Certified Professional in Patient Safety

Candidate Handbook

January 2024
 1 Candidate Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 TESTING BY LIVE REMOTE ONLINE PROCTORING . . . . . . . . . . . 5
TESTING AGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
EXAMINATION RESTRICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ACCREDITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
MISCONDUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
COPYRIGHTED EXAMINATION QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
TEST CENTER ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
COMPUTER LOGIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
LIVE REMOTE ONLINE PROCTORING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 PRACTICE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATION SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 TIMED EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
TEST CENTER LOCATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 CANDIDATE COMMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR CANDIDATES FOLLOWING THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

WITH DISABILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 SCORES CANCELLED BY CBPPS OR PSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

EXAMINATION FEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 PASS/FAIL SCORE DETERMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

IF YOU PASS THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
REGISTERING FOR AN EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
IF YOU DO NOT PASS THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
RESCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
FAILING TO REPORT FOR AN EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
MISSED APPOINTMENTS AND FORFEITURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CONFIDENTIALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
INCLEMENT WEATHER, POWER FAILURE DUPLICATE SCORE REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
OR EMERGENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 RECERTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
PREPARING FOR THE EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CODE OF CONDUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
TESTING AT A PSI TEST CENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 DISCIPLINE AND COMPLAINTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 APPEALS/RECONSIDERATION OF ADVERSE DECISIONS . . . . . . . 8

EXAMINATION APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SECURITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
REQUEST FOR SPECIAL
PERSONAL BELONGINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
EXAMINATION RESTRICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 DOCUMENTATION OF DISABILITY-RELATED NEEDS . . . . . . . . . . 12

All questions and requests for information about the All questions and requests for information about
CPPS examination should be directed to: examination scheduling should be directed to:
Institute for Healthcare Improvement PSI Candidate Services
53 State Street, 18th Floor 18000 W. 105th St.
Boston, MA 02109 Olathe, KS 66061-7543
Voice: 617-391-9927 Phone: 855-579-4641
Email: [email protected] Fax: 913-895-4650
Website: www.ihi.org/CPPS Email: [email protected]
Website: https://test-takers.psiexams.com/cbpps

Copyright © 2023. PSI Services. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechani-
cal, including photocopy or recording, or any information and retrieval system, without permission in writing from PSI Services.

Rev. 1/30/2024
 2 Candidate Handbook
certifying bodies and leading academic institutions. PSI
ABOUT THE EXAMINATION offers a comprehensive solutions approach from test devel-
The Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) creden- opment to delivery to results processing, including pre-hire
tial distinguishes health care professionals who meet the employment selection, managerial assessments, licensing
competency requirements in the areas of patient safety and certification tests, distance learning testing, license
science and human factors engineering, and who demon- management services and professional services.
strate the ability to apply this knowledge to effectively plan
and implement patient safety initiatives. Candidates may ACCREDITATION
include patient safety professionals, clinicians, non-clinical
The Certified Professional in Patient SafetyTM (CPPS)
health care workers, executives, and other professionals
program is fully accredited by the National Commission
with the requisite background. These professionals may
for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Accreditation from
work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to,
NCCA, the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE)
hospitals, health systems, the home, ambulatory and other
accrediting body provides independent affirmation that
outpatient settings, academia, the community, and provid-
the CPPS program achieves the highest quality standards
ers of service to the healthcare industry. The CPPS is open
in professional certification. NCCA uses a peer review
to candidates from the United States as well as practitioners
process to establish accreditation standards, evaluate
outside of the U.S.
compliance with these standards, recognize programs
The certification exam is a rigorous and comprehensive that demonstrate compliance, and serve as a resource on
credentialing process consisting of 110 questions, 100 of quality certification.
which are scored. The other 10 are pretest questions. You
will be asked to answer these questions, but they will not be
factored into your scored examination result. These pretest NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
PSI and CBPPS do not discriminate among candidates on
questions are dispersed within the examination and are not
the basis of age, gender, race, color, religion, national
marked in any way. This ensures candidates answer pretest
origin, disability, marital status or any other protected char-
questions in the same manner as scored questions, allow-
acteristic.
ing the pretest questions to be validated as accurate and
appropriate before being included as a measure of candi-
date competency. TEST CENTER ADMINISTRATION
Examinations are delivered by computer at approximately
There are three types of questions on the exam: 300 PSI Test Centers located throughout the United States.
• Recall: The ability to recall or recognize specific information The examination is administered by appointment only
• Application: The ability to comprehend, relate or apply Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments may be
knowledge to new or changing situations scheduled based on availability. Appointment starting times
• Analysis: The ability to analyze and synthesize informa- may vary by location. Available dates will be indicated when
tion, determine solutions and/or evaluate the usefulness scheduling your examination. Candidates are scheduled on
of a solution a first-come, first-served basis.
Only a small percentage of the exam questions are catego-
rized as recall. The rest are divided between application LIVE REMOTE ONLINE
and analysis.
The examination is available in a computerized format on a
PROCTORING
Examinations are delivered by Live Remote Online
daily basis at PSI Test Centers across the United States and
Proctoring to a candidate using their own computer from
internationally and by Live Remote Online Proctoring.
their home. The candidate must have a computer with a
web camera that can be moved to display the entire room,
TESTING AGENCY a microphone, and internet connection to download the
PSI Services is engaged in educational and occupational PSI secure browser. A compatibility check of the computer’s
measurement and provides examination development and audio/video, webcam and system is required prior to
administration to a variety of client organizations. PSI assists scheduling.
the Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety
Please be advised: Using a work computer for the remote
(CBPPS) in the development, administration, scoring and
proctored exam, even one which passes the System
analysis of the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)
Compatibility Check, is highly discouraged due to
examination.
administrator fire walls and IT security systems which
PSI Services has more than 70 years of experience provid- frequently prevent exam launch.
ing worldwide testing solutions to corporations, federal
and state government agencies, professional associations,
 3 Candidate Handbook
nation date by completing PSI’s online form at: https://
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATION psi-cdexp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_
SERVICES form_id=360000150872. Attach the Documentation of
International candidates may book and pay for their Disability-Related Needs form (which must be completed
examination through the online registration portal at by an appropriate licensed professional) with your online
https://test-takers.psiexams.com/cbpps. request. PSI will review the request and will contact you
regarding the decision for accommodations.
For information regarding the availability of international
computerized test centers, please visit http://schedule.
psiexams.com. If you are an international candidate, you
EXAMINATION FEES
US/Domestic: $449*
will need to submit a completed application form and the
application fee. All rules and regulations regarding the Payment may be made by credit card (VISA, Master Card,
computerized examination apply to international examina- American Express, or Discover), cashier’s check, company
tions. Examinations will be given in computerized format check, or money order made payable to PSI Services Inc.
only. International candidates will not receive instant score Personal checks are not accepted. Examination registration
reports. Results will be sent within two business days after fees are not refundable or transferrable and expire in one
completion of the examination to the candidate’s address year.
of record. International candidates may also view score Credit card transactions that are declined will be subject to
reports through the online PSI portal. a $25 handling fee. A cashier’s check or money order for
the amount due, including the handling fee, must be sent to
TEST CENTER LOCATIONS PSI to cover declined credit card transactions.
PSI Test Centers have been selected to provide accessibility * International candidates, please add $100 (U.S. dollars)
to the most candidates in all states and major metropoli- for international examination fee.
tan areas. A current listing of PSI Test Centers, including
addresses and driving directions, may be viewed at http:// REGISTERING FOR AN EXAMINATION
schedule.psiexams.com. Specific address information will
1. Online: You may register online by going to
be provided when you schedule an examination appoint-
https://test-takers.psiexams.com/cbpps and selecting
ment.
“Begin Scheduling. Test taker may use a computer, tab-
let, or mobile device to schedule their examination. The
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR computer will guide you through the process. After your
CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES application information and credit card payment (VISA,
Master Card, American Express, or Discover) have been
PSI and CBPPS comply with the Americans with Disabilities submit­ted, you will be prompted to schedule an exami-
Act and strives to ensure that no individual with a disability nation appointment at a Test Center or to schedule a
(as defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical Remote Online Proctored Exam or to supply additional
or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more eligibility information.
major life activities, a person who has a history or record 2. Paper: Complete and mail the paper application
of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by included in this handbook with appropriate fee (credit
others as having such an impairment) is deprived of the card, cashier’s check or money order). An application is
opportunity to take the examination solely by reason of that considered complete only if all infor­mation requested is
disability. PSI will provide reasonable accommodations for complete, legible and accurate; if you are eligible for the
candidates with disabilities. Candidates requesting special examination; and if the appropri­ate fee accompanies
accommodations must call PSI at 800-367-1565 ext. 6750 the application.
to schedule their examination.
The site is WCAG 2.1 AA Compliant which enables any Depending on availability,
If you contact PSI by your examination may be
accessibility program, such as screen reader, to read the
3:00 p.m. Central Time on... scheduled as early as...
page.
1. Wheelchair access is available at all established Test Monday Wednesday
Centers. Candidates must advise PSI at the time of Tuesday Thursday
scheduling that wheelchair access is necessary. Wednesday Friday/Saturday
2. Candidates with visual, sensory, physical or learning
disabilities that would prevent them from taking the Thursday Monday
examination under standard conditions may request Friday Tuesday
special accommodations and arrangements. Approxi­mately two weeks after receipt, PSI will send you a
Verification of the disability and a statement of the specific confirmation notice including a unique identification num-
type of assistance needed must be submitted online to ber, a website address and toll-free telephone number to
PSI at least 45 calendar days prior to your desired exami- schedule an examination appointment (see following table).
 4 Candidate Handbook
If your eligibility cannot be confirmed, notification why your
application is incomplete will be sent. If you do not receive MISSED APPOINTMENTS AND
information about your application within four weeks, call
PSI at 855-579-4641.
FORFEITURES
You will forfeit your examination registration and all fees
When you schedule your Test Center appointment, be pre- paid to take the examination under the following circum-
pared to confirm a location and a preferred date and time stances. A new, complete application and examination fee
for testing. You will be asked to provide your unique iden- are required to reapply for examination.
tification number. When you call or go online to schedule
• You cancel your examination after confirmation of eligi-
your examination appointment, you will be notified of the
bility is received.
time to report to the Test Center, and if an email address
is provided, you will be sent an email confirmation notice. • You wish to reschedule an examination but fail to contact
PSI at least two business days prior to the scheduled test-
If special accommodations are being requested, complete ing session.
the Request for Special Examination Accommodations and
Documentation of Disability-Related Needs forms included • You wish to reschedule a second time.
in this handbook and submit it to PSI at least 45 days prior • You appear more than 15 minutes late for an examina-
to the desired examination date. tion.
Candidates who wish to schedule a Remote Online • You fail to report for an examination appointment.
Proctored Exam MUST FIRST CHECK THE COMPATIBILITY
OF THE COMPUTER to include Audio/Video Check,
INCLEMENT WEATHER, POWER
Webcam Check and System Check. You must use Google
Chrome Browser. Please note that if your computer per- FAILURE OR EMERGENCY
forms any system update (i.e. software, server, fire wall, In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen emer-
webcam, etc.) from the time you schedule your exam to gencies on the day of an examination, PSI will determine
when you attempt to launch your exam, you may experi- whether circumstances warrant the cancellation, and sub-
ence issues with your compatibility. It is best to conduct sequent rescheduling, of an examination. The examination
another compatibility check on the machine that you will be will usually not be rescheduled if the Test Center personnel
taking your exam at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled are able to open the Test Center.
exam. You may also check your compatibility before or after
You may visit www.psionline.com/openings prior to the
registering for your exam at https://home.psiexams.com/
examination to determine if PSI has been advised that any
static/#/bcheck.
Test Centers are closed. Every attempt is made to admin-
Please be advised: Using a work computer for the remote ister the examination as scheduled; however, should an
proctored exam, even one which passes the System examination be canceled at a Test Center, all scheduled
Compatibility Check, is highly discouraged due to admin- candidates will receive notification following the examina-
istrator fire walls and IT security systems which frequently tion regarding rescheduling or reapplication procedures.
prevent exam launch.
If power to a Test Center is temporarily interrupted dur-
ing an administration, your examination will be restarted.
RESCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION The responses provided up to the point of interruption will
You may reschedule your appointment ONCE at no charge be intact, but for security reasons the questions will be
online at https://test-takers.psiexams.com/cbpps or by call- scrambled.
ing PSI at 855-579-4641. Any examination reschedule must
occur at least 2 business days prior to your scheduled
appointment. PREPARING FOR THE
scheduled appointment. The following
EXAMINATION
PSI mustschedule applies.
be contacted by The method of preparation and amount of time spent
3:00 p.m. Central Time to preparing for the examination can be driven by the candi-
If the examination reschedule the examination date’s study preferences, level of professional and relevant
is scheduled on... by the previous... experience, or academic background. Some methods of
Monday Wednesday preparation may include, but are not limited to:
Tuesday Thursday Review of the Content Outline and Resource List
Wednesday Friday Review the content categories and related tasks. Identify
Thursday Monday and focus review on tasks that you do not perform regularly
Friday/Saturday Tuesday or with which you are less familiar.
Review the resource list curated by The Expert Oversight
Committee and other subject matter experts. Identify and
 5 Candidate Handbook
focus review on resources that cover content areas with Candidates must have proper identification to gain admis-
which you are less familiar. sion to the Test Center. Failure to provide appropriate
identification at the time of the examination is considered
Remember that most questions in the CPPS Examination are
a missed appointment. There will be no refund of examina-
job-related/experience-based and test the application and
tion fees.
analysis of information rather than just the recall of facts.
Both the CPPS Examination Content Outline and Resource
List can be found at www.ihi.org/CPPS. SECURITY
PSI administration and security standards are designed to
Complete the Self-Assessment Examination (SAE)
ensure all candidates are provided the same opportunity to
A Self-Assessment Examination (SAE) or practice exam demonstrate their abilities. The Test Center is continuously
is an online tool created by the CBPPS to simulate the monitored by audio and video surveillance equipment for
CPPS Examination. The SAE is available for purchase at security purposes.
ht tps: //w w w. psionlines tore.com /cer tif ie d - profes-
sional-in-patient-safety-practice-examination/. The following security procedures apply during the exami-
nation:
The 50-question online practice exam was developed using
the same procedures as the examination, and conforms • Examinations are proprietary. No cameras, notes, tape
to examination specifications in content, cognitive levels, recorders, pagers or cellular/smart phones are allowed
format, and difficulty. Feedback reports from the SAE show in the testing room. Possession of a cellular/smart phone
performance by domain and can be helpful in directing or other electronic devices is strictly prohibited and will
study and use of resources. The questions presented in the result in dismissal from the examination.
SAE are different from the questions contained on the cer- • Only silent, non programmable calculators without
tification examination. alphabetic keypad or printing capabilities are allowed in
CBPPS does not endorse resources designed to prepare the testing room if needed.
candidates to take the certification exam. Completion of the • No guests, visitors or family members are allowed in the
SAE is optional and not required to take or pass the certifi- testing room or reception areas.
cation exam. Taking the SAE does not guarantee a passing
score or improved performance on the exam.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
No personal items, valuables or weapons should be
TESTING AT A PSI TEST CENTER brought to the Test Center. Only wallets and keys are per-
Your examination will be given by computer at a PSI Test mitted. Large coats and jackets must be left outside the
Center. You do not need any computer experience or typing testing room. You will be provided a soft locker to store
skills to take your examination. On the day of your exami- your wallet and/or keys with you in the testing room. The
nation appointment, report to the Test Center 30 minutes proctor will lock the soft locker prior to you entering the test-
prior to your scheduled testing time. Once you arrive at the ing room. You will not have access to these items until after
location, look for signs indicating PSI Test Center check- the examination is completed. Please note the following
in. IF YOU ARRIVE MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER items will not be allowed in the testing room except securely
THE SCHEDULED TESTING TIME, YOU WILL NOT BE locked in the soft locker.
ADMITTED.
• watches
• hats
IDENTIFICATION • wallets
To gain admission to the Test Center, you must present one • keys
valid (current) form of government-issued identification that Once you have placed your personal belongings into the
includes your name, signature and photograph. No form of soft locker, you will be asked to pull out your pockets to
temporary identification will be accepted. You will also be ensure they are empty. If you bring personal items that will
required to sign a roster for verification of identity. not fit in the soft locker, you will not be able to test. The site
• Examples of valid forms of identification are: driver’s will not store or be responsible for your personal belong-
license with photograph; state identification card with ings.
photograph; passport; or military identification card with If any personal items are observed or heard (e.g., cel-
photograph. lular/smart phones, alarms) in the testing room after the
• If your name on your registration is different than it examination is started, you will be dismissed and the admin-
appears on your identification, you must bring proof istration will be forfeited.
of your name change (e.g., marriage license, divorce
decree or court order).
 6 Candidate Handbook
• No breaks are allowed. You may not exit the camera view
EXAMINATION RESTRICTIONS during the examination.
• No documents or notes of any kind may be removed from • No food is allowed. Drinks are allowed in a clear bottle/
the Test Center. glass only. No additional time is given to clean up a spill.
• No questions concerning the content of the examination • No Scratch Paper is allowed during Live Remote Proctoring
may be asked during the examination. administrations.
• Eating, drinking or smoking will not be permitted in the Please be advised: Using a work computer for the remote
Test Center. proctored exam, even one which passes the System
• No breaks allowed. Compatibility Check, is highly discouraged due to admin-
istrator fire walls and IT security systems which frequently
TESTING BY LIVE REMOTE ONLINE prevent exam launch.
PROCTORING
Candidates may log in to their account up to 30 minutes MISCONDUCT
prior to the scheduled start time. By not starting your If you engage in any of the following conduct during the
exam within 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment examination, you may be dismissed, your scores will not
time, you forfeit your examination scheduling fee or exam be reported and examination fees will not be refunded.
eligibility. Fees and exam eligibilities are non-refundable. Examples of misconduct are when you:
If you have any questions regarding your compatibility • create a disturbance, are abusive, or otherwise uncoop-
check, or if you experience issues launching your exam, you erative;
may contact our remote proctoring technical support team • display and/or use electronic communications equipment
at (844) 267-1017. You may also initiate a chat after you such as pagers, cellular/smart phones;
close the Secure Browser Software by clicking here. • talk or participate in conversation with other examination
candidates;
Please be advised: Using a work computer for the remote
• give or receive help or are suspected of doing so;
proctored exam, even one which passes the System
• leave the Test Center or exit the camera view during the
Compatibility Check, is highly discouraged due to
administration;
administrator fire walls and IT security systems which
• attempt to record examination questions or make notes;
frequently prevent exam launch.
• attempt to take the examination for someone else;
IDENTIFICATION • are observed with personal belongings; or
• are observed with notes, books or other aids without it
You must present proper identification to the proctor. One being noted on the roster.
valid (current) form of government-issued identification that
includes your name, signature and photograph is required.
No form of temporary identification will be accepted.
COPYRIGHTED EXAMINATION
Acceptable forms include a current driver’s license with QUESTIONS
photograph, a current state identification card with photo- All examination questions are copyrighted. It is forbidden
graph, a current passport or passport card, Green card, under federal copyright law to copy, reproduce, record,
Alien registration, Permanent resident card or National distribute or display these examination questions by any
identification card. A military identification card is not means, in whole or in part. Doing so may subject you to
acceptable for remote online proctored exams. severe civil and criminal penalties.
Failure to provide appropriate identification at the time of
the examination is considered a missed appointment. There
COMPUTER LOGIN
will be no refund of examination fees. After your identification has been confirmed, you will be
directed to a testing carrel or the remote online exam
EXAMINATION RESTRICTIONS will be released. You will be instructed on screen to enter
your unique identification number. Your photograph, taken
• You are prohibited from reproducing, communicating before beginning the examination, will remain on screen
or transmitting any test content in any form for any pur- throughout your examination session. This photograph will
pose. This behavior will result in the disqualification of also print on your score report.
examination results, will be reported to your Licensing
Authority/Sponsor and may lead to legal action.
• With the exception of your testing machine, electronic
PRACTICE EXAMINATION
Prior to attempting the examination, you will be given the
devices and recording devices of any kind (including but
opportunity to practice taking an examination on the com-
not limited to cell phones, pagers, and cameras) are
puter. The time you use for this practice examination is NOT
NOT permitted during the remote online proctored exam. counted as part of your examination time or score.
• Only silent, non programmable calculators without alpha-
betic keypad or printing capabilities are allowed. When you are comfortable with the computer testing pro-
 7 Candidate Handbook
cess, you may quit the practice session and begin the timed and bookmarked questions, repeatedly click on the double
examination. arrows (>>). When the examination is completed, the num-
ber of examination questions answered is reported. If not all
TIMED EXAMINATION questions have been answered and there is time remaining,
return to the examination and answer those questions. Be
Following the practice examination, you will begin the timed sure to provide an answer for each examination question
examination. There are 100 items plus 10 pretest items on before ending the examination. There is no penalty for
the examination. You will have 2 hours to complete the guessing.
examination. Before beginning, instructions for taking the
examination are provided on screen.
CANDIDATE COMMENTS
During the examination, you may make comments for any
question by clicking on the Comment button to the left of
the Time button. This opens a dialogue box where com-
ments may be entered. Comments will be reviewed, but
individual responses will not be provided.

FOLLOWING THE EXAMINATION

After completing the examination, you are asked to answer
a short evaluation of your examination experience. Your
results will be provided on screen and an official score report
will be sent to your email address as a PDF after the examina-
tion session ends.

SCORES CANCELLED BY CBPPS OR PSI

PSI is responsible for the validity and integrity of the scores
The computer monitors the time you spend on the exami- they report. On occasion, occurrences, such as computer
nation. The examination will terminate if you exceed the malfunction or misconduct by a candidate, may cause a
time allowed. You may click on the “Time” box in the lower score to be suspect. CBPPS and PSI reserve the right to void
menu bar on the screen to monitor your time. A digital or withhold examination results if, upon investigation, viola-
clock indicates the time remaining for you to complete the tion of its regulations is discovered.
examination. The Time feature may be turned off during the
examination. PASS/FAIL SCORE DETERMINATION
Only one examination question is presented at a time. The CBPPS uses a criterion-referenced methodology in scoring
question number appears in the lower right of the screen. the certification examination. With this type of scoring meth-
Choices of answers to the examination question are identi- odology, there is no “curve,” and candidates do not compete
fied as A, B, C, or D. You must indicate your choice by either against one another. Instead, candidate performance is com-
typing in the letter in the response box in the lower left por- pared to the criterion of acceptable practice of a qualified
tion of the computer screen or clicking on the option using patient safety professional. The passing score for the exami-
the mouse. To change your answer, enter a different option nation is determined by using a process known as the Angoff
by typing A, B, C, or D or by clicking on the option using the method, in which experts in the field estimate the difficulty
mouse. You may change your answer as many times as you of each item on the examination for the minimally qualified
wish during the examination time limit. candidate. These judgments are averaged to determine
To move to the next question, click on the forward arrow (>) the minimum passing score, which represents the amount
in the lower right portion of the screen. This action will move of knowledge a minimally qualified candidate would likely
you forward through the examination question by question. If demonstrate on the examination. A statistical process called
you wish to review any question or questions, click the back- equating is used to adjust for the slight variations in difficulty
ward arrow (<) or use the left arrow key to move backward that can occur among multiple test forms (versions of the
through the examination. examination). These steps help ensure that all candidates are
held to the same standard of performance. This process is
An examination question may be left unanswered for return used to ensure fairness to all candidates.
later in the examination session. Questions may also be Your pass/fail result is based on your total score. Content
bookmarked for later review by clicking in the blank square area scores are provided to offer a general indication of your
to the right of the Time button. Click on the double arrows relative strengths and weaknesses in each content area. The
(>>) to advance to the next unanswered or bookmarked examination is designed to provide a consistent and pre-
question on the examination. To identify all unanswered cise determination of your overall performance and is not
 8 Candidate Handbook
designed to provide complete information regarding your • All CE that follows the CPPS content outline is accepted.
performance in each content area. This information should • CE options include: education programs, self-study,
only be used as feedback for your future educational needs. CPPS item writing, academic coursework, and more.
For detailed recertification guidelines and forms visit
IF YOU PASS THE EXAMINATION www.ihi.org/CPPS.
If you pass the examination, you will be able to use the CPPS
designation to indicate certification status. Recertification CODE OF CONDUCT
will be required every three years. CPPS certified professionals have made a commitment to
the field of patient safety and the way they conduct them-
IF YOU DO NOT PASS THE selves reflects on the profession, the specialty, and the
healthcare field overall. Compliance with the CBPPS Code
EXAMINATION of Conduct is critical to the integrity of the CPPS creden-
Unsuccessful candidates may retake the examination after tial and the profession. Violations of the CBPPS Code of
a 30 day wait period. The candidate is required to reapply Conduct will be reviewed and may result in discipline.
to PSI and remit all applicable fees and documentation. The A CPPS professional must:
candidate may retake the exam up to three (3) times in a - Act with integrity, honesty, and respect.
one-year period. If the candidate fails the exam on the third - Communicate openly and listen to understand.
attempt, they must wait one year to take the exam again. - Accurately and truthfully state credentials, education, and
The waiting period is designed to allow the candidate time experience.
to review the exam content and prepare for the exam. - Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information.
FAILING TO REPORT FOR AN - Seek out opportunities for continuous improvement and
learning.
EXAMINATION - Conduct oneself in a manner that reflects positively on the
patient safety profession and the CPPS certification.
If you fail to report for an examination, you will forfeit
- Abide by the policies established by the CBPPS.
the registration and all fees paid to take the examination.
A completed application form and examination fee is
required to reapply for examination. DISCIPLINE AND COMPLAINTS
Violations of the CBPPS Code of Conduct may result in
CONFIDENTIALITY review that leads to disciplinary action, up to and includ-
ing, revocation of the CPPS credential. For full detail on the
Information about candidates for testing and their exami-
CBPPS Disciplinary Policy please visit www.ihi.org/CPPS/
nation results are considered confidential. Studies and
policies.
reports concerning candidates will contain no information
identifiable with any candidate, unless authorized by the APPEALS/RECONSIDERATION OF
candidate.
ADVERSE DECISIONS
DUPLICATE SCORE REPORT Applicants who are notified that they do not meet the
requirements for eligibility or recertification may request a
You may purchase additional copies of your results at a reconsideration of this decision by sending a written notice
cost of $25 per copy. Requests must be submitted to PSI in to the CBPPS staff within 30 days of communication of the
writing. The request must include your name, unique iden- adverse eligibility or recertification decision. The staff will
tification number, mailing address, telephone number, date review the applicant’s information and will make a final
of examination and examination taken. Submit this informa- decision regarding eligibility or recertification. The appeal
tion with the required fee payable to PSI Services Inc. in the will be reviewed within 45 days of receipt. Written notice
form of a money order or cashier’s check. Duplicate score from the staff of the final decision will be sent to the new
reports will be mailed within approximately five business applicant or candidate for recertification within 30 days of
days after receipt of the request and fee. Requests must review.
be submitted within one year of your examination to be CBPPS will not consider reconsideration requests related to
processed. the content of the exam or exam scores. Candidates may
request a reconsideration if the exam administration was
disrupted, or procedures were not followed.
RECERTIFICATION CBPPS will also consider appeals regarding adverse disci-
Following successful completion of the CPPS examination, plinary decisions.
the certificant is required to maintain certification by fulfill- Appeals and reconsideration requests should be submitted
by email to [email protected].
ing continuing education (CE) requirements, or through
successful retest. For full detail on the CBPPS Appeals and Reconsideration
Recertification cycle: 3 years of Adverse Decisions Policy please visit www.ihi.org/CPPS/
CE requirement: 45 hours total policies.
Accepted types of CE:
 CPPS Handbook, page 9

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PATIENT SAFETY (CPPS)

EXAMINATION APPLICATION
This form is to be used for exams given at established PSI Test Centers only.
To apply for the CPPS examination, complete this application and return it with the examination fee to:
PSI • CPPS Examination • 18000 W. 105th St. • Olathe, KS 66061-7543
Fax: 913-895-4650
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name: First_________________________________________ MI______________ Last____________________________________________
Title:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Organization:______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
State:______________________________________ Zip:____________________ Country:________________________________________
Email:______________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________
ELIGIBILITY FOR EXAMINATION
Patient safety practices as an integral component of current or future professional responsibilities, in addition to:
Baccalaureate degree or higher plus 3 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
Associate degree or equivalent plus 5 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
CBPPS randomly audits a limited number of applications per year to confirm eligibility requirements are met. If your application
is selected for audit, please be prepared to provide documentation attesting to your education and experience.

APPLICATION STATUS

I am applying as a new candidate.

I am applying as a reapplicant. – Candidates are required to wait 30 days between attempts of the examination and may not
test more than 3 times in a one-year period.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
EXAMINATION FEE Do you require special disability related
accommodations during testing?
   No    Yes
Examination Fee
If yes, please complete the Request for
Payment may be made by credit card, company check, cashier’s check or money
Special Examination Accommodations
order payable to PSI Services Inc. Personal checks are not accepted.
and Documentation of Disability-Related
US/Domestic:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $449 (U.S. dollars)* Needs forms included with this handbook
*International candidates, add $100 (U.S. dollars) for international fee. and submit it with an application and
fee at least 45 days prior to the desired
If payment is made by credit card, complete the following:  testing date. Specific information about
VISA   MasterCard   American Express   special accommodations is provided in the
handbook.
Discover

Credit Card Number Expiration Date

Your Name as it Appears on the Card

CVC/CVV Code

Signature

Page 1 of 2
CPPS Handbook, page 10

DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Responses to these questions will be used by CPPS only in the aggregate to evaluate the CPPS Certification Program. (Select only one
response unless directed otherwise.)

1. Please Indicate: 5. Which of the following best describes 6. Which of the following best describes
Male your discipline? your job category?
Female Administration Administrator
Education Analyst
2. Indicate years in the health care Environmental Services Board Member
industry: Finance/Business Clinician
3-5 years Governance/Regulatory Services Coordinator
6-10 years Health Information Management Department Head
11-15 years Human Resources Director
16-20 years Information Technology Executive
21-30 years Medicine Frontline Staff
30+ years Nursing Manager
3. Which of the following best describes Patient Care Services Safety/Quality Officer
your organization? Patient Safety Technician
Pharmacy Technologist
Academic Medical Center
Physical Therapy Therapist
Ambulatory Care Facility
Quality Management Other_______________________
Consulting Practice
Rehabilitation Services
Group Practice
Respiratory Therapy 7. Please list credentials earned:
Health Care Association/Society
Risk Management ________________________________
Health Care Solutions Provider/
Social Work/Case Management
Supplier/Manufacturer
Supply Chain Management 8. Please indicate for which of the below
Health Plan
Other_______________________ you are seeking this credential:
Hospital/Health System
Military Health Care Facility Current position
Physician Office Future position
Other Health Care Organization
Other_______________________

4. Which of the following best describes

the approximate size of your organiza-
tion (Full Time Employees)?
1-100
101-250
251-500
501-1,000
1,001-5,000
More than 5,000
Not Applicable

SIGNATURE
I certify that I agree to abide by regulations of the CPPS program contained in this handbook. I believe that I comply with all admission
policies for the CPPS examination. I certify that the information I have submitted in this application is complete and correct to the best of my
knowledge and belief. I understand that, if the information I have submitted is found to be incomplete or inaccurate, my application may be
rejected or my examination results may be delayed or voided.

Name (Please Print):_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date:_________________________________________

Page 2 of 2
 CPPS Handbook, page 11

REQUEST FOR SPECIAL

EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATIONS
If you have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please complete this form and provide the Documentation
of Disability-Related Needs on the next page so your accommodations for testing can be processed efficiently. The information
you provide and any documentation regarding your disability and your need for accommodation in testing will be treated with
strict confidentiality. Please return this form to PSI at least 45 days prior to the desired testing date.

CANDIDATE INFORMATION

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (Last or Family Name, First, Middle Initial, Former Name)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City                         State/Province           Zip Code/Postal Code and Country

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Daytime Telephone Number with country code if outside of North America

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
I request special accommodations for the ____________________________________________________________ examination.

Please provide (check all that apply):

______ Reader
______ Extended examination time (time and a half)
______ Reduced distraction environment
______ Large print examination (paper and pencil administration only)
______ Circle answers in examination booklet (paper and pencil administration only)
______ Other special accommodations (Please specify.)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Comments:_________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE READ AND SIGN:

I give my permission for my diagnosing professional to discuss with PSI staff my records and history as they relate to
the requested accommodation.

Signature:________________________________________________________ Date:______________________________________

Submit your request for exam accommodations online at

https://psi-cdexp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=360000150872
If you have questions, call Candidate Services at 800-367-1565 ext. 6750. Page 1 of 2
CPPS Handbook, page 12

DOCUMENTATION OF
DISABILITY-RELATED NEEDS

Please have this section completed by an appropriate professional (education professional, physician, psychologist, psychiatrist)
to ensure that PSI is able to provide the required examination accommodations.

PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTATION
I have known __________________________________________________ since _____ /_____ /_____ in my capacity as a
                                     Candidate Name                               Date (month/date/year)

__________________________________________________________.
                              Professional Title                             

The candidate discussed with me the nature of the examination to be administered. It is my opinion that, because of this
candidate’s disability described below, he/she should be accommodated by providing the special arrangements listed on the
Request for Special Examination Accommodations form.

Description of Disability:______________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signed:__________________________________________________________________ Title:_____________________________

Printed Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number:__________________________________________________________________________________________

Date:______________________________________________ License # (if applicable):___________________________________

Submit this form with your online request at

https://psi-cdexp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=360000150872
If you have questions, call Candidate Services at 800-367-1565 ext. 6750.

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