Certified Professional Instructor (CPI)

Validate your expertise as an instructor with IBSTPI’s internationally recognized certification, built on globally validated competencies for designing, facilitating, and evaluating effective learning experiences.

Become Certified Download Candidate Guide
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What is the CPI?

The Certified Professional Instructor (CPI®) is a professional certification for experienced instructors and learning professionals who demonstrate mastery in designing, facilitating, and evaluating effective learning experiences.


Developed by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI), the CPI is aligned with the 2021 IBSTPI Instructor Competencies and Standards and is designed to apply across industries, geographic regions, technologies, and instructional settings including face-to-face, online, and blended learning.

Why Earn the CPI?

International Recognition

Earn a credential based on globally validated instructor competencies.

Professional Distinction

Demonstrate mastery of recognized competencies for professional instructors.

Flexible Across Learning Environments

Designed for face-to-face, blended, and online learning environments.

Vendor Neutral

Built around professional competencies rather than specific technologies or platforms.

Performance Based

Demonstrate both professional knowledge and instructional practice through an exam and authentic work submission.

Professional Community

Connect with CPI professionals through IBSTPI communities, resources, and ongoing development opportunities.

Is the CPI Right for You?

The CPI is designed for professionals responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating learning experiences in any industry.

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  • Trainer
  • Facilitator
  • Professor
  • Instructional Coach
  • Teacher
  • Learning Mentor
  • Tudor
  • Learning Specialist
  • Lecturer
  • Learning Coordinator
  • Instructor
  • Education Specialist

Are you Eligible for the CPI?

Candidates can qualify through one of two pathways.

Four-Year Degree

  • Four-year undergraduate degree in any field of study
  • 24+ months of full-time experience serving as an instructor or in a related role
  • 30 hours of IBSTPI-approved training on the 2021 Instructor Competencies and Standards
See if you Qualify
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High School Diploma

  • High school diploma or equivalent such as GED
  • 48+ months of full time experience serving as an instructor or in a related role
  • 30 hours of IBSTPI-approved training on the 2021 Instructor Competencies and Standards
See if you Qualify
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Certification at a Glance

Everything you need to know before starting your CPI journey.
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Two-Part Assessment

CPI Exam + Instructional Plan & Video

1 Month

Earn Your CPI in as Little as 1 Month

CPI Certification Remains valid for 5 years before you must recertify

What You’ll Be Assessed On

The CPI is aligned with the four domains of the 2021 IBSTPI Instructor Competencies and Standards, encompassing 19 competencies and 150 performance statements.
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Professional Foundations

Communication, ethics, professionalism, and instructional preparation.

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Designing for Learning

Planning effective learning experiences, activities and assessments.

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Facilitating Learning

Leading engaging learning experiences across instructional settings.

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Evaluating Learning

Measuring learner performance and improving instructional effectiveness.

About the CPI Process

Earn your cpi in five steps

01
Register
Register for the CPI program, provide your education and professional experience information, and agree to the IBSTPI Code of Ethics and recertification requirements.
02
Complete Your Self-Assessment
Assess your current competencies, review your results, and identify areas for professional development.
03
Complete Approved Training
Complete a 30-hour IBSTPI-approved course aligned with the 2021 Instructor Competencies and Standards.
04
Pass the CPI Examination
Schedule and complete the secure, virtually proctored CPI certification examination.
05
Submit Your Instructional Plan & Video
Submit your instructional plan worksheet and an authentic instructional video for evaluation by two IBSTPI-approved reviewers.

About the Assessment

Demonstrate What You Know and What You Can Do

CPI Examination

  • 120 multiple choice questions
  • 150 minutes (one sitting)
  • Delivered virtually through secure proctoring
  • Includes applied knowledge and situational decision-making questions
  • Assesses all four CPI competency domains
  • English only examination

Instructional Plan & Video

  • Candidates submit an instructional plan worksheet and an unedited instructional video of up to 30 minutes demonstrating a real learning experience from their professional setting.
  • Two IBSTPI-approved reviewers independently evaluate the submission using the established rubric, with the review process estimated at approximately three weeks.

Retakes & Additional Fees

  • Candidates have 12 months from registration to complete all CPI certification requirements. A 3-month extension is available for $50.
  • Candidates who do not pass the CPI examination may take a second attempt for $200.
  • After two unsuccessful examination attempts, candidates must wait one year before re-registering for the CPI program.
  • Candidates who do not meet the Instructional Plan & Video requirements may resubmit once for $200.
  • Appeals of Instructional Plan & Video results may be submitted for a $50 fee.
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What Happens After Certification?

Continue Growing as a Certified Professional

After successfully completing the CPI, you will receive access to competency updates, resources, and opportunities for continued learning as well as:
01

Digital Certificate & Badge

Receive an official CPI certificate and digital badge recognizing your certification.
02

Virtual Community

Maintain access to IBSTPI’s CPI professional community.
03

CPI LinkedIn Community

Connect with other CPI professionals and members of the broader learning and development community.

04

Recertify Every 5 Years

Maintain your credential by completing continuing education requirements and recertifying every five years.

Maintain Your CPI

CPI designees recertify every five years and must document 60 hours of continuing education during each recertification cycle.

Qualifying professional development may include courses, webinars, conferences, self-directed education, professional service and leadership, presentations, research, and publications.

Ready to Become a Certified Professional Instructor?

Demonstrate your expertise through internationally validated instructor competencies and join a global community of learning professionals. Please read the Candidate Guide for more indormation.

Become Certified Download Candidate Guide
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