EDPNA Main Exam Questions and Answers
Latest Versions 2025/2026 A+
Question 1: Sequential Evaluation Process
**Question:** At the fourth step of the sequential evaluation process, if a
claimant has the residual functional capacity (RFC) to perform their past relevant
work (PRW), what happens next?
a) Proceed to step five for grid rules.
b) A finding of not disabled is made, and the analysis stops.
c) Re-evaluate medical evidence from step two.
d) Automatically approve benefits under Title XVI.
Answer b) A finding of not disabled is made, and the analysis stops.
**Explanation:** Per 20 CFR 404.1520(f) and 416.920(f), if the claimant can
perform PRW, they are not disabled, ending the evaluation (20 CFR
404.1520(a)(4)).
Question 2: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
**Question:** The following is NOT considered substantial gainful activity:
a) Work earning above the SGA threshold with significant physical/mental
activities.
b) Self-employment yielding net earnings exceeding the monthly SGA amount.
c) Work performed minimally and below the SGA financial threshold due to the
claimant's medical condition.
,d) Full-time employment for pay or profit.
Answer c) Work performed minimally and below the SGA financial threshold due
to the claimant's medical condition.
**Explanation:** SGA involves significant activities done for pay/profit at or above
the threshold (e.g., $1,470/month for non-blind in 2023; 20 CFR 404.1572–1576).
Minimal work below this due to impairment does not qualify.
Question 3: Severe Impairment
**Question:** Which statement best describes the term "severe" impairment?
a) Any medically determinable impairment lasting less than 12 months.
b) An impairment that prevents all work regardless of duration.
c) An impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits basic
work activities.
d) Only exertional impairments affecting lifting or carrying.
Answer c) An impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits
basic work activities.
**Explanation:** A severe impairment significantly limits the ability to perform
basic work activities (e.g., walking, standing, remembering; 20 CFR 404.1520(c)
and 416.920(c)).
Question 4: Vocational Expert (VE) Testimony
**Question:** At a hearing, the ALJ asks the VE if they agree with limitations in a
consultative psychological report (e.g., simple, repetitive tasks with no public
,contact). The VE confirms agreement. Which statement is most accurate about
the ALJ's questioning?
a) Proper, as VEs can opine on medical issues.
b) Improper, because the VE is rendering an opinion on medical issues.
c) Neutral, but requires claimant objection.
d) Proper only if the VE is a psychologist.
Answer b) Improper, because the VE is rendering an opinion on medical issues.
**Explanation:** VEs provide vocational testimony on job availability, not medical
opinions on RFC limitations (HALLEX I-2-6-74; SSR 00-4p). This crosses into medical
expertise.
Question 5: Title II Insured Status
**Question:** To be disability insured for Title II, an individual must:
a) Have worked only 2 out of the last 5 years.
b) Have 40 quarters of coverage, with 20 earned in the last 10 years (or fewer for
younger workers).
c) Qualify automatically under Title XVI rules.
d) Have no work history but meet income thresholds.
Answer b) Have 40 quarters of coverage, with 20 earned in the last 10 years (or
fewer for younger workers).
**Explanation:** Disability insured status requires sufficient quarters of coverage
(QCs), typically 40 total with 20 recent (20 CFR 404.130–404.137).
, Question 6: SSI (Title XVI) Entitlement Date
**Question:** The SSI Title XVI date of entitlement is:
a) The alleged onset date (AOD).
b) The filing date of the application.
c) The first day of the following month after the application is filed.
d) The date of the initial determination.
Answer c) The first day of the following month after the application is filed.
**Explanation:** SSI payments begin the month after filing, provided all factors of
entitlement are met (20 CFR 416.501, 416.1400).
Question 7: Date Last Insured (DLI)
**Question:** An individual applies for Title II with a 1/1/2013 onset, earning 4
QCs each year in 2008–2012. Their DLI for benefits is:
a) 12/31/2016.
b) 12/31/2017.
c) 1/1/2018.
d) Indefinite under Title XVI crossover.
Answer b) 12/31/2017.
**Explanation:** DLI is 5 years after the last QC year (2012 + 5 = 2017; 20 CFR
404.316). Benefits require disability before DLI.
Question 8: Representative Fees and Overpayment
Latest Versions 2025/2026 A+
Question 1: Sequential Evaluation Process
**Question:** At the fourth step of the sequential evaluation process, if a
claimant has the residual functional capacity (RFC) to perform their past relevant
work (PRW), what happens next?
a) Proceed to step five for grid rules.
b) A finding of not disabled is made, and the analysis stops.
c) Re-evaluate medical evidence from step two.
d) Automatically approve benefits under Title XVI.
Answer b) A finding of not disabled is made, and the analysis stops.
**Explanation:** Per 20 CFR 404.1520(f) and 416.920(f), if the claimant can
perform PRW, they are not disabled, ending the evaluation (20 CFR
404.1520(a)(4)).
Question 2: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
**Question:** The following is NOT considered substantial gainful activity:
a) Work earning above the SGA threshold with significant physical/mental
activities.
b) Self-employment yielding net earnings exceeding the monthly SGA amount.
c) Work performed minimally and below the SGA financial threshold due to the
claimant's medical condition.
,d) Full-time employment for pay or profit.
Answer c) Work performed minimally and below the SGA financial threshold due
to the claimant's medical condition.
**Explanation:** SGA involves significant activities done for pay/profit at or above
the threshold (e.g., $1,470/month for non-blind in 2023; 20 CFR 404.1572–1576).
Minimal work below this due to impairment does not qualify.
Question 3: Severe Impairment
**Question:** Which statement best describes the term "severe" impairment?
a) Any medically determinable impairment lasting less than 12 months.
b) An impairment that prevents all work regardless of duration.
c) An impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits basic
work activities.
d) Only exertional impairments affecting lifting or carrying.
Answer c) An impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits
basic work activities.
**Explanation:** A severe impairment significantly limits the ability to perform
basic work activities (e.g., walking, standing, remembering; 20 CFR 404.1520(c)
and 416.920(c)).
Question 4: Vocational Expert (VE) Testimony
**Question:** At a hearing, the ALJ asks the VE if they agree with limitations in a
consultative psychological report (e.g., simple, repetitive tasks with no public
,contact). The VE confirms agreement. Which statement is most accurate about
the ALJ's questioning?
a) Proper, as VEs can opine on medical issues.
b) Improper, because the VE is rendering an opinion on medical issues.
c) Neutral, but requires claimant objection.
d) Proper only if the VE is a psychologist.
Answer b) Improper, because the VE is rendering an opinion on medical issues.
**Explanation:** VEs provide vocational testimony on job availability, not medical
opinions on RFC limitations (HALLEX I-2-6-74; SSR 00-4p). This crosses into medical
expertise.
Question 5: Title II Insured Status
**Question:** To be disability insured for Title II, an individual must:
a) Have worked only 2 out of the last 5 years.
b) Have 40 quarters of coverage, with 20 earned in the last 10 years (or fewer for
younger workers).
c) Qualify automatically under Title XVI rules.
d) Have no work history but meet income thresholds.
Answer b) Have 40 quarters of coverage, with 20 earned in the last 10 years (or
fewer for younger workers).
**Explanation:** Disability insured status requires sufficient quarters of coverage
(QCs), typically 40 total with 20 recent (20 CFR 404.130–404.137).
, Question 6: SSI (Title XVI) Entitlement Date
**Question:** The SSI Title XVI date of entitlement is:
a) The alleged onset date (AOD).
b) The filing date of the application.
c) The first day of the following month after the application is filed.
d) The date of the initial determination.
Answer c) The first day of the following month after the application is filed.
**Explanation:** SSI payments begin the month after filing, provided all factors of
entitlement are met (20 CFR 416.501, 416.1400).
Question 7: Date Last Insured (DLI)
**Question:** An individual applies for Title II with a 1/1/2013 onset, earning 4
QCs each year in 2008–2012. Their DLI for benefits is:
a) 12/31/2016.
b) 12/31/2017.
c) 1/1/2018.
d) Indefinite under Title XVI crossover.
Answer b) 12/31/2017.
**Explanation:** DLI is 5 years after the last QC year (2012 + 5 = 2017; 20 CFR
404.316). Benefits require disability before DLI.
Question 8: Representative Fees and Overpayment
