Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)™

The Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)™ is earned by professionals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the core standards of patient safety.

Earn the Certified Professional in Patient Safety Credential

The Certified Professional in Patient Safety credential (CPPS)™ is awarded through a thorough examination covering five patient safety domains: Culture, Leadership, Patient Safety Risks and Solutions, Measuring and Improving Performance, and Systems Thinking and Design/Human Factors.

Prepare for the CPPS Examination

CPPS: Certified Professional in Patient Safety

The Certified Professional in Patient Safety^TM credential (CPPS) is earned by professionals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the core standards of patient safety. This credential is awarded through a thorough examination covering five patient safety domains:

Culture
Leadership
Patient Safety Risks and Solutions
Measuring and Improving Performance
Systems Thinking and Design / Human Factors

Nearly 7,000 professionals have earned the CPPS credential, representing all 50 US states and 32 countries.

Download the CPPS Brochure for additional information

The Certified Professional in Patient Safety^TM(CPPS) 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. NCCA uses a peer review process to establish accreditation standards, evaluate compliance with these standards, recognize programs that demonstrate compliance, and serve as a resource on quality certification.

CPPS Review Courses

Live Webinars

Live webinar October 30–31, 2024 (12 PM – 4 PM ET)

Live webinar February 5–6, 2025 (12 PM – 4 PM ET)

On Demand

You can also take the CPPS Review Course on demand whenever you like.

CPPS Scholarships

The application window for this year's scholarships is now closed. Scholarship decisions will be communicated to all applicants on or before September 16, 2024. Scholarship recipients will have through September 30, 2025 to complete the program.

We anticipate offering scholarships again next year (May 2025). If you would like to be notified when the next scholarship window opens, please contact cpps@ihi.org.

Scholarships include full coverage for the fees of:

Online CPPS Review Course
CPPS Practice Exam
CPPS Credentialing Exam

Any professional working in or around health care who is able to demonstrate need is encouraged to apply. Applicants must also possess academic and professional experience at one of the following levels:

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

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

Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)™ Credential

7,000+

Professionals have earned the CPPS credential

50

US states represented

32

Countries represented

Why Certification Is Important

This professional certification program establishes core standards for the field of patient safety, benchmarks requirements necessary for health care professionals, and sets an expected proficiency level.

For professionals, the CPPS credential provides those working in patient safety a means to demonstrate their proficiency and skill in the discipline

For organizations, requiring the CPPS credential provides a way for employers to validate a potential candidate’s patient safety knowledge and skill base, critical competencies for today’s health care challenges

Additional compelling reasons to earn your CPPS:

79% of health care professionals who have earned the CPPS told us that this credential helped them to improve patient care at their organization
You can prepare for the CPPS exam — and take the actual exam — virtually, from wherever you are
Adding this credential to your CV makes your commitment to — and education about — patient safety visible
Since earning their CPPS credential, 81% of titleholders have led organization or system-wide initiatives, leading critical improvements

Who Should Consider Certification

Physicians
Nurses
Pharmacists
Patient Safety Professionals
Quality and Risk Management Professionals
Health Care Executives
Non-Clinical Health Care Professionals
All other health care professionals with the requisite background

Requirements for Certification

Candidates for the CPPS credential are those who include patient safety practices as an integral component of current or future professional responsibilities. Candidates must also possess academic and professional experience at one of the following levels:

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

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

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.

Additional Information

Karen Harris, MSN-MHA, RN, CPHQ, CPPS

Vice President of Quality, StoneSprings Hospital Center

“My CPPS credential is a testimony to the competency I have to be a leader in my hospital’s patient safety efforts, and one that I proudly wear.”

Romeo Miguel Alonzo, MAN, RN, CPHQ, CPXP, CPPS

Quality Specialist, Qatar Red Crescent Society

“My certification will help me move forward with my career in the field of patient safety. This prestigious designation will put me in the vast world of ever-changing and challenging, yet fulfilling patient safety movement.”

Lisa Kuprel, RN, MSN, CPHQ, CPPS

Quality Analyst, Maui Medical Center

“I proudly wear the CPPS credential. This credential demonstrates to colleagues, customers, and patients my extensive knowledge and commitment to patient safety. It offers me the ability to be a respected leader in the health care field.”

Denise Peterson, RN, MMH

Senior Director Quality and Patient Safety, Cambridge Health Alliance

“I am thrilled to have the CPPS recognition to help promote the importance of patient safety as a leading factor for focusing the safety of the care we provide and ensure patients are aware of that importance to us.”

CPPS Review Courses

IHI offers live and on-demand review courses to experienced patient safety professionals who plan to take the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) examination. This course can help participants prepare for the exam by reviewing domain content areas and test-taking strategies.

Learn More