CERTIFIED FLOODPLAIN
MANAGER EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
What is "Basic rule #1" for using maps and data? -
....ANSWER ...-You must use the latest maps and flood data
published by FEMA
What is basic rule #2 on what needs a permit in the floodplain? -
....ANSWER ...-A permit is required for all development in the
SFHA.
What is Basic Rule #3? - ....ANSWER ...-Development must not
increase the flood hazard on other properties
In a riverine AE Zone with a base flood elevation, what must a
developer show in order to demonstrate that he is meeting Basic Rule
#3? - ....ANSWER ...-He must conduct an encroachment review
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,that demonstrates that the cumulative effect of the proposed
development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated
development:
· Will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more
than one foot at any point within the community, and
· Is consistent with the technical criteria contained in Chapter 5
(Hydraulic Analyses) of the Flood Insurance Study: Guidelines and
Specifications for Study Contractors, FEMA-37, 1995.
What does Basic rule #4 say about new buildings in A Zones? -
....ANSWER ...-New, substantially improved or substantially
damaged buildings must be protected from damage by the base flood.
What does Basic rule #5 say about new buildings in V Zones? -
....ANSWER ...-There are special building requirements in
addition to the building protection requirements for buildings in A
Zones. Due to wave impacts, V Zones have special building protection
standards in addition to the requirements for A zones.
...COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025... ALL RIGHTS RESERVED... 2
,What is the basic rule on improvements and repairs to existing buildings
in the floodplain? - ....ANSWER ...-If the cost of improvements
or the cost to repair the damage exceeds 50 percent of the market value
of the building, it must be brought up to current floodplain management
standards.
What is the basic rule on calculating the cost of the damage? -
....ANSWER ...-Substantial damage is determined regardless of the
actual cost to the owner. You must figure the true cost of bringing the
building back to its pre-damage condition using qualified labor and
materials obtained at market prices.
What are the three most common types of flooding? -
....ANSWER ...-Riverine, coastal, shallow
Which type of flooding has accounted for the most flood-related deaths
in recent history? - ....ANSWER ...-Flash flooding
What is a "meander"? - ....ANSWER ...-It is a curve or turn in a
river channel
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, What is the major cause of coastal flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-
Storm surge
What causes a tsunami? - ....ANSWER ...-Underwater earthquakes
or volcanoes
List the five types of special flood hazards covered in this course. Does
your community have any of these? - ....ANSWER ...-1. Closed
basin lakes
2. Uncertain flow paths
3. Dam breaks
4. Ice jams
5. Mudflows
What two problems result from floodplain development? -
....ANSWER ...-1. Development alters the floodplain and the
dynamics of flooding
2. Buildings and infrastructure are damaged by periodic flooding.
...COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025... ALL RIGHTS RESERVED... 4
MANAGER EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
What is "Basic rule #1" for using maps and data? -
....ANSWER ...-You must use the latest maps and flood data
published by FEMA
What is basic rule #2 on what needs a permit in the floodplain? -
....ANSWER ...-A permit is required for all development in the
SFHA.
What is Basic Rule #3? - ....ANSWER ...-Development must not
increase the flood hazard on other properties
In a riverine AE Zone with a base flood elevation, what must a
developer show in order to demonstrate that he is meeting Basic Rule
#3? - ....ANSWER ...-He must conduct an encroachment review
...COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025... ALL RIGHTS RESERVED... 1
,that demonstrates that the cumulative effect of the proposed
development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated
development:
· Will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more
than one foot at any point within the community, and
· Is consistent with the technical criteria contained in Chapter 5
(Hydraulic Analyses) of the Flood Insurance Study: Guidelines and
Specifications for Study Contractors, FEMA-37, 1995.
What does Basic rule #4 say about new buildings in A Zones? -
....ANSWER ...-New, substantially improved or substantially
damaged buildings must be protected from damage by the base flood.
What does Basic rule #5 say about new buildings in V Zones? -
....ANSWER ...-There are special building requirements in
addition to the building protection requirements for buildings in A
Zones. Due to wave impacts, V Zones have special building protection
standards in addition to the requirements for A zones.
...COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025... ALL RIGHTS RESERVED... 2
,What is the basic rule on improvements and repairs to existing buildings
in the floodplain? - ....ANSWER ...-If the cost of improvements
or the cost to repair the damage exceeds 50 percent of the market value
of the building, it must be brought up to current floodplain management
standards.
What is the basic rule on calculating the cost of the damage? -
....ANSWER ...-Substantial damage is determined regardless of the
actual cost to the owner. You must figure the true cost of bringing the
building back to its pre-damage condition using qualified labor and
materials obtained at market prices.
What are the three most common types of flooding? -
....ANSWER ...-Riverine, coastal, shallow
Which type of flooding has accounted for the most flood-related deaths
in recent history? - ....ANSWER ...-Flash flooding
What is a "meander"? - ....ANSWER ...-It is a curve or turn in a
river channel
...COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025... ALL RIGHTS RESERVED... 3
, What is the major cause of coastal flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-
Storm surge
What causes a tsunami? - ....ANSWER ...-Underwater earthquakes
or volcanoes
List the five types of special flood hazards covered in this course. Does
your community have any of these? - ....ANSWER ...-1. Closed
basin lakes
2. Uncertain flow paths
3. Dam breaks
4. Ice jams
5. Mudflows
What two problems result from floodplain development? -
....ANSWER ...-1. Development alters the floodplain and the
dynamics of flooding
2. Buildings and infrastructure are damaged by periodic flooding.
...COPYRIGHT ©️ 2025... ALL RIGHTS RESERVED... 4
