ABOUT CERTIFICATION

If you are interested in presenting more information on how and why to become certified click here to download a powerpoint presentation that can be used at state and regional meetings. Need more info? Contact the Executive Office at (913) 895-4607 or via email at cbic-info@goamp.com.

Objectives of Certification
The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) endorses the concept of voluntary, periodic certification for all infection control professionals meeting educational and practice requirements.

The purpose of the certification process is to protect the public by:

1. Providing standardized measurement of current basic knowledge needed for persons practicing infection control.
2. Encouraging individual growth and study, thereby promoting professionalism among infection control professionals.
3. Formally recognizing infection control professionals who fulfill the requirements for certification.

Qualifying for the Examination
In order to qualify for the examination you must meet both the educational requirements and the practice requirements.

Educational Requirements:
First time candidates, candidates who have not successfully passed the examination and lapsed certificants wanting to become certified again must:

Have a current license or registration as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist, physician or registered nurse

OR

Have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree

(If you do not meet the educational requirements and have been practicing infection control and can meet the practice requirements click here for more information on an Educational Waiver application. See the Candidate Handbook page 10 Section 33 for more information on this process)

Definition of Infection Control Practice:

Practice Requirement:
Actual practice in the field of infection prevention and control is required for initial certification. However, there is no minimum time requirement for practice in order to be eligible to take the certification exam. The exam is written for a person who has actively practiced in the field for two years. Considering that, each candidate should assess their own level of skills and understanding in deciding when to sit for the exam.

The clinical practice of infection control occurs in various settings and uses the knowledge and skills described in the content outline included in the Candidate Handbook.

To meet the definition of Infection Control Practice your job responsibilities and tasks must include both of the following activities:

1. Analysis and interpretation of collected infection control data.
2. The investigation and surveillance of suspected outbreaks of infection;

   And at least three of the following:

3. The planning, implementation and evaluation of infection prevention and control measures.
4. The education of individuals about infection risk, prevention and control.
5. The development and revision of infection control policies and procedures.
6. The management of infection prevention and control activities.
7. The provision of consultation on infection risk assessment, prevention and control strategies.

   All necessary documentation must be provided in English. Any necessary translation will be the candidate's responsibility.

Please click here if you'd like a list of references used in developing the examination.

Please click here if you'd like a current content outline for the CIC examination.

Please click here for a complete copy of CBIC's policies and procedures.