Listen to an audio recording for inspiration about obtaining your CIC

CBIC interviews Patti Grant RN, BSN, MS, CIC and president-elect of APIC about the value of certification. Listen now.

What is the CIC® credential?
CIC® stands for “Certification in Infection Prevention and Control.” It is a designation awarded by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC). The credential identifies healthcare professionals who have shown a mastery in knowledge of infection prevention and control.

Why certify?
Certification shows a commitment to best practices in infection prevention and control and improved patient care. Certification also signals to your employer and your colleagues that you are committed to professional growth and advancing the practice.

A study published in the February 2013 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control by Sanjay Saint, MD, MPH bolsters support for the CIC® credential, showing that infection preventionists with certification in infection prevention and control (CIC®) are two to three times more likely to be able to determine strength of evidence supporting certain infection prevention practices, compared to their non-certified peers, according to survey results. Read the study, and the press release.

Another study in the March 2012 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control found that hospitals whose infection prevention and control programs are led by a director who is board certified in infection prevention and control have significantly lower rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections than those that are not led by a certified professional. Read the press release about the study.

Additionally, news articles are noting the value of certification. Read the article in Becker's Hospital Review.

To meet the demands of the rapidly expanding field of infection prevention, and equip professionals for the challenges of the future, APIC has created the infection preventionist (IP) competency model. The model outlines the skills needed to advance the infection prevention field and was created to help direct the IP’s professional development at all career stages. Certification is a critical stage in the model.

What are the requirements to take the exam?
In order to take the certification exam, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• You must be a licensed or certified healthcare professional or have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree.
• You must currently work in healthcare.
• Your primary role/responsibility in your current position must be infection prevention.
• You must have had sufficient experience in infection prevention.

How do I obtain the CIC® designation?
Candidates must first meet the eligibility requirements and submit an application. Next, candidates must sit for and pass the certification exam. Once an infection preventionist receives the CIC® credential, he or she must maintain it by recertifying every five years.

How can APIC help?
APIC has a number of educational resources and member networks available to assist members, whether sitting for the exam for the first time or recertifying. Visit the APIC Store to view books and manuals to help you prepare for the exam. Take the IP Competency Review Online Course to test your knowledge in the latest infection prevention practices. Or, connect with a local chapter to find local study groups.

For more information about certification, visit CBIC's website at www.cbic.org.