Comprehensive Controlled Substances
Practice Examination
Clinical Pharmacology & Nurse Practitioner Certification
Answers in green • Corrections in dark red • Updates in amber
Source: Woo & Robinson (2020) • Verified against DEA/SAMHSA/FDA as of May 2026
PART I: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND DEA SCHEDULING
1. According to the DEA criteria, how is a "dangerous controlled substance" defined for the
purpose of scheduling?
a) Any legend drug that requires a prescription from a licensed provider and has a narrow
therapeutic index.
b) A substance with a high potential for abuse and a high risk for severe psychological or physical
dependence.
c) Any medication that has not yet completed Phase III clinical trials but is available via
compassionate use.
d) A synthetic compound that lacks FDA approval and possesses no measurable structure-activity
relationship.
Answer: b) A substance with a high potential for abuse and a high risk for severe psychological or
physical dependence. (Woo & Robinson, 2020, Ch. 4) ✓ CONFIRMED ACCURATE
2. Which DEA Schedule has the lowest potential for abuse and includes medications such as
cough preparations with codeine or certain antidiarrheals?
a) Schedule I
b) Schedule II
c) Schedule IV
d) Schedule V
Answer: d) Schedule V. (Woo & Robinson, 2020, Ch. 4) ✓ CONFIRMED ACCURATE
3. Which DEA Schedule has the greatest potential for abuse, with no currently accepted medical
use in the United States?
a) Schedule I
b) Schedule II
c) Schedule III
d) Schedule IV
Answer: a) Schedule I. (Woo & Robinson, 2020, Ch. 4) ✓ CONFIRMED ACCURATE — see marijuana
update in Part II
4. Clinical Reasoning: Vicodin (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen) was historically a Schedule III
substance but was reclassified to Schedule II. What was the primary regulatory reasoning?
SMU - Internal Data
, Answer: Reclassified in 2014 due to its high and increasing potential for abuse and addiction. The DEA
determined hydrocodone combination products required Schedule II controls — the same as other
potent opioids. (Woo & Robinson, 2020, Ch. 4) ✓ CONFIRMED ACCURATE
PART II: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION MATRICES
1. Drug Classification Table: Identify the correct DEA Schedule for each medication listed.
Medication DEA Schedule (Answer)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) Schedule II
Diazepam (Valium) Schedule IV
Lomotil (Diphenoxylate/Atropine) Schedule V
Marijuana (THC) — see update note below Schedule I (federal, as of exam date)*
Fentanyl (Duragesic) Schedule II
Morphine Schedule II
Guaifenesin/Hydrocodone (Hycotuss) Schedule II
Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone (Norco) Schedule II
AndroGel (Testosterone) Schedule III
Phentermine Schedule IV
Alprazolam (Xanax) Schedule IV
Carisoprodol (Soma) Schedule IV
Zolpidem (Ambien) Schedule IV
Adderall (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine) Schedule II
Methadone Schedule II
⚠ UPDATE (2023–2026): MARIJUANA SCHEDULING IN FLUX (2024–2026): Woo & Robinson (2020)
correctly lists marijuana as Schedule I, which has been its federal status since 1970. As of April 2026, the
DOJ issued an order moving FDA-approved and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III. Broader
rescheduling hearings begin June 29, 2026. Illicit/unlicensed marijuana remains Schedule I. For exam
purposes based on this textbook, answer Schedule I — but be aware of this evolving change in clinical
practice.
2. Regulatory Compliance – Refill Limits: A patient is prescribed Methylphenidate (Ritalin) for
ADHD. What is the maximum number of refills an NP may authorize?
a) 0 — A new prescription is required each time
b) 1 refill
c) 5 refills within a 6-month period
d) As many as clinically indicated within 12 months
SMU - Internal Data
Practice Examination
Clinical Pharmacology & Nurse Practitioner Certification
Answers in green • Corrections in dark red • Updates in amber
Source: Woo & Robinson (2020) • Verified against DEA/SAMHSA/FDA as of May 2026
PART I: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND DEA SCHEDULING
1. According to the DEA criteria, how is a "dangerous controlled substance" defined for the
purpose of scheduling?
a) Any legend drug that requires a prescription from a licensed provider and has a narrow
therapeutic index.
b) A substance with a high potential for abuse and a high risk for severe psychological or physical
dependence.
c) Any medication that has not yet completed Phase III clinical trials but is available via
compassionate use.
d) A synthetic compound that lacks FDA approval and possesses no measurable structure-activity
relationship.
Answer: b) A substance with a high potential for abuse and a high risk for severe psychological or
physical dependence. (Woo & Robinson, 2020, Ch. 4) ✓ CONFIRMED ACCURATE
2. Which DEA Schedule has the lowest potential for abuse and includes medications such as
cough preparations with codeine or certain antidiarrheals?
a) Schedule I
b) Schedule II
c) Schedule IV
d) Schedule V
Answer: d) Schedule V. (Woo & Robinson, 2020, Ch. 4) ✓ CONFIRMED ACCURATE
3. Which DEA Schedule has the greatest potential for abuse, with no currently accepted medical
use in the United States?
a) Schedule I
b) Schedule II
c) Schedule III
d) Schedule IV
Answer: a) Schedule I. (Woo & Robinson, 2020, Ch. 4) ✓ CONFIRMED ACCURATE — see marijuana
update in Part II
4. Clinical Reasoning: Vicodin (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen) was historically a Schedule III
substance but was reclassified to Schedule II. What was the primary regulatory reasoning?
SMU - Internal Data
, Answer: Reclassified in 2014 due to its high and increasing potential for abuse and addiction. The DEA
determined hydrocodone combination products required Schedule II controls — the same as other
potent opioids. (Woo & Robinson, 2020, Ch. 4) ✓ CONFIRMED ACCURATE
PART II: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION MATRICES
1. Drug Classification Table: Identify the correct DEA Schedule for each medication listed.
Medication DEA Schedule (Answer)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) Schedule II
Diazepam (Valium) Schedule IV
Lomotil (Diphenoxylate/Atropine) Schedule V
Marijuana (THC) — see update note below Schedule I (federal, as of exam date)*
Fentanyl (Duragesic) Schedule II
Morphine Schedule II
Guaifenesin/Hydrocodone (Hycotuss) Schedule II
Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone (Norco) Schedule II
AndroGel (Testosterone) Schedule III
Phentermine Schedule IV
Alprazolam (Xanax) Schedule IV
Carisoprodol (Soma) Schedule IV
Zolpidem (Ambien) Schedule IV
Adderall (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine) Schedule II
Methadone Schedule II
⚠ UPDATE (2023–2026): MARIJUANA SCHEDULING IN FLUX (2024–2026): Woo & Robinson (2020)
correctly lists marijuana as Schedule I, which has been its federal status since 1970. As of April 2026, the
DOJ issued an order moving FDA-approved and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III. Broader
rescheduling hearings begin June 29, 2026. Illicit/unlicensed marijuana remains Schedule I. For exam
purposes based on this textbook, answer Schedule I — but be aware of this evolving change in clinical
practice.
2. Regulatory Compliance – Refill Limits: A patient is prescribed Methylphenidate (Ritalin) for
ADHD. What is the maximum number of refills an NP may authorize?
a) 0 — A new prescription is required each time
b) 1 refill
c) 5 refills within a 6-month period
d) As many as clinically indicated within 12 months
SMU - Internal Data
