Certification for Professional Pet Sitters
The industry’s only knowledge-assessed certification exam for professional pet sitters
Since 1994, Pet Sitters International has been the leading educational association for professional pet sitters, with the mission of “pet-sitting excellence through education.” Now, more than ever before, we believe the pet-owning public needs an easily identifiable way to determine the most qualified, knowledgeable professional pet-sitting options—and professional pet sitters need a way to demonstrate their qualifications so they can stand out in the sea of qualified and unqualified options in the ever-growing pet-care services industry.
PSI's CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® Exam provides candidates with the only knowledge-based assessment designed specifically for professional pet sitters. PSI’s exam requires that candidates demonstrate the knowledge necessary to succeed as professional pet sitters.
This exam tests professional pet sitters on a general body of knowledge that they should have obtained through their educational and professional experiences in the pet-sitting industry. As a certification, there is no coursework and pet sitters are not tested on a specific curriculum. Instead, the exam provides the opportunity to demonstrate that they are proficient in the body of knowledge that has been established for the professional pet-sitting industry.
CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® is a federally-trademarked certification mark PSI awards to professional pet sitters who successfully demonstrate their knowledge by obtaining a passing score on the CPPS Exam and agreeing to adhere to PSI’s Recommended Quality Standards and Code of Conduct & Ethics.
Designed by PSI founder, CEO and industry pioneer Patti J. Moran and the PSI staff, this exam is for serious pet-sitting professionals who understand the importance of established standards of excellence in the pet sitting industry and who are committed to continuing education throughout their careers. Successfully completing the exam will earn candidates the designation of CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter®.
Learn more about what the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® Exam has to offer:
Just entering the industry and not ready to test for the CPPS designation? PSI offers an online certificate course, Professional Pet Sitting as a Career, which provides the need-to-know information for starting and growing your own professional pet-sitting service.
PSI Members: Learn more about becoming a CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter®. Not a member? Learn more about PSI’s member benefits and join today.
Frequently Asked Questions about PSI's CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® Exam:
Following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® Exam.
If you don't find the answer to your question, please contact Member Services at (336) 983-9222, option 1, or email education@petsit.com.
What are the benefits of becoming a CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter®?
In the ever-growing pet-sitting industry, professional pet sitters need a way to separate themselves from hobbyists, demonstrate their knowledge, and distinguish themselves as qualified, competent professionals. Earning PSI's CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® designation allows you to do just that, and there are many perks to becoming a CPPS. Learn more here.
Do I have to be a member of Pet Sitters International to apply for the CPPS Exam?
Yes. The exam was developed by PSI exclusively for its members. PSI's CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® Exam provides candidates with the only knowledge-based assessment designed specifically for professional pet sitters.
CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® is a federally-trademarked certification mark PSI awards to professional pet sitters who successfully demonstrate their knowledge by obtaining a passing score on the CPPS Exam and agreeing to adhere to PSI’s Recommended Quality Standards and Code of Conduct & Ethics.
Is there an online course that I am required to take as a prerequisite to the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® Exam?
No, there is no required online course, program or training that accompanies the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter Exam. The exam is knowledge-assessed and provides experienced pet sitters with the opportunity to demonstrate that they are proficient in the body of knowledge that has been established for the professional pet-sitting industry.
How much is the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter Exam?
The standard application fee for the CPPS Exam is $275 (USD). Occasionally, PSI may offer a discounted application fee. Please contact PSI to inquire about any current discounts available.
How much time do I have to prepare for the exam? Is there a penalty if I’m not ready to take the exam by the deadline?
Because the exam tests professional pet sitters on a general body of knowledge they should have obtained through their educational and professional experiences in the pet-sitting industry (and not a coursework/program), you are able to request the exam immediately upon submitting your exam fee, if desired. However, candidates have up to six months to request the exam after submitting the exam fee.
Some pet sitters use this time to refresh their knowledge (a downloadable study guide with a list of recommended resources is provided to all candidates), then they go on to select their proctoring option and request their exam link. The exam may be requested at any time during the six-month period. If, however, the request is made after the deadline has passed, the student must reapply and pay a $85 (USD) penalty fee. This penalty fee can only be taken advantage of once and only if the request is made within 30 days of the original six-month deadline.
How will the exam be administered? How many questions are there?
The exam is 100 multiple-choice and true/false questions and it is monitored by either a proctor of the candidate’s own choosing (anyone other than a relative or significant other) or an automated online proctoring tool. The candidate must complete the exam within the three-hour time limit with no outside assistance or resources. The CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter Exam is taken online on the ClassMarker platform. Not only is the testing process simple and straightforward—you’ll be given your final score as soon as you complete the exam.
What is a “proctor,” and do I have to go somewhere else to take the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter Exam?
The exam is administered online, so you can take the exam anywhere, but you must be monitored by either an in-person proctor or an automated online proctoring tool while you take the exam. Exam candidates choose their preferred option:
- In-person proctor (FREE). Your proctor is someone you ask to be present, and their task is to ensure that the exam is completed solely by you with no outside assistance or resources. They will meet with you to oversee the test-taking process once you have agreed on a time and place to take the exam. You may choose any adult to serve as your proctor, with the exception of family members or significant others.
- Online proctoring ($25 USD). With this option, an automated online exam proctoring program will monitor you during the exam. You will be required to use a device that has a webcam/camera and show your photo ID, and you will be monitored on camera during the exam.
Please contact PSI if you need more information on proctoring options.
How long will my status as a CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® be valid?
To obtain and maintain the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter designation, you must:
- Successfully pass the CPPS Exam with a score of 80% or above
- Agree to adhere to PSI’s Recommended Quality Standards and Member Code of Conduct and Ethics, as noted in the PSI member and renewal applications
- Obtain a minimum of thirty (30) continuing education units (CEUs) every three years and apply for the certification renewal
This means your initial CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® status will be valid for three years. Once you obtain the necessary CEUs, you will be able to purchase your certification renewal, at which point your certification will be renewed for another three years.
CEUs are earned through a variety of educational, service and business options to help ensure a well-rounded experience. The options allow CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter members to choose from an extensive menu of continuing-education credits. Each subsequent renewal cycle lasts for three years.
Please note: CPPSs must also maintain active membership in PSI to maintain the CPPS designation.
How long do I have to take the exam? Do I have to take the exam all in one sitting?
Once your proctor form or online proctoring request has been approved and processed, you will be emailed a link to take your exam. You will have 30 days from the time that email is sent to access the exam. Proctor requests are typically processed within 2-3 business days, but if you do not receive the email within 5-7 days of submitting your proctor form or online proctoring fee, it is your responsibility to notify the Education Department by phone or email.
Once you have clicked to start the exam, you have three (3) hours to complete it. You are not permitted to use resources or materials as you test, and your exam proctor must be present at all times (if using an in-person proctor) or your face must be visible on camera at all times (if using the online proctoring option). While you have 30 days (once the test link has been emailed) to access your exam, once you start it, you are not able to pause the exam but must complete it in one session (lasting no more than three hours).
If I fail the Exam, can I retest?
Yes, you can take the exam again, but you will be required to submit a $85 (USD) retesting fee within 30 days of receiving your failed result. Once you pay the retesting fee, you will have six months to request the exam again. If you fail a second time, you can submit the full application fee to attempt the test again.
The CPPS Exam is for experienced pet sitters, but I am new to pet sitting. Do you have any opportunities for me to learn more about pet sitting?
Absolutely! PSI offers its online certificate course, Professional Pet Sitting as a Career*, to pet sitters who want to learn more about their chosen profession. Professional Pet Sitting as a Career covers a wide range of topics and is perfect for those just starting out. Contact PSI to request additional information.
*Please note that Professional Pet Sitting as a Career is a standalone course that is in no way tied to or associated with the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® Exam. Completion of a course will not earn you the CPPS® designation.
