Benefits of Certification in Infection Prevention and Control 

Professional Competency: CBIC® certification validates expertise and leadership in infection prevention and control, epidemiology, surveillance, sterilization, outbreak response, and regulatory compliance. 

Career Advancement: Employers value the credential in hiring and promotion - certified IPs can earn 17%–35% more annually than those without certification and often qualify for advanced roles (Source: APIC 2026 Compensation Report).

Credibility & Collaboration: Certification fosters greater credibility with clinical teams and public health stakeholders, leading to stronger partnerships and more effective communication. 

Organizational Value: Certified personnel often improve patient safety, outbreak readiness, regulatory compliance, and department efficiency. 

Ongoing Learning: Certification ensures professionals maintain up-to-date knowledge on evolving infection control practices. 

Field Accessibility: Certification offers a valuable pathway into infection prevention for those from non-clinical or IP-adjacent fields, including public health professionals, microbiologists, and others looking to demonstrate their competence and commitment. 

Here’s what CBIC® certificants are saying about certification: 

• "Being an a-IPC™ means I have obtained and earned specific knowledge within the IP specialty that I can use to ensure I maintain a vision of complete patient safety and facility alignment. It also means I can stand in a room with the IP team and understand and speak the same language." - Afif Escheik, a-IPC
• "The CIC® has offered me advanced knowledge, career advancement opportunities, enhanced patient safety, recognition as a professional, adherence to best practices, and networking opportunities. These benefits can have a significant positive impact on my career and the quality of care we provide in healthcare settings. Thanks to CIC® designation, I have the confidence to work as an infection control practitioner." - Murtuza Diwan, CIC
• "Because the CIC® validates competence in the practice of infection prevention and control and healthcare epidemiology, potential employers can be confident that candidates with the CIC® have the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of an Infection Preventionist. I am certain that my certification has helped me to stand out from other candidates and opened doors for new positions and opportunities." - Sheila Shipley, CIC, AL-CIP
• "Since becoming certified, more opportunities have come my way. I now teach infection control at a college level and have been approached for multiple roles in infection prevention. This credential has not only opened doors it’s also helped solidify my identity as a leader in long term care infection control." - Carlin Gyamfi, LTC-CIP
• "Earning my AL-CIP™ is both an honor and a milestone. It represents years of dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to advancing Infection Prevention. More than anything, it validates the work I’ve done and the impact I strive to make every day. It’s something I’m truly proud of and it motivates me to keep pushing the profession forward." - Alisha Sheffield, CIC, AL-CIP

Read even more IP stories on the CBIC Milestones and CBIC Spotlights webpages.