Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of certification?

• Establish standards of competency for pharmaceutical industry professionals
• Assess the competences (knowledge and skills) demonstrated by pharmaceutical professionals
• Encourage growth and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry
• Formally recognize individuals who meet the requirements established by ISPE PCC
• Serve the public and pharmaceutical industry employers by improving the competence, quality, and effectiveness of pharmaceutical professionals
• Contribute to pharmaceutical industry innovation

What are the benefits of certification?

For CPIP™ Practitioners:

• Certified to a global competency standard
• Enhanced credibility
• Industry-wide recognition
• Greater career mobility
• A competitive edge when job seeking
• A professional development pathway

For employers of CPIPs:

• Professionals with diverse knowledge and skills certified to a global competency standard
• Recruiting standard
• Pharmaceutical focused professional development for employees
• Enhanced efficiency and improved operational quality
• Company competitive advantage

When can the CPIP eligibility application be submitted?

CPIP candidates may apply for eligibility at any time.

Is the CPIP credential available only to ISPE members?

No. Anyone, anywhere in the world can apply.

What are the eligibility requirements for the CPIP credential?

Education Requirements:

• Science/technical/architecture/engineering/math (STEM) curriculum bachelor's or higher (or globally equivalent university degree) from an educational institution accredited by a generally-recognized accrediting body (e.g., ABET, SACS , UK Science and Engineering Research Council) + 5 years of demonstrated pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical industry-related experience

Or

• Non-science/technical/architecture/engineering/math (STEM) curriculum bachelor's or higher (or globally equivalent university degree) from an educational institution accredited by a generally-recognized accrediting body (e.g., ABET, SACS , UK Science and Engineering Research Council) + 10 years of demonstrated pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical industry-related experience

Professional Experience Requirements:

• Demonstrated and documented industry-related experience as follows:
  • Competency #2 - 4 exemplars (minimum any 2)
    Leadership, Decision making, Communications and interpersonal behaviors, and Professional development
  • Competency #3 - 3 exemplars (minimum any 2)
    Innovation & problem solving, Cross-functional integration, and Risk- based Cost-effective approaches
  • Competency #4 - 2 exemplars (minimum any 1) Continuous improvement mindset and Quality by design
• Total of 5 out of 9 exemplars required

What is the cost to apply for the CPIP credential?

Fees for ISPE members are:

• Eligibility Application: USD $125.00, EUROS €93.00
• Examination: USD $350.00, EUROS €259.00
• Recertification: USD $225.00, EUROS €180.00

Fees for ISPE nonmembers are:

• Eligibility Application: USD $225.00, EUROS €180.00
• Examination: USD $460.00, EUROS €341.00
• Recertification: USD $225.00, EUROS €180.00

All fees are nonrefundable and subject to change at any time without notice.

How do I apply for eligibility?

The ISPE-PCC has developed a CPIP Eligibility Application Handbook containing the eligibility application and instructions on how to submit. Download the application handbook

Is there a time minimum or maximum from the date of eligibility until the examination must be taken?

No. Once eligible the candidate can apply to take any examination administration.

Will the applicants be required to take and pass an examination for the CPIP credential?

Yes. After being determined eligible by the ISPE-PCC, the candidate may register for any administration of the CPIP examination after the eligibility date. The examination will cover the 7 knowledge elements associated with Competency #1.The CPIP credential will be awarded upon successfully passing the examination.

Is a study guide available to help CPIP candidates prepare for the examination?

A Study Guide is available for purchase. The Study Guide gives the candidate a complete description of each knowledge area covered on the examination as well as the percent of exam questions for each knowledge area. The Study Guide also lists study references, cited by the exam question developers, and techniques to help candidates prepare for the exam. A practice exam (questions and answers) is also included.

How much study time should I expect to prepare for the examination?

• The amount of preparatory time will vary for each candidate. Study time is largely dependent upon each candidates work experiences and familiarity with the knowledge topic. All of the study guide references total between 60 and 100 typewritten pages.
• The CPIP practice exam can be taken and used as a knowledge gap analysis tool identifying the knowledge areas requiring study.

What is the certification validity period once the credential has been awarded?

• Recertification will be required every three years from the date the credential is conferred.

Will re-certification be necessary?

• Recertification will be required every three years from the date the credential is conferred
• The CPIP will submit, with a recertification application, documentation of recertification points (RCP's) earned during the three years credential validity period
• Each CPIP must satisfy the CPIP recertification requirements in order to maintain the CPIP credential. CPIPs are required to attain no less than 60 recertification points (RCPs) during the three year credential validity period and agree to continue to adhere to CPIPs Professional Code of Conduct.

Activity	Max RCPs / Year	Max RCPs / Cycle
Professional Development	4	12
Professional Practice	8	24
Instructor	4	8
Continuing Education	10	30
License / Certification	4	8
Advanced Coursework	8	24
Publications/Presentations/Books	8	16
SME Writers	6	18
Educational Product Development	3	9
Mentoring	2	6

TOTAL MINIMUM RCP’S/THREE YEAR CYCLE REQUIRED = 60