Recertification Updates:
Effective January 1, 2026: Recertification will be obtainable through infection prevention units (IPUs) or by retaking the initial CIC® proctored examination.
Recertification is required in order to maintain the CIC® designation. All currently certified (CIC®) professionals in infection prevention and control are eligible for recertification during the year that their certification is due to expire.
CIC® certificants choosing to recertify by examination must pass the initial certification exam before his/her certification cycle ends. All certifications expire December 31 at the end of five years. The initial CIC® examination will be available to you the year of your expiration. (Ex: If you expire 12/31/2029, you will not be able to apply for the initial examination until 1/1/2029). The examination must be passed by December 31 of your expiration year to avoid a lapse in certification. An individual may retake the initial certification examination a maximum of four times per year, and no more than once every 90 days. If you choose to recertify by the initial examination and you do not pass, you may pay for and submit an IPU portfolio to recertify. Your IPU portfolio must be submitted by December 1 of your recertification year.
Because the initial certification examination is available by appointment only at designated testing sites and via live remote proctoring, recertification candidates are encouraged to apply and pass the examination early in the year to allow time to reapply, schedule and take the initial certification exam again if they are unsuccessful on the exam.
If a candidate fails to successfully recertify by the deadline, his/her certification will be expired, and the CIC® designation can no longer be used. The candidate will then be required to reapply after 90 days.
Please refer to CBIC's Examination Appointment Policy for information on rescheduling your examination appointment, requesting an extension to your current appointment date or eligibility end date, or cancelling your appointment date and/or eligibility altogether.
Introduction & Tutorial: 10 Minutes
Section 1: 90 Minutes
Candidate Break: 16 Minutes
Section 2: 90 Minutes
Survey: 5 Minutes
An optional, 16-minute scheduled break is built into the examination after 90 minutes. The first 75 questions must be completed in 90 minutes. When you are in the first 90-minute section of the examination, you will receive three timer alert warnings before the break begins. An alert will appear at 30, 15, and 5 minutes indicating the time remaining in that section. You will not be able to return to the first section of the examination after the break. If you decide to take the optional candidate break, please ensure you notify and receive confirmation from the proctor and are returned to your seat before the 16 minutes has expired. You will have to allow time (5-6 minutes) to complete the standard check-in procedures when you return to the examination. You are not allowed to use any electronic devices or phones during breaks. Emergency/unscheduled breaks will be documented and any activity that is deemed unusual by the proctor will be documented. If the proctor observes a candidate leaving the testing environment for any reason you may be subject to:
-psychometric review of your examination
-results being placed on hold or withdrawn
-security/video review
Visit our Prometric Experience page for more information on scheduling and what to expect on your test day.