Requirements for CIC® Initial Certification and for Lapsed Certificants

Successful CIC® certification indicates competence in the actual practice of infection prevention and control and healthcare epidemiology. Download a PDF version of the updated eligibility requirements here. 

It is intended for individuals who are directly responsible for the infection prevention and control program activities within their current position. Interested candidates must be actively employed and accountable for infection prevention and control.

Direct Responsibility: Within their role this person is responsible for providing consultation to departments or assigned practice settings on infection prevention and control program elements, practices and processes, as well as products used within health care facilities and/or provides direct supervision of those who perform these responsibilities. Other examples of those who are eligible are public health practitioners who must be prepared to provide guidance appropriate to reduce transmission or halt outbreaks in a variety of practice settings and their job description includes this activity.

**By Proof of Degree requirement note that: you must provide a diploma or transcript; a letter will not be sufficient.

**By Job Description: a letter written by your supervisor, colleague and/or HR department is not a sufficient job description document. This document must be an official job description provided on the letterhead of your employer entailing your duties and requirements of the position you hold along with a signature from your manager or supervisor.

In order to be eligible to take the initial certification exam, you must meet ALL of the following requirements AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:

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

1. Completed post-secondary education in a health-related field including but not limited to medicine, nursing, laboratory technology, public health, or biology.  Post-secondary includes public or private universities, colleges, community colleges, etc. 

2. Direct responsibility of the infection prevention and control programs/activities in a healthcare setting, and this is reflected in your current job description.

3. Work experience, defined as active engagement in infection prevention, determined by a current job description, for compensation, for a minimum of:

• At least one year full-time employment

OR

• Two (2) years part-time employment

OR

• Completed 3,000 hours of infection prevention work experience earned during the previous three (3) years

AND at least two (2) of the remaining three (3) components:

1. Employee / occupational health
2. Management and communication
3. Education and research

Typical Job Titles that Fit the CIC® Requirements:

List below are some job titles that may fit the CIC® requirements: Note that these are examples and not a comprehensive list. All applications will be reviewed thoroughly to determine a candidate’s true eligibility.

• Infection Preventionist
• Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner/Professional (ICP)
• Infection Control Link Nurse
• RN Infection Preventionist
• Epidemiologist (e.g. Hospital, Public Health or HAI epidemiologist)
• Research Analyst (ICP/Epidemiology related)

Candidates will be required to submit the following documentation with their application:

• Attestation Statement (completed, signed and dated by supervisor)
• Proof of Degree (transcript or degree/diploma)
• CV/Resume
• Official Job Description (must be signed by your immediate manager or supervisor)

If there are issues with your application, you will be contacted via email within 7-10 business days. If we do not receive the required documentation within 60 days, we will process a full refund of your examination fee. If you have any questions about these changes to the CBIC eligibility requirements, please contact the CBIC office at (202) 454-2625 or via email at info@cbic.org.