The Association of Clinical Research Professionals
CPI Certification
CPI® (Certified Principal Investigator) is a credential formally recognizing clinical research professionals with experience as a principal investigator or sub investigator on multiple studies.
This trusted mark of excellence in clinical research is awarded to clinical researchers who have demonstrated proficiency of specific knowledge and skills by passing the standardized CPI® Certification Exam.
The CPI® exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions that must be answered within 180 minutes.
The exam is referenced only to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Guidelines. No other regulatory framework is tested, including country-specific regulations (i.e, FDA or EMA).
The following are the only references for which the CPI® Certification exam content can be supported:
Review the Detailed Content Outline and make sure your experience and work hours are appropriate, as outlined in the Eligibility tab.
We also strongly encourage you to review the entire ACRP Certification Handbook, which provides full details about every facet of ACRP Certification.
Create a free ACRP account so you can begin the application process. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter any requested information and documentation.
If you already have an ACRP account, please proceed to step three.
You’re almost there! Please note, applications selected for audit will undergo a formal review by ACRP’s subject matter experts. In most instances, you will receive a status update about your application within 7 business days.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ACRP will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Please complete this special accommodations form for submission with your application before proceeding.
REMEMBER: The exam is referenced only to the International Conference on Harmonization Guidelines. No other regulatory framework is tested, including country-specific regulations (i.e, FDA or EMA).
We also recommend leaning on your community! Thousands of ACRP Certified members have been in your shoes. They are active community members and always willing to share tips and advice for ACRP exam prep.
Your ACRP account will reflect your results within 3 weeks of your exam date.
Congratulations! You just passed a major milestone on your professional journey and are now a member of the elite club of ACRP Certified clinical research professionals.
Keep an eye on your email because you will soon receive information from our digital badging partner Credly about claiming your digital badge and how you can use it to tout your accomplishment. Also learn how to use your new credential by reviewing the Certification Mark policy.
You have 2 years to keep your certification in good standing by continuing your professional development, and we’ll be right there with you every step of the way. In the meantime, we highly recommend you review all the details about Maintenance of Certification. Don’t leave it to the last minute!
Don’t worry. It happens to the best of us. Give it another try!
In the meantime, we recommend reviewing your score report and putting in some extra study time on the competency areas in which you didn’t score well.
Upcoming Testing Dates
Fall 2023 Testing
July 15 – October 15, 2023
(Applications Due by September 30, 2023)
Spring 2024 Testing
Details Coming Soon!
Application Fees
Early Bird
ACRP Members – $435
Nonmembers – $460
(Available May 15 – June 15, 2023)
Standard
ACRP Members – $485
Nonmembers – $600
(Available June 16 – September 30, 2023)
Join ACRP & Save
Joining ACRP helps you save money. More importantly, ACRP is where you will find the very best of what you need to design a career path that’s uniquely your own. Connections through an engaged community. Growth through gold-standard training. And elevation through rigorous certification.
Congratulations on your decision to earn the most recognized and respected endorsement of clinical research competency — ACRP Certification. As you start this important journey in your career, we’re here to support you every step of the way.