Log In
Contact Us

CIP® Exam Resources

Are you interested in the CIP® Certification?

  • Visit our CIP® webpage to find out more about the Certified IRB Professional (CIP®) credential
  • Review the eligibility guidelines to find out if you are eligible for the Certified IRB Professional (CIP®) certification
  • Ready to apply? The CIP® Exam webpage will be your guide for the application process
  • Continue reading below for additional examination resources as you begin to study and prepare for the CIP® Exam

CIP® Exam Content and Structure

The Certified IRB Professional (CIP®) exam is developed by the CIP® Council and it covers the body of knowledge about human subjects research review under the rules and regulations of the United States. The CIP® exam is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it reflects current regulations and guidance. The CIP® exam does not include questions about pending draft guidance, including the FDA NPRM on the Protection of Human Subjects and Institutional Review Boards. The CIP®  exam is a computer-based exam that is offered on a continuous basis, both at in-person testing centers and online through live remote proctoring.  The exam consists of 130 objective, multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. Of the 130 questions, 115 of these questions are scored and 15 are unscored pre-test items. The 15 unscored questions are randomized throughout the exam so candidates will not know which questions are scored and which questions are unscored. The unscored questions are pre-determined and used to validate future exam items. The exam covers human subjects research protection topics, IRB responsibilities, and institutional responsibilities. No notes or reference materials are allowed while taking the exam.
Download the CIP® Exam Handbook for policies, procedures, and guidance regarding the examination process.

CIP® Exam Study Tips

Review the CIP® Exam Content Outline
The CIP® Exam Content Outline provides a breakdown of the content covered on the CIP® exam and the weight of each content domain on the exam.
Review the CIP® Exam References and Resources document
The CIP® Exam References and Resources document provides a list of the regulations, guidance, and ethical codes referenced on the exam. Take time to review this document to ensure that you are familiar with each regulation. The exam is rooted in the federal guidelines and every question on the exam has a reference associated with it. When you are studying, focus on the areas and regulations that you do not utilize on a day-to-day basis.
Take the CIP® practice exam
If you need a starting point for assessing which domains of the content outline to focus on, the CIP® practice exam is available online through PSI's store. PRIM&R members can access the practice exam at a discounted price. The practice exam contains 50 questions, which do not change. The practice exam mimics testing conditions, so you can get a feel for the different types of questions that will be asked on the exam and how the overall examination process will go. You will receive a score report once you complete the practice exam and you will be able to see the number of questions you answered correctly from each content domain.
Join our Study Buddy Program
Want a virtual or local study partner? Take a moment to fill out the study buddy match request form. You will answer a brief questionnaire to be matched with a buddy that closely matches your preferences. When a potential match is found, both parties will be contacted requesting permission for us to share your contact information with one another. The contact information is not shared until both of you have given permission. Once a match is found and the contact information is shared, you will be able to start studying with your buddy. It may take some time to find a match, but once you submit the form we will begin looking for a potential match!
Attend a CIP® Exam Info Session
Whether you are new to certification or are currently certified and want to recertify via exam, these free sessions are designed for anyone interested in taking the CIP® Exam. Learn about the CIP® credential, eligibility requirements, the application process, exam content, and even a few study tips.  At the end of the presentation, there will be an opportunity for a Q&A Session with our Certification Team. Scroll down to the end of this webpage to register for a future session! Can't make one of our upcoming sessions? Watch a recorded version of the CIP® Exam Info Session presentation.
Review our CIP® Exam Commonly Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of common questions asked by our exam candidates. Visit our Commonly Asked Questions webpage to delve further into the CIP® exam content and structure, additional study tips, exam scheduling logistics, and more! This webpage will be updated as new questions arise.

Watch our CIP® Exam Info Session presentation!

  • Learn about the CIP® credential, eligibility requirements, the application process, exam content, and even a few study tips.

Attend an upcoming CIP® Exam Info Session!

May 2025 CIP® Exam Info Session
Tuesday, May 20 1:00–2:00 PM EST
These free sessions are designed for anyone interested in taking the CIP® Exam. Learn about the CIP® credential, eligibility requirements, the application process, exam content, and even a few study tips.  At the end of the presentation, there will be an opportunity for a Q&A Session with our Certification Team.
Register Here!
Have a question or topic you would like answered or covered in future exam or recertification by continuing education info sessions? Fill out our feedback form! The input you provide will be reviewed and may be included in future information sessions and/or in electronic publications.