C-SPI - Certified Specialist in Poison Information

The Certified Specialist in Poison Information (C-SPI) is sponsored by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), coordinated through Professional Testing (PTI). C-SPIs provide phone, video, and one-on-one assistance to patients and parents of children who have ingested toxic substances.

They also teach poisoning prevention and treatment at schools and businesses. The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) is a national nonprofit organization representing the 55 poison control centers in the United States, the more than 1,700 professionals these centers employ, as well as other poison-related organizations. AAPCC's mission is to actively advance its members' health care role and public health mission through information, advocacy, education, and research. Presently, foreign and domestic MDs are working SPI's and nurses, and pharmacists.

Eligibility requirements

After working at a poison center for at least 1200 hours and handling at least 2000 human exposure cases, SPIs are eligible to take the certification exam. 

Cost to certify

$250 for an application to take the exam.

Pearson VUE offers a computer-based testing tutorial and practice exam.