Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA) Exam

Interested In Becoming CPIA Certified?

Watch Our Information Session!


Learn about the application, exam process, and even a few study tips.

This session features an interview with a currently certified individual to discuss career development through certification.

New CPIA Exam Available!  

 
  • Shorter exam form! 
    The new CPIA® exam consists of 135 questions: 120 scored questions, and 15 unscored pre-test questions. Candidates won’t know which questions will be scored and which will be unscored. 
      

  • Continuous testing! 
    The new CPIA® exam is available on-demand. This means that eligible candidates have a 90-day window in which they can schedule their exam appointment and take the exam. Candidates who are unsuccessful in passing their exams are eligible to re-take their tests 90 days after their first exam attempt. 
      

  • Instant scoring! 
    Candidates receive their exam scores by email and through PSI’s website within an hour of testing. 
      

  • Multiple exam delivery options! 
    Candidates still have the opportunity to take their exams at in-person testing centers, or take them online through live remote online proctoring.  

What Are the Application Fees?

 

Member Fee* Nonmember Fee
$350 $475

*PRIM&R Membership includes a variety of benefits, including discounts on PRIM&R programs and certification fees. Learn more on our membership benefits page.


 

CPIA Exam Administration

The CPIA program is administered under contract with PSI.

The validity of individual test questions is authenticated by certified professionals, while PSI provides professional testing and management services. These services include assistance with test development, administration, scoring and statistical analysis, and processing candidate applications and fees. Questions regarding examination administration or testing centers may be directed to PSI by telephone (833.518.7455) or by email.

Ready to Apply?

Ready to Apply?

Congratulations on taking the next step towards your CPIA credential!  

We are excited to help you with your application. 

Please submit the following documentation to the link below 

Begin my application process! 

 

CPIA Reexamination

The CPIA Exam may be taken as often as desired upon filing of a new application and fee. There is no limit to the number of times the examination may be repeated. Unsuccessful candidates must wait 90 days before re-applying. 

Certification Verification 

PRIM&R requires a written release before sharing an individual’s certification information. Verification requests should be sent to certification@primr.org, and include a copy of the release.  

 

Exam FAQs

All candidates are assigned a 90-day eligibility period, which begins the date their application is approved. Candidates are responsible for scheduling their appointments within this time frame.  

We discourage candidates from scheduling their appointments in the final 48 hours of their eligibility window. This causes complications and delays if the candidate runs into an issue on their exam day. 

We offer two delivery options for our examination candidates: in-person testing centers and online proctoring. We encourage candidates to learn more about both options before scheduling their appointments. This online proctoring guide is full of helpful information. Here are some factors you might want to consider as you make your decision: 

Appointment Time 

Be sure to select an appointment time and location that gives you ample travel time, whether it be at a testing center or down the hall. The hours leading up to the exam can be stressful, so have confidence that you can get where you need to be at the right time. 

System Requirements 

Be sure to review the systems requirements and conduct a compatibility check with the computer you intend to use. VPNs must be disabled, and security/firewall settings might need to be reconfigured to ensure an uninterrupted connection to your exam. Double check that you have the user admin privileges needed to change these settings on your computer.  

To minimize the chance of disconnecting from your exam, we recommend using a hardline ethernet connection, and make sure other users are not streaming or gaming on your network.  

Distractions 

Some people work better in a familiar environment, and others prefer a setting outside of their home or office. Be sure to build in some buffer time in your calendar, so you are not rushing your exam.  

All candidates are required to bring two forms of identification with them to their exams. The name on the identification must exactly match the name the candidate used on their application.  

If you notice the name in your eligibility notice is different from that on your identification, please contact PRIM&R staff to update the certification records.   

Proctors are instructed to strictly interpret the identification verification instructions. Please do not make any assumptions that a moniker is an “obvious” derivative of another name.  

Primary identification  

A current government-issued identification that includes the candidate’s name, signature, and photograph. No forms of temporary identification are accepted. The most common documentation candidates use are: 

  • Driver’s license with photograph 

  • State identification card with photograph 

  • Passport 

A military identification card with photograph is acceptable for in-person appointments at testing centers; however, it is not accepted for remote online exams. Those taking their exams at testing centers will be required to sign a roster for verification of identity. 

Secondary Identification 

The secondary form of identification must display your name and signature for signature verification. The most common documentation candidates use are: 

  • Credit card with signature 
  • Social security card with signature 
  • Employment/student ID card with signature 

What if something happens during my exam? 

Any candidate who encounters an issue on exam day must notify PSI by sending an email to examschedule@psionline.com and certification@primr.org  or by calling 833-518-7455 and following up with PRIM&R by email. Candidates need to make their complaint within 48 hours of testing. You will be issued a case number, which you should retain for your records. 

Please be sure to answer your phone (the number may be unfamiliar) when you are expecting a callback.  

Once you are issued a case number, please do not call or email PSI for an update that same day. The quickest way to get a ticket update is to email PRIM&R with your ticket number.  

Please note that candidate services staff are trained to triage calls, and for security purposes, do not have access to all information. We encourage you to follow up on tickets with PRIM&R staff.  

Candidates receive their results by email within a hour of taking their exam, and will also be able to access this information on their online PSI profile. Score reports are only sent to the email address affiliated with an account. Results are ever released over the phone.   

Candidates who successfully pass their exams will be contacted by PRIM&R within two weeks of their exam date with a confirmation letter and certificate information. Digital certificates will be available beginning in April 2024.  

Candidates who are unsuccessful in passing the exam must wait 90 days before sending a new application.