CIC – Certification in Infection Control

The CIC examination is a computer-based, multiple-choice certification test developed by CBIC. It evaluates the knowledge and applied judgment required of an infection preventionist with at least one year of practice, across eight content domains defined by a periodic practice analysis of the profession.

The CIC credential is the recognized standard of competence for infection prevention and control professionals. Many employers prefer or require it for infection preventionist and program-leadership roles, and it signals to colleagues, surveyors, and patients that the holder practices to a validated standard.

• Professional competence: validates your knowledge of surveillance, prevention, and program management.
• Commitment to patient safety: demonstrates dedication to reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• Career advancement: supports promotion to lead infection preventionist, manager, and director roles.
• Recognition: establishes you as a trusted IPC professional in acute care, ambulatory, long-term care, and public health settings.

The examination follows CBIC's content outline of eight domains. The table shows how the 135 scored items are distributed. CBIC has published an updated outline that begins with a beta examination window; the eight domains are the same, and this guide is organized to the updated outline so it serves candidates on either side of the transition. Check cbic.org to confirm which outline applies to your application date.

Raw scores are converted to a scaled score between 300 and 900 so that results are comparable across different forms of the examination. A scaled score of 700 is required to pass. Results are issued at the test site or by email shortly after you finish. Passing candidates receive a pass notice; unsuccessful candidates receive their scaled score and a diagnostic breakdown of performance by domain, which is the best guide to planning a retake.

The examination is intended for professionals who have direct responsibility for an infection prevention program. CBIC's current requirements are:

• Completion of post-secondary education in a health-related field.
• Direct responsibility for infection prevention and control activities in a healthcare setting (for example, surveillance, investigation, prevention and control, and education).
• At least one year of full-time infection prevention employment, two years of part-time employment, or 3,000 hours of infection prevention practice within the previous three years.

CIC certification is valid for five years. You can recertify by passing a proctored examination or by submitting an Infection Prevention Unit (IPU) portfolio that documents continuing education across the content domains. Plan your recertification route early in the five-year cycle.