CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027 2026/2027 | Page 1 | Passing Score: 75%
CGMS CERTIFICATION
CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027
CGMS · Official Exam 2026/2027
100 75% CERTIFIED
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Pre-Award Grants Planning & Development Q1-Q20
Section 2 Financial Management & Compliance Q21-Q40
Section 3 Post-Award Performance & Reporting Q41-Q60
Section 4 Federal Regulations & Uniform Guidance Q61-Q80
Section 5 Ethics & Professional Standards Q81-Q100
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for CGMS certification preparation.
Passing score: 75% (75 questions correct).
CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 1 of 51
,TION 1 | Pre-Award Grants Planning & Development | Q1-Q20 | CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027 2026/
Q1 Question 1 of 100
Q1. A city planning department is preparing a federal grant application for a community
revitalization project. The grants manager reviews the Notice of Funding Opportunity and identifies
a cost-sharing requirement of 25 percent of total project costs. The city can contribute land valued
at $150,000 and cash of $50,000 toward a total project budget of $800,000. Does the city meet the
cost-sharing requirement?
A. Yes, because the total match of $200,000 equals 25 percent of the $800,000 project budget
B. No, because only cash contributions count toward the federal cost-sharing requirement
C. Yes, because the land contribution alone exceeds the required match amount
D. No, because the match must come from non-federal sources and the land is federally owned
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The total match is $150,000 plus $50,000 equals $200,000, which is exactly 25 percent of the $800,000 project
budget. Both cash and in-kind contributions such as land can count toward the match, provided they are from
non-federal sources and are properly documented and valued.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
Q2. A nonprofit organization is developing a logic model for a Department of Education grant
application. The program director wants to ensure that the model clearly links activities to intended
outcomes. Which component of the logic model should describe the direct products of the funded
activities?
A. Outputs, because they are the measurable products and services delivered
B. Inputs, because they represent the resources invested in the program
C. Outcomes, because they reflect the long-term impact on the target population
D. Assumptions, because they identify the external factors affecting the program
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Outputs are the direct, measurable products or services that result from program activities, such as the number of
workshops held or participants served. Outcomes describe the broader changes or impacts, while inputs are the
resources invested and assumptions are external conditions.
CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 2 of 51
,Q3 Question 3 of 100
Q3. A grants specialist at a university is reviewing a request for proposals that requires a detailed
budget narrative. The principal investigator has submitted a budget with a line item for consulting
services at $75,000 with no further explanation. What is the most appropriate next step for the
grants specialist?
A. Request that the principal investigator provide names, hourly rates, and hours for each
consultant
B. Include the line item as submitted because the budget summary provides sufficient detail
C. Remove the consulting line item entirely because it lacks adequate justification
D. Reduce the consulting budget by 50 percent to align with standard federal rates
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Federal grants require detailed budget narratives that explain how each cost was calculated. For consulting
services, the narrative must include the basis for the rate, the number of hours, and the specific services to be
provided. Simply removing or reducing the line item does not address the compliance requirement.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
Q4. A county health department is preparing a grant application and needs to describe the
community need for a new substance abuse prevention program. The epidemiologist provides data
showing a 40 percent increase in opioid overdoses over three years. Which type of data is this
classified as in grant proposal development?
A. Qualitative data, because it describes the lived experiences of community members
B. Primary data, because it was collected directly by the health department
C. Secondary data, because it was obtained from existing health records and surveillance
systems
D. Anecdotal data, because it reflects individual patient stories rather than population trends
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Secondary data refers to information that has already been collected and exists in records, reports, or surveillance
systems. The overdose statistics from existing health records are secondary data, even though the health
department compiled them. Primary data would be collected specifically for this needs assessment.
CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 3 of 51
, Q5 Question 5 of 100
Q5. A tribal government is applying for a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development. The application guidelines state that tribal governments must include a resolution
from the tribal council authorizing the submission. The grants coordinator submits the application
without the resolution, planning to provide it within 30 days. What is the most likely outcome?
A. The application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed
B. The application will be accepted with the understanding that the resolution will follow
C. The application will be reviewed but scored lower for missing documentation
D. The application will be placed on a waiting list until the resolution is received
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Federal grant applications that are missing required documentation at the time of submission are typically deemed
incomplete and will not proceed to the review stage. Most agencies do not allow post-submission additions of
required elements, and tribal council resolutions are considered mandatory components.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
Q6. A grant writer at a community action agency is developing a needs assessment section for a
Head Start funding application. The writer wants to demonstrate that the service area has a higher
poverty rate than surrounding areas. Which approach best supports this claim in the application?
A. Using Census Bureau American Community Survey data specific to the service area
B. Citing national poverty statistics and assuming the local rate is similar
C. Including testimonials from community members about economic hardship
D. Referencing the agency's own internal client intake data without external validation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Census Bureau American Community Survey data provides reliable, geographically specific, and independently
verified statistics that reviewers trust. National statistics are too broad, testimonials are qualitative rather than
quantitative, and internal data lacks external validation for comparative purposes.
CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 4 of 51
CGMS CERTIFICATION
CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100%
CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027
CGMS · Official Exam 2026/2027
100 75% CERTIFIED
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Pre-Award Grants Planning & Development Q1-Q20
Section 2 Financial Management & Compliance Q21-Q40
Section 3 Post-Award Performance & Reporting Q41-Q60
Section 4 Federal Regulations & Uniform Guidance Q61-Q80
Section 5 Ethics & Professional Standards Q81-Q100
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for CGMS certification preparation.
Passing score: 75% (75 questions correct).
CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 1 of 51
,TION 1 | Pre-Award Grants Planning & Development | Q1-Q20 | CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027 2026/
Q1 Question 1 of 100
Q1. A city planning department is preparing a federal grant application for a community
revitalization project. The grants manager reviews the Notice of Funding Opportunity and identifies
a cost-sharing requirement of 25 percent of total project costs. The city can contribute land valued
at $150,000 and cash of $50,000 toward a total project budget of $800,000. Does the city meet the
cost-sharing requirement?
A. Yes, because the total match of $200,000 equals 25 percent of the $800,000 project budget
B. No, because only cash contributions count toward the federal cost-sharing requirement
C. Yes, because the land contribution alone exceeds the required match amount
D. No, because the match must come from non-federal sources and the land is federally owned
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The total match is $150,000 plus $50,000 equals $200,000, which is exactly 25 percent of the $800,000 project
budget. Both cash and in-kind contributions such as land can count toward the match, provided they are from
non-federal sources and are properly documented and valued.
Q2 Question 2 of 100
Q2. A nonprofit organization is developing a logic model for a Department of Education grant
application. The program director wants to ensure that the model clearly links activities to intended
outcomes. Which component of the logic model should describe the direct products of the funded
activities?
A. Outputs, because they are the measurable products and services delivered
B. Inputs, because they represent the resources invested in the program
C. Outcomes, because they reflect the long-term impact on the target population
D. Assumptions, because they identify the external factors affecting the program
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Outputs are the direct, measurable products or services that result from program activities, such as the number of
workshops held or participants served. Outcomes describe the broader changes or impacts, while inputs are the
resources invested and assumptions are external conditions.
CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 2 of 51
,Q3 Question 3 of 100
Q3. A grants specialist at a university is reviewing a request for proposals that requires a detailed
budget narrative. The principal investigator has submitted a budget with a line item for consulting
services at $75,000 with no further explanation. What is the most appropriate next step for the
grants specialist?
A. Request that the principal investigator provide names, hourly rates, and hours for each
consultant
B. Include the line item as submitted because the budget summary provides sufficient detail
C. Remove the consulting line item entirely because it lacks adequate justification
D. Reduce the consulting budget by 50 percent to align with standard federal rates
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Federal grants require detailed budget narratives that explain how each cost was calculated. For consulting
services, the narrative must include the basis for the rate, the number of hours, and the specific services to be
provided. Simply removing or reducing the line item does not address the compliance requirement.
Q4 Question 4 of 100
Q4. A county health department is preparing a grant application and needs to describe the
community need for a new substance abuse prevention program. The epidemiologist provides data
showing a 40 percent increase in opioid overdoses over three years. Which type of data is this
classified as in grant proposal development?
A. Qualitative data, because it describes the lived experiences of community members
B. Primary data, because it was collected directly by the health department
C. Secondary data, because it was obtained from existing health records and surveillance
systems
D. Anecdotal data, because it reflects individual patient stories rather than population trends
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Secondary data refers to information that has already been collected and exists in records, reports, or surveillance
systems. The overdose statistics from existing health records are secondary data, even though the health
department compiled them. Primary data would be collected specifically for this needs assessment.
CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 3 of 51
, Q5 Question 5 of 100
Q5. A tribal government is applying for a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development. The application guidelines state that tribal governments must include a resolution
from the tribal council authorizing the submission. The grants coordinator submits the application
without the resolution, planning to provide it within 30 days. What is the most likely outcome?
A. The application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed
B. The application will be accepted with the understanding that the resolution will follow
C. The application will be reviewed but scored lower for missing documentation
D. The application will be placed on a waiting list until the resolution is received
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Federal grant applications that are missing required documentation at the time of submission are typically deemed
incomplete and will not proceed to the review stage. Most agencies do not allow post-submission additions of
required elements, and tribal council resolutions are considered mandatory components.
Q6 Question 6 of 100
Q6. A grant writer at a community action agency is developing a needs assessment section for a
Head Start funding application. The writer wants to demonstrate that the service area has a higher
poverty rate than surrounding areas. Which approach best supports this claim in the application?
A. Using Census Bureau American Community Survey data specific to the service area
B. Citing national poverty statistics and assuming the local rate is similar
C. Including testimonials from community members about economic hardship
D. Referencing the agency's own internal client intake data without external validation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Census Bureau American Community Survey data provides reliable, geographically specific, and independently
verified statistics that reviewers trust. National statistics are too broad, testimonials are qualitative rather than
quantitative, and internal data lacks external validation for comparative purposes.
CGMS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS!! 2026/2027 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 75% | Page 4 of 51
