CPI Certificate

Kelly Modine
7 min readFeb 20, 2024

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If you are looking for CPI Certification the two best programs are:

Crisis Consultant Group certification — $139

Crisis Prevention Institute certification — $1,849

The Value of CPI Certificate: Why Every Healthcare Professional Should Get CPI Training

Healthcare professionals face challenging situations every day. A patient in crisis poses a serious risk to themselves, staff members, and others if the situation escalates. That’s why obtaining CPI Certificate can be invaluable for anyone working in healthcare.

What is CPI Training and How Can It Help Healthcare Professionals?

CPI stands for Crisis Prevention Institute. CPI offers training programs and certification in nonviolent crisis intervention. The CPI certificate program teaches participants how to safely and effectively respond to anxious, hostile, or violent behavior while maintaining the care, welfare, safety, and security of all involved.

CPI’s evidence-based training provides both knowledge and skills. Participants learn:

  • Verbal de-escalation techniques
  • Prevention strategies
  • Behavioral analysis concepts
  • Physical intervention procedures (as a last resort)

After completing the training, participants take a certification exam. Passing the exam earns them a CPI certificate credential.

For healthcare professionals, CPI training helps:

  • Minimize anxiety when facing escalating behavior
  • Improve confidence in managing crisis situations
  • Reduce risk of harm to staff, patients, and others
  • Limit use of restraints through early intervention
  • Lower staff turnover rates in challenging roles

Whether working in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or home healthcare, CPI skills prepare staff to safely handle crisis moments.

Who Needs CPI Certificate?

CPI training is valuable for any healthcare professional or direct care staff member who interacts routinely with patients. Those who can benefit most include:

  • Nurses
  • Nursing assistants
  • Emergency response teams
  • Mental health technicians
  • Psychiatric aides
  • Hospital security staff
  • Home health aides
  • Residential care providers
  • Special education teachers
  • Social workers

Even healthcare professionals not in direct care roles gain useful skills from CPI. The techniques help supervisors, managers, and administrators prepare their staff and facilities to better address crisis situations.

What’s Covered in CPI Training Programs?

CPI certificate programs cover the full spectrum of crisis prevention and intervention. Training components include:

Unit 1: The CPI Crisis Development Model

This unit provides a framework for understanding escalating behavior. Participants learn a proven model for assessing risk levels and appropriate responses.

Unit 2: Integrated Experience

Learners practice applying the crisis development model to real-world scenarios through interactive exercises.

Unit 3: Verbal Intervention

Participants study communication principles and practice verbal de-escalation strategies. This prepares them to resolve crises through early intervention.

Unit 4: Precipitating Factors, Rational Detachment, and Integrated Experience

Building on prior concepts, this unit explores triggers, rational detachment skills, and using verbal techniques effectively.

Unit 5: Decision Making and Physical Intervention

In this unit, attendees consider appropriate responses across the risk spectrum. They also learn standardized physical intervention procedures to use as a last resort when safety is at stake.

Unit 6: Postvention

The final module focuses on post-crisis care and debriefing. Learners discuss crisis resolution, emotional first aid, and event documentation.

Certification Exam

At the end of the training, participants take a multiple choice exam. Those who pass become CPI Certified for one year.

The Benefits of Earning Your CPI Certificate

Investing time in a CPI Certificate course pays dividends for healthcare professionals through:

Improved Confidence

By expanding their crisis response knowledge, staff feel better equipped to handle escalating situations. They gain confidence in assessing risk levels, using verbal skills, and knowing when and how to safely intervene physically.

Increased Safety

Data shows that after CPI training, organizations see a notable drop in staff injuries related to patient aggression. Better crisis prevention and earlier intervention enhances safety.

Developed Skills

Participants build tangible expertise to apply in their role, from verbal de-escalation techniques to physical maneuvers. Roleplaying real-world scenarios helps solidify these new skills.

Career Advancement

Earning a CPI credential helps healthcare professionals stand out when seeking jobs or promotions. It signals pertinent skills that employers value in direct care staff.

Ongoing Support

The initial CPI course is just the starting point. Certified staff get access to supplemental online training, resources, and networking opportunities.

Reduced Liability

Organizations experience lower liability claims when staff consistently apply CPI’s proven, research-based crisis response methods.

Who Offers CPI Certificate Programs?

CPI offers several options for earning your certificate:

CPI Instructor-Led Training

Participate in a two-day, in-person CPI class led by a certified CPI instructor. These dynamic courses combine lecture, discussion, and hands-on skills practice. Classes are available across the globe.

CPI Blended Learning

Complete the knowledge portion online, then attend a one-day in-person skills session. This option allows the flexibility of self-paced online learning.

CPI E-Learning

For maximum convenience, CPI certificates can be earned entirely online. This self-paced training still covers all the key concepts and teaches physical maneuvers through video demonstrations.

Many organizations also have internal CPI trainers on staff. Check with your employer about upcoming onsite training opportunities to get certified.

What’s the Curriculum for CPI Certificate?

While course formats vary, the curriculum contains the same essential elements:

  • The Crisis Development Model
  • Integrated Experience with scenarios
  • Nonverbal and verbal intervention
  • Precipitating factors and rational detachment
  • Decision making for physical intervention
  • Documentation and postvention strategies

This well-rounded curriculum ensures participants gain knowledge and techniques to address all phases of crisis situations.

What’s on the CPI Certificate Exam?

The certification exam covers key concepts from the training, including:

  • Stages of the crisis development model
  • Prevention strategies
  • Verbal intervention approaches
  • Contributing/precipitating factors
  • Rational detachment
  • Physical intervention techniques
  • Post-crisis procedures

The test has 40 multiple choice questions. Participants must score at least 80% to achieve CPI Certificate.

How Long Does CPI Certificate Last?

Initial CPI Certificate through the 2-day classroom, blended, or online course is valid for one year. To renew, CPI Certified staff must complete a one-day CPI Refresher class before expiration. Refresher courses reinforce knowledge and skills.

By staying current with annual renewal, professionals demonstrate an ongoing commitment to best practices in crisis prevention and intervention.

Why Choose CPI for Crisis Training vs. Other Programs?

CPI sets the global standard for crisis intervention training based on its:

Proven Track Record — For over 40 years, CPI has trained over 15 million professionals worldwide with its evidence-based techniques.

Expertise — CPI’s trainers have backgrounds spanning healthcare, education, social services, and law enforcement.

Adaptability — CPI’s core principles can be applied across settings from hospitals to schools.

Effectiveness — Data shows CPI training reduces staff injuries, restraint use, liability claims, and turnover.

Multimodal Options — From classroom to online, CPI offers flexible learning paths to certification.

When comparing crisis intervention programs, look for CPI’s signature blend of practical strategies, versatile delivery methods, and focus on prevention.

How Much Does CPI Training Cost?

CPI’s pricing depends on the type of training, number of participants, and delivery format. Options range from:

  • 2-Day Classroom Course: $219-$349 per seat
  • 1-Day Blended Course: $185-$315 per seat
  • Online Courses: $99-$349 per seat

Organizations can also purchase yearly site licenses for unlimited CPI training. Costs vary based on number of users and program breadth.

Government/military discounts are also available. Contact CPI or an authorized training partner for pricing details.

Do Employees Have to Pay for CPI Training?

Organizations often cover the cost of CPI Certificate for their staff. By investing in this training, they build crisis preparedness and reduce safety risks.

Healthcare professionals should check with their manager or HR department about availability of company-sponsored CPI credentialing. This prevents individuals from having to pay out-of-pocket.

Some key reasons for organizations to fund CPI training include:

  • Increased staff skills and confidence
  • Lower staff injury rates
  • Reduced need for restraints
  • Decreased liability claims
  • Better ability to handle crisis situations
  • Improved patient outcomes
  • Higher staff retention

Funding CPI courses demonstrates an organization’s commitment to safety and professional development.

Can CPI Certificate Be Used for Continuing Education?

Yes, earning and renewing CPI credentials qualifies for continuing education (CE) credits. Certified professionals can use CPI training hours to fulfill CE requirements for:

  • Nursing re-licensure
  • Counselor/social worker re-licensure
  • EMT/paramedic re-certification

Each state nursing board sets its own CE rules. Verify that they accept CPI training before claiming hours. Counselors and social workers should also check with their state licensing board.

CPI courses qualify for EMT/paramedic recertification as approved “Additional Education” hours. Maintaining CPI Certificate demonstrates continued competency.

What Are the Certification Requirements for Renewal?

To renew an expiring CPI certificate, professionals must complete a 1-day, 4-hour refresher course. Refresher options include:

  • CPI Instructor-Led Refresher — In-person classroom training available through CPI or partner organizations.
  • CPI E-Learning Refresher — Online interactive course with video roleplays.
  • CPI Blended Refresher — Complete 2 hours online then 2 hours in-person skills practice.

Refresher courses reinforce key concepts and physical techniques. Participants must pass an exam to renew certification.

CPI also offers supplemental online continuing education on topics like de-escalation, addressing secondary trauma, and leadership strategies. While not required, these demonstrate ongoing learning.

How Can You Get Started with a CPI Certificate?

Ready to earn your CPI credentials? Here are some steps to get started:

  • Talk to your employer — Find out if CPI training is offered through your organization. This is often the simplest route to certification.
  • Check CPI’s website — Search for an upcoming public classroom course near you. Virtual and e-learning options are also available.
  • Contact CPI — Speak with a CPI Program Advisor about organizing training for your team or buying site licenses.
  • Find an authorized partner — Many hospitals, healthcare systems, and training companies offer sanctioned CPI programs.
  • Apply for financial aid — Some needs-based scholarships are available to cover CPI tuition costs.

The more healthcare professionals that have CPI Certificate, the safer patients and staff will be. Don’t wait to get the skills needed to calmly handle crisis situations.

The Bottom Line: Why CPI Training Matters

Patients in distress can become aggressive or violent, creating dangerous situations. All healthcare personnel need to know how to spot escalating behavior and intervene safely.

With its proven crisis response model and emphasis on verbal de-escalation, CPI provides the tools to handle challenging moments with confidence. Earning your CPI certificate helps keep healthcare settings secure, while providing the compassionate care every patient deserves.

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Kelly Modine

I'm committed to keeping us safe at work, ensuring a secure environment where we can thrive and succeed without worries. Your safety is my priority.