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About the CPIA® Credential

The Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA®) credential constitutes formal recognition of an IACUC professional’s broad knowledge of IACUC functions and expertise about animal care and use programs. It signals that its holders are highly qualified to discharge their duties pursuant to United States rules and regulations, prevailing ethical codes, and administrative best practices. PRIM&R established the CPIA® credential in 2007 to improve the quality of animal care and use programs nationwide by promoting ethical practices and advanced knowledge of IACUC administration. Those interested in seeking the CPIA® credential for the first time must meet the eligibility requirements and apply for and pass the CPIA® exam. CPIA® credential holders must recertify every five years.

Why Become Certified?

The CPIA credential:
  • Strengthens the quality of IACUCs by providing an established body of relevant knowledge and national standards of practice in IACUC administration
  • Validates an individual’s professional experience and mastery of the body of knowledge determined by national experts to be essential to competent IACUC administrative practices
  • Demonstrates the certified IACUC professional’s high level of dedication to IACUC administration as a profession
  • Provides potential career advancement opportunities
  • Encourages personal growth and professional development

Where to Start

CPIA® Exam

The CPIA® exam is offered 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 reapply 90 days after their initial exam. The CPIA® exam consists of 135 questions. Of these 135 questions, 120 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 receive their exam scores by email and through PSI’s website within an hour of testing.
Learn More About the CPIA® Exam