Certification in Pathology: Cytopathology (CYP) Exam Prep
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Free CYP Practice Questions

10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.

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The CYP exam has 290 questions and runs 7 hours 52 minutes.

These 10 free CYP questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certification in Pathology: Cytopathology (CYP) blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.

Domain 1: Cervical/vaginal cytology

Question 1

An asymptomatic, immunocompetent 37-year-old undergoes cervical cotesting. Cytology is unsatisfactory because of insufficient squamous cellularity; high-risk HPV testing from the same vial is negative. Previous screening was normal, and there is no history of CIN2 or worse. This is the first unsatisfactory result. The clinician asks whether the negative HPV result permits a routine screening interval. What follow-up should be recommended?

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Correct answer: A - Repeat cytology and HPV testing promptly, no later than four months.

Domain 5: Pleural and Pericardial effusions

Question 2

A pleural-fluid cell block contains atypical cells with two-tone cytoplasm and intercellular windows. The cells express calretinin and D2-40 but not claudin-4. BAP1 nuclear staining is absent in the atypical cells and retained in admixed lymphocytes. No pleural tissue is present. What conclusion can the pathologist draw from this combination?

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Correct answer: D - Mesothelial malignancy, with stromal invasion not assessable in this specimen

Domain 11: The Urinary Tract

Question 3

Urine cytology from a kidney transplant recipient shows numerous cells with enlarged smooth-contoured nuclei, ground-glass inclusions, and a thin peripheral chromatin rim. SV40 large T-antigen staining is positive in the inclusion-bearing nuclei. The remaining urothelial cells are bland, and the specimen is adequately cellular and well preserved. Select the appropriate primary Paris System category.

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Correct answer: C - Negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma

Domain 13: Lung FNA

Question 4

PD-L1 22C3 staining is performed on a lung adenocarcinoma FNA cell block using a method validated for that preparation. Controls are satisfactory. Of 300 viable tumor cells, 90 show partial or complete membrane staining, 30 additional tumor cells show cytoplasmic staining only, and the remaining tumor cells are unstained. There are also 90 strongly membrane-positive macrophages. Which tumor proportion score (TPS) should be reported?

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Correct answer: C - 30%, in the TPS 1-49% range

Domain 19: Pancreas

Question 5

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling of a pancreatic mass yields uniform cells with stippled chromatin and moderate cytoplasm, arranged in nests and delicate trabeculae. Synaptophysin and chromogranin are diffuse. The accompanying core shows well-differentiated architecture and a mitotic rate of 6 per 2 mm². The cell-block Ki-67 index is 28%, based on 800 tumor cells in a hotspot. How should differentiation and grade be integrated?

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Correct answer: D - Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, grade 3

Domain 20: Salivary Gland FNA

Question 6

A parotid aspirate contains loosely cohesive cells with round nuclei, conspicuous cytoplasmic vacuoles, and abundant proteinaceous background material. Zymogen granules are not identified. The tumor is diffusely positive for S100 and mammaglobin and negative for nuclear NR4A3. Which salivary carcinoma best fits this profile?

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Correct answer: B - Secretory carcinoma

Domain 21: Thyroid and Parathyroid FNA

Question 7

Ultrasound-guided aspiration of a 2.8-cm thyroid nodule produces several highly cellular smears dominated by crowded microfollicles and dispersed follicular cells. Colloid is scant. The nuclei are round with smooth contours, without grooves, pseudoinclusions, or chromatin clearing. No significant lymphocytic infiltrate is present. Which Bethesda diagnosis is justified by these findings?

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Correct answer: B - Follicular neoplasm (Bethesda IV)

Domain 22: Lymph Node FNA

Question 8

Routine flow cytometry on an axillary-node aspirate identifies polytypic B cells and no aberrant T-cell population. On the smears, however, rare very large mono- and binucleate cells with prominent nucleoli lie among eosinophils, plasma cells, and small lymphocytes. The large cells are strongly CD30-positive and weakly PAX5-positive. Which diagnosis best reconciles the morphology, immunostains, and flow findings?

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Correct answer: A - Classic Hodgkin lymphoma

Domain 27: Adrenal glands

Question 9

Before planned CT-guided aspiration of a new adrenal mass in a patient with previously treated lung adenocarcinoma, the pathologist learns of episodic headaches, palpitations, and diaphoresis. The lesion is indeterminate on imaging, and no adrenal hormonal evaluation has been performed. Confirmation of metastasis would change treatment. Which investigation takes priority in addressing the immediate procedure-related safety concern?

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Correct answer: C - Plasma free or urinary fractionated metanephrines

Domain 31: Cytopathology Laboratory Administration, Management, Techniques and Procedures

Question 10

A cytopathologist receives notification of an 85% score on the annual 10-slide gynecologic cytology proficiency test. This is the physician's first unsuccessful testing event. Under the federal CLIA proficiency-testing rule, which action is required at this stage?

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Correct answer: A - Arrange a second 10-slide test within 45 days of notification.

The rest of the CYP blueprint

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