Incentive Professional (IP) Designation And Professional Exam

Review the list of industry leaders who have obtained their IMA IP designation here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Incentive Professional (IP) Designation?

The Incentive Marketing Association IP designation is the first step to getting your CPIM designation. Individuals may earn their IP by registering for, and successfully passing the IMA's "Principles of Results-Based Incentive Program Design" Examination. The IP exam consists of 98 multiple-choice and essay questions.

"Principles takes all of the steps critical to designing effective incentive and recognition for employees, channel partners or consumers, and lays it out in a logical non-commercial manner. I would recommend this curriculum to anyone associated with designing, utilizing, or supporting incentives and recognition in any industry." 
- Louise Anderson, CPIM

Passing the principles exam and obtaining the IP designation is the first of three steps to CPIM status.

What Do I Need to Know to Pass the Principles of Results-Based Incentive Program Design (IP) Exam?

Successful completion of the Incentive Professional exam requires the candidate to know the steps in designing, developing, and implementing an incentive program, considerations for sales incentives, employee recognition programs, safety programs, and consumer promotions. In addition, the Incentive exam covers use of appropriate award choices, including merchandise, travel, and gift cards, and knowledge of methods to track and measure program effectiveness.

How Do I Study for the Exam and Steps Mentioned Above?

The IMA offers materials which include a downloadable Principles of Results-Based Incentive Program Design Source Book, a web page of 30+ resource documents, and a video file of an instructor teaching an in-person course offering. A classroom style instruction is also offered yearly at the Summit.

The website-accessible Principles curriculum is available for free to IMA members.
Non-members can purchase the materials for $75.

How Do I Sign Up to Take the Exam?

The exam is $150 for IMA members and $300 for non-members. The exam is available online year round or in person at the Summit. 

Download the Principles Exam Registration Form

I Have a Group from My Company Who Would Like to Get Their IP Designations. Are There Any Group Discounts?

The proposed Quantity Purchase Discount for the exam is as follows, based on the total number of exam seats paid within the same calendar year (1/1-12/31) by a Member Company or Qualified Group at the time that the exam seats are purchased:

What Should I Do Once I Successfully Pass the IP Exam?

IP recipients may use the IP designation after their name, and in business promotion and corresponding materials. In addition, the IP designation will be used in IMA print and online directories by their name.

After that, continue your success by taking the steps to complete your CPIM designation.

Who Can I Contact with Additional Questions?

If you have additional questions please contact, Emily Johnson at ejohnson@incentivemarketing.org or 952-928-4649.