How to get the CPPS certification? This is a crucial question because Patient safety is one of the most critical aspects of healthcare today, and earning the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) credential signifies your dedication to improving healthcare quality and safety. Whether you're a nurse, healthcare administrator, or safety officer, this certification sets you apart as a leader in patient safety. This guide provides a step-by-step process to achieve the CPPS certification, offering practical advice, insights, and resources to help you succeed.
WHAT IS THE CPPS CERTIFICATION?
The CPPS certification, administered by the Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS), validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in patient safety science. It covers core areas like safety culture, human factors engineering, and performance improvement. The credential is recognized globally and is highly regarded within the healthcare industry.
The CPPS certification benefits both professionals and employers. For professionals, it enhances credibility, boosts career status, and provides a competitive edge. For employers, it helps build a qualified team, ensures adherence to best practices, attracts top talent, and strengthens the organization's reputation.
STEP 1: UNDERSTAND THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
On our way to creating a guide answering How to get the CPPS certification, to be eligible for the CPPS exam:
- Education: Candidates must hold either:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher, with 3+ years of healthcare-related experience (including clinical rotations or residency).
- An associate degree or equivalent, with 5+ years of similar experience.
CBPPS may audit applications to confirm eligibility, requiring documentation of education and experience if selected.
STEP 2: REVIEW THE EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE
The CPPS exam is designed to assess your knowledge across five key patient safety domains:
1. Culture, building and promoting a culture of safety in healthcare organizations.
2. Systems Thinking, Human Factors Engineering, and Design, Understanding how systems and human factors influence safety.
3. Safety Risks and Responses:
Identifying and addressing risks to patient safety.
4. Performance Measurement, Analysis, Improvement, and Monitoring: Measuring outcomes and implementing improvements.
A detailed exam content outline is available on the CBPPS website. Familiarizing yourself with these domains is critical for creating a targeted study plan.
STEP 3: ENROLL IN A CPPS REVIEW COURSE
Preparation is key to success, and enrolling in a comprehensive review course can significantly boost your chances of passing the exam. Quality Leaders Academy offers an excellent CPPS preparation course tailored to help you understand the exam content and develop effective test-taking strategies. Their program includes:
- Detailed explanations of core patient safety concepts.
- Interactive case studies and examples to reinforce learning.
- Practice questions that mimic the actual exam format.
- Expert guidance from seasoned patient safety professionals.
Taking a structured course ensures you’re well-prepared, saving you time and effort in navigating the vast amount of information independently.
STEP 4: UTILIZE ADDITIONAL STUDY RESOURCES
In addition to a review course, supplement your preparation with trusted study materials:
- CPPS Candidate Handbook: This is your primary resource for understanding the exam format, policies, and procedures.
- CPPS Practice Exam: Available through CBPPS, this practice test simulates the actual exam experience and helps identify areas needing improvement.
Creating a study schedule and consistently following it is crucial for success. Dedicate time to reviewing each domain thoroughly and practicing test questions regularly.
STEP 5: SCHEDULE YOUR EXAM
Once you feel confident in your preparation, it’s time to schedule your CPPS exam. The exam is available in two formats:
- In-person at a PSI Assessment Center: Available at multiple locations globally.
- Online via live remote proctoring: Allows you to take the exam from the comfort of your home.
To schedule your exam:
1. Visit the PSI certification website.
2. Click on "Find Your Test”.
3. Select 'Health Care' from the 'Browse by Industry' section.
4. Choose 'Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS)' from the list.
5. Login or create an account, and follow the prompts to schedule your exam.
Be sure to book your exam date well in advance, as slots can fill up quickly. Additionally, confirm that your computer meets the technical requirements if you opt for remote proctoring.
STEP 6: TAKE THE EXAM
The CPPS exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, completed within 150 minutes. Of these, 100 questions are scored, while the remaining 20 are pretest questions.
EXAM DAY TIPS:
- Arrive early if testing at a center or log in 30 minutes before your appointment for remote proctoring.
- Ensure you have a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Remain calm and focused, and manage your time efficiently throughout the test.
STEP 7: MAINTAIN YOUR CERTIFICATION
After earning your CPPS credential, it’s essential to maintain it through recertification every three years. This involves completing continuing education activities related to patient safety and submitting proof of these activities to CBPPS. Staying current with advancements in patient safety ensures your expertise remains relevant and valuable.
Maintaining your CPPS certification requires recertification every three years at a cost of $275. This can be achieved by completing 45 Continuing Education (CE) hours aligned with the CPPS content outline or by retaking the certification exam. This ensures that professionals remain up-to-date on advancements in patient safety and retain their expertise.
WHY CHOOSE QUALITY LEADERS ACADEMY?
For healthcare professionals aiming to excel in patient safety, Quality Leaders Academy offers an unparalleled learning experience. Their CPPS preparation courses are designed to simplify complex topics, provide real-world insights, and equip candidates with the tools they need to succeed. By choosing Quality Leaders Academy, you gain access to:
- Expert instructors with extensive experience in patient safety.
- Flexible online learning options that fit your schedule.
- Comprehensive study materials and practice tests tailored to the CPPS exam.
Many professionals who have trained with Quality Leaders Academy report higher confidence levels and better performance on the exam.
Earning the CPPS certification is a transformative step for healthcare professionals committed to improving patient safety. By meeting the eligibility criteria, utilizing trusted study resources, and preparing through courses like those offered by Quality Leaders Academy, you can confidently achieve this prestigious credential. Not only will it enhance your professional credibility, but it will also empower you to lead impactful safety initiatives and contribute to safer, more efficient healthcare systems. Start your journey today and take a significant step toward advancing your career and making a difference in patient care.
Read also:
Resources:
https://my.ihi.org/portal/content/knowledge/CPPS_Review_Courses.aspx
https://wave-mena.com/certified-professional-in-patient-safety-cpps/?srsltid=AfmBOoqWy_oskjt9fzsOMXoGab_B1_cc839XJah07cqVMZbMmak5Jb_S