CIP Knowledge, Verfied

Critical Infrastructure Protection Credential - CIPC

The Critical Infrastructure Protection Credential (CIPC) validates that its holder can interpret and apply the enforceable NERC CIP standards and the compliance framework around them. It is issued by Ampyx Cyber and is earned by completing the NERC CIP Bootcamp and passing the CIPC examination.

NERC CIP compliance is complex, enforceable, and carries real consequences, and the people responsible for it are expected to know it in-depth. The CIPC exists to demonstrate that knowledge credibly. Not that you have heard of the standards, but that you can apply them, along with the FERC, NERC, and Regional Entity material around them, to real situations.

What the Credential Covers

The CIPC covers the full NERC CIP ecosystem, not only the standards themselves but the FERC orders, NERC guidance, and Region-specific approaches and tools that determine how they are enforced in practice. It was built by practitioners who have worked across the electric sector, FERC, NERC, and the Regions, and it reflects how CIP compliance and security actually work, not just how they read on paper.

What it demonstrates:

• In-depth knowledge of the NERC CIP standards, CIP-002 through CIP-015, with an emphasis on real-world application.

• A working grasp of the supporting FERC, NERC, and Regional material that shapes how the standards are interpreted.

• The ability to manage, implement, and audit CIP compliance programs.

• A credential earned by examination, not attendance, that employers and clients can verify.

• Currency over time, maintained through continuing education as the standards change.

Who is it for?

• Compliance managers responsible for a CIP program.

• Security professionals working in or alongside the electric sector.

• Utility staff whose roles touch CIP compliance or security.

• FERC, NERC, and Regional staff with CIP responsibilities such as audit, enforcement, risk, management, and outreach.

Course Overview

The CIPC builds on Ampyx Cyber's NERC CIP Bootcamp. The course covers the CIP standards in depth, with particular attention to FERC orders, NERC standards and guidance, and Region-specific compliance approaches. It uses practical exercises, case studies, and scenarios drawn from real compliance and security work.

Certification Process

1. Enroll in the Ampyx Cyber CIP Bootcamp. The course provides expert-led sessions, hands-on exercises, and materials covering the full NERC CIP ecosystem.

2. Pass the CIPC exam. The exam is 90 questions, taken online with a digital proctor, with up to 3 hours to complete. You may use your course workbook as well as FERC, NERC and Regional Entity materials. A score of 85% or higher is required to pass.

3. Three included attempts. Your bootcamp registration includes three exam attempts. Additional attempts are $99 each.

4. Receive the credential. On passing, you earn the Critical Infrastructure Protection Credential (CIPC), which shows command of the NERC CIP standards and the surrounding compliance ecosystem.

Maintaining Your CIPC Credential

The CIPC credential is valid for three years. To keep it current, holders complete 20 continuing professional education (CPE) credits per year, 60 over the three-year term, and renew every three years for $99. CPEs are checked at renewal against the three-year total, so if you come up short in any single year, you can make it up before your renewal date. If a credential lapses, it can be reinstated within 90 days by completing any outstanding CPEs and paying the $99 renewal plus a $49 late fee. After 90 days, reinstatement requires passing the current exam at $99 per attempt.

How to Get Started

The CIPC is earned through the NERC CIP Bootcamp. See the training page for dates, details, and registration.