- Note: Successful completion of the CIPS Ethics Exam is now required for applicants who have not graduated from a CIPS accredited program -
Not sure which route to apply under? Use the CIPS Certification Wizard or Let us provide a recommendation by sending an email to info@cips.ca
I.S.P. Application I.S.P. Re-certification Become a Candidate
It's about Professionalism - Working towards or achieving the I.S.P. designation sets you apart from other IT practitioners. You are making a commitment to IT professionalism by ensuring you are continuously updating your skills and gaining relevant experience. Your I.S.P. designation confirms your status as an IT practitioner of the highest integrity. In the eyes of potential employers, customers or clients, this is a good thing.
- Appropriate mastery of the CIPS Body of Knowledge (BOK);
- Adherence to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct;
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Code of Ethics
- CIPS Membership (Note: One can apply for the I.S.P. designation without being a CIPS member, but active membership must be held in order to hold and use the I.S.P. designation);
- Provide detailed and descriptive employer or client references covering the two years preceding the application. The employer or client needs to be able to comment on your competence and confirm your work history over the last 24 months. The reference should be in a similar or higher professional level to you and cannot be someone who report to you.
- A minimum of 1000 hours of professional work experience during the 12 months prior to submitting the application.
- Application Fees
The I.S.P. designation is available to practitioners who meet these entrance requirements. Demonstrated mastery of the BOK is equivalent to completion of a CIPS accredited four-year degree program of study plus two years of relevant professional experience. This serves as the benchmark for the I.S.P. designation. The I.S.P. designation demonstrates varying degrees of knowledge and competency, provided that overall mastery is maintained.
I.S.P. Designation Eligibility Criteria
Candidate Membership
If you have the IT education** but do not yet possess the required IT experience, you may qualify for the "Candidate Member" designation! For more information on Candidate Membership click here.
**Relevant post-secondary degree or diploma; successful completion of the Institute for certification of Computer Professional (ICCP) exams; or successful completion of the British Computer Society (BCS) exam.