CDC SERVICES JOURNEYMAN LEVEL 5 FINAL EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains
1. Applied Epidemiology and Surveillance
2. Public Health Law, Ethics, and Policy
3. Community Health Assessment and Program Planning
4. Health Communication and Informatics
5. Cultural Competency and Health Equity
6. Public Health Financial Management and Administration
7. Emergency Preparedness and Response
8. Leadership and Systems Thinking in Public Health
9. Quality Improvement and Performance Management
10. Evidence-Based Practice and Research Methods
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate the advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities of a Journeyman
Level 5 public health professional as defined by the CDC Services framework. It serves as a culminating final
examination to determine readiness for independent, senior-level practice. The exam assesses proficiency in
foundational public health theory, applied professional knowledge, and complex decision-making in real-world
scenarios. It emphasizes the integration of regulatory compliance, ethical standards, and systems thinking to address
community health challenges. Candidates will demonstrate their capacity to lead programs, manage resources, and
communicate effectively across diverse populations. The exam is structured with multiple-choice questions that test
both recall of critical information and the application of principles to practical situations. A strong focus is placed on
,the candidate's ability to analyze data, prioritize interventions, and evaluate outcomes within the context of public
health practice and organizational policy.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. A community health assessment reveals a significant disparity in asthma rates between two neighborhoods.
What is the FIRST step a public health leader should take to address this issue?
A. Immediately allocate funding to purchase air purifiers for the affected neighborhood.
B. Form a community advisory board to guide the development of culturally appropriate interventions.
C. Conduct a root cause analysis to identify the social and environmental determinants contributing to the disparity.
D. Issue a press release to raise awareness about the disparity in asthma rates.
🟢C
🔴 Explanation: Before implementing any solution, it is critical to understand the underlying causes of the disparity.
A root cause analysis, focused on social and environmental determinants, is the foundational first step in evidence-
based program planning. This aligns with the core public health function of assessment and ensures that
interventions are targeted and effective, rather than addressing surface-level symptoms.
2. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in public
health research?
A. To ensure all research is funded by federal grants.
B. To review research protocols and protect the rights and welfare of human subjects.
,C. To determine the statistical validity of all study findings.
D. To publish the results of all public health research studies.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: The IRB's primary role is to review research involving human subjects to ensure that their rights and
welfare are protected. This is a cornerstone of research ethics and is mandated by federal regulations. While IRBs
may consider funding sources, their core function is the ethical oversight of research, not statistical review or
publication.
3. A program manager is evaluating the cost-effectiveness of two different interventions for reducing childhood
obesity. What is the most appropriate measure to use for this comparison?
A. The total cost of each program.
B. The number of participants who completed each program.
C. The cost per unit of health outcome achieved (e.g., cost per BMI point reduced).
D. The total number of media impressions generated by each program.
🟢C
🔴 Explanation: Cost-effectiveness analysis compares the costs of interventions to their health outcomes. The most
appropriate measure is the cost per unit of outcome (e.g., cost per BMI point reduced). This allows for a
standardized comparison that accounts for both the investment and the impact of the program. Total cost,
participation, or media impressions do not provide a complete picture of value.
4. According to the Public Health Code of Ethics, which principle is MOST critical when allocating scarce
resources during a public health emergency?
, A. Maximizing cost-efficiency for the health department.
B. Ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive priority consideration.
C. Prioritizing the health of public health workers.
D. Maintaining the confidentiality of all personal health information.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: The principle of social justice is paramount in public health ethics. During a crisis, fairness and
equity demand that priority be given to those who are most vulnerable or at greatest risk. While other principles like
confidentiality are important, the ethical allocation of scarce resources necessitates a focus on equity and the
protection of the most disadvantaged populations.
5. An epidemiologist is investigating a cluster of foodborne illnesses. What is the preferred study design for
identifying the source of the outbreak?
A. A cohort study.
B. A case-control study.
C. A cross-sectional study.
D. A randomized controlled trial.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: In an outbreak investigation, the source of exposure is unknown. A case-control study is the most
efficient and practical design. It compares the exposure history of cases (ill individuals) to that of controls (healthy
individuals) to identify a common source of exposure. Cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and randomized
controlled trials are less practical or ethical for an ongoing outbreak.
6. Which of the following is a key component of a logic model in program planning?
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains
1. Applied Epidemiology and Surveillance
2. Public Health Law, Ethics, and Policy
3. Community Health Assessment and Program Planning
4. Health Communication and Informatics
5. Cultural Competency and Health Equity
6. Public Health Financial Management and Administration
7. Emergency Preparedness and Response
8. Leadership and Systems Thinking in Public Health
9. Quality Improvement and Performance Management
10. Evidence-Based Practice and Research Methods
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate the advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities of a Journeyman
Level 5 public health professional as defined by the CDC Services framework. It serves as a culminating final
examination to determine readiness for independent, senior-level practice. The exam assesses proficiency in
foundational public health theory, applied professional knowledge, and complex decision-making in real-world
scenarios. It emphasizes the integration of regulatory compliance, ethical standards, and systems thinking to address
community health challenges. Candidates will demonstrate their capacity to lead programs, manage resources, and
communicate effectively across diverse populations. The exam is structured with multiple-choice questions that test
both recall of critical information and the application of principles to practical situations. A strong focus is placed on
,the candidate's ability to analyze data, prioritize interventions, and evaluate outcomes within the context of public
health practice and organizational policy.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. A community health assessment reveals a significant disparity in asthma rates between two neighborhoods.
What is the FIRST step a public health leader should take to address this issue?
A. Immediately allocate funding to purchase air purifiers for the affected neighborhood.
B. Form a community advisory board to guide the development of culturally appropriate interventions.
C. Conduct a root cause analysis to identify the social and environmental determinants contributing to the disparity.
D. Issue a press release to raise awareness about the disparity in asthma rates.
🟢C
🔴 Explanation: Before implementing any solution, it is critical to understand the underlying causes of the disparity.
A root cause analysis, focused on social and environmental determinants, is the foundational first step in evidence-
based program planning. This aligns with the core public health function of assessment and ensures that
interventions are targeted and effective, rather than addressing surface-level symptoms.
2. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in public
health research?
A. To ensure all research is funded by federal grants.
B. To review research protocols and protect the rights and welfare of human subjects.
,C. To determine the statistical validity of all study findings.
D. To publish the results of all public health research studies.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: The IRB's primary role is to review research involving human subjects to ensure that their rights and
welfare are protected. This is a cornerstone of research ethics and is mandated by federal regulations. While IRBs
may consider funding sources, their core function is the ethical oversight of research, not statistical review or
publication.
3. A program manager is evaluating the cost-effectiveness of two different interventions for reducing childhood
obesity. What is the most appropriate measure to use for this comparison?
A. The total cost of each program.
B. The number of participants who completed each program.
C. The cost per unit of health outcome achieved (e.g., cost per BMI point reduced).
D. The total number of media impressions generated by each program.
🟢C
🔴 Explanation: Cost-effectiveness analysis compares the costs of interventions to their health outcomes. The most
appropriate measure is the cost per unit of outcome (e.g., cost per BMI point reduced). This allows for a
standardized comparison that accounts for both the investment and the impact of the program. Total cost,
participation, or media impressions do not provide a complete picture of value.
4. According to the Public Health Code of Ethics, which principle is MOST critical when allocating scarce
resources during a public health emergency?
, A. Maximizing cost-efficiency for the health department.
B. Ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive priority consideration.
C. Prioritizing the health of public health workers.
D. Maintaining the confidentiality of all personal health information.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: The principle of social justice is paramount in public health ethics. During a crisis, fairness and
equity demand that priority be given to those who are most vulnerable or at greatest risk. While other principles like
confidentiality are important, the ethical allocation of scarce resources necessitates a focus on equity and the
protection of the most disadvantaged populations.
5. An epidemiologist is investigating a cluster of foodborne illnesses. What is the preferred study design for
identifying the source of the outbreak?
A. A cohort study.
B. A case-control study.
C. A cross-sectional study.
D. A randomized controlled trial.
🟢B
🔴 Explanation: In an outbreak investigation, the source of exposure is unknown. A case-control study is the most
efficient and practical design. It compares the exposure history of cases (ill individuals) to that of controls (healthy
individuals) to identify a common source of exposure. Cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and randomized
controlled trials are less practical or ethical for an ongoing outbreak.
6. Which of the following is a key component of a logic model in program planning?
