Companion

What the exam tests

The CIP® Exam requires candidates to apply their working knowledge of the federal regulations and guidance governing human subjects research. The exam presents multiple-choice questions on scenarios an HRPP/IRB professional with two years of experience would have seen in executing the core job functions described in the CIP® Exam Eligibility Guidelines. The CIP® Exam Body of Knowledge/Content Outline details the knowledge practitioners need to perform those tasks.

Regulatory sources

All examination questions are referenced to a regulatory source listed in the Key Documents Repository. These include foundational ethical codes, the Common Rule and its Subparts, the FDA regulations governing human subjects research, privacy rules, and guidance from OHRP and the FDA.

About this companion

The CIP® Companion complements the CIP® Exam Body of Knowledge/Content Outline and the CIP® Work Experience Verification Supplemental Form to help candidates organize their approach for preparing for the exam.

What this tool does

• Consolidates links to regulatory source material
• Provides study features such as digital flashcards, charts, and more
• Offers note-taking functionality
• Allows users to track what they have read
• Allows users to star items for further review
• Progress and notes are automatically saved by the LMS
• Collects user feedback to help guide future updates

Important note

Use of this product does not guarantee passing the CIP® Exam.

Exam structure

The CIP® Exam comprises 130 questions, 120 of which are scored. There is also a set of 10 unscored pre-test questions. Candidates won't be able to distinguish between scored and unscored questions.

Question format

All exam questions are multiple-choice, with four plausible answer options. There are no questions that include "all of the above" or "none of the above" answer options. There are no true/false questions. Each exam question is referenced to a source included in the Key Documents Repository.

Scoring

The passing score of the exam changes with each exam form. Exam forms are statistically equated, so each form is of the same level of difficulty. Historically, the average passing score for exams is about 72%. Candidates receive one point for each correctly answered question. There are no point deductions for incorrectly answered or skipped questions.

Exam software

The exam software includes a bookmarking feature, which allows candidates to flag questions for later review. There is also a note taking feature, where candidates can leave notes for themselves or for exam reviewers. Both PSI staff and the CIP® Council review these notes. Exam security restrictions prevent exam questions from being shared or discussed outside the exam itself.

Map your work to the exam topics

The CIP® exam eligibility guidelines describe the core functions of an IRB. In completing your work verification form, you detailed how you interact with these functions on a daily basis. Review the work verification forms you submitted as part of your application, and map how they connect with each of the topic areas included in the CIP® Exam Body of Knowledge/Content Outline.

Connect the domains

The CIP® Exam Body of Knowledge/Content Outline domains and topics all connect with one another! Map these connections.

Focus on what you don't know

It's easy to overstudy what you already know! Focus your studying on the topics and processes with which you are least familiar.

Think like a workplace professional

The scenarios on the exam are based on those a person with two years of HRPP/IRB experience would encounter in the workplace. Read through your emails and think about the questions you have asked your colleagues or supervisors. Go through your sent box and see what questions you've answered for others.

Engage with the community

Are you on a listserv like the IRB Forum? Carve out time to read through the message board or your saved emails.

All exam questions cite regulatory references

All exam questions cite regulatory references found in the Key Documents Repository.

Study with someone at a different institution

The exam tests knowledge of the federal regulations, not an organization's policies and procedures. Some people find it helpful to study with someone at a different institution for this reason. If you are interested in working with someone outside your organization, request a Study Buddy match!

Record yourself reading the regulations

Record yourself reading the regulations or a piece of guidance! Then you'll have something to listen to in the car or during your workout.