DEI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DEI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the foundational principle of professional standards and ethics in the DEI Awareness Professional field? → Maintaining competence, integrity, and service to stakeholders
2. What does the ADA call the ongoing dialogue between employer and employee to identify an accommodation? → The interactive process
3. What is a key design principle for employee resource groups (ERGs) to be effective and inclusive? → Open to all employees, with executive sponsorship and clear goals
4. How should challenges in core concepts and principles be addressed? → Apply systematic problem-solving, seek expert guidance when needed, and document decisions
5. Why is belonging important in the context of DEI? → To foster authentic inclusion
6. When the first salary figure mentioned in a negotiation heavily shapes the final outcome, which bias is operating? → Anchoring bias
7. What is the main role of an executive sponsor for an Employee Resource Group (ERG)? → Advocate for the ERG at the leadership level and help secure resources
8. Following Groff v. DeJoy (2023), an employer may deny a religious accommodation only if it would result in: → Substantial increased costs in relation to the conduct of its business
9. Which phrase is an example of person-first language? → Employee who uses a wheelchair
10. What is the first step in implementing a DEI initiative? → Conducting a DEI audit
11. What does 'attrition disaggregation' reveal in DEI workforce reporting? → Whether specific demographic groups leave at disproportionately higher rates
12. Employees rate 'belonging' highly overall, but LGBTQ+ respondents score 20 points lower. What does this pattern show? → An inclusion gap that needs targeted attention
13. Which federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin for employers with 15 or more employees? → Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
14. A survey team decides not to report results for any group with fewer than 5 respondents. What is the main purpose of this rule? → Protecting respondent confidentiality
15. Which source is most appropriate to confirm whether a specific activity qualifies for credit? → The credentialing body's official recertification handbook or policies
16. Which approach helps organizations avoid 'metric gaming' in DEI reporting? → Using multiple interconnected metrics and external third-party audits
17. In the LEARN model for cross-cultural communication (Berlin and Fowkes), what does the 'L' stand for? → Listen
18. What does 'belonging index' typically measure in a DEI survey instrument? → The degree to which employees feel respected, valued, and included at work
19. What quality assurance measure supports safety and compliance? → Regular self-assessment, peer review, and adherence to established standards
20. Which is the BEST strategy for meeting continuing education requirements across a multi-year cycle? → Plan and log activities steadily throughout the cycle aligned to development goals
21. A certificant earned a related credential, such as a SHRM certification, during the cycle. How is this often treated? → Some programs award a set number of credits for earning a related credential
22. The "Platinum Rule" in inclusive practice advises you to: → Treat others as they want to be treated
23. When reviewing resumes, an organization removes names, photos, and graduation years before screening. What is this technique called? → Blind (anonymized) resume review
24. What ethical standard governs applied methods and techniques practice? → Adherence to the profession's code of ethics and applicable laws and regulations
25. Which is a leading indicator of future DEI outcomes rather than a lagging one? → Diversity of current promotion slates
26. Under the widely used IACET standard, one Continuing Education Unit (CEU) equals how many contact hours of instruction? → 10 contact hours
27. When launching a DEI strategy, what should an organization typically do FIRST? → Conduct a baseline assessment of current demographics, culture, and policies
28. Under Title III of the ADA, which question may a business ask about a person's service dog? → What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
29. A manager drafts a job posting seeking a "rockstar who dominates the competition." What is the most inclusive revision? → Replace it with "a collaborative professional who delivers strong results"
30. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees may take up to how many weeks of unpaid leave per year? → 12 weeks