Certified Parliamentarians

To become a Certified Parliamentarian (CP) with the American Institute of Parliamentarians (AIP), you must meet the following requirements:

• AIP Membership: Be a member in good standing with AIP.
• Written Examination: Pass a comprehensive written exam with a minimum score of 80%. The exam fee is $250.
• Service Points: Earn 20 service points in areas like parliamentary education and service to AIP.

About the CP Exam

• Exam Content: The written exam consists of three parts: multiple choice, short answer questions, and script writing.
• Exam Format: The exam is taken online. Each part must be completed within one hour, with brief breaks allowed between sections.
• Study Materials: AIP strongly recommends studying the following resources:
  • American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, 2nd edition (available at https://aipparl.org/aip-publications/bookstore/)
  • Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition (available at https://aipparl.org/aip-publications/bookstore/)
  • Joint Code of Professional Responsibility for Parliamentarians 
  • Other helpful study guides include Cannon’s Concise Guide to Rules of Order, the American Institute of Parliamentarians Study Manual, and Parliamentary Law by Henry M. Robert.
• Exam Window and Registration: The exam is offered three times a year: January, June, and October. Pre-registration is required approximately six weeks in advance. See the Events Portal for specific dates and registration deadlines.

Preparation and Practice

• Study Time: Plan to study for at least six months to a year before taking the exam.
• Practical Experience: Gain valuable knowledge and practical application through:
  • West Coast Practicum (January-February)
  • Spring Practicum (May-June)
  • Educational sessions at the Annual Session (July-August)
  • Presiding Practicum (usually held in the 4th quarter)
• Event Dates:

Examination Window                                 Application Deadline

January 20-31, 2025                                      November 15, 2024

June 9-20, 2025                                                 April 18, 2025

October 6-17, 2025                                        August 15, 2025

• Apply for the exam in the Event Portal.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the CP Exam, please contact accrediting@aipparl.org.