CPIA EXAM /ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PLUS
RATIONALES/NEWEST UPDATE 2026/GRADE A+ ASSURED
Question 1
Is it a regulatory requirement for IACUC members to have access to the full grant documents
associated with a protocol?
A) Yes, it is required by the USDA Animal Welfare Act Regulations.
B) Yes, it is required by the PHS Policy.
C) No, it is not required by any regulation, but it is considered best practice.
D) No, it is strictly prohibited to protect intellectual property.
E) Only the Non-Affiliated member is required to see the grant.
Correct Answer: C) No, it is not required by any regulation, but it is considered best
practice.
Rationale: While the PHS Policy and USDA regulations do not explicitly mandate that every
IACUC member must review the full grant application, OLAW and AAALAC consider it a
"best practice" to ensure grant-to-protocol congruency. This helps the committee verify
that the work described in the grant is consistent with the work described in the protocol
and that the number of animals requested is justified by the funding source.
Question 2
What are the two official review methods recognized by the USDA Animal Welfare Act
Regulations and PHS Policy for the review of animal protocols?
A) Full Committee Review (FCR) and Expedited Review.
B) Full Committee Review (FCR) and Designated Member Review (DMR).
C) Subcommittee Review and Designated Member Review (DMR).
D) Full Committee Review (FCR) and Administrative Review.
E) Chairperson Review and Veterinary Review.
Correct Answer: B) Full Committee Review (FCR) and Designated Member Review (DMR).
Rationale: The only two methods recognized by both the USDA and PHS for initial or
significant change reviews are FCR and DMR. Other terms, such as "expedited review,"
are associated with IRBs and have no official status in IACUC regulations. Administrative
review is only permitted for non-significant changes as defined by institutional policy.
Question 3
Which of the following is true regarding the use of Designated Member Review (DMR) for a
new protocol submission?
A) It can only be used for minor amendments, not new submissions.
B) It can be used for new submissions provided all members have had the opportunity to call for
FCR.
C) It requires a unanimous vote of the full committee during a convened meeting to initiate.
, 2
D) It can only be performed by the Attending Veterinarian.
E) It is only allowed for USDA Category B protocols.
Correct Answer: B) It can be used for new submissions provided all members have had the
opportunity to call for FCR.
Rationale: DMR is a valid method for reviewing any protocol, including new ones. The
process requires that all IACUC members receive at least a list/abstract of the protocols
and be given a pre-determined timeframe to request a Full Committee Review. If no
member requests FCR, the protocol moves to DMR.
Question 4
In the Designated Member Review (DMR) process, who has the authority to assign the specific
designated reviewer(s)?
A) The Institutional Official (IO).
B) The Attending Veterinarian (AV).
C) The IACUC Chairperson.
D) The Principal Investigator (PI).
E) The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW).
Correct Answer: C) The IACUC Chairperson.
Rationale: According to PHS Policy and USDA regulations, once a protocol is eligible for
DMR, the Chairperson of the IACUC is responsible for appointing one or more qualified
members to serve as the designated reviewer(s). This authority cannot be delegated to the
PI or administrative staff.
Question 5
What is the minimum number of designated reviewers required to conduct a review when using
the DMR method?
A) One.
B) Two.
C) Three.
D) A quorum of the committee.
E) All voting members must participate.
Correct Answer: A) One.
Rationale: The Chairperson may assign as few as one member to serve as the designated
reviewer. This individual has the authority to approve, require modifications, or refer the
protocol to FCR. However, if multiple reviewers are assigned, they must act unanimously.
Question 6
Which of the following is an authorized outcome of the Designated Member Review (DMR)
process?
, 3
A) Withhold approval of the protocol.
B) Suspend an ongoing animal activity.
) Require modifications to secure approval.
D) Grant "Conditional Approval" for six months.
E) Approve the protocol for five years.
Correct Answer: C) Require modifications to secure approval.
Rationale: Designated reviewers have only three options: 1) Approve the protocol, 2)
Require modifications to secure approval, or 3) Request Full Committee Review. They
specifically DO NOT have the authority to withhold approval (disapprove) a protocol; only
the Full Committee at a convened meeting can do that.
Question 7
If the Chairperson assigns three designated reviewers for a DMR, and two reviewers vote to
approve while one reviewer requests a Full Committee Review (FCR), what is the outcome?
A) The protocol is approved by majority vote.
B) The protocol is approved provided the Chair breaks the tie.
C) The protocol must undergo Full Committee Review (FCR).
D) The dissenting reviewer is replaced by the Chair.
E) The protocol is sent back to the PI for further clarification only.
Correct Answer: C) The protocol must undergo Full Committee Review (FCR).
Rationale: Designated Member Review requires total consensus among all assigned
reviewers. A majority cannot overrule a minority in DMR. If any designated reviewer feels
the protocol requires FCR, the protocol must be placed on the agenda for a convened
meeting of the full committee.
Question 8
True or False: "Designated Reviewers" are legally synonymous with "Primary Reviewers" in
PHS Policy.
A) True, the terms are interchangeable in the regulations.
B) True, but only for USDA-covered species.
C) False, the concept of "Primary Reviewers" is not codified in federal regulations.
D) False, Primary Reviewers are only used by the USDA.
E) False, Primary Reviewers must be veterinarians, while Designated Reviewers do not.
Correct Answer: C) False, the concept of "Primary Reviewers" is not codified in federal
regulations.
Rationale: The term "Designated Reviewer" is a specific regulatory role for DMR. In
contrast, "Primary Reviewer" is a common administrative system used by many IACUCs
to facilitate FCR by assigning specific members to lead the discussion. Federal regulations
do not mention or require "Primary Reviewers."
, 4
Question 9
When can the Chairperson officially initiate the DMR process after members have been notified
of a protocol?
A) Immediately upon sending the notification email.
B) Only after all members have replied in writing that DMR is acceptable.
C) After the end of a pre-determined "waiting period" during which no member requested FCR.
D) Only after the Institutional Official has signed the abstract.
E) DMR can only be initiated on the first Monday of each month.
Correct Answer: C) After the end of a pre-determined "waiting period" during which no
member requested FCR.
Rationale: Silence is generally considered assent in this context, but only after the
committee-defined timeframe for requesting FCR has expired. A designated reviewer can
begin looking at the materials earlier, but they cannot officially "approve" the protocol
until the window for calling FCR has closed.
Question 10
Who has the authority to determine the specific timeframe that IACUC members have to call for
FCR before a protocol goes to DMR?
A) The IACUC Chairperson.
B) The Institutional Official (IO).
C) The Full Committee.
D) The Attending Veterinarian.
E) OLAW.
Correct Answer: C) The Full Committee.
Rationale: The IACUC as a whole must establish the policy and timeframes for the DMR
notification process. The Chairperson assigns the reviewers, but the underlying procedure
and "waiting period" must be a committee-approved standard operating procedure.
Question 11
What is "Expedited Review" in the context of IACUC protocol review?
A) A faster version of DMR.
B) A method used only for USDA Category C protocols.
C) A term with no official meaning for IACUCs; it is an IRB-associated term.
D) A review performed only by the IO.
E) A review that skips the Attending Veterinarian's oversight.
Correct Answer: C) A term with no official meaning for IACUCs; it is an IRB-associated
term.
Rationale: Best practices in IACUC administration involve avoiding the term "Expedited
Review." It is a specific category of IRB review. Using it for IACUCs causes confusion
RATIONALES/NEWEST UPDATE 2026/GRADE A+ ASSURED
Question 1
Is it a regulatory requirement for IACUC members to have access to the full grant documents
associated with a protocol?
A) Yes, it is required by the USDA Animal Welfare Act Regulations.
B) Yes, it is required by the PHS Policy.
C) No, it is not required by any regulation, but it is considered best practice.
D) No, it is strictly prohibited to protect intellectual property.
E) Only the Non-Affiliated member is required to see the grant.
Correct Answer: C) No, it is not required by any regulation, but it is considered best
practice.
Rationale: While the PHS Policy and USDA regulations do not explicitly mandate that every
IACUC member must review the full grant application, OLAW and AAALAC consider it a
"best practice" to ensure grant-to-protocol congruency. This helps the committee verify
that the work described in the grant is consistent with the work described in the protocol
and that the number of animals requested is justified by the funding source.
Question 2
What are the two official review methods recognized by the USDA Animal Welfare Act
Regulations and PHS Policy for the review of animal protocols?
A) Full Committee Review (FCR) and Expedited Review.
B) Full Committee Review (FCR) and Designated Member Review (DMR).
C) Subcommittee Review and Designated Member Review (DMR).
D) Full Committee Review (FCR) and Administrative Review.
E) Chairperson Review and Veterinary Review.
Correct Answer: B) Full Committee Review (FCR) and Designated Member Review (DMR).
Rationale: The only two methods recognized by both the USDA and PHS for initial or
significant change reviews are FCR and DMR. Other terms, such as "expedited review,"
are associated with IRBs and have no official status in IACUC regulations. Administrative
review is only permitted for non-significant changes as defined by institutional policy.
Question 3
Which of the following is true regarding the use of Designated Member Review (DMR) for a
new protocol submission?
A) It can only be used for minor amendments, not new submissions.
B) It can be used for new submissions provided all members have had the opportunity to call for
FCR.
C) It requires a unanimous vote of the full committee during a convened meeting to initiate.
, 2
D) It can only be performed by the Attending Veterinarian.
E) It is only allowed for USDA Category B protocols.
Correct Answer: B) It can be used for new submissions provided all members have had the
opportunity to call for FCR.
Rationale: DMR is a valid method for reviewing any protocol, including new ones. The
process requires that all IACUC members receive at least a list/abstract of the protocols
and be given a pre-determined timeframe to request a Full Committee Review. If no
member requests FCR, the protocol moves to DMR.
Question 4
In the Designated Member Review (DMR) process, who has the authority to assign the specific
designated reviewer(s)?
A) The Institutional Official (IO).
B) The Attending Veterinarian (AV).
C) The IACUC Chairperson.
D) The Principal Investigator (PI).
E) The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW).
Correct Answer: C) The IACUC Chairperson.
Rationale: According to PHS Policy and USDA regulations, once a protocol is eligible for
DMR, the Chairperson of the IACUC is responsible for appointing one or more qualified
members to serve as the designated reviewer(s). This authority cannot be delegated to the
PI or administrative staff.
Question 5
What is the minimum number of designated reviewers required to conduct a review when using
the DMR method?
A) One.
B) Two.
C) Three.
D) A quorum of the committee.
E) All voting members must participate.
Correct Answer: A) One.
Rationale: The Chairperson may assign as few as one member to serve as the designated
reviewer. This individual has the authority to approve, require modifications, or refer the
protocol to FCR. However, if multiple reviewers are assigned, they must act unanimously.
Question 6
Which of the following is an authorized outcome of the Designated Member Review (DMR)
process?
, 3
A) Withhold approval of the protocol.
B) Suspend an ongoing animal activity.
) Require modifications to secure approval.
D) Grant "Conditional Approval" for six months.
E) Approve the protocol for five years.
Correct Answer: C) Require modifications to secure approval.
Rationale: Designated reviewers have only three options: 1) Approve the protocol, 2)
Require modifications to secure approval, or 3) Request Full Committee Review. They
specifically DO NOT have the authority to withhold approval (disapprove) a protocol; only
the Full Committee at a convened meeting can do that.
Question 7
If the Chairperson assigns three designated reviewers for a DMR, and two reviewers vote to
approve while one reviewer requests a Full Committee Review (FCR), what is the outcome?
A) The protocol is approved by majority vote.
B) The protocol is approved provided the Chair breaks the tie.
C) The protocol must undergo Full Committee Review (FCR).
D) The dissenting reviewer is replaced by the Chair.
E) The protocol is sent back to the PI for further clarification only.
Correct Answer: C) The protocol must undergo Full Committee Review (FCR).
Rationale: Designated Member Review requires total consensus among all assigned
reviewers. A majority cannot overrule a minority in DMR. If any designated reviewer feels
the protocol requires FCR, the protocol must be placed on the agenda for a convened
meeting of the full committee.
Question 8
True or False: "Designated Reviewers" are legally synonymous with "Primary Reviewers" in
PHS Policy.
A) True, the terms are interchangeable in the regulations.
B) True, but only for USDA-covered species.
C) False, the concept of "Primary Reviewers" is not codified in federal regulations.
D) False, Primary Reviewers are only used by the USDA.
E) False, Primary Reviewers must be veterinarians, while Designated Reviewers do not.
Correct Answer: C) False, the concept of "Primary Reviewers" is not codified in federal
regulations.
Rationale: The term "Designated Reviewer" is a specific regulatory role for DMR. In
contrast, "Primary Reviewer" is a common administrative system used by many IACUCs
to facilitate FCR by assigning specific members to lead the discussion. Federal regulations
do not mention or require "Primary Reviewers."
, 4
Question 9
When can the Chairperson officially initiate the DMR process after members have been notified
of a protocol?
A) Immediately upon sending the notification email.
B) Only after all members have replied in writing that DMR is acceptable.
C) After the end of a pre-determined "waiting period" during which no member requested FCR.
D) Only after the Institutional Official has signed the abstract.
E) DMR can only be initiated on the first Monday of each month.
Correct Answer: C) After the end of a pre-determined "waiting period" during which no
member requested FCR.
Rationale: Silence is generally considered assent in this context, but only after the
committee-defined timeframe for requesting FCR has expired. A designated reviewer can
begin looking at the materials earlier, but they cannot officially "approve" the protocol
until the window for calling FCR has closed.
Question 10
Who has the authority to determine the specific timeframe that IACUC members have to call for
FCR before a protocol goes to DMR?
A) The IACUC Chairperson.
B) The Institutional Official (IO).
C) The Full Committee.
D) The Attending Veterinarian.
E) OLAW.
Correct Answer: C) The Full Committee.
Rationale: The IACUC as a whole must establish the policy and timeframes for the DMR
notification process. The Chairperson assigns the reviewers, but the underlying procedure
and "waiting period" must be a committee-approved standard operating procedure.
Question 11
What is "Expedited Review" in the context of IACUC protocol review?
A) A faster version of DMR.
B) A method used only for USDA Category C protocols.
C) A term with no official meaning for IACUCs; it is an IRB-associated term.
D) A review performed only by the IO.
E) A review that skips the Attending Veterinarian's oversight.
Correct Answer: C) A term with no official meaning for IACUCs; it is an IRB-associated
term.
Rationale: Best practices in IACUC administration involve avoiding the term "Expedited
Review." It is a specific category of IRB review. Using it for IACUCs causes confusion
