Community Paramedic Certification (CP-C) Exam FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of Specialty Certifications
A: Specialty Certifications is a voluntary credentialing process designed to validate essential knowledge and judgment required for safe and competent practice. IBSC certifications provide designations to paramedic professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential to critical care paramedics.

Q:  What are the eligibility requirements for taking the CP-C Exam?
A: Exam candidates must have a valid, unrestricted paramedic license or certificate and must submit proof of learning in the Community Paramedic domain and/or the completed verification by the medical director or the medical director's designee verifying knowledge and understanding of the Community Paramedic role and scope in the community in which they operate. Click here for a fillable PDF CP Verification Form. Click here for a list of CP-C programs.

Q: After I register for the Computer-based (CBT) Exam, how soon can I test?
A: Once you register online, allow 3-5 business days to receive your testing ID number. This number will be sent to you via email, along with information to schedule your exam. The IBSC has no control over testing center availability.

Q: Where do I send a copy of my paramedic license?
A:  Upload a copy of your paramedic license/certificate each time you register for an exam. A testing ID number will not be emailed until a copy of your license has been uploaded to your online account.  An automated email will not be sent to you until this requirement is fulfilled.  

Q: How do I find a testing center near me?
A: There are over 200 testing centers located throughout the US with at least one testing center in every state, and nearly 100 international testing sites. Click here to view a list of testing centers.

Q: How much is the CP-C exam?
A:

• Paper/Pencil
• $225 (IAFCCP members)
• $325 (non-IAFCCP members
• Computer-based
• $285 (IAFCCP members)
• $385 (non-IAFCCP members)
• $335

Click here for IAFCCP membership

Q: How much does it cost to recertify my CP-C?
A:

• Recertify by Exam
• Paper/Pencil
• $225 (IAFCCP members)
• $325 (non-IAFCCP members)
• Computer-based
• $285 (IAFCCP members)
• $385 (non-IAFCCP members)
• $335

Click here for IAFCCP membership

Q: Can I recertify my CP-C through CE? 
A:  For the first recertification cycle certifications expiring before 30 January 2021, are only renewable through examination.   IBSC Medical Directors, Drs. Cole & Wilcox determined that because of the rapid growth in this specialty area and the dynamic nature of the exam material combined with the lack of CP-C continuing education widely available, validating a certificant's competency in community paramedicine can only be accomplished through an examination process.   

Q: Where can I find an outline for the CP-C exam?
A: A preparatory outline is posted under EXAM PREPARATION on this website.

Q. Is there and official CP-C review course designation?
A: The IBSC posts exam review courses on this website. See IBSC Approved Review Courses.

Q. How do I get my course listed as an “Approved Review Course”?
A: The IBSC posts the CP-C exam outline of major subjects and submission guidelines on this website. See Approved Review Course Guidelines.

Q: Does the IBSC offer a community paramedic course to prepare me for the exam?
A: No. The IBSC offers valid testing, and therefore cannot conduct or endorse any exam preparation course.

Q: How do I know what material is covered on the exams?
A: A downloadable candidate handbook is available on this website in the Related Links section.

Q: What textbooks should I study from?
A: Community Health Paramedicine, (1st Edition) by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Published by Jones & Bartlett Learning (2017). ISBN: 978-1284040968. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History-Taking (11th Edition) Published by LWW (Wolters Kluwer 2012). ISBN-13: 978-1609137625. Community/Public Health Nursing: Promoting the Health of Populations (6th Edition) by Mary A. Nies PhD RN FAAN FAAHB and Melanie McEwen PhD RN. Published by Saunders (2014). ISBN-13: 978-0323188197

Q: How soon before my certification expires do I need to recertify?
A: To maintain currency you must successfully pass the exam before your certification expiration date. 

Q: How do I re-certify if my certification is expired?
A: You must re-certify through testing.

Q: What is the minimum passing score for the CBT?
A: This depends on the version of the exam, the passing score is determined by an Angoff cut score study for each version of the exam. It ranges around the 75% mark.

Q: How often is the exam updated?
A: The exam is constantly updated.

Q: How soon after testing will I receive my results?
A: If you take the CBT, you will receive your results immediately upon completing the exam. Results for the paper/pencil exam version take 4-6 weeks.

Q: How long does it take to receive credentials after passing the exam?
A: Credentials are mailed from the IBSC office within three to six weeks of testing. The IBSC office will send you a wallet card, certificate, pin and a patch.

Q: What if I need to cancel my examination?
A: Registration cancellations received by the IBSC office on or before the posted registration deadline will be refunded LESS a $65 handling fee. NO refunds will be made after the posted registration deadline. Exam fees will NOT be rolled over to a future exam date. This policy applies to paper/pencil examination only.
The computer-based testing cancellation policy can be found in the? Candidate Handbook.

Q: How do I register to take the CP-C Exam?
A: Online registration is available for paper/pencil,  computer-based(domestic) and WEB (Int‘l)exams.

Q: What if I need to cancel my test date?
A: Registration cancellations received by the IBSC Office greater than 30 days prior to the confirmed testing date, you can request a full refund. Within 30 days of the testing, a $100 service fee will be charged. For complete cancellation information, please see the Candidate Handbook.

Q: Can I switch the type of exam I registered for?
A: Changes can be made. However, a $100 change fee will be applied each time.

Q: Do I need to register again in order to retest?
A: Yes. You may register online to retest no sooner than 30 days after your last test date.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  The standard registration fee applies.

Q: If I pass the exam, for how long will the certification be valid?
A: The CP-C certification is a four-year certification.

Q: If I fail the exam, how many times can I retest?
A: The candidate may attempt the same examination a total of three times, using the 30 calendar day rule.