100+ Free CMPP Practice Questions

The CMPP exam consists of 150 psychometrically validated multiple-choice questions delivered by Pearson VUE, either at a Pearson VUE testing center or online via OnVUE proctored delivery. You have 3 hours to complete the exam. It is a pass/fail credential based on a criterion-referenced scaled score. Approximately 80% of candidates pass on first attempt.

ISMPP requires either a bachelor's degree plus 2 years (4,000 hours) of relevant medical publication experience, OR a high school diploma plus 5 years (10,000 hours) of relevant experience. Candidates must also hold ISMPP membership (or pay a $235 non-member administrative fee that includes one year of membership). Relevant experience includes medical writing, publication planning, editorial work, and publication management at pharmaceutical companies, agencies, or CROs.

The CMPP exam fee is $595 for ISMPP members. Non-members pay $595 plus a $235 administrative fee (which includes one year of ISMPP membership), for a total of $830. Candidates from developing countries pay a reduced fee of $395. Retakes within the next testing window cost $250. Fees are set by ISMPP and are subject to change — always verify on the official ISMPP exam details page.

The CMPP examination blueprint covers three major knowledge domains: (1) Developing a publication plan — strategy, authorship, journal/congress selection, steering committees; (2) Implementing a publication plan — manuscript development, reporting guidelines, peer review, and alternative formats; and (3) Fostering ethical and compliant behavior — GPP 2022, ICMJE, trial registration, disclosure, Sunshine Act, PhRMA/EFPIA Codes, and FDA/EMA promotional regulations. Key reference documents include GPP 2022, ICMJE Recommendations, the Declaration of Helsinki, EQUATOR Network guidelines, and major regulatory frameworks.

ISMPP recommends 60-100 hours of study over 2-4 months for candidates with solid medical publication experience. New entrants or those with gaps in specific areas (e.g., regulatory or ethics) may need more. Most candidates use the official Candidate Handbook, the CMPP Supplemental Reference List, ISMPP U modules, and practice questions. Reading the primary source documents — GPP 2022, ICMJE Recommendations, CONSORT 2010, PRISMA 2020 — is essential.

The CMPP credential is valid for 3 years. To recertify, CMPPs must earn at least 24 continuing education (CE) credits over the 3-year cycle (typically at least 8 per year, with no more than 12 allowed in the final year). CE credits can be earned via free ISMPP U monthly webinars, ISMPP Annual Meeting sessions, pre-approved external activities, and other approved continuing education. Recertification fees apply. Details are in the ISMPP CMPP Recertification Handbook.

Yes. The CMPP is the only internationally recognized certification for medical publication professionals and is accepted across the pharmaceutical industry, medical communications agencies, and contract research organizations globally. Thousands of professionals from over 40 countries have earned the credential since its launch in 2009. It is particularly valued in the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Japan markets.

GPP 2022 (Good Publication Practice, 2022 update) is the leading international consensus guideline for company-sponsored medical publications. It addresses authorship (aligned with ICMJE's four criteria), medical writer acknowledgment, ghostwriting, sponsor review processes, publication agreements, and transparency. GPP 2022 is heavily represented on the CMPP exam and candidates must be familiar with its full text, available free from the MAP Newsletter/ISMPP resources.