The CPIO® exam is offered online and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover six job practice domains determined from the analysis of job practices of information officers appointed by responsible parties under the Protection of Personal Information Act.

A candidate must score 70% of the questions correctly to pass the exam. A score of 70% represents the minimum standard of knowledge as established by the Information Officers Association. A candidate receiving a passing score will receive a certificate of competence.

The official exam result will be available immediately upon completion of the exam to candidates. Additionally, with the candidate’s consent, an e-mail message containing the candidate’s pass/fail status and score will be sent to the candidate. This e-mail notification will only be sent to the email address listed in the candidate’s profile at the time of the initial release of the results. To ensure the confidentiality of scores, exam results will not be reported by telephone or messaging service.

Successful candidates will receive, along with a score, the CPIO® certification.

Unsuccessful candidates should note that the total score is determined by calculating a simple average of the recorded scores. Candidates receiving a failing score on the exam may not request a re-score of their answer sheets but they can register to take the exam again.

No representation, warranties, or assurances regarding a candidate’s ability to pass the exam are made in connection with any publications, courses, or other study materials. It is recommended that candidates use the body of knowledge as the basis to prepare, study widely, and select appropriate training.

Types of Questions on the CPIO® Exam

CPIO® exam questions are developed with the intent of measuring and testing practical knowledge and the application of general concepts and standards. All questions are multiple-choice and are designed with one best answer.

Every CPIO® exam question has a stem (question) and four options (answer choices). The candidate is asked to choose the correct or best answer from the options. The stem may be in the form of a question or incomplete statement. In some instances, a scenario or description problem may be included.

These questions normally include a description of a situation and require the candidate to answer two or more questions based on the information provided. The candidate is cautioned to read each question carefully. A CPIO exam question may require the candidate to choose the appropriate answer based on a qualifier, such as MOST likely or BEST. In every case, the candidate is required to read the question carefully, eliminate known incorrect answers, and then make the best choice possible.