​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

​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

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 GET certifIED​​

We recommend the following activities before you register for the exam:

• Analyze the exam content
• Study the CPPS resource list
• Review the Frequently Asked Questions about CPPS
• Read​ t​he Candidate Handbook

​If you would like to prepare prior to your exam, consider taking the online CPPS practice exam or​​​ taking a CPPS review course.

Once you are ready to register for your exam, select a date and time at a testing c​enter near you​ through our partner website​.​​​