CIP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CIP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which scenario requires submission of a continuing review report to the IRB for studies approved under the 2018 Common Rule? → A study involving greater than minimal risk that has not yet closed to enrollment
2. What must be included in a consent form when a study involves the collection of identifiable private information? → A statement describing the extent to which confidentiality of records will be maintained
3. What distinguishes a Certified Institutional Review Board Professional certified professional from non-certified practitioners? → Validated competency through standardized assessment
4. What is the MOST important leadership quality for a CIP certified professional? → Integrity, clear communication, and team development
5. Which of the following best describes an 'unanticipated problem involving risks to subjects or others' (UPIRTSO)? → An unexpected occurrence that is related to the research and suggests increased risk
6. What did the 'one-year rule' require under the pre-2018 Common Rule? → Continuing review of approved research was required at least once per year for all studies
7. A Certificate of Confidentiality (CoC) issued by NIH protects researchers from being compelled to disclose: → Identifying information about research participants in legal proceedings
8. What is the role of record-keeping in IRB administration? → Document activities and decisions
9. Which risk management approach is MOST effective for CIP professionals evaluating workplace hazards? → Proactive hazard identification and assessment
10. Research involving HIV-positive individuals raises which primary vulnerability concern for IRBs? → Stigmatization and potential breach of confidentiality that could cause social harm
11. What role does calibration play in Certified Institutional Review Board Professional technical accuracy? → Ensures instruments produce accurate results over time
12. Why is continuing review important? → Ensure ongoing compliance and safety
13. Under FDA regulations (21 CFR 50.25), which of the following is NOT a required basic element of informed consent? → The name of the IRB chair who reviewed the study
14. Which approach is MOST important for CIP professionals applying technical procedures? → Adhering to protocols while adapting to conditions
15. Which factor MOST affects quality of CIP technical outcomes? → Practitioner's training, preparation, and attention to detail
16. Which PPE principle applies to ALL CIP certified professionals? → PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and replaced as needed
17. What is informed consent? → Providing sufficient information for voluntary decision
18. Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'undue influence' in research recruitment? → An employer offering paid leave only to employees who enroll in a company-sponsored study
19. When an IRB reviews a protocol and determines it meets criteria for approval, which of the following is NOT among the required findings under 45 CFR 46.111? → The research has potential to generate revenue for the institution
20. A consent form that is written at a reading level above the average subject's comprehension level violates which principle? → The requirement that information be presented in a language understandable to the subject
21. Under 45 CFR 46.109(e), how often must the IRB conduct continuing review of approved research? → At intervals appropriate to the degree of risk, but not less than once per year
22. Which IRB administrative record retention period is required under federal HHS regulations at 45 CFR 46.115? → 3 years after study completion
23. The principle of 'respect for persons' in the Belmont Report encompasses which two moral requirements? → Autonomy of individuals and protection of those with diminished autonomy
24. Which ethical principle from the Belmont Report requires that researchers distribute the burdens and benefits of research fairly across society? → Justice
25. When conducting a risk assessment for CIP operations, which factor gets HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
26. What distinguishes a Certified Institutional Review Board Professional certified professional from non-certified practitioners? → Validated competency through standardized assessment
27. Which of the following situations requires reconsenting a research participant? → New information arises that may affect a subject's willingness to continue
28. What is the fundamental principle of human subjects protection? → Respect for persons and informed consent
29. Under the 2018 revised Common Rule, continuing review is no longer required for which category of research? → Minimal risk research approved under expedited review where interventions are complete
30. Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of requiring IRB review of research? → To protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects