CPPS Examination
The CPPS examination is a computer-based test offered throughout the year at PSI Assessment Centers located domestically in the United States and internationally. The examination is also available online via live remote proctor. The examination is administered by appointment only.
Available dates will be indicated when you schedule your examination. Candidates are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Candidates will be given two hours to complete the examination.
CPPS Content Areas
Candidates will be tested on the following patient safety domains:
- Culture
- Systems Thinking, Human Factors Engineering, and Design
- Safety Risks and Responses
- Performance Measurement, Analysis, Improvement and Monitoring
CPPS Examination: Live Remote Proctoring
Live remote online proctoring for the CPPS exam is available. This exam delivery option allows CPPS candidates to continue advancing their personal and professional goals without having to travel to a testing center.
Candidates can now select either "Test Center" or "Remote Online Proctored" delivery mode for their examination. For more information on how to book your examination, please see the "How to Book an Examination" below.
Additional information on Online Proctoring:
Please contact cpps@ihi.org with any additional questions.
Please be advised: Using a work computer for the remote proctored exam, even one which passes the System Compatibility Check, is highly discouraged due to administrator firewalls and IT security systems which frequently prevent exam launch.
How to Book a CPPS Examination
The CPPS examination is administered by appointment only at a PSI Assessment Center or online via live remote proctor.
Visit the PSI certification website
- On the main PSI web page click "Find Your Test"
- From the "Browse by Industry" section choose "Health Care"
- Find and choose "Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS)"
- Click "View Available Tests"
- Choose "Certified Professional in Patient Safety Examination (CPPS)"
- Select "Login/Register"
- Click "Create Account" near the top of the page
- Fill in the required information and schedule your exam
International Candidates
Candidates testing outside of the US may submit their applications online or by mail. International candidates will be notified of the exam scheduling process as follows:
- Online applicants will be notified by email as soon as they complete the application.
- A candidate who submits a paper application form will be notified by email within 10 business days of receipt of his or her application form.
The Examination Application is available in the Candidate Handbook.
CPPS Examination Costs
The cost of the CPPS examination is US $549.
For international candidates, the cost of the CPPS examination is US $649.
CPPS Review Course, $449
CPPS Practice Exam, $99
CPPS Exam, $549*
CPPS Recertification, $225*
*Additional international fee applies
How to Prepare for the CPPS Examination
Ronette M. Wiley, CPPS
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Bassett Medical Center
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Bassett Medical Center
“As a 'seasoned' quality and safety leader, I was pleased to be challenged by the questions and content included in the CPPS exam. It reaffirmed my knowledge base and experience, but also required me to have a keen grasp of current and relevant foci in the area of patient safety.”
Marcie Williams, RN, MS, CPPS
Senior Consultant, Patient Safety & Risk Solutions, Medical Protective
Senior Consultant, Patient Safety & Risk Solutions, Medical Protective
“Patient safety can get lost among many disciplines but this exam, not for a novice, demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in understanding the science of patient safety and how to integrate it into existing programs.”
Jeffrey Shapiro, MD, CPPS
Director, Mednax, Anesthesia HRO Patient Safety
Director, Mednax, Anesthesia HRO Patient Safety
“The CPPS process is important for anyone interested in leading the call of advancing patient safety among their peers. The process provides a solid benchmark for both clinical and administrative individuals who develop, promote, and enhance patient safety.”
Debbie Hill, MBA, BSN, CPHRM, CPPS
Patient Safety Risk Manager Consultant, The Doctors Company
Patient Safety Risk Manager Consultant, The Doctors Company
“The review course and the overall experience was exceptional, and I wish I had completed it years ago. I found the course and the materials covered to be very practical in my everyday role as a patient safety risk management consultant.”
CPPS Review Courses
IHI offers live and on-demand review courses to experienced patient safety professionals who plan to take the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) examination. This course can help participants prepare for the exam by reviewing domain content areas and test-taking strategies.
Learn More