Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)™
Earn the Certified Professional in Patient Safety Credential
Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)
The Certified Professional in Patient SafetyTM 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 four patient safety domains:
- Culture
- Systems Thinking, Human Factors Engineering, and Design
- Safety Risks and Responses
- Performance Measurement, Analysis, Improvement and Monitoring
More than 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 (CPPS)TM 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
Review courses help you prepare for the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) examination by reviewing domain content areas and test-taking strategies. Review courses are offered in multiple formats and CE credits are available.
Live Webinars
Delivered live over two consecutive days, this interactive course is led by experienced faculty experts in the field of patient safety. Participants will engage in in-depth reviews of the four CPPS domains, gain practical test-taking strategies, and have opportunities to ask questions in real time — all in a supportive, collaborative virtual environment.
Live webinar July 31–August 1, 2025 (12 PM – 4 PM ET)
Live webinar October 22–23, 2025 (12 PM – 4 PM ET)
On Demand
The on-demand CPPS Review Course offers flexible, self-paced exam preparation for professionals pursuing the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) credential. The course is aligned with the CPPS content outline, providing comprehensive coverage of key patient safety concepts essential for success on the CPPS examination.
Enroll in the on-demand CPPS Review Course
[Note: You will be prompted to login or create an IHI account to purchase.]
Continuing Education Credits for CPPS Review Courses
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement designates this internet enduring activity for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This activity may also be applicable for other professions that accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
In support of improving patient care, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This program is approved to provide 7 credits for physicians, nurses, pharmacy, and Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) recertification.
CPPS Informational Session
Missed the last exclusive Informational Call? Listen now and review the slides.
CPPS Scholarships
The 2025 CPPS scholarship application is open through July 15, 2025. Selection criteria can be found on the application page.
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 and meets the exam eligibility requirements is encouraged to apply.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.”