The Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) credential is offered by the Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS). It is designed for healthcare professionals who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing patient safety and have expertise in safety principles and practices.
What Is CPPS?
The CPPS credential validates:
- Knowledge of patient safety science.
- Skills in implementing safety best practices.
- Leadership in fostering a culture of safety in healthcare settings.
It is relevant for individuals in various healthcare roles, including clinicians, administrators, risk managers, and quality improvement professionals.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CPPS exam, candidates must meet the experience and education requirements:
- Educational Background:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher is required.
- Work Experience:
- At least 3 years of experience in a healthcare setting focusing on patient safety or quality improvement.
- If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, you must have 5 years of relevant experience.
Exam Overview
The CPPS exam tests knowledge in key areas of patient safety.
Exam Format:
- Number of Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Pass/Fail Criteria: Scored based on a minimum passing threshold set by the CBPPS.
Exam Content Domains:
- Culture of Safety (35%):
- Leadership’s role in promoting safety.
- Establishing and maintaining safety cultures.
- Risk Identification and Analysis (20%):
- Identifying risks and hazards to patient safety.
- Conducting root cause analyses.
- Systems Thinking and Design (15%):
- Improving processes and workflows to enhance safety.
- Mitigation and Prevention Strategies (20%):
- Implementing safety improvement programs.
- Utilizing evidence-based interventions.
- Measurement and Outcomes (10%):
- Analyzing safety data.
- Measuring safety program effectiveness.
How to Earn the CPPS Credential
- Prepare for the Exam:
- Review the CPPS Candidate Handbook and Content Outline.
- Utilize study materials such as:
- The Patient Safety Handbook by Barbara J. Youngberg.
- CPPS practice exams available from the CBPPS website.
- Attend prep courses or webinars offered by professional organizations like the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).
- Apply for the Exam:
- Submit your application via the CBPPS website.
- Pay the examination fee (approximately $350-$400, depending on membership status with affiliated organizations).
- Take the Exam:
- Schedule your exam at a PSI testing center or online.
- Maintain Your Certification:
- CPPS is valid for 3 years.
- Recertification requires earning 45 continuing education hours related to patient safety or retaking the exam.
Benefits of the CPPS Credential
- Enhances credibility and expertise in patient safety.
- Opens doors to leadership roles in healthcare quality and safety.
- Demonstrates a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
- Increases professional development opportunities and potential earning power.
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