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 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.
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 1
,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.
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
What is the major cause of coastal flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-Storm surge
What causes a tsunami? - ....ANSWER ...-Underwater earthquakes or volcanoes
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 2
,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.
What does watershed development do to flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-The increase
in impervious surface results in increased runoff and higher flood levels.
What is one of the problems with constructing seawalls to protect buildings from
flooding or erosion? - ....ANSWER ...-It can accelerate erosion on properties at the
end of the wall.
What are the five main causes of flood damage? - ....ANSWER ...-1. Hydrodynamic
forces
2. Debris impact
3. Hydrostatic forces
4. Soaking
5. Sediments and contaminants
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 3
, Standing water as little as _____ feet deep can collapse the walls of a frame house. -
....ANSWER ...-3 feet
What are some of the safety and health hazards that accompany floods? -
....ANSWER ...-1. Disruption of public utilities
2. Electrocution
3. Contamination of water supplies
4. Fire
5. Animal carcasses, garbage, and ponds; which can become breeding grounds for germs
and mosquitoes
6. Mold, mildew, and bacteria that grow in damp, flooded areas
7. Contaminated air from dirty heating ducts
8. Stress and mental health problems
Prior to the 1960s what was the primary way to reduce flood losses? -
....ANSWER ...-Structural flood control projects
What is the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's definition of
"floodplain management"? - ....ANSWER ...-"A decision-making process that
aims to achieve the wise use of the nation's floodplains"
What are the two primary goals of floodplain management? - ....ANSWER ...-1. To
reduce the loss of life, disruption, and damage caused by floods
2. To preserve and restore the natural resources and functions of floodplains
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️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 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.
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 1
,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.
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
What is the major cause of coastal flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-Storm surge
What causes a tsunami? - ....ANSWER ...-Underwater earthquakes or volcanoes
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 2
,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.
What does watershed development do to flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-The increase
in impervious surface results in increased runoff and higher flood levels.
What is one of the problems with constructing seawalls to protect buildings from
flooding or erosion? - ....ANSWER ...-It can accelerate erosion on properties at the
end of the wall.
What are the five main causes of flood damage? - ....ANSWER ...-1. Hydrodynamic
forces
2. Debris impact
3. Hydrostatic forces
4. Soaking
5. Sediments and contaminants
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 3
, Standing water as little as _____ feet deep can collapse the walls of a frame house. -
....ANSWER ...-3 feet
What are some of the safety and health hazards that accompany floods? -
....ANSWER ...-1. Disruption of public utilities
2. Electrocution
3. Contamination of water supplies
4. Fire
5. Animal carcasses, garbage, and ponds; which can become breeding grounds for germs
and mosquitoes
6. Mold, mildew, and bacteria that grow in damp, flooded areas
7. Contaminated air from dirty heating ducts
8. Stress and mental health problems
Prior to the 1960s what was the primary way to reduce flood losses? -
....ANSWER ...-Structural flood control projects
What is the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's definition of
"floodplain management"? - ....ANSWER ...-"A decision-making process that
aims to achieve the wise use of the nation's floodplains"
What are the two primary goals of floodplain management? - ....ANSWER ...-1. To
reduce the loss of life, disruption, and damage caused by floods
2. To preserve and restore the natural resources and functions of floodplains
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 4
