CPIA® Exam Resources
Are you interested in the CPIA® Certification?
- Visit our CPIA® webpage to find out more about the Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA®) credential
- Review the eligibility guidelines to find out if you are eligible for the CPIA® certification
- Ready to apply? The CPIA® 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 CPIA® exam
CPIA® Exam Content and Structure
The Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA®) exam is developed by the CPIA® Council and it covers the critical functions of IACUCs and animal research oversight. The CPIA® exam is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it reflects current regulations and guidance. The exam does not include questions about pending draft guidance.
The CPIA® 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 135 objective, multiple-choice questions. Of these 135 questions, 120 are scored and 15 questions 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. No notes or reference materials are allowed while taking the exam. Candidates have three hours to complete the exam.
Download the CPIA® Exam Handbook for policies, procedures, and guidance regarding the examination process.
Download the CPIA® Exam Handbook for policies, procedures, and guidance regarding the examination process.
CPIA® Exam Study Tips
Review the CPIA® Exam Content Outline
The CPIA® Body of Knowledge/Content Outline provides a breakdown of the content covered on the CPIA® exam and the weight of each content domain on the exam.
Review the CPIA® Exam References and Resources document
The CPIA® Exam References and Resources document provides key exam references and helpful study aids. These references and resources include information of significance to IACUC administrators and animal research protection programs. take time to review the References and Resources document to ensure that you are familiar with each item listed. Every question is based on a reference, all of which are listed in that document.
Build a solid study routine
Utilize both the CPIA® Exam Content Outline and the Exam References and Resources documents to devise a study plan that fully covers all content. Aim to review all listed items thoroughly; however, we recommend dedicating extra attention to the areas 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.
Join our Study Buddy Program
Want a virtual or local study partner? Take a moment to fill out the study buddy match request 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 CPIA® Exam Info Session
These free info sessions are designed for anyone interested in taking the CPIA® exam. Learn about the CPIA® 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 a CPIA® Exam Info Session.
Review our CPIA® 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 CPIA® exam FAQs that delve further into exam content, structure, study tips, and more!
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Watch our CPIA® 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 CPIA® Exam Info Session!
These free sessions are designed for anyone interested in taking the CPIA® exam. Learn about the CPIA® 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.
Check back for more info sessions to be announced! |
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.
CPIA® Exam FAQs
How are the questions structured on the CPIA® exam?
Every question is multiple choice. There are no true/false questions or double negatives. This is not a reading exam; there won’t be any case studies with multiple questions.
While you should be familiar with the regulations and guidelines in the CPIA® 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 guidelines, the history, and your experience to arrive at the answer you think is the best and most relevant.
While you should be familiar with the regulations and guidelines in the CPIA® 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 guidelines, the history, 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 CPIA® 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. While you are reviewing each reference, approach each subject by thinking broadly and focusing on areas related to IACUC administration.
Do draft regulations appear in the CPIA® exam?
The exam does not include questions about pending draft guidance. The CPIA® exam is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it reflects current regulations and guidance, so there will not be any outdated questions.
How long do I have to complete the CPIA® exam?
You have three hours to complete the CPIA® exam, which has a total of 135 questions.
How do I know which exam questions are scored?
The CPIA® exam has 15 unscored pre-test questions and 120 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 exam?
The passing rate of the CPIA® exam changes with each exam form. Historically, the passing rate of the exam has been in the 67% range.
Where can I get study materials for the CPIA® exam?
Review the CPIA® Body of Knowledge/Content Outline for a breakdown of the topics covered on the exam and the weight of each content domain. Every question on the exam is based on a reference, all of which can be found in our CPIA® Exam Resources and References document. These references and resources include information of significance to IACUC administrators and animal research protection programs and the Body of Knowledge/Content Outline required for this certification. Be sure to review this to familiarize yourself with each item listed. As you study, focus extra attention on areas you don’t work with regularly to ensure comprehensive preparation.
If you need a starting point, begin by reading through the ARENA/OLAW IACUC Guidebook and the IACUC Handbook. Additionally, read through the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. These materials are very comprehensive, so allow yourself plenty of time to study them. Links to each item listed can be found in the CPIA® Exam Resources and References document.
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.
Is there a practice exam available?
We do not currently have a practice exam available for the CPIA® exam. PRIM&R is working with PSI to create a practice exam that will be offered through PSI. We recommend reviewing the “Study Aids and Resources” section within the CPIA® Exam Resources and References document. In particular, the AALAS Learning Library and CITI Program offer training materials and sample questions that can support your studying. While some content requires a subscription, both platforms also provide free training materials you can access.
An additional reference as you prepare for the exam is the CPIA® Exam Study Group on Facebook; this will connect you with other candidates who have taken or will take the exam. Some exam candidates create their own exam preparation materials and you may find those materials shared on different online platforms. However, please keep in mind that if you do come across any practice questions, those were put together by the community and are not official practice questions.