HELENA, Ala., Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — IBFCSM, an independent certification organization founded in 1976, proudly announces the 10th anniversary of the Certified Patient Safety Officer (CPSO) credential. The CPSO was launched in 2006 to provide a personal certification opportunity for professionals leading or coordinating patient safety efforts. CPSO credential holders come from a variety of healthcare backgrounds including nursing, environment of care, infection control, administration, risk management, quality improvement, clinical functions, and safety management. IBFCSM is committed to helping healthcare organizations improve patient safety methods and processes. We offer two excellent textbook resources that address patient safety issues and safety challenges in a practical manner. The books are entitled: (1) Healthcare Hazard Control and Safety Management, 3rd Edition and (2) Healthcare Safety for Nursing Personnel: An Organizational Guide to Achieving Results.
Applicants for certification must document eight (8) years of relevant experience and/or education. IBFCSM requires at least two-years of relevant experience regardless of educational level. CPSO credential holders must achieve a passing score on the challenging examination. All candidates must complete the online Application and have two persons aware of their professional fitness for certification, submit online Reference Evaluations. References can't be from family members, close friends, or subordinates. Please visit www.ibfcsm.org and access the Candidate Handbook which contains the current examination outline and suggested study references. The CPSO exam places emphasis on understanding concepts and principles related to improving patient safety across the continuum of care. Patient safety efforts must address organizational-wide challenges and risks. Patient safety begins before patients arrive and continues after their discharge.
The CPSO examination contains 100 to 120 multiple choice items. The exam contains questions relating to program design, leadership, communication, safety cultures, patient safety goals, system safety methods, accreditation standards, and key clinical patient-related risks. IBFCSM offers a voluntary CPSO Self-Study program for an additional charge. However, IBFCSM does not require any candidate to purchase books or other study resources to qualify for certification. Purchasing study materials or attending any review session does not guarantee that an individual will pass the exam. Self-study materials can help a candidate review key concepts and identify strengths or weaknesses.
IBFCSM also offers a new credential known as the Certified in Healthcare Safety Nursing (CHSN). The certification exam addresses nursing safety topics, environment of care risks, and patient safety. The CHSN primary study reference is the textbook: Healthcare Safety for Nursing Personnel. IBFCSM also offers a voluntary self-study for CHSN candidates. To celebrate the CPSO 10th anniversary and the launch of the CHSN, IBFCSM will waive the $130 candidate Application Fee for those applying for either credential by December 31, 2016. All CPSO and CHSN candidates must submit the Examination Fee of $200. The paper exam can be proctored locally or candidates can take the test online by registering with TesTrac. There is an additional online exam fee of $100, which is paid by the candidate when registering with TesTrac. Contact Email for TesTrac contact instructions. Founded in 1976, IBFCSM celebrates 40 years of "Upgrading Professions" in 2016.
Contact: James T. Tweedy, M.S., Executive Director
International Board for Certification of Safety Managers (IBFCSM)
173 Tucker Road, Suite 202, Helena, AL 35080
Phone: 205-664-8412
Email: Email
Website: www.ibfcsm.org