CIP® and CPIA® Exam Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to take the CIP®/CPIA® exam?
All individuals must have at least 24 months of full-time, eligible experience in executing the core job functions that comprise the eligibility guidelines. This experience must have taken place within the past seven years. We recommend reviewing our eligibility guidelines for more information; the guidelines include a list of the job functions that are considered relevant for each certification.
Still not sure if you are eligible? Email your work verification form and a CV/resume that clearly reflects your relevant responsibilities to certification@primr.org. We will submit your materials to the Council and provide you with their feedback on whether you are eligible.
I am not currently working in a relevant field. Do I need to be actively employed in an eligible role in order to sit for the exam?
You do not need to be currently employed in an eligible role in order to take the exam, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements:
- You must have at least 24 months of full-time, eligible experience performing the core job functions.
- Your eligible experience must have taken place within the past seven years from the date you submit your application.
Review our eligibility guidelines for details on what qualifies as eligible experience.
Am I still eligible to take the exam if I’m laid off during the application process or while studying for the exam?
If you have already been approved to take the exam and are still in your 90-day eligibility window, being laid off will not affect your approval status. However, please don't hesitate to contact us at certification@primr.org if this situation affects your ability to take the exam at this time.
If you have not yet applied or been approved, your current employment status would not be a factor as long as your previous experience meets the eligibility requirements.
I am ready to submit my exam application! Do I need to submit both a CV/resume and a work verification form?
- If this is your first time applying for the exam, you are retaking the exam, or your certification has lapsed, you will need to include a work verification form for each eligible job position and a CV/resume that details your experience in administering the relevant job functions.
- If you are applying to retake the exam, please ensure that your work verification form has updated signatures and your CV/resume is still current.
- If you are currently certified, you only need to submit a CV/resume that details your experience administering the relevant job functions.
What should I include on my CV/resume?
Your CV/resume can be similar to the one you would normally use. Just be sure it includes the relevant jobs you’ve held, and that each role clearly reflects your responsibilities and experience in administering the required job functions. Our eligibility guidelines provide further details on which job functions qualify.
Please include both the month and year for each role on your CV/resume. The dates on your work verification form should match those listed on your CV/resume for each position.
Please include both the month and year for each role on your CV/resume. The dates on your work verification form should match those listed on your CV/resume for each position.
What is the cost to take the exam? Do I have to be a PRIM&R member before I become certified?
The examination fee is $425 for all candidates. You will not need to pay the exam fee until you are ready to schedule your exam.
Membership is not a requirement for the exam application or for holding a CIP® or CPIA® certification; however, there are plenty of benefits to becoming a PRIM&R member which can be reviewed on our membership page!
How soon can I take the exam?
The first step is to create an account with PSI, PRIM&R’s testing partner, and submit your application online. Once submitted, your application will undergo an eligibility review, which may take up to two weeks. You will be notified via email if approved, at which point you can log into your PSI profile and schedule your exam. The earliest available appointment may be a few days later depending on test center and proctor availability.
We recommend visiting PSI’s exam availability webpage in advance to locate your nearest test center and explore exam dates, so you can plan when to schedule if your application is approved. Choose the relevant test and click “Continue” next to the FAQs; you can then view exam dates for both in-person and online proctored exams. Exam availability can be checked without creating an account, though availability may change once your application is approved and you are ready to book.
We recommend visiting PSI’s exam availability webpage in advance to locate your nearest test center and explore exam dates, so you can plan when to schedule if your application is approved. Choose the relevant test and click “Continue” next to the FAQs; you can then view exam dates for both in-person and online proctored exams. Exam availability can be checked without creating an account, though availability may change once your application is approved and you are ready to book.
How do I find a test center?
You can search for test centers on PSI's website here. Select the relevant test, click “continue” next to the FAQs, then choose “Onsite (Test Center)” and click “continue” again. After entering your zip code and setting a search radius, you’ll see the closest test centers and their available exam appointments for the next 90 days.
You don’t need an active application or account to use this feature. However, your application must be submitted and approved before you can schedule your exam. Please note that locations and availability may change between your initial search and when you schedule your exam.
You don’t need an active application or account to use this feature. However, your application must be submitted and approved before you can schedule your exam. Please note that locations and availability may change between your initial search and when you schedule your exam.
What should I expect on exam day?
Whether you are testing in-person at a test center or remotely at home, your exam will be taken on a computer. No notes or reference materials are allowed during the exam. You will not be able to have any personal items with you, other than your two forms of identification.
Please watch PSI's general overview of the test center experience video and online proctoring experience video for guidance on what to expect.
Make sure you thoroughly read the CIP® Exam Handbook or CPIA® Exam Handbook for further information on the examination process and policies.
Am I able to bring food or water with me?
Candidates are not permitted to have food or water with them during the exam, whether testing in-person at a test center or remotely from home. PSI strives to maintain consistent testing conditions for all candidates.
If you have a documented medical condition requiring access to food or water, you may request an accommodation in advance. Please complete this form and select the ticket category “Test Accommodations Request.” This accommodation is only available for in-person testing; remote test takers are not permitted to have food or water during the exam, regardless of accommodation status.
If you have a documented medical condition requiring access to food or water, you may request an accommodation in advance. Please complete this form and select the ticket category “Test Accommodations Request.” This accommodation is only available for in-person testing; remote test takers are not permitted to have food or water during the exam, regardless of accommodation status.
What if I need accommodations?
Candidates can request special accommodations once their applications are approved. To do so, please complete this form and select the ticket category “Test Accommodations Request.” After submitting your request, you will receive an email from PSI containing a ticket number. Be sure to retain the email and keep the ticket number for reference throughout the exam process. PSI staff will contact you upon reviewing your request to gather any additional information and to proceed with your exam appointment booking.
If you are planning to request accommodations or have already submitted a request, please do not schedule your exam appointment on your own. Wait for PSI’s accommodations team to contact you; this is to ensure that they can schedule you for a location and date where the accommodations can be implemented. If you schedule the exam without waiting to hear from the accommodations team, there is a high possibility that the accommodations will not be in place on exam day. Please also notify us once you submit your accommodation request so we can confirm your exam is scheduled correctly. We do not require any details, we only need to know if you have put in a request.
For more information, refer to this document. Please note that PSI approves all accommodations for PRIM&R’s exams.
If you are planning to request accommodations or have already submitted a request, please do not schedule your exam appointment on your own. Wait for PSI’s accommodations team to contact you; this is to ensure that they can schedule you for a location and date where the accommodations can be implemented. If you schedule the exam without waiting to hear from the accommodations team, there is a high possibility that the accommodations will not be in place on exam day. Please also notify us once you submit your accommodation request so we can confirm your exam is scheduled correctly. We do not require any details, we only need to know if you have put in a request.
For more information, refer to this document. Please note that PSI approves all accommodations for PRIM&R’s exams.
What if I fail the exam? Can I test again within my eligibility window?
Candidates may only test once within their eligibility window. If you do not pass, you may reapply after a 90-day waiting period. No exceptions can be made to this rule.
After the 90-day period, you must submit a new application which includes a work verification form with updated signatures and a current CV/resume. You will go through the eligibility review process again, although this should be expedited since you were previously approved. Once approved, you will have a new eligibility window and will pay the examination fee once you are ready to schedule the exam.
After the 90-day period, you must submit a new application which includes a work verification form with updated signatures and a current CV/resume. You will go through the eligibility review process again, although this should be expedited since you were previously approved. Once approved, you will have a new eligibility window and will pay the examination fee once you are ready to schedule the exam.
I don't want anyone to know I'm taking the exam. What if my supervisor calls you?
PRIM&R and PSI only communicate with an exam candidate regarding their certification status; no information is ever shared with a third party. We do not share any certification information with supervisors, HR personnel, coworkers, etc. without written permission from the candidate, regardless of their certification status. Even if someone is requesting confirmation that you have applied for, scheduled, or have taken your exam, we do not disclose any of this information without your permission.
What is the study buddy program?
PRIM&R has a study buddy program for those who want a virtual or local study partner! If you would like to sign up, 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!
If at any point you need another study buddy, you can contact us at certification@primr.org.
What do you recommend for someone who has test anxiety?
We understand that exams can feel intimidating, especially if you haven’t taken one in a while. Our best advice is to build a solid study routine that fully covers the material in the CIP® or CPIA® Reference and Resources document. Study a little each day to build confidence across all areas of the exam content outline, so you can walk into exam day knowing you’re giving your best effort.
Minimize as many outside stressors as possible:
- Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your exam—give yourself flexibility for unexpected issues.
- Lighten other commitments. Preparing for the exam may feel more mentally demanding than usual, so avoid overcommitting in the weeks leading up to the exam and stay focused on preparation.
- Work out practical details ahead of time—like parking, weather, and what to bring—so you're not dealing with last-minute surprises.
- Take care of yourself. As exam day approaches, prioritize restful sleep, nourishing meals, and calming practices.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to settle in and get into a test-ready mindset, instead of rushing or worrying about traffic.
Choose the testing environment that will help you feel the most focused and confident on exam day:
- If you prefer a structured setting, a test center may be the right choice. Test centers are designed to minimize interruptions and help you concentrate.
- If a test center adds to your anxiety and you feel more comfortable at home (and meet the technical requirements), a remote exam may be the better fit.
Watch PSI's general overview of the test center experience video and online proctoring experience video to help you make your choice.
Most importantly, trust yourself that you can do this. Candidates must have at least two years of experience to be eligible for the exam. Your eligibility reflects the experience you’ve already gained, so trust in your preparation and your ability to succeed. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, let it be part of the learning process. Your score report will help identify areas to focus on, and you can retake the exam after 90 days with a clearer understanding of both the content and the exam experience itself.
Looking for more support? Visit our comprehensive CIP® Exam Resources webpage or CPIA® Exam Resources webpage for additional tools, tips, and materials as you prepare.