CPIA Exams

Detailed information regarding the 2021 exam, including the handbook and application, will be available in November.

Exam Content

The CPIA® exam is developed by the CPIA Council and covers the body of knowledge on IACUC administrative practices under the rules and regulations of the United States. Download the CPIA Body of Knowledge/Content Outline, detailing the content covered in the CPIA exam. Download the CPIA Body of Knowledge/Content Outline, which details the content covered in the CPIA exam.

Applying For and Scheduling Your Exam

The exam is administered by PSI and offered twice yearly during established two week testing periods (daily, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays) through live remote online proctoring and at physical testing sites around the world.

Those wishing to sit for the exam during a given exam window should ensure they meet the eligibility requirements and submit an exam application by the application deadline listed for that exam window.

Candidates may complete the online application located here, and click on the Register for This Exam button. This will prompt the candidate to create an account with the testing vendor, which will give them access to the online application. If they prefer to mail a hard copy application, they can print the PDF forms on that webpage and mail them to the address listed.

PSI sends approved candidates an eligibility notice that contains instructions on how to schedule an appointment, either at a testing or center or through live remote online proctoring. Candidates do not have to schedule their exams immediately, but please remember that appointments are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

PSI’s testing centers are open according to local ordinances, and strict social distancing and cleaning protocols are in place. This affects the number of exams administered each day, and the number of seats for each timeslot.

If necessary, PRIM&R reaches out to candidates for additional information. PRIM&R also contacts candidates with ineligible applications.

To obtain the reduced registration rate, PRIM&R members must provide proof of their membership. To do so, please follow these instructions.

Learn more about the benefits of PRIM&R membership.

Getting Your Results

You will be notified of your exam results by postal mail within four weeks. The report will indicate your overall score as well as your scores on the major areas of the examination. If successful, you will also receive a certificate and pin from the CPIA Council.

Reexamination

The CPIA Exam may be taken as often as desired upon filing of a new application and exam fee payment. There is no limit to the number of times the examination may be repeated.

Administration

The CPIA program is administered under contract with PSI.

The validity of individual test questions is authenticated by certified professionals, while PSI provides professional testing and management services. These services include assistance with test development, administration, scoring and statistical analysis, and processing candidate applications and fees. Questions regarding examination administration or testing centers may be directed to PSI by telephone (833.333.4755) or by email.