May 11, 2026 - last day for the a-IPC™ exam with the current (2020) content outline
May 12-21, 2026 - blackout period - no exam available
May 22-July 2, 2026 - a-IPC™ beta exam with the updated (2025) content outline
August 26, 2026 – updated (2025) content outline
Some of the content areas have been reorganized, renamed, or reweighted to better reflect current roles and responsibilities. Here are the overall themes
The 2020 outline emphasized higher-level planning, program development, and leadership — closer to CIC®-level expectations.
The 2025 outline is more entry-level and hands-on, aligning better with the intent of the associate-level credential.
Surveillance now carries greater weight and detail.
Management, Education, and Research domains have been streamlined with a more practical focus.
Language has shifted from “develop, lead, design” to “participate, assist, recognize, monitor.
Below is a summary comparing the updated (2025) and current (2020) content outlines:
|
Domain |
Updated (2025 → Effective 5/22/2026) |
Current (2020 → Available thru 5/11/2026 |
Key Changes |
|
|
1. Processes to Identify Infectious Diseases |
14 items; more applied tasks (recognize, identify, differentiate); expanded topics like stewardship and emerging threats |
13 items; broader, interpretive focus |
Slightly more detailed and hands-on |
|
|
2. Surveillance & Epidemiologic Investigation |
17 items; expanded on risk assessment, data, outbreak investigation; focus on assisting |
14 items; higher-level design and planning |
Shift toward applied participation; item count ↑ |
|
|
3. Preventing/Controlling Transmission of Infectious Agents |
14 items; emphasizes Standard/Transmission-Based Precautions, stewardship, emergency preparedness |
14 items; policy development focus |
NEW emphasizes practical skills and tasks |
|
|
4. Employee/Occupational Health |
7 items; partner with Occupational Health on exposures, education, follow-up |
7 items; develop programs and policies |
Shift from program creation → partnership and application |
|
|
5. Management & Communication of IP Program |
7 items; focus on QI tools, communication, reporting |
9 items; emphasized program goals and leadership |
Smaller domain; shift to communication and applied QI |
|
|
6. Education & Research |
6 items; practical focus on feedback, assessing effectiveness, reporting findings |
8 items; broader scope, including training and critical appraisal |
More focused, task-based |
|
|
7. Environment of Care |
10 items; emphasis on monitoring, collaborating, evaluating cleaning practices; added pathogens |
9 items; focus on planning/design and environmental safety |
More operational, less planning-heavy |
|
|
8. Cleaning, Disinfection, Sterilization of Medical Devices & Equipment |
10 items; identify methods, assist with reviews, audits |
11 items; evaluate practices, direct oversight |
Slightly fewer items; more applied |
|
|
TOTAL |
85 scored items / 100 questions |
85 scored items / 100 questions |
Redistribution toward surveillance and applied practice |
|
The exam is being updated to reflect the results of a recent job task analysis (JTA), which ensures that the content accurately represents current practice in the field.
A JTA is a systematic study of what professionals in the field actually do—the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent performance. It forms the foundation for the exam blueprint. For more information, see the JTA Report.
Typically, every 4–5 years, or whenever significant changes occur in practice, standards, or regulations.
Subject matter experts and practicing professionals from various settings contributed to ensure a broad and representative perspective.
The updated outline will apply to all exams administered on and after May 22, 2026.
Yes, candidates will not be able to take the exam from May 12-21, 2026.
The current outline remains valid until May 11, 2026. Candidates testing before that date will take the exam based on the current (2020) blueprint.
No, the number of questions (100, 85 of which are scored) and time limit (2 hours), will not change.
Neither exam is easier or harder. The updated exam reflects the most current job tasks and expectations for a minimally qualified candidate. The standard of competence being measured stays the same — what changes is how the exam aligns with today’s practice.
Review the updated content outline and align your study materials accordingly. Reference materials and prep courses from non-CBIC organizations may also be updated to reflect the new blueprint.
Much of the content will still be relevant, and you should also verify that your materials align with the new outline to avoid gaps in preparation.
While CBIC may not offer course and prep materials, APIC and other organizations may have updated materials available closer to the implementation date.
This depends on your readiness and familiarity with the old vs. new content areas. If you’re already studying under the old outline, you might prefer to test before the change.
No. The a-IPC™ credential remains the same regardless of which content outline version you were tested on.
The passing standard is periodically reviewed and may be adjusted after the new form is implemented to ensure fairness and validity.
Not necessarily—it reflects shifts in emphasis, emerging issues, and evolving responsibilities in practice.