Certified Archivist Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of an
archives?
A. To store all documents indefinitely
B. To provide unrestricted access to all materials
C. To preserve records of enduring value for research and
accountability
D. To serve as a library for general publications
Rationale: Archives are intended to preserve records with long-term
value, not everything indiscriminately.
2. The principle of provenance requires that:
A. All records be organized by subject
B. Records be stored by format
C. Records be kept according to their originating office or creator
D. Records be digitized for easy access
Rationale: Provenance emphasizes maintaining records in their
original context and creator relationship.
3. Which of the following is considered a primary source?
A. A textbook summarizing events
, B. A government census report from 1900
C. An encyclopedia entry
D. A modern journal article interpreting historical events
Rationale: Primary sources are original records or firsthand accounts.
4. The term "fonds" in archival science refers to:
A. A collection of unrelated documents
B. A single record
C. All the records organically created and accumulated by a particular
entity
D. A published book series
Rationale: Fonds represent the whole body of records created by an
organization or individual.
5. A finding aid is used primarily to:
A. Digitize collections
B. Store records
C. Describe and provide access to archival materials
D. Replace original records
Rationale: Finding aids guide users to relevant archival materials
efficiently.
6. Which of the following is the most important factor in determining the
long-term preservation of paper records?
A. Color of ink
B. Acid content of paper
C. Font type
D. Number of pages
, Rationale: Acidic paper deteriorates faster, so pH is a key
preservation factor.
7. A records retention schedule is intended to:
A. Dispose of all records immediately
B. Digitize records
C. Specify how long records must be kept and when they can be
destroyed
D. Store records alphabetically
Rationale: Retention schedules provide legal and operational
guidance for record lifecycles.
8. What is the primary purpose of appraisal in archival management?
A. To increase the number of records
B. To determine the long-term value of records
C. To reorganize records alphabetically
D. To provide public access
Rationale: Appraisal identifies records worthy of permanent
preservation.
9. Which of the following is a common method of arranging archival
materials?
A. Alphabetically by color
B. Chronologically by subject
C. By provenance and original order
D. Randomly
Rationale: Maintaining provenance and original order preserves
context and authenticity.
, 10. In archival terms, “accessioning” refers to:
A. Cataloging library books
B. Digitizing collections
C. The formal process of accepting and documenting materials into
an archive
D. Destroying duplicates
Rationale: Accessioning ensures that materials enter the archival
repository with proper documentation.
11. What is the difference between archives and libraries?
A. Libraries store digital material only
B. Archives are always publicly accessible
C. Archives preserve unique records, while libraries collect published
works
D. There is no difference
Rationale: Archives focus on unique primary source materials;
libraries focus on published content.
12. The “original order” principle is intended to:
A. Alphabetize records
B. Convert records to digital format
C. Maintain records in the sequence established by their creator
D. Destroy unnecessary files
Rationale: Original order helps preserve context and relationships
among records.
13. Which Of The Following Is An Example Of A Born-Digital Record?
A. A Printed Memo
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of an
archives?
A. To store all documents indefinitely
B. To provide unrestricted access to all materials
C. To preserve records of enduring value for research and
accountability
D. To serve as a library for general publications
Rationale: Archives are intended to preserve records with long-term
value, not everything indiscriminately.
2. The principle of provenance requires that:
A. All records be organized by subject
B. Records be stored by format
C. Records be kept according to their originating office or creator
D. Records be digitized for easy access
Rationale: Provenance emphasizes maintaining records in their
original context and creator relationship.
3. Which of the following is considered a primary source?
A. A textbook summarizing events
, B. A government census report from 1900
C. An encyclopedia entry
D. A modern journal article interpreting historical events
Rationale: Primary sources are original records or firsthand accounts.
4. The term "fonds" in archival science refers to:
A. A collection of unrelated documents
B. A single record
C. All the records organically created and accumulated by a particular
entity
D. A published book series
Rationale: Fonds represent the whole body of records created by an
organization or individual.
5. A finding aid is used primarily to:
A. Digitize collections
B. Store records
C. Describe and provide access to archival materials
D. Replace original records
Rationale: Finding aids guide users to relevant archival materials
efficiently.
6. Which of the following is the most important factor in determining the
long-term preservation of paper records?
A. Color of ink
B. Acid content of paper
C. Font type
D. Number of pages
, Rationale: Acidic paper deteriorates faster, so pH is a key
preservation factor.
7. A records retention schedule is intended to:
A. Dispose of all records immediately
B. Digitize records
C. Specify how long records must be kept and when they can be
destroyed
D. Store records alphabetically
Rationale: Retention schedules provide legal and operational
guidance for record lifecycles.
8. What is the primary purpose of appraisal in archival management?
A. To increase the number of records
B. To determine the long-term value of records
C. To reorganize records alphabetically
D. To provide public access
Rationale: Appraisal identifies records worthy of permanent
preservation.
9. Which of the following is a common method of arranging archival
materials?
A. Alphabetically by color
B. Chronologically by subject
C. By provenance and original order
D. Randomly
Rationale: Maintaining provenance and original order preserves
context and authenticity.
, 10. In archival terms, “accessioning” refers to:
A. Cataloging library books
B. Digitizing collections
C. The formal process of accepting and documenting materials into
an archive
D. Destroying duplicates
Rationale: Accessioning ensures that materials enter the archival
repository with proper documentation.
11. What is the difference between archives and libraries?
A. Libraries store digital material only
B. Archives are always publicly accessible
C. Archives preserve unique records, while libraries collect published
works
D. There is no difference
Rationale: Archives focus on unique primary source materials;
libraries focus on published content.
12. The “original order” principle is intended to:
A. Alphabetize records
B. Convert records to digital format
C. Maintain records in the sequence established by their creator
D. Destroy unnecessary files
Rationale: Original order helps preserve context and relationships
among records.
13. Which Of The Following Is An Example Of A Born-Digital Record?
A. A Printed Memo
