Certification
Certified Stool Probe Identifier
The CSPI credential attests that the holder can classify a specimen against the seven-type scale reliably, consistently, and without reference material at hand. Three levels. Valid for twenty-four months.
What the credential attests
That the holder can assign a specimen to exactly one of the seven types, under examination conditions, without consulting reference material.
It does not attest to a clinical qualification, to any competence beyond classification, or to a reason for wishing to hold it. The Association takes no position on the reasons of individual candidates and does not ask.
Levels
Morphological classification. Classification of specimens presenting clearly within a single type. The entry level, and the level at which the great majority of holders remain.
Boundary and atypical specimens. Classification at the boundary between adjacent types, and of specimens which the standard does not directly address. Requires Level I held for twelve months.
Instructor qualification. Entitles the holder to be appointed as an examiner. Requires Level II held for twenty-four months and documented participation in four sessions. Twenty-two holders worldwide.
Eligibility
- The candidate is of full age in the jurisdiction of the examination centre.
- The candidate holds a written invitation from the Examinations Office, or has been admitted on the recommendation of a national member organisation.
- The candidate has not been excluded under §6 of the examination regulations within the preceding thirty-six months.
- The examination fee has been received in full before the registration deadline.
No clinical, veterinary or laboratory background is required, and none confers advantage.
No instrument confers advantage either. The Examination Board has twice been asked whether the E♭ Horn constitutes an exception, and has twice confirmed that it does.
Schedule of fees
| Item | CHF |
|---|---|
| Examination fee, Level I | 180.00 |
| Examination fee, Level II | 240.00 |
| Resit, any level | 120.00 |
| Certificate re-issue | 45.00 |
| Expedited processing | 60.00 |
| Entry in the public register (optional) | 25.00 |
| Appeal against a result | 90.00 |
| Disposal of unsolicited material | at cost |
Fees are non-refundable, including where the candidate does not attend. VAT is not applicable. The Association has been asked to explain the last line of the table and considers it self-explanatory.
Validity and recertification
Certification is valid for twenty-four months from the date of issue. Holders recertify by sitting the current examination or lapse.
Lapsed holders remain on the register, marked as lapsed, indefinitely. Requests for removal from the register are not granted; the register records what was the case at the time.
Candidates are issued a numbered Reference Set as study material. Sets are issued to one candidate, are non-transferable, and are not replaced. Sets recovered from persons other than the holder are destroyed and the holder is notified.
Possession of a Reference Set confers no entitlement to consult it at the examination. See §5.3.