Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test (SMQT)
Examination 2026–2027 | Comprehensive Long-Term
Care (LTC) Facility Survey & Certification Practice
Questions with Verified Answers & Rationales | Latest
SMQT Syllabus & Exam Prep
Description:
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess mastery of the
core knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the Surveyor Minimum
Qualifications Test (SMQT) as administered by the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services (CMS). The 200 multiple-choice questions cover
all critical content areas including CMS regulatory framework, the
Long-Term Care Survey Process (LTSCP), resident rights and quality of
life, clinical care standards, survey and enforcement procedures, and
professional surveyor responsibilities. Questions range from
foundational recall to complex scenario-based problems that test clinical
decision-making and regulatory application in long-term care settings.
SMQT Examination: Comprehensive Practice Test
Instructions: This is a closed-book examination with multiple-choice
questions. Select the single best answer for each question. The actual
SMQT is a computer-based test that must be passed to conduct
independent long-term care facility surveys. A passing score of 62
percent or greater is required.
,SECTION 1: Questions 1-50
1. What is the primary purpose of the Surveyor Minimum Qualifications
Test (SMQT)?
A. To certify surveyors as healthcare providers
B. To ensure surveyors have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to
evaluate LTC facilities
C. To license surveyors as facility administrators
D. To certify surveyors in clinical procedures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SMQT is designed to assess whether a surveyor has the
core knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to evaluate
compliance of long-term care facilities with federal requirements . The
test identifies individuals who have the minimum competencies
necessary for LTC facility surveys, which are key parts of surveyors' job
performance .
2. The SMQT is part of which broader CMS program?
A. The Quality Improvement Program
B. The Survey and Certification Program
C. The Medicare Advantage Program
D. The Medicaid Managed Care Program
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SMQT is part of CMS's Survey and Certification
Program, which ensures that healthcare facilities comply with federal
requirements for participation in Medicare and Medicaid .
3. Which federal legislation mandated that long-term care facility
surveyors meet minimum qualifications and successfully complete a
training and testing program?
A. Social Security Act of 1965
B. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 87)
C. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
D. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SMQT is CMS's response to the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 87) requirement that LTC facility
surveyors meet minimum qualifications and successfully complete a
training and testing program .
4. What is the minimum passing score required for the SMQT?
A. 60 percent
B. 62 percent
C. 70 percent
D. 75 percent
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Learners must achieve a score of 62 percent or greater to pass
the SMQT .
5. The primary reference document for SMQT exam content is the:
A. OSHA Field Manual
B. CMS State Operations Manual (SOM)
C. CDC Infection Control Guidelines
D. FDA Food Code
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CMS State Operations Manual (SOM) is the primary
reference document for SMQT exam content. It contains the procedural
guidelines and interpretive rules used by state surveyors to determine
compliance with federal long-term care requirements .
6. Which component is NOT part of the standard Long-Term Care
Survey Process (LTSCP)?
A. Offsite preparation
B. Resident sample selection
C. Marketing review and advertising compliance
D. Exit conference
Correct Answer: C
Examination 2026–2027 | Comprehensive Long-Term
Care (LTC) Facility Survey & Certification Practice
Questions with Verified Answers & Rationales | Latest
SMQT Syllabus & Exam Prep
Description:
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess mastery of the
core knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the Surveyor Minimum
Qualifications Test (SMQT) as administered by the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services (CMS). The 200 multiple-choice questions cover
all critical content areas including CMS regulatory framework, the
Long-Term Care Survey Process (LTSCP), resident rights and quality of
life, clinical care standards, survey and enforcement procedures, and
professional surveyor responsibilities. Questions range from
foundational recall to complex scenario-based problems that test clinical
decision-making and regulatory application in long-term care settings.
SMQT Examination: Comprehensive Practice Test
Instructions: This is a closed-book examination with multiple-choice
questions. Select the single best answer for each question. The actual
SMQT is a computer-based test that must be passed to conduct
independent long-term care facility surveys. A passing score of 62
percent or greater is required.
,SECTION 1: Questions 1-50
1. What is the primary purpose of the Surveyor Minimum Qualifications
Test (SMQT)?
A. To certify surveyors as healthcare providers
B. To ensure surveyors have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to
evaluate LTC facilities
C. To license surveyors as facility administrators
D. To certify surveyors in clinical procedures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SMQT is designed to assess whether a surveyor has the
core knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to evaluate
compliance of long-term care facilities with federal requirements . The
test identifies individuals who have the minimum competencies
necessary for LTC facility surveys, which are key parts of surveyors' job
performance .
2. The SMQT is part of which broader CMS program?
A. The Quality Improvement Program
B. The Survey and Certification Program
C. The Medicare Advantage Program
D. The Medicaid Managed Care Program
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SMQT is part of CMS's Survey and Certification
Program, which ensures that healthcare facilities comply with federal
requirements for participation in Medicare and Medicaid .
3. Which federal legislation mandated that long-term care facility
surveyors meet minimum qualifications and successfully complete a
training and testing program?
A. Social Security Act of 1965
B. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 87)
C. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
D. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SMQT is CMS's response to the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 87) requirement that LTC facility
surveyors meet minimum qualifications and successfully complete a
training and testing program .
4. What is the minimum passing score required for the SMQT?
A. 60 percent
B. 62 percent
C. 70 percent
D. 75 percent
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Learners must achieve a score of 62 percent or greater to pass
the SMQT .
5. The primary reference document for SMQT exam content is the:
A. OSHA Field Manual
B. CMS State Operations Manual (SOM)
C. CDC Infection Control Guidelines
D. FDA Food Code
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CMS State Operations Manual (SOM) is the primary
reference document for SMQT exam content. It contains the procedural
guidelines and interpretive rules used by state surveyors to determine
compliance with federal long-term care requirements .
6. Which component is NOT part of the standard Long-Term Care
Survey Process (LTSCP)?
A. Offsite preparation
B. Resident sample selection
C. Marketing review and advertising compliance
D. Exit conference
Correct Answer: C
