Elevate your career with the Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation, a symbol of excellence in the packaging industry. This prestigious title not only enhances your professional development but also brings valuable public recognition!

                                                                                                                                                                                 

Certification details

 
  • Certification Fee: $135
  • Recertification Fee: $135
  • CPIT Phase 2: $60 (only for those who already have their CPIT.)
  • Retesting (Exam): $50
  • Fundamentals of Packaging Technology, Sixth Edition: $299*, plus shipping and handling
  • Yearly premium membership dues: $269 (required to maintain CPP status)
*Elite members receive a 20% discount on the book for a cost of $239. Premium members receive a 10% discount, for a cost of $269.

These fees cover the cost of processing submitted materials and recognition items.

Candidates can recertify up to three times. There is an additional charge for each of the three recertification processes. Candidates who do not successfully complete one of the two performance option requirements are permitted to try again for a fee.

After 12 months, if you haven't completed the multiple choice exam and additional performance options, your application will expire and require new submission for $135.

Our CPIT and CPP designations align with our Fundamentals of Packaging Technology, Sixth Edition.
This edition includes new content and questions not part of the fifth edition, so it is important to use the sixth edition when studying for the exam.

Note: While IoPP may recognize tests from other organizations or educational institutions for the qualification process, we don't guarantee their adherence to our textbook. In all cases of dispute, our required text remains the decisive reference.

The path to earning your CPP designation involves a comprehensive examination process.
Up first:
  • Multiple choice exam
    - Essential First Step: This 150-question test covers packaging machinery, materials, and technology.
    - Format: It's an open book, online test.
    - Passing Score: Achieve 80% to pass.
After successfully completing the Multiple-Choice Exam, you'll need to complete ONE of the following options within 12 months of your application date:
  • Narrative Exam
    Answer three essay-type questions from a list of 10, formulated by Certified Packaging Professionals.
    - Scope: Questions are broad, encouraging responses based on your background and expertise.
    - Evaluation: A committee assesses answers on a pass/fail basis.
    - Time Frame: This is a timed test with a 4-day window.
  • Resume of Activities
    - Documentation: Submit a detailed resume form (provided by IoPP) showcasing six years of experience and involvement in packaging or related fields.
    - Review: A committee awards points based on various criteria.
  • Writing a Paper
    Write or submit an unpublished paper on a technical or management topic.
    - Evaluation: Graded anonymously on a pass/fail basis.
    - Submission: Papers must be emailed and become IoPP property, eligible for publication.
  • Patents
    - Documentation: Proof of a patent granted within the last five years, listing you as the sole inventor.
    - Restrictions: Co-inventor patents receive Continuing Education Points (CPEs) under our Resume of Activities option.
Get certified
Recertify

FAQs

Is membership required?
Yes. To become becoming a CPP, you need to be an active premium or elite member. Continued active membership is required to maintain your CPP status.
Can I do this online?
Yes! Our exam is designed for your convenience and can be taken online, whether you're at home or in the office.

You can start the multiple-choice exam at any time, but it must be finished within a continuous 48-hour window.

You're not limited to specific days, offering you the flexibility to choose when you're ready. Once you complete the exam, you'll receive immediate pass/fail feedback.
What happens after I register?
After registering for the CPP exam, you'll get an email with detailed instructions, including a link to the exam site and your unique username and password.

When you log in, a 48-hour timer starts. You can navigate through the exam freely, skipping or flagging questions for later review.

If you need to log out or lose your internet connection, no worries! You can log back in and continue where you left off.

Reminder: The 48-hour clock keeps ticking from the moment you first log in, even if you log out. Make sure to complete your exam within this time frame!
How many years of experience do I need before applying for certification?
You'll need at least six years of experience. This can be direct work in the packaging industry or in another closely-related field.
What counts as experience?
We count the following as valid experience:
  • Six years of professional work in the packaging field
  • Bachelor of Science degree in packaging related area, plus two years of work experience
  • Bachelor of Science degree in packaging related area, plus one year for Masters Degree, plus one year of actual work experience.
  • Completion of all four semesters of our Fundamentals of Packaging Technology course constitutes one year of experience.
If you meet the majority of the above requirements but still don't have six years of experience, consider first earning our Certified Professional in Training designation.

To ask specific questions about your work experience, contact our Certification Manager, Barbara Dykes.
I'm already a CPP. How do I recertify?
 
  • You must maintain premium or elite membership to keep your CPP status.
  • In your third, sixth and ninth year of CPP status, you must complete one of the following: Narrative exam, submit a resume of activities, writing a paper on a technical or management topic, or providing proof of a patent granted within the last five years.

  • Certification in your ninth year earns you Lifetime CPP status.
To ask specific questions about recertifying, contact our Certification Manager, Barbara Dykes.


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