CPIA FAQs

The CPIA exam is available in selected Pearson VUE Test Centres across the globe. You can book your online exam now via the Pearson VUE website.

Please see the following Pearson VUE link and select the correct region for Pearson VUE’s customer support.

Yes, the certification is valid for 3 years from the date you sat the exam.

On each examination page, you can find the examination syllabus, notes to candidates and recommended reading from past candidates, as well as sample questions designed to be similar to those found in the exam.

The majority of successful candidates have gained real-world experience, augmented by training courses in certain disciplines, before attempting the examination.

The written multiple-choice exam is conducted as a completely closed book process, reference material or access to the Internet is not permitted. Interactive chat or message systems are not permitted.

We have partnered the below Training Provider to supplement your knowledge of the topic areas detailed in the syllabus. This training course can be found below:

• PGI Cyber Academy – CREST Approved Training Provider

The quality and credibility of CREST exams depends on maintaining their integrity and security. We use various methods and tools to regularly scan the web for sites that claim to offer our exam materials and as a member of the CREST community, you play a vital role in helping us protect our exam content, their value, and in turn, your certifications.

If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a resource, or have any information about fraudulent behaviour or misconduct, please report in confidence using our exam security reporting form. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected].

The exam duration is 2 hours. Note that your permitted maximum session time at Pearson VUE is 2.5 hours in total.

Candidates must contact the CREST support team at least 2 weeks before the potential exam date with a formal medical report from a qualified medical practitioner in the particular condition. Candidates should register an account with Pearson VUE but not book an exam date until the accommodation request has been processed.  For more information, please contact [email protected]

CREST makes every effort to email candidates with their result letter within 5 working days of the examination being taken. Digitally signed certificates, where appropriate, will be emailed to candidates.

You will be required to sign both when booking the CPIA exam at Pearson VUE. 

The CPIA is a closed book exam. Therefore, no books, written notes, internet access or other electronic devices will be allowed. Electronic items such as mobile phones, smart watches, ear buds etc will not be permitted to be taken into the exam. You will be required to surrender all electronic items and potentially other personal items. Lockers will be provided.

Yes. You can only book the CREST CPIA exam through a Pearson VUE account. Please follow the link to set up an account if you have not already done so: Pearson VUE.

• If you do run out of time, or forget to save, then your exam will be auto submitted. 
• You will be provided with a 5-minute warning notification.

You need to bring two forms of government issued IDs one of which must have a picture. Most candidates bring their passport and the driver’s licence. No photocopies will be accepted. Please see the following link for more detailed information: English (pearsonvue.com) 

Pearson VUE provides relevant information for candidates via their resource hub: helpful resources for test-takers