Requirements for the Certified Professional Parliamentarian (CPP) Credential

To earn the Certified Professional Parliamentarian (CPP) credential from the American Institute of Parliamentarians (AIP), you must meet the following requirements:

  • Certified Parliamentarian (CP): Hold a current CP credential.
  • Oral Examination: Pass a comprehensive oral exam with a minimum score of 90%. The exam fee is $600.
  • Service Points: Earn 30 service points in areas like parliamentary education, service to AIP, and parliamentary services.

About the CPP Exam

  • Exam Format: The oral exam is conducted in two parts:
    • Parliamentary Theory: Tests your knowledge and ability to explain parliamentary concepts and procedures.
    • Presiding Demonstration: Evaluates your skills in presiding over a meeting.
    • There will be a 15-minute break between the two parts.
  • Exam Setting: The exam is administered by three Certified Professional Parliamentarians and observed by an audience of AIP members.
  • Study Materials: Familiarize yourself with the following resources:
    • Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 12th edition
    • American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, 2nd edition
    • Joint Code of Professional Responsibility for Parliamentarians [https://aipparl.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/JCOPR-2020-FINAL-CODE-only-v3.pdf]
    • Cannon’s Concise Guide to Rules of Order
    • Other valuable study guides include the American Institute of Parliamentarians Study Manual and Parliamentary Law by Henry M. Robert.
  • Eligibility: You must have successfully passed the CP exam at least one year before the start of the CPP exam window.

Preparation and Practice

  • Observation: It is highly recommended that you observe at least one CPP oral exam before applying.
  • Practical Experience: Gain valuable knowledge and practical application through Practicums and educational presentations at the Annual Session. Find dates for these events on the AIP calendar.

Additional Resources

  • CPP Application Package: For detailed information, obtain the CPP Application Package from the ‘members-only’ section of the AIP website.

Contact Us

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

Register for the CPP Exam

Are you ready to take the next step in your parliamentary journey?