What is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)?

The CPPS credential establishes patient safety competency standards and elevates the professional stature of health care professionals who meet knowledge requirements in safety science, human factors engineering, and the practice of safe care. Certification requires a combination of education and experience, as well as successful completion of the evidence-based certification exam.

Who is the certifying body behind CPPS?

The CPPS examination is administered by the Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS). CBPPS was formed to oversee a rigorous and comprehensive credentialing process that attests to patient safety competencies and expertise. The board's chief responsibility is the development and administration of an evidence-based examination that provides candidates with a process by which they can demonstrate their competency in patient safety science and application.

Are there prerequisites or eligibility requirements to sit for the exam?

Candidates for the CPPS credential are those whose current or future professional responsibilities include patient safety practices as an integral component. In addition, candidates must possess academic and professional experience at one of the following levels:

• Baccalaureate degree or higher plus three years of experience (includes time spent in clinical rotations and residency programs) in a health care setting or with a provider of services to the health care industry
• Associate degree or equivalent plus five years of experience (includes time spent in clinical rotations) in a health care setting or with a provider of services to the health care industry

What is the fee to sit for the CPPS examination?

The CPPS exam fee is $449. For international candidates, the CPPS exam fee is US $549.

What is tested on the CPPS examination?

Candidates are tested on five core patient safety domains: Culture, Leadership, Patient Safety Risks and Solutions, Measuring and Improving Performance, and Systems Thinking and Design/Human Factors. The vast majority of questions test application and analysis, while a small percentage test for recall.

How can I obtain a CPPS Candidate Handbook and application?

The CPPS Candidate Handbook is available for download, or call our authorized testing partner, PSI Candidate Services​ at (833) 333-4755. An application is included in the Candidate Handbook. Mail the completed application and appropriate fee to PSI ​at the address indicated on the application.

Can I apply for the CPPS examination online?

Yes, a candidate who pays the examination fee by credit card may apply online and schedule an appointment to test through the PSI website.

• Visit the PSI certification website
• On the main 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 

How can I prepare for the exam?

To prepare for the exam, we provide candidates with a detailed exam content outline, resource list and self-assessment exam (SAE) or practice exam. The SAE is offered through our testing partner, PSI, and may be purchased on the PSI website.

IHI also offers a CPPS Review Course in various formats throughout the year (in-person, self-paced, and live webinar). This course can help participants prepare for the exam by reviewing domain content areas and test-taking strategies.

CBPPS does not endorse resources designed to prepare candidates to take the certification exam. Completion of the SAE is optional and not required to take or pass the certification exam. Taking the SAE/practice exam or review course does not guarantee a passing score or improved performance on the exam.  

Is there a practice exam? How is it scored? How can I order it?

A practice exam is available for purchase from PSI. Note: This is also referred to as the self-assessment exam (SAE), described above. The practice exam should be regarded as a diagnostic tool to assess strengths and weaknesses, rather than a study guide for the examination. Upon purchase, the practice exam is available for a period of 60 days from the date of purchase, or until all 50 questions have been answered. At the time of completion, candidates receive a numerical score for each content area, as well as a summary including each question in its entirety, along with their response and the correct answer for each.

CBPPS does not endorse resources designed to prepare candidates to take the certification exam. Completion of the SAE is optional and not required to take or pass the certification exam. Taking the SAE/practice exam or review course does not guarantee a passing score or improved performance on the exam.   

Will the IHI Open School Patient Safety Curriculum help me prepare for the CPPS exam?​

The IHI Open School ​Patient Safety Curriculum is an important foundational course in patient safety science, but it is not meant to be preparatory for the exam.

How is the passing score determined?

The passing score for the examination is determined by using a process known as the Angoff method, in which experts in the field estimate the difficulty of each item on the examination for the minimally qualified candidate. These judgments are averaged to determine the minimum passing score, which represents the amount of knowledge a minimally qualified candidate would likely demonstrate on the examination. The results of these ratings are presented to the exam development committee to determine the final passing score.