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Certified Postsecondary Instructor (CPI) — Requirements & Free Practice

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Certified Postsecondary Instructor (CPI)

NCCT certification demonstrating postsecondary instructional competency, including design, implementation and evaluation of instruction and assessment.

Licensing authority: National Center for Competency Testing · Application information

Initial by examination
Certified Postsecondary Instructor® examination
Applicability
Current CPI page, current linked Rev: 2024 outline and January 2026 handbook support the current initial route at the evaluation date; no official start or end date was published. The handbook's five healthcare eligibility routes expressly exclude CPI and are not imported into this route.
Character And Reference
Provide evidence of good moral character using the NCCT Reference Form, completed by an employment-related supervisor for an instructor or preceptor; NCCT may contact the reference for validation. The form asks about duration of acquaintance, employment and teaching/preceptor experience, subject expertise, character, instructional planning, delivery and evaluation.
Code Of Ethics
The applicant must read and sign the NCCT Code of Ethics and agree to adhere to its requirements as a condition of certification. This applicant obligation is separate from the supervisor reference attesting good moral character.
Education
Provide a United States high school diploma or equivalent credentials (GED); a college degree/diploma may be submitted instead.
Experience
At least six months of full-time teaching experience, or equivalent, at the postsecondary level.
Scheduling
On-demand computer-based appointment examination; submit applications at least 14 days before the requested test date. NCCT reviews documentation in 3-5 business days and schedules completed approved applications; late applications prompt contact about alternative arrangements. Applications and fees remain valid for one year. In-person and remote testing are subject to their respective identification, technology, proctoring and scheduling conditions.
Subject Expertise
Submit primary-discipline documentation to NCCT; this knowledge is not tested by the CPI examination. The phlebotomy example is illustrative and does not impose a universal phlebotomy-certification requirement.

Certified Postsecondary Instructor® examination

Provider
National Center for Competency Testing
Format
On-demand, proctored computer-based examination in English; the outline describes multiple-choice questions and the current handbook also names innovative item types.
Exam questions
Total questions: 200; Scored questions: 200; Unscored questions: 0.
Time limit
4 hours
Exam fee
$119 examination fee; remote testing adds $44 and test sites may charge a separate sitting fee.
Examination outline
  • Demonstrate knowledge of principles of instruction at the postsecondary level (22.5%)
    • Principles of adult education
    • Pedagogy in the adult classroom
    • Group dynamics and facilitation
    • Fair practices in education
    • Use of technology in teaching
  • Design and plan instruction to meet learning objectives (22.5%)
    • Measurable behavioral learning objectives
    • Assessments of entry skills, needs, and learning preferences
    • Instructional strategies and tools that fit learner needs
    • Learning experiences that actively engage, motivate, and challenge diverse learners
    • Learning activities that promote self-confidence
    • Learning opportunities that incorporate adult experiences
    • Classroom logistics that optimize the learning environment
    • Classroom logistics that maximize comfort and safety
    • Learning activities that facilitate participation
    • Collaboration with administrators, peers, students or others
    • Resources from the community, the internet, professional organizations, publications, instructional software, self-instructional units, and other audio/visual aids
    • Delivery methods that use time effectively and maximize results
  • Create and maintain a functional learning environment (28%)
    • Communicating course objectives
    • Presenting course information in a logical manner
    • Implementing a positive instructional climate
    • Motivating learners and sharing subject matter enthusiasm
    • Using effective classroom management skills
    • Engaging diverse learners through multiple techniques
    • Creating a comfortable environment for adult learners
    • Establishing rapport with learners
    • Handling questions and criticisms appropriately
    • Developing a climate of mutual respect in the classroom
    • Establishing class and individual student expectations
    • Modeling skills, concepts, attributes, and thought processes
    • Using problem solving and conflict resolution skills
    • Using situational learning to allow application of skills
    • Ensuring confidentiality, honesty, integrity and ethics
    • Encouraging self-control and self-direction
    • Maintaining instructor credibility in the classroom
    • Exhibiting tolerance and flexibility in dealing with students
    • Responding with sincerity to student needs and concerns
    • Using a sense of humor to make learning fun
    • Linking learning to prior knowledge, experience and background
    • Encouraging critical thinking skills
    • Providing opportunities for students to practice what they learn
    • Demonstrating multicultural sensitivity
    • Reaching learners with diverse needs, styles, preferences, and backgrounds
    • Displaying oral, written, and electronic communication skills appropriate for a teaching professional
  • Assess all aspects of learning to improve quality (27%)
    • Assessing student learning
    • Assessing the instructional planning and design of the course, improving if indicated
    • Assessing all instructional implementation and delivery, improving if indicated
    • Determining whether the assessments provide value-added feedback
    • Determining new personal, professional, and course improvement plans based upon feedback and assessments
Examination sources