100+ Free CPN CFE Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CPN CFE Exam

40%

Passing Score

CPN Rules

Academic Equivalency

NBTE Standards

3 hours

Exam Duration

Per Paper

₦33,200+

Exam Fees

exams.cpnreg.ng

The CPN CFE (Computer Foundation Examination) is Nigeria's official entry-level IT credential. Administered by the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, passing CFE I & II is recognized as equivalent to a National Diploma (ND) in Computer Science, allowing direct entry into 200-level university IT programs. The exam requires a 40% pass mark.

Sample CPN CFE Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CPN CFE exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which characteristic of a computer describes its ability to perform repetitive tasks with the same speed, accuracy, and efficiency without experiencing fatigue or lack of concentration?

A.Versatility

B.Diligence

C.Accuracy

D.Storage capacity

Explanation: Diligence is the computer's capacity to work for hours continuously without tiredness, lack of concentration, or error. Unlike humans, a computer maintains the same speed and accuracy from the first instruction to the millionth.

2Which historical figure is widely recognized as the 'Father of the Computer' due to his design of the Analytical Engine?

A.Alan Turing

B.Charles Babbage

C.John von Neumann

D.Blaise Pascal

Explanation: Charles Babbage, a British mathematician, designed the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine in the 19th century. The Analytical Engine contained all the essential logical components of a modern computer: input, processor, memory, and output.

3Which core electronic component was the defining technology of the first generation of computers (approx. 1940-1956)?

A.Transistors

B.Integrated Circuits (ICs)

C.Vacuum Tubes

D.Microprocessors

Explanation: First-generation computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. They were massive in size, consumed enormous amounts of electricity, generated intense heat, and were prone to frequent malfunctions.

4The second generation of computers (approx. 1956-1963) witnessed a massive reduction in heat generation and physical footprint. This improvement was primarily due to the introduction of which component?

A.Transistors

B.Vacuum tubes

C.Integrated circuits

D.Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)

Explanation: Transistors were invented at Bell Labs in 1947 and replaced vacuum tubes in second-generation computers. This transition allowed computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-efficient, and far more reliable.

5Which technology breakthrough marked the transition into the third generation of computing (approx. 1964-1971)?

A.Magnetic drum storage

B.Microprocessors

C.Integrated Circuits (ICs)

D.Artificial Intelligence algorithms

Explanation: The development of the Integrated Circuit (IC) by Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce defined the third generation. Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon semiconductors, massively increasing computer speed and efficiency.

6Fourth-generation computers are characterized by the integration of thousands of integrated circuits onto a single silicon chip. What is this technology called?

A.Transistorization

B.Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI)

C.Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)

D.Thermionic Emission

Explanation: Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) allowed hundreds of thousands of electronic components to be packed onto a single chip, enabling the creation of the microprocessor (like the Intel 4004) and personal computers.

7Which of the following technologies is most closely associated with the fifth generation of computers?

A.Magnetic core memory

B.High-level programming languages

C.Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) and Artificial Intelligence

D.Command-line operating systems

Explanation: The fifth generation of computers is based on Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) technology and artificial intelligence (AI). This generation features voice recognition, parallel processing, neural networks, and quantum computing concepts.

8Which type of computer is designed to handle massive processing tasks for hundreds of users simultaneously, commonly serving as the centralized data hub for large enterprise databases, insurance databases, or banking networks?

A.Supercomputer

B.Mainframe computer

C.Minicomputer

D.Microcomputer

Explanation: Mainframe computers are large, powerful, and highly reliable systems optimized for high-throughput input/output and processing. They are designed to support hundreds of concurrent users, handle massive databases, and run continuous business-critical applications.

9A digital computer processes discrete values, whereas an analog computer measures continuous physical variables. What is a computer that integrates both digital and analog processing techniques called?

A.Hybrid computer

B.Mainframe computer

C.Integrated processor

D.Quantum computer

Explanation: A hybrid computer combines the speed of analog computing with the logical precision of digital computing. For example, a patient monitoring system in an intensive care unit (ICU) measures continuous analog signals (heart rate, blood pressure) and converts them into digital values for display.

10To maintain proper physical computer hygiene and prevent component damage, what is the recommended procedure for cleaning a computer monitor or LCD screen?

A.Spray a standard glass cleaner directly onto the screen and wipe with paper towels

B.Use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth, and if necessary, dampen the cloth slightly with distilled water

C.Scrub the screen using a damp sponge and household dishwashing liquid

D.Spray compressed air directly onto the glass from a distance of less than one inch

Explanation: LCD and LED screens are sensitive and can be easily scratched or damaged by harsh chemicals. Standard glass cleaners often contain ammonia or alcohol, which degrade screen coatings. The safe practice is using a microfiber cloth, occasionally dampened with distilled water, without spraying liquids directly on the screen.

About the CPN CFE Exam

The CPN Computer Foundation Examination (CFE) is a pre-professional IT certification in Nigeria. It evaluates core capabilities in hardware, systems, networking, databases, programming, multimedia, and professional ethics, serving as a direct path to a chartered IT career.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

40%

Exam Fee

₦33,200 - ₦36,700 (Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) (CPN))

CPN CFE Exam Content Outline

15%

Basic Computing Concepts & History

History of computing, generations, types of computers, and computer hygiene

15%

Computer Architecture & Hardware Maintenance

CPU components, primary/secondary memory, system buses, and logic gates

15%

Operating Systems & File Management

OS types, memory management, scheduling, and file systems

20%

Network Technologies, Topology & Security

Network types, topologies, OSI/TCPIP models, and cybersecurity fundamentals

15%

Principles of Programming & Databases

SDLC, high/low-level languages, variables, data structures, SQL, and OOP

10%

Multimedia Techniques & Programming

Multimedia elements, image/audio formats, compression, and AR/VR

10%

Computer Ethics, Professional Conduct & Society

Intellectual property, CPN code of ethics, NDPR, and Cybercrime Act

How to Pass the CPN CFE Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 40%
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: 3 hours
Exam fee: ₦33,200 - ₦36,700

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CPN CFE Study Tips from Top Performers

1Distribute study time proportionally across all 7 modules, with extra focus on Networking & Security (20% of exam)

2Practice conversion between decimal, binary, and hexadecimal number systems regularly

3Familiarize yourself with basic SQL commands and flow charting symbols

4Read the official CPN Code of Ethics and local Nigerian IT legislation like the Cybercrime Act 2015

5Take our free practice tests to build familiarity with MCQ pacing and concepts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CPN Computer Foundation Examination (CFE)?

The CFE is a pre-professional certification administered by the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN). It serves as an entry-level pathway for individuals without a formal degree in computer science to enter the IT profession in Nigeria.

What is the academic equivalency of the CPN CFE?

Under National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) guidelines, passing both CFE I and CFE II is recognized as equivalent to a National Diploma (ND) in Computer Science, qualifying candidates for direct entry admission into 200-level university programs.

What is the passing score for the CPN CFE?

The passing score for CPN examinations is 40% for each module or subject area.

What are the eligibility requirements for the CPN CFE?

Candidates need five O'Level credit passes (including English Language and Mathematics) in WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB, or equivalent, plus a pass in the Computer Literacy Examination (CLE) or equivalent basic IT literacy.

How much does the CPN CFE cost?

The total registration and examination fee is approximately ₦33,200 for CFE I and ₦36,700 for CFE II, payable via the CPN examination portal using Remita.

100+ Free CPN CFE Practice Questions

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