Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)
Issued by: Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) / Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety
Focus Area: Patient safety science, systems thinking, human factors, and quality improvement
What Is the CPPS?
The Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) is a nationally recognized credential for professionals dedicated to improving patient safety across healthcare settings. The certification validates expertise in safety science, systems engineering, human factors, and the prevention of medical harm.
The CPPS emphasizes practical application of safety principles, including event analysis, process reliability, communication frameworks, and organizational culture. It is widely respected among healthcare risk managers, quality leaders, and patient safety specialists.
Who Should Pursue the CPPS?
The CPPS is ideal for:
- Patient safety and quality improvement professionals
- Healthcare risk managers and clinical leaders
- Nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals involved in safety initiatives
- Healthcare administrators and compliance officers
- Professionals preparing for roles in healthcare risk, quality, or safety operations
The designation is especially valuable for those who want to demonstrate competency in safety science and lead system‑level improvements in healthcare organizations.
What You’ll Learn
The CPPS curriculum focuses on:
- Patient safety science and human factors engineering
- Systems thinking and process reliability
- Event reporting, investigation, and root cause analysis
- Communication and teamwork in clinical environments
- Culture of safety and organizational leadership
- Quality improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, PDSA)
- Risk mitigation and proactive hazard identification
Program Requirements
To earn the CPPS, candidates must:
- Meet eligibility requirements (education and/or healthcare experience)
- Prepare through self‑study or IHI learning programs
- Pass the CPPS certification exam
- Maintain certification through continuing education and renewal requirements
How Long Does It Take?
Most candidates prepare for the CPPS exam over 2–4 months, depending on prior experience in patient safety or healthcare quality.
Career Impact
Professionals with the CPPS often work in:
- Patient safety departments
- Quality improvement teams
- Healthcare risk management
- Clinical operations and compliance
- Hospital systems, ambulatory centers, and integrated delivery networks
The designation signals mastery of patient safety principles and the ability to lead system‑level improvements that reduce harm and improve outcomes.
