How to File Your Annual CPNI Certification
Step-by-step guide to filing your annual CPNI (Customer Proprietary Network Information) certification with the FCC. Includes compliance review, complaint tracking, and submission instructions.
Due Date: March 1 annually. The certification covers the prior calendar year's CPNI compliance activities.
Step 1: Review Your CPNI Policies
Before filing, ensure you have a documented CPNI compliance policy that covers how your company collects, stores, uses, and protects customer proprietary network information. This policy should be reviewed and updated annually.
Step 2: Document Your Compliance Program
Prepare a summary of the actions taken during the prior year to protect CPNI. This includes employee training records, access controls, authentication procedures, and any internal audits performed.
Step 3: Count Complaints Received
Tally the number of customer complaints received during the prior calendar year related to unauthorized release or use of CPNI. You must report this count even if the number is zero.
Step 4: Access the FCC CPNI Filing System
Navigate to apps.fcc.gov/eb/CPNI and log in with your FCC credentials. You'll need your FRN and CORES password to access the system.
Step 5: Complete the Certification Form
Fill in your company information, certify that you have established operating procedures to protect CPNI, report the number of complaints, and indicate whether any breaches occurred. If breaches occurred, provide details on the notifications sent.
Step 6: Submit
Review your entries, certify the filing under penalty of perjury, and click Submit. Save your confirmation number for your records.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not having a documented CPNI policy — you must have written procedures before you can certify compliance
- Forgetting breach notification procedures — the FCC requires carriers to notify law enforcement within 7 days and customers within 30 days of a breach
- Missing the March 1 deadline — late filings can result in enforcement action and fines
Let us handle it
We draft your CPNI policy, prepare your compliance documentation, and file your annual certification.
CPNI Compliance Services