ACRP CPI Certification Exam Syllabus
Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the ACRP Certified Principal Investigator certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the ACRP CPI exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The ACRP Certified Principal Investigator (CPI) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Flagship Certification, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as participant safety and ethical oversight, protocol implementation and trial conduct, site operations and data integrity within real-world settings like clinical trial sites, academic medical centers, research hospitals and institutions.
The syllabus outline below reflects the core domains and expectations defined by the official ACRP certification framework and aligns with the cognitive and professional standards assessed in the ACRP CPI exam. Candidates can use this guide alongside official vendor resources and structured practice to align their preparation with current exam standards and professional expectations for principal investigators, sub-investigators, clinical investigators and related roles
ACRP CPI Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | ACRP Certified Principal Investigator |
| Credential | ACRP Certified Principal Investigator (CPI) |
| Vendor | Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) |
| Exam Code | CPI » ACRP CPI Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | computer-based testing at PSI test centers or live remote proctoring |
| Exam Duration | 180 mins |
| Number of Questions | 125 (100 Scored Items / 25 Pretest Items) |
| Passing Score | 600 (on a scaled of 200-800) |
| Exam Price |
Early Bird Registration - ACRP Members – $435 - Nonmembers – $485 Regular Registration - ACRP Members – $460 - Nonmembers – $600 (USD) |
| Scheduling Window | Spring testing February 15–May 15; fall testing July 15–October 15 |
| Schedule Exam | ACRP |
| Trainings/Resources | ACRP Certification Exam Preparation Resources |
| Sample Questions | ACRP CPI Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | ACRP CPI Certification Practice Exam |
ACRP CPI Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Rationale and Principles of Research Design |
- Objectives and processes including statistical principles and study end points - Design, investigational products/devices, and treatment assignments |
15 |
| Ethical and Safety Considerations |
- Human participant protection - Safety monitoring/reporting |
22 |
| Product Development and Regulation |
- Product development cycle - IRB/IEC/Regulatory function and reporting - Data monitoring and inspection |
12 |
| Clinical Trial Operations |
- Feasibility and study conduct - Investigator responsibilities - Quality assurance |
21 |
| Study and Site Management |
- Investigational product management - Equipment and supplies - Clinical trial/site management - Operational participant oversight |
17 |
| Data Management |
- Clinical trial documentation - Protected health information/Data confidentiality - Data review and retention |
13 |
The ACRP CPI certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Flagship Certification. The exam evaluates competencies such as participant safety and ethical oversight, protocol implementation and trial conduct, site operations and data integrity, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as principal investigators, sub-investigators, clinical investigators and related roles working in settings such as clinical trial sites, academic medical centers, research hospitals and institutions.
To prepare effectively for the ACRP Certified Principal Investigator exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
