Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Exam
Script 2026/2027 | Comprehensive Study
Version | A+
• What is "Basic rule #1" for using maps and data? -✓✓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? -✓✓A permit is
required for all development in the SFHA.
• What is Basic Rule #3? -✓✓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? -✓✓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.
• What does Basic rule #4 say about new buildings in A Zones? -✓✓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? -✓✓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? -✓✓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? -✓✓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? -✓✓Riverine, coastal,
shallow
• Which type of flooding has accounted for the most flood-related deaths in recent
history? -✓✓Flash flooding
• What is a "meander"? -✓✓It is a curve or turn in a river channel
• What is the major cause of coastal flooding? -✓✓Storm surge
• What causes a tsunami? -✓✓Underwater earthquakes or volcanoes
• List the five types of special flood hazards covered in this course. Does your
community have any of these? -✓✓1. Closed basin lakes
2. Uncertain flow paths
,3. Dam breaks
4. Ice jams
5. Mudflows
• What two problems result from floodplain development? -✓✓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? -✓✓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? -✓✓It can accelerate erosion on properties at the end of the
wall.
• What are the five main causes of flood damage? -✓✓1. Hydrodynamic forces
2. Debris impact
3. Hydrostatic forces
4. Soaking
5. Sediments and contaminants
• Standing water as little as _____ feet deep can collapse the walls of a frame
house. -✓✓3 feet
• What are some of the safety and health hazards that accompany floods? -✓✓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? -
✓✓Structural flood control projects
• What is the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's definition of
"floodplain management"? -✓✓"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? -✓✓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
• What areas are conductive to flash flooding? -✓✓1. Hilly area with steep slopes
and narrow valleys
2. Urban areas with large amounts of impervious surfaces and storm sewers
3. Area downstream of dams or subject to ice jams
• Is erosion only a threat in coastal areas? -✓✓No. Riverine erosion can move
stream channels and undercut structures.
Script 2026/2027 | Comprehensive Study
Version | A+
• What is "Basic rule #1" for using maps and data? -✓✓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? -✓✓A permit is
required for all development in the SFHA.
• What is Basic Rule #3? -✓✓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? -✓✓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.
• What does Basic rule #4 say about new buildings in A Zones? -✓✓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? -✓✓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? -✓✓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? -✓✓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? -✓✓Riverine, coastal,
shallow
• Which type of flooding has accounted for the most flood-related deaths in recent
history? -✓✓Flash flooding
• What is a "meander"? -✓✓It is a curve or turn in a river channel
• What is the major cause of coastal flooding? -✓✓Storm surge
• What causes a tsunami? -✓✓Underwater earthquakes or volcanoes
• List the five types of special flood hazards covered in this course. Does your
community have any of these? -✓✓1. Closed basin lakes
2. Uncertain flow paths
,3. Dam breaks
4. Ice jams
5. Mudflows
• What two problems result from floodplain development? -✓✓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? -✓✓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? -✓✓It can accelerate erosion on properties at the end of the
wall.
• What are the five main causes of flood damage? -✓✓1. Hydrodynamic forces
2. Debris impact
3. Hydrostatic forces
4. Soaking
5. Sediments and contaminants
• Standing water as little as _____ feet deep can collapse the walls of a frame
house. -✓✓3 feet
• What are some of the safety and health hazards that accompany floods? -✓✓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? -
✓✓Structural flood control projects
• What is the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's definition of
"floodplain management"? -✓✓"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? -✓✓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
• What areas are conductive to flash flooding? -✓✓1. Hilly area with steep slopes
and narrow valleys
2. Urban areas with large amounts of impervious surfaces and storm sewers
3. Area downstream of dams or subject to ice jams
• Is erosion only a threat in coastal areas? -✓✓No. Riverine erosion can move
stream channels and undercut structures.
