Exams
The CIP® exam was developed by CCIP with substantial input from leading members of the IRB/HRPP community. The exam is administered by the Professional Testing Corporation, and is offered at least twice yearly at testing sites across the U.S. and Canada. CIP® certification is valid for three years, and can always be renewed via re-examination or can be renewed with continuing education credits once in a six-year period.
The CIP® examination consists of a maximum of 250 objective, multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete. The examination covers:
- Foundations and Concepts of IRB Practice
- Organizational and Personnel Knowledge
- IRB Functions and Operations
- Records and Reports
To find a testing center near you, visit the LaserGrade website or call 800.211.2754. Please note, however, that you will not be able to schedule your examination appointment until you have completed your application (found at the end of the CIP® Handbook) and received an Eligibility Notice from PTC. Additional details are contained in the CIP® Handbook .
2010 Exam Dates
Spring Testing Period
Deadline: January 15, 2010
Exam Dates: March 6 through March 20, 2010
Fall Testing Period
Deadline: August 1, 2010
Exam Dates: September 11 through September 25, 2010
Fees
Application fees for the CIP® exam are:
PRIM&R Member – $335
Non-Members – $435
In order to obtain the special members only registration rate, PRIM&R members must provide proof of their membership. To do so, please follow these instructions.
To learn more about the benefits of PRIM&R membership, please click here.
Preparing for the Exam
The CIP® exam covers information determined by the CCIP to demonstrate a standard level of knowledge about human subjects research review under the rules and regulations of the United States. Candidates are tested on the common body of knowledge relevant to all IRBs, including behavioral and medical research, to ensure that certificate holders are trained to use their skills in a variety of IRB environments.
A handbook is available to help candidates prepare for the examination. The handbook lists the topics covered in the examination and provides suggested reference materials that are commonly found and used in IRB offices. This handbook also contains the application for the exam.
It is important to remember that the examination is based on federal requirements and interpretations of guidelines, not the policies and procedures often developed by individual institutions.
Getting the Results
Candidates are notified of whether they passed or failed the certification examination within six weeks of taking it. Test scores are released only to the individual candidate. The CCIP maintains a list of those individuals who are certified. Contact PTC to obtain your results and to learn more about the exam.
Questions?
Please contact us via e-mail or telephone at 617.423.4112, ext. 10. Thank you!