Response & Safety Management · 7 cards Emergency Response & Safety Management · 7 cards Emergency Response & Safety Management · 7 cards Navigation Systems & Radar Operations · 7 cards Navigation Systems & Radar Operations · 7 cards Navigation Systems & Radar Operations · 7 cards Navigation Systems & Radar Operations · 7 cards Separation Standards & Traffic Flow Management · 7 cards Separation Standards & Traffic Flow Management · 7 cards Separation Standards & Traffic Flow Management · 7 cards Aircraft Performance & Systems Knowledge for Controllers · 6 cards Aircraft Performance & Systems Knowledge for Controllers · 6 cards Aircraft Performance & Systems Knowledge for Controllers · 6 cards Airspace Classification & Structure · 6 cards Airspace Classification & Structure · 6 cards Airspace Classification & Structure · 6 cards Controller Workload Management & Human Factors · 6 cards

See all 38 topics as flashcards →

✍️ Sample CPC Questions & Answers

1. According to FAA wake turbulence categories, which aircraft type generates the most severe wake?

✓ Super category aircraft like the A380 and AN-124

The 'Super' category (A380, AN-124) generates the most severe wake turbulence, requiring the greatest separation from following aircraft.

2. A controller is asked to create an emergency reserve fund policy. Which factor is MOST important in determining the appropriate reserve level?

✓ Historical frequency and severity of past disruptions combined with current risk exposure

Reserve levels should be calibrated to the company's specific risk profile, using historical data and forward-looking risk assessment.

3. Which holding pattern entry is used when the aircraft's heading is within 70 degrees of the inbound course on the non-holding side?

✓ Parallel entry

A parallel entry is used when the aircraft's heading falls within the sector on the non-holding side of the inbound course.

4. What is the minimum radar separation standard between aircraft at or above 10,000 ft MSL in en-route airspace?

✓ 5 NM

The standard en-route radar separation at or above 10,000 ft MSL is 5 NM between aircraft targets.

5. When a company invokes its business continuity plan and activates a hot site for financial operations, what distinguishes a 'hot site' from a 'cold site'?

✓ A hot site is fully equipped and operational, allowing near-immediate switchover

A hot site is a fully equipped, mirrored facility that can assume operations within hours, unlike a cold site that requires equipment installation first.

6. When a pilot reports a ceiling of 800 feet and visibility of 1.5 miles, the conditions are classified as:

✓ IFR

IFR conditions are defined as a ceiling below 1,000 feet and/or visibility less than 3 miles; this report meets both IFR thresholds.

🎯 Free CPC Practice Tests

Air Traffic Control Procedures & Regulations · 9 questions Navigation Systems & Radar Operations · 9 questions Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills · 9 questions Emergency Response & Safety Management · 9 questions Emergency Response & Safety Management · 7 questions Emergency Response & Safety Management · 7 questions Separation Standards & Traffic Flow Management · 7 questions Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills · 7 questions Emergency Response & Safety Management · 7 questions Communication Protocols & Coordination Skills · 7 questions

📖 CPC Guides & Articles

Your CPC Study Path

1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation

🃏 CPC Flashcards (259)🏆 CPC Exam Simulation

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