)
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 CIP® certification
- Ready to apply? The CIP® Exam webpage will be your guide for the application process and exam logistics
- 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 The CIP® exam does not include questions about pending draft guidance, including the FDA NPRM on the Protection of Human Subjects and Institutional Review Boards.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.
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® Body of Knowledge/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 lists the regulations, guidance, and ethical codes referenced on the exam. The exam is rooted in the federal guidelines, so take time to review the References and Resources document to ensure that you are familiar with each regulation. Every question is based on a reference, all of which are listed in that document.
Build a solid study routine
Utilize both the CIP® Body of Knowledge/Content Outline and the CIP® Exam References and Resources document to devise a study plan that fully covers all content. Aim to review all listed regulations thoroughly; however, we recommend dedicating extra attention to the regulations you’re less familiar with to ensure a well-rounded study approach. Start preparing early to avoid last-minute cramming and study a little each day to build confidence across all domains of the exam content outline. As exam day approaches, balance your study time with rest so your brain can absorb and retain the material.
Take the CIP® practice exam
There is a CIP® practice exam available online through PSI's store. PRIM&R members can access the practice exam at a discounted price. The practice exam has 50 questions, which do not change. The practice exam mimics testing conditions, giving you a sense of the types of questions on the exam and how the overall process works. After completing the exam, you’ll receive a score report showing the number of questions you answered correctly in each content domain.
Join our Study Buddy Program
Want a virtual or local study partner? Take a moment to fill out the study buddy questionnaire. Once you submit the questionnaire, we will start the search to match you with a buddy that closely matches your preferences. When a potential match is found, both participants will be contacted to confirm permission before we share your contact information. Information will not be shared until both parties have agreed. Once the contact details are exchanged, you can begin studying together!
Attend a CIP® Exam Info Session
These free info sessions are designed for anyone interested in taking the CIP® exam. Learn about the CIP® credential, eligibility requirements, the application process, exam content, and study tips. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A 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 a CIP® Exam Info Session.
Review our Exam Commonly Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of common questions asked by our exam candidates. Visit our Commonly Asked Questions webpage to get answers to general exam questions that cover everything from determining your eligibility to scheduling your exam and preparing for test day. We also address common concerns like exam retakes, confidentiality, and managing test anxiety. Continue reading below for additional CIP® exam FAQs that delve further into exam content, structure, study tips, and more!
Video can’t be displayed
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!
October 2025 CIP® Exam Info Session
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
1:00-2:00 PM ET |
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 Q&A with our Certification Team.
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.
CIP® Exam FAQs
How are the questions structured on the CIP® exam?
Every question is multiple choice. There are no true/false questions or double negatives. This is not a reading exam; there will not be any scenario-based questions.
While you should be familiar with each regulation in the CIP® Exam Resources and References document, there won’t be questions asking for specific regulatory citations.
You do not have to “read between the lines” in order to properly answer the question. Read the question exactly as written without trying to infer anything more. Apply what you know from the federal regulations, the history behind those regulations, and your experience to arrive at the answer you think is the best and most relevant.
Is there a focus on certain regulations over others?
Review the CIP® Exam Resources and References document for a full list of regulations to focus your studies on. Aim to review all listed regulations thoroughly; however, we recommend dedicating extra attention to the regulations you’re less familiar with or don’t encounter regularly in your day-to-day work to ensure a well-rounded study approach.
Do draft regulations appear in the CIP® exam? What about regulations from the pre-2018 Common Rule?
The 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 regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it reflects current regulations and guidance, so there will not be any outdated questions, including any from the pre-2018 Common Rule.
How long do I have to complete the CIP® exam?
You have 3 hours to complete the CIP® exam, which has a total of 130 questions.
How do I know which exam questions are scored?
The CIP® exam has 15 unscored pre-test questions and 115 scored questions. 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.
What is the passing rate of the CIP® exam?
The passing rate of the CIP® exam changes with each exam form. Historically, the passing rate of the exam has been in the 72% range.
Where can I get study materials for the CIP® exam?
Review the CIP® Body of Knowledge/Content Outline for a breakdown of the topics covered on the exam and the weight of each content domain. The exam is rooted in federal guidelines and every question is tied to a specific reference. The CIP® Exam Resources and References document lists the regulations, guidance, and ethical codes referenced on the exam. Be sure to review this to familiarize yourself with each regulation. As you study, focus extra attention on areas and regulations you don’t work with regularly to ensure comprehensive preparation.
If you need a starting point to assess which content domains to focus on, there is a CIP® practice exam that can be found in PSI's store. PRIM&R members can access the practice exam at a discounted price. The practice exam contains 50 questions and mimics testing conditions, helping you familiarize yourself with the question formats. After completing the exam, you’ll receive a score report showing how many questions you answered correctly in each content domain.
The IRB: Management and Function (3rd edition) textbook is available through Jones & Bartlett. While its scope covers a broader range of topics than the CIP® Exam Body of Knowledge/Content Outline, some find it helpful both for exam study and general use in the IRB field. However, the CIP® exam is not based off this book and purchasing it is not a requirement for exam preparation.
Finally, use your job as a study guide. Take time throughout your workday to consider the “why” behind the decisions you make and the history behind them. Focus especially on areas outside your usual responsibilities and where your institution’s policies may differ. If possible, study with someone who works in different areas to broaden your knowledge. We also offer a Study Buddy Program to help you connect with a study partner; get started by filling out the study buddy questionnaire.
How many times can you take the practice exam? Would you recommend taking the practice exam early in your preparation or after you are more confident with the information?
The practice exam has 50 questions total and they do not change, so one attempt at the practice exam should be sufficient.
Everyone studies differently, so the right approach depends on your personal study style. If you’re unsure where to start, you might take the practice exam early to gauge your strengths and identify areas that need focus. You’ll receive a score report showing your performance in each content domain, which you can use as a foundation for your study plan.
If you already have a study plan, consider taking the practice exam midway through or toward the end of your preparation to assess your progress. Even if you do excel at the practice exam at this stage of preparation, remember to keep reviewing and reinforcing your knowledge for the best chance of success.
If you already have a study plan, consider taking the practice exam midway through or toward the end of your preparation to assess your progress. Even if you do excel at the practice exam at this stage of preparation, remember to keep reviewing and reinforcing your knowledge for the best chance of success.