What is CPPS Certification?The Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)
TM program establishes core standards for the field of patient safety, benchmarks requirements necessary for health care professionals, and sets an expected proficiency level. This credential is awarded through a thorough examination covering four patient safety domains following the exam content outline. To date, more than 8,000 professionals have earned the CPPS credential, representing all 50 US states and 43 countries.
The CPPS credential validates demonstrated knowledge and competence in core patient safety standards and practices. The CPPS certification program is fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Accreditation from NCCA, the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE)'s accrediting body provides independent affirmation that the CPPS program achieves the highest quality standards in professional certification. This credential is awarded through a thorough examination covering core patient safety domains, following the CPPS exam content outline.
IHI recognizes the essential role that certification plays in advancing practice and organizational excellence. We established this scholarship program to eliminate a key barrier — lack of organizational funding — that prevents deserving professionals from becoming certified and advancing their career and practice in safety.
More information on the CPPS credentialing program is available at ihi.org/cpps.
Who Should Apply?Any professional working in or around health care who is able to demonstrate need is encouraged to apply. Candidates for the CPPS credential are those who include patient safety practices as an integral component of current or future professional responsibilities. Applicants must also possess academic and professional experience at one of the following levels, as stipulated by CPPS eligibility requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree or higher, plus three years of experience (includes time spent in clinical rotations and residency programs) in a health care setting or with a provider of services to the health care industry
OR
- Associate degree or equivalent plus five years of experience (includes time spent in clinical rotations) in a health care setting or with a provider of services to the health care industry
How to ApplyApplicants will be expected to complete an application and submit all materials including:
- Contact and organizational application form (Section I)
- Resume or curriculum vitae (Section II)
- Personal statement (Section III)
Selection Criteria
- Prior training and experience and/or demonstrated interest in developing and implementing patient safety initiatives
- Statement of the applicant’s personal and/or career goals and how the CPPS certification will support them and their organization
- Demonstration of organizational and/or personal need
Scholarship DetailsScholarships will be awarded through a thorough application and review process.
A scholarship award includes:
- Access to the Online CPPS Review Course
- Access to the CPPS Practice Exam
- One-time opportunity to sit for the CPPS credentialing exam
