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100+ Free CPE I Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CPE I Exam

100

Total Questions

CPN CPE Syllabus

3 hours

Exam Time Limit

CPN Examination Rules

₦35,000+

Total Registration Fee

CPN official portal

5

Syllabus Modules

CPE Level I Syllabus

50%

Passing Mark

CPN Examination Council

CBT

Exam Format

Computer Professionals Council

The CPN CPE Level I exam features 100 questions, a 3-hour limit, and costs between ₦35,000 and ₦45,000. It is the first professional stage for becoming a chartered IT professional in Nigeria, testing computing systems, programming basics, database management, networking, and IT ethics.

Sample CPE I Practice Questions

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

1Which of the following describes the key difference between Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM) in a computer system?
A.RAM is volatile and stores temporary runtime data, whereas ROM is non-volatile and stores permanent startup firmware.
B.RAM is non-volatile and holds user files, while ROM is volatile and processes arithmetic calculations.
C.RAM holds the BIOS/UEFI boot instructions permanently, whereas ROM holds the operating system files temporarily.
D.RAM requires constant backup to secondary storage to retain its contents when powered down, whereas ROM is deleted.
Explanation: RAM is volatile memory, meaning its contents are lost when the system is powered off, and it is used to hold active applications and data. ROM is non-volatile, retaining its contents permanently even without power, and is typically used to store system startup firmware like BIOS or UEFI.
2Which component of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for executing logical operations and mathematical calculations?
A.Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
B.Control Unit (CU)
C.System Register Block
D.L1 Cache Controller
Explanation: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is the CPU sub-component that executes all calculations (addition, subtraction) and logical comparisons (AND, OR, NOT). The Control Unit (CU) directs the flow of data, while registers provide immediate storage, and caches speed up memory access.
3What is the primary function of an Operating System (OS) in a standard computer setup?
A.Managing hardware resources and providing a common interface for application software.
B.Compiling source code written in high-level programming languages into machine binary.
C.Preventing all forms of unauthorized network intrusion and malware infections by default.
D.Designing and editing relational database schemas for enterprise applications.
Explanation: The primary role of the Operating System is to serve as an intermediary between the user, application software, and computer hardware. It manages system resources, memory allocation, process scheduling, storage files, and peripheral devices.
4How do primary storage and secondary storage differ regarding data access speeds and persistence?
A.Primary storage is faster and volatile, while secondary storage is slower and non-volatile.
B.Primary storage is slower and non-volatile, while secondary storage is faster and volatile.
C.Primary storage resides outside the computer chassis, while secondary storage resides on the motherboard.
D.Primary storage requires disk-formatting before partition, while secondary storage is read-only.
Explanation: Primary storage (RAM) is directly accessible by the CPU, providing very high speed, but it is volatile (contents disappear when powered down). Secondary storage (like hard disk drives and SSDs) is slower but non-volatile, keeping data permanently.
5What is the binary representation of the decimal number 13?
A.1101
B.1011
C.1110
D.1001
Explanation: To convert decimal 13 to binary: 13 divided by 2 is 6 remainder 1. 6 divided by 2 is 3 remainder 0. 3 divided by 2 is 1 remainder 1. 1 divided by 2 is 0 remainder 1. Reading remainders from bottom to top yields 1101. (8 + 4 + 0 + 1 = 13).
6Perform the binary addition of the values 1010 and 0101. What is the result?
A.1111
B.10000
C.10101
D.1100
Explanation: Adding binary 1010 (decimal 10) and 0101 (decimal 5) yields 1111 (decimal 15). Line by line addition: 0+1=1, 1+0=1, 0+1=1, 1+0=1. No carries are generated, resulting in 1111.
7Convert the binary number 10111 to its decimal equivalent.
A.23
B.19
C.27
D.21
Explanation: To convert binary 10111 to decimal, assign base-2 positional weights: (1 * 16) + (0 * 8) + (1 * 4) + (1 * 2) + (1 * 1) = 16 + 0 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 23.
8What is the primary function of system cache memory (L1, L2, L3) in computer processor architecture?
A.Storing recently or frequently accessed instructions and data close to the CPU core to reduce memory latency.
B.Holding the basic hardware boot sector code permanently for the BIOS bootstrap loader.
C.Acting as a low-cost backup device to replace damaged motherboard RAM chips.
D.Enabling network cards to buffer outgoing network traffic frames without processor interrupt.
Explanation: Cache memory is ultra-fast static RAM (SRAM) integrated into or near the CPU. It holds copies of data and instructions from the slower main dynamic RAM (DRAM) that the CPU is likely to need next, significantly speeding up processing.
9Which of the following statements best explains the concept of virtual memory in operating systems?
A.It uses space on a secondary storage drive (like an SSD or HDD) to simulate additional physical RAM.
B.It refers to a cloud-based memory subscription that increases hardware memory over the internet.
C.It is memory that exists only within virtual machines running under a hypervisor.
D.It is a special secure partition of RAM used solely to store kernel-mode encrypted passwords.
Explanation: Virtual memory is a memory management technique where the operating system uses a portion of secondary storage (swap space/paging file) to temporarily store inactive pages of data when physical RAM is fully loaded, preventing program crashes.
10Which pair of devices consists of one input device and one output device, respectively?
A.Flatbed scanner and drum plotter
B.Barcode reader and optical mouse
C.Dot-matrix printer and laser printer
D.Digital keyboard and microphone
Explanation: A flatbed scanner is an input device (it digitizes physical images/documents into the computer). A drum plotter is an output device (it draws vector graphics onto paper from computer commands).

About the CPE I Exam

The CPN Computer Professional Examination Level I (CPE I) is the initial professional-level certification conducted by the Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria). It validates fundamental competency equivalent to an OND academic degree in computing, covering basic computing and information systems, algorithms and programming, database management, data communications and networking, and IT ethics and security in Nigeria. Passing this exam qualifies candidates for CPE Level II.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

50%

Exam Fee

₦35,000 - ₦45,000 (Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) (CPN))

CPE I Exam Content Outline

20%

Basic Computing and Information Systems

Hardware components, binary representation, computer classifications, operating systems basic functions, application software, and file systems.

25%

Introduction to Programming and Algorithms

Programming concepts, algorithmic flowcharts and pseudocode, variables and data types, control structures (sequence, selection, iteration), and basic data structures (arrays, records).

15%

Database Management Basics

Relational database concepts, tables, fields, records, primary and foreign keys, entity-relationship basics, and simple SQL queries.

20%

Data Communications and Networking

Basic networking concepts, network topologies, transmission media, OSI reference model, protocols (TCP, UDP, HTTP, FTP), and IP addressing.

20%

Computer Ethics, Professionalism, and Security

CPN Code of Conduct and professional bodies, cybercrimes, computer viruses/malware, basic security measures, privacy, intellectual property, and social implications.

How to Pass the CPE I Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 50%
  • Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: ₦35,000 - ₦45,000

Keys to Passing

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

CPE I Study Tips from Top Performers

1Practice binary math additions and conversions between decimal, binary, and hexadecimal.
2Trace basic pseudocode and identify how array indexing and nested loops modify variables.
3Understand relational database design, identifying how primary and foreign keys link tables.
4Learn to construct basic SQL statements using SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and ORDER BY.
5Memorize the layers of the OSI reference model (Layers 1-7) and their corresponding primary protocols.
6Review the CPN professional code of ethics and core provisions of the Cybercrimes Act of Nigeria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CPN CPE Level I certification?

The Computer Professional Examination Level I (CPE I) is the entry professional-level certification conducted by the Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria). It measures foundational IT knowledge across software, databases, networking, and professional ethics, serving as a gateway to professional licensure in Nigeria.

Who is eligible to write the CPN CPE I exam?

Eligibility requires at least 5 O'Level credit passes including English and Mathematics, or a CPN Foundation Certificate II pass, or an NCE/ND/Diploma in Computer Science, IT, or related computing engineering disciplines from a recognized institution.

What subjects are tested in CPN CPE Level I?

The exam tests five core areas: Basic Computing and Information Systems, Introduction to Programming and Algorithms, Database Management Basics, Data Communications and Networking, and Computer Ethics, Professionalism, and Security.

How much does the CPN CPE Level I exam cost in Nigeria?

The total registration cost typically ranges from approximately ₦35,000 to ₦45,000, covering registration form fees and specific subject module fees paid via Remita on exams.cpnreg.ng.

What is the passing mark for the CPN CPE exams?

The general passing score is 50% in each subject module. Candidates must pass all core modules to be awarded the CPE Level I Certificate and qualify for CPE Level II.