Certified IRB Professional

About the CIP Credential
Watch CIP Info Session

About the CIP Credential

The Certified IRB Professional (CIP®) credential constitutes formal recognition of an IRB professional’s broad knowledge of IRB functions and expertise about human research protection programs (HRPPs). It signals that its holders are highly qualified to discharge their duties pursuant to United States rules and regulations, prevailing ethical codes. PRIM&R established the CIP credential in 1999 to improve the quality of HRPPs and IRBs nationwide by promoting ethical practices and advanced knowledge of IRB administration. Those interested in seeking the CIP credential for the first time must meet the eligibility requirements and apply for and pass the CIP exam. CIP credential holders must recertify every three years.  

Those interested in seeking the CIP credential must meet the eligibility requirements and then apply for and pass the CIP exam. CIP credential holders must recertify every three years.

Apply to take the exam

Why Become Certified?

The CIP credential:

  • Promotes the ethical conduct of research by strengthening the administration of human research protection programs (HRPPs).
  • Validates an individual’s professional experience and mastery of the body of knowledge determined by national experts to be essential to competent HRPP and IRB administrative practices
  • Encourages personal growth and professional development
  • Provides an expanded array of career advancement opportunities
  • Strengthens the quality of HRPPs by certifying a cadre of committed and educated individuals

Where to Start

CIP Exam

On a continuous basis, both at in-person testing centers and online, through live remote proctoring. Candidates take their exams through PSI’s upgraded Bridge platform, which uses less bandwidth than its predecessor platforms, and integrates tech support onto the exam form.

Candidates have a 90-day window to test upon approval of their exam applications. Candidates who are unsuccessful in passing the exam will be eligible to re-test 90 days after their initial exam.

The CIP exam consists of 130 questions. Of these 130 questions, 115 are scored and 15 questions are unscored pre-test items. Candidates won’t know which questions will be scored, and which will be unscored.

Candidates will receive their exam scores by email and through PSI’s website within an hour of testing.