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Independent Research
Objective studies of professional licensing and certification examinations using evidence-based methods.
Independent Nonprofit Research Institute
Advancing fairness, transparency, and public trust in professional licensing.
The Center for Professional Examination Accountability is dedicated to strengthening the scientific integrity, transparency, accountability, and public value of professional licensing and certification examinations throughout the United States.
CPEA
Research • Education • Accountability
Independent Research
Scientific Integrity
Public Protection
Who We Are
A national voice for evidence-based examination accountability.
Professional examinations shape careers, regulate entry into essential professions, and influence public safety, workforce development, economic opportunity, and access to services.
Our mission is to promote transparency, accountability, scientific integrity, and public confidence in professional licensing and certification examinations through independent research, education, and evidence-based evaluation.
Why CPEA Exists
Millions of Americans invest years of education, preparation, and financial resources in careers that ultimately depend upon successful completion of a licensing or certification examination.
CPEA was created to help ensure that these high-stakes systems are fair, scientifically sound, transparent, and accountable to the public they are intended to protect.
Areas of Focus
Research that informs, educates, and strengthens public systems.
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Scientific Integrity
Evaluation of validity, reliability, fairness, defensibility, and alignment with accepted scientific standards.
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Transparency
Promotion of meaningful public access to examination policies, governance practices, data, and decision-making.
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Public Education
Accessible resources for professionals, policymakers, researchers, candidates, and the public.
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Policy Development
Evidence-based recommendations designed to strengthen examination systems and public confidence.
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Public Protection
Research centered on safety, competence, fairness, effectiveness, and the public interest.
Core Principles
The values guiding every initiative.
Scientific Integrity
Transparency
Accountability
Fairness
Independence
Public Protection
Organization Status
Building the foundation for national impact.
CPEA is a West Virginia nonprofit corporation operating from California.
Federal recognition as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code is currently pending.