CPUI stands for Certified PICC Ultrasound Inserter
I have never heard of CPUI™ PICC Certification. What is it?
This PICC Certification program is the first of its kind. It provides the vascular access clinician with validation of a higher level of knowledge and practice specific to PICC placement and usage. After completion of all requirements proving the required level of knowledge and experience, applicant will be granted CPUI (Certified PICC Ultrasound Inserter) credentials.
I didn’t know there was a PICC Certification™ Program. Is this a National Certification Program?
Yes, this is a National Certification program. As a provider of education for 15 years, PICC Excellence has established a national presence as a specialty organization dealing with issues related to PICCs. PICC Excellence is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Florida Board of Nursing and the California Board of Nursing, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation.
How much does it cost to apply for my PICC Certification (CPUI)?
The cost is $245 for the initial PICC Certification. This fee includes all processing of forms, the study manual, access to the exam, continuing education, and a final certificate upon successful completion of all components of the certification process.
What will the exam cover?
The exam covers all aspects of PICCs including but not limited to PICC insertion, care and maintenance, complications, ultrasound operations, and vein assessment. A study manual will be provided for you to review and refresh your training.
How should I prepare for this exam?
PICC Excellence provides you with a study manual which will be shipped to you with your original documents after purchasing the PICC Certification program. This is a comprehensive manual which includes all facets of PICC Insertion using ultrasound including care and maintenance, complications, and vein assessment. You will need to thoroughly study this manual before attempting to take the PICC Certification exam.
How long is the exam?
The test consists of 200 multiple choice and true/false questions. You will have 2 hours to take the test. You may not exit out of the screen once you have started the exam. You will need to prepare yourself and allow 2 hours of solid time to complete the exam.
When can I take the exam?
Once your application and forms have been received, accepted, and deemed valid and true, PICC Excellence will activate your login which will allow you access to the test. Once this login is activated, you will have 2 months to complete the exam. You can take the test online at your own convenience, but a witness is required to attest to certain information prior to you taking the test.
What will the witness have to do before I can take the exam?
The witness is there to affirm that you are who you say you are and that you are not using any study materials during testing. The witness will need to provide name, contact information, and answer a few questions before you can access the test.
Does the witness need to stay in the room the entire time I take the exam?
While it is acceptable for the witness to remain during the exam, it is not required. The witness needs to attest to the fact that you are who you say you are and that you do not have available and are not using any study materials to take the exam. The witness may not assist you in any way with the exam content or questions.
What are the rules of taking the exam?
The rules are the standard rules for any national certification program. They are:
No access to any written materials
No outside aides
No assistance from other professionals during the test. Test answers should be based on your knowledge alone.
Test takers may not have anyone else take the test for them
Disclosure of confidential test materials or disclosure of any materials may disqualify a person or bar that person from future certification
What happens if I fail the exam?
You will receive an online notice stating that you have failed to meet the minimum requirements. Please study your manual carefully to prepare for the exam a second time. You will need to wait 90 days before accessing the exam again. You may take the test up to 3 times in one year. You will need to pay the full application fee again before accessing the exam each time.
How long is this certification valid?
PICC Certification is valid for two years from the date of issuance. Re-certification requires renewal every two years at a cost of $120. You will not be able to use the CPUI designation without recertification. Why do I have to renew my certification every two years? It is necessary for professionals to demonstrate active experience with PICCs and to meet minimal insertion requirements of 12 per year while updating your knowledge base in the PICC Certification educational process.
What do I have to do to renew my certification?
After initial PICC Certification, you will be required to study an updated educational program and take a 100 question exam every two years based on the latest changes in the PICC industry (articles, etc.) at a cost of $120 per recertification. You will also need to provide proof of 24 successful PICC insertions completed within the past 24 months. This will need to be verified by a supervisor. PICC Excellence will provide all necessary forms.
What happens if I fail my recertification exam?
You will receive an online notice stating you have not met the minimum requirements. You will then be given one more attempt at the exam at no additional cost. The second attempt must be completed within 30 days of the original testing date.
I have been inserting PICCs for years. Do I still have to perform a supervised insertion?
Yes, everyone needs to perform a supervised insertion so your procedure can be evaluated. We want to ascertain that, not only do you know how to perform the procedure, but that you are doing so in the safest way possible based on current guidelines and standards.
Do I have to take the exam online? I don’t have access to the internet.
Yes, you will need to take the exam online. It is one of our control features to limit access and circulation of the exam. If you do not have access to the internet, you can access through a local library, a family member or a friend. We cannot mail out a paper copy of the exam.
I just started inserting PICCs. Can I go ahead and get my CPUI now to validate my experience to my employer?
You can not get your CPUI Certification until you have successfully inserted 25 PICCs independently. We are certifying that you have achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience. This experience cannot be gained with less than 25 insertions. We will be glad to process your forms as soon as you meet ALL the qualifications.
I have been inserting PICCs for years, but do not use ultrasound. Can I still get certified?
You cannot receive the CPUI Certification unless you are using ultrasound to locate and assess the veins prior to insertion. You must have ultrasound experience with 25 or more insertions as one of the qualifications to apply for your CPUI.
Where can I get my forms notarized?
Most local banks offer a notary service. You may also try your place of employment
What is Your Refund Policy?
No refunds will be offered the applicant once they apply for CPUI Certification. As with any national testing board, we are unable to process refunds once the packet has been mailed to the applicant. All requirements for qualification are posted on our website and are available for your review prior to purchasing the PICC Certification packet.
This program has been approved by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
for 3 Contact Hours, Synergy CERP Category A, File number 00015962.
