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Certification Program Formally Recognizes Infection Control Professionals

What is Certification?

Certification has, as its primary purpose the increased protection of the public by providing an objective measurement of -standardized current knowledge recognized and respected within and outside the field of infection prevention/control (IC) and epidemiology. Infection control professionals (ICPs) can demonstrate a mastery of this knowledge by taking and passing a comprehensive examination developed by APIC's independent credentialing arm, the Certification Board for Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). ICPs who are certified are authorized and encouraged to use the internationally recognized initials CIC® after their names and in their titles.

Initial certification is good for five years after which successful completion of recertification exams extend certification at five-year intervals.

Why is Certification Important?

Certification represents an ICP's and an institution's commitment to continual improvement of infection prevention and control functions and their contribution to health care and patient safety. As an ICP, certification reaffirms that through your study and hard work, you have an internationally recognized level of knowledge in the IC field. It gives you a sense of professional accomplishment. It also signals to your employer and your colleagues that you are committed to professional growth in the field of infection prevention/control by keeping your knowledge and skills current to better your organization's IC function and its success. This recognition can be a factor in increasing your professional credibility. Data also show that the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations recognizes the professionalism of people with the CIC® credential.

Certification is Well Established, Well Recognized

The impetus for certification in infection control started in 1977 because of the efforts of the New England Chapter of the Association for Practitioners in Infection Control (APIC). The chapter funded the initial project and it quickly caught on nationally. The APIC Board of Directors formed a committee in 1978 to establish goals and methods and in 1980, the Board approved education standards for certification. Later that year, the APIC Certification Association (APICCA) was formed. The following year, the APIC Certification Committee and APICCA worked together to develop an independent certification board, contracted with a professional testing company, conducted the first job analysis of infection control practice, determine eligibility criteria, and develop a recertification plan. In 1982, APICCA changed its name to the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC). The organization is now called the Certification Board for Infection Control and Epidemiology (still CBIC) to reflect current practice, which encompasses applied epidemiology.

CBIC's certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, which signifies that CBIC has met the highest national voluntary standards for private certification. CBIC periodically conducts job analyses to assure that certification measures current practices and knowledge required for infection prevention/control and applied epidemiology.

APIC Encourages Certification

APIC encourages all its members to become certified and continue qualifying for the CIC® credential by recertifying at the appropriate times. In reality, certification is a part of APIC's education program as it fosters continuing upgrading of ICPs knowledge of infection prevention/control and epidemiology. APIC looks upon its members who earn the CIC® credential as having reached a significant milestone in their IC careers. Certification is an important step in an ICP's potential to contribute to increased overall patient safety. A goal of 100% certification of qualified members is a goal of APIC.

How do I Get Certified?

Visit the CBIC web site for more information on certification, examinations, schedules and other important information.