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CIC Certification: Overview and FAQ

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Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare

The Certified in Infection Control (CIC) certification is a widely recognized credential for infection prevention and control professionals, validating expertise in areas like infection prevention practices, outbreak investigation, surveillance systems, and regulatory standards. If you have a post-secondary degree in a health-related field — whether as a nurse, doctor, or other healthcare professional — this certification can strengthen your expertise and expand your career opportunities.

If you’re ready to grow as a leader in the field of infection prevention and control, certification can be a powerful step forward. This article walks you through how to become CIC certified and explains how it can elevate your career.

CIC Certification: Snapshot

Eligibility: Candidates must have post-secondary education in a health-related field (e.g., medicine, nursing, biology) and currently perform infection prevention and control duties, as outlined in their job description. You can qualify with 1 year of full-time work, 2 years of part-time work, or 3 years of experience totalling 3,000 hours.
Preparation: Review the official candidate handbook and consider using the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) exam preparation offerings.
Application process: Set up an online account, complete the application, upload the required documents, and wait for approval.
Exam: Your test will have 150 questions, and you’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
Cost: The exam fee is $430.
Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 5 years.

What Is CIC?

CIC is a professional credential that’s awarded to healthcare professionals who meet specific eligibility criteria and pass a specialized exam administered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).

Wondering who can benefit from CIC certification? Infection control professionals from all levels of education and experience can benefit from this credential, including registered nurses (RNs), physicians, epidemiologists, public health workers, biologists, and other healthcare practitioners.

The CIC exam tests knowledge across eight key areas essential to infection control.

Knowledge Area	Examples of Testable Topics
Identification of infectious disease processes	Correlating clinical signs, symptoms, and test results to identify possible infectious disease Assessing risk factors for infectious diseases Monitoring current and emerging local and global health threats
Surveillance and epidemiologic investigation	Conducting a risk assessment based on geographic location, the demographics of the population served, and other factors Collecting data using standardized definitions and calculating specific infection rates/ratios Investigating outbreaks
Preventing/controlling the transmission of infectious agents	Developing infection prevention policies and procedures based on laws and regulations, evidence-based guidelines, and national standards Collaborating with relevant agencies in planning community/facility responses to biological threats and disasters Adapting transmission-based precautions to the specific healthcare setting
Employee/occupational health	Developing screening and immunization programs Assessing risk of occupational exposure to infectious diseases Educating on safe work practices (e.g., PPE, safe injection control practices, hand hygiene)
Management and communication	Planning infection prevention programs Providing infection prevention recommendations to appropriate stakeholders Participating in quality/performance improvement and patient safety activities related to infection prevention
Education and research	Preparing and presenting educational content Educating patients, families, and others on topics relevant to infection prevention and control Conducting literature reviews
Environment of care	Monitoring for environmental pathogens (e.g., Legionella and Aspergillus) Recognizing elements important for a safe care environment (e.g., heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water standards, and construction) Making recommendations during the planning, design, and commissioning phases of construction and renovation
Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of medical devices and equipment	Collaborating with stakeholders to determine if products are single use, able to be reprocessed internally, or require an external reprocessing facility Identifying and evaluating the critical steps of cleaning/low-level disinfection, high-level disinfection, and/or sterilization Auditing the documentation process to ensure regulatory and policy requirements are met

CIC Certification Requirements

Want to know what it takes to earn the CIC credential? Let’s walk through the steps to becoming a certified infection control professional.

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements

Your first step is to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria established by the CBIC. Candidates must satisfy the following requirements before qualifying to sit for the exam:

Hold post-secondary education in a health-related field (e.g., medicine, nursing, biology).
Currently perform infection prevention and control work duties, as outlined in their job description.

In addition, you’ll need to meet one of three work experience criteria:

1 year of full-time relevant work experience
2 years of part-time relevant work experience
3,000 hours of relevant work experience within the past 3 years

2. Prepare for the Exam

Once you’ve confirmed you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is preparation. Start by reviewing the CIC exam content outline so you know exactly what to expect and how to strategize your study efforts. Next, take advantage of the study resources listed on the CBIC website, such as the following:

CBIC also offers opportunities for professionals to connect, share knowledge, and ask questions through online communities and social media channels. You can join the CIC Academy on LinkedIn or subscribe to the CIC Epidemiologists YouTube channel for educational content and discussions.

3. Register for the Exam

Once you feel ready to test, the next step is to register for the CIC exam through the CBIC website. This involves creating an online account, completing the application form for your certification type, and submitting the required documentation, including proof of eligibility and relevant work experience. After your application is reviewed and approved, you can schedule your exam through Prometric, either at a testing center or remotely through ProProctor.

4. Pay the Exam Fee

The fee for the initial CIC examination is $430, which must be submitted along with your completed application. This fee covers the cost of the exam itself but does not include study materials or preparatory resources. For example, if you choose to invest in a CIC certification course offered by APIC, be prepared to spend an extra $695 to $1,675, depending on the level of access and resources you choose.

5. Pass the CIC Exam

Once you’ve registered and paid your exam fee, it’s time to take the exam. Here’s a preview of what you can expect on test day:

Your test will last 3 hours.
You’ll need to answer 150 questions (135 scored and 15 unscored).
You’ll need a score of at least 700 to pass, with scores ranging from 300 to 900.
You’ll receive a digital badge within 3 to 5 days after successful completion of the exam.

6. Maintain the Certification

Once certified, your credential is valid for five years. To maintain your certification, you must go through the recertification process before your credential expires. There are two methods to recertify:

Recertification by examination: Prepare for and take the proctored examination.
Recertification by continuing education: Earn a minimum of 40 infection prevention units (IPUs) over the 5-year certification period.

Both recertification options carry a fee of $430, which must be submitted during the recertification application process.

FAQ: Certification in Infection Control (CIC)

What is a typical salary for professionals with CIC certification?

Salary ranges for CIC-certified professionals typically reflect their advanced experience and skills. However, they can vary greatly based on job title, years of experience, and location. For example, the average salary for RNs is $98,430, while nurse practitioners (NPs) bring home an average of $132,000 a year.

How much does it cost to get CIC-certified?

Getting your CIC starts with the $430 exam fee. If you decide to invest in prep materials, that can add anywhere from $695 to $1,675, bringing the total cost to between about $1,125 and $2,105. Don’t forget — you’ll need to renew every five years for $430 to keep your credential active.

What are the benefits of obtaining CIC credential for nurses?

Some nursing specialties, like infection control and operating room, can benefit from CIC certification. Nursing professionals who hold this credential are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills in reducing healthcare-associated infections, improving patient safety, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This boosts their credibility, opens doors to leadership roles, and can increase earning potential.

Related Certifications

Want to expand your professional credentials? Here are some other certifications to explore:

Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
Certified Case Manager (CCM)
Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
Nursing Professional Development (NPD)

Want to Elevate Your Nursing Career?

CIC certification can strengthen your credentials, but your next career move doesn’t have to wait. With IntelyCare, you can discover nursing opportunities that meet your ambitions and desired lifestyle. Sign up today to find your job fit now.