Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC®)

COVID-19 Updates:

The CBIC Executive Office staff are currently working remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Mailing of international (outside the US) paper certificates and all merchandise orders will take longer to mail out as staff works remotely.

CIC® Initial Applicants: For paper applicants, instead of the normal processing time of 7-10 business days, please allow for additional time before being notified about the status of your application. No delays are being experienced for online applications. 

CBIC Staff are working remotely and will respond to all emails and phone calls in a timely manner.

Please note: the best way to reach CBIC Staff is by emailing info@cbic.org. (Updated 8/17/20)

 

A Message from CBIC about COVID-19

Dear CICs and CBIC Followers,

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our infection prevention efforts. Your CIC® credential sets you apart and is a visible reminder of your role as a leader in infection prevention and control.

As 2020 CBIC President, I wanted to personally let you know that CBIC is actively monitoring COVID-19 and how it may impact current and future certificants.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your upcoming testing date or a pending application, I encourage you to contact CBIC Staff who are working hard to accommodate test-takers and field questions. CBIC Staff can be reached directly at 414.918.9796 or info@cbic.org. Please be advised that processing requests for applications and refunds may take more time due to changes affecting the workflow of CBIC Staff.

Additionally, while these are most certainly challenging times, it is comforting to see the infection prevention community come together. CBIC’s partner organization, APIC, is now offering complimentary access to an APIC Text Online Chapter on Outbreak Preparedness and Response, in addition to posting regular updates from the CDC (https://apic.org/covid19/), and IPs across the globe are working together to exchange information and resources to better inform one another about COVID-19.

It is times like these that remind us why effective IPC measures are so important. As you all are dealing with COVID-19, I want to encourage you to rely on your CIC® knowledge as the experts in infection prevention and control.

Thank you for your efforts and your courage during these difficult times.

With appreciation,

Linda Goss, DNP, BS, APRN, ANP-BC, COHN-S, CIC, FAPIC

 

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COVID-19 and CBIC FAQs

Recertification

Certification

Extensions

Recertification

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  Will CBIC be granting extensions to recertifying candidates?

Yes, due to the additional strain of COVID-19 on the workload and time of CICs, CBIC will be granting all 2020 recertifying candidates a 90-day extension.

The new recertifying deadlines are as follows:

  • Recertification examination: For those who opt to recertify by examination, the examination must be completed by March 31, 2021.
  • Recertification by continuing education: For those who opt to recertify by continuing education, the IPUs portfolio must be submitted by January 31, 2021.

The recertification examination must still be purchased by November 30, 2020.

  Does this extension apply to the recertification examination purchase date as well?

No, the recertification examination must still be purchased on or before November 30, 2020.

  Can I still recertify in 2020 if I prefer to?

Yes, individuals can still recertify in 2020 if they would prefer. The 90-day extension will automatically go into effect for everyone who has not yet recertified but will not affect processing 2020 examination submissions.

  Will this affect my next recertification date?

No. If you successfully recertify, regardless of if you did so still in 2020 or within the extension period through 2021, you will be certified through December 31, 2025.

  I failed my recertification exam or my certification lapsed. In light of COVID-19, will CBIC allow me to retake it without penalty? Will CBIC be granting extensions outside of the 2020 recertification deadline extension and if I have an appointment scheduled with Prometric?

CBIC is committed to protecting the public by providing a standardized measure of competency in infection prevention and control. We recognize that because of COVID-19, many IPs and CICs have asked if CBIC will grant extensions outside of the normal scope of the extension policy, allow candidates to retake recertification or certification examinations if they had previously failed or have lapsed, or waive the eligibility requirements entirely. CBIC will not be allowing any re-testing and we will not be waiving the initial or recertification eligibility requirements. We understand that this may put many of our CICs in a difficult situation, which is why all 2020 recertifying candidates who have not yet recertified have been granted a 90-day extension and now have until March 31, 2021 to successfully recertify. Successfully completing the recertification process demonstrates continued mastery of knowledge in infection prevention and control, and it is times like these that remind us why this mastery of knowledge is so important. It is CBIC’s mission to provide pathways to assess and maintain infection prevention competency and the recertification process is critical in ensuring that our CICs continue to maintain the highest levels of infection prevention and control competency.

  What happens to my physical certificate if I recently certified or recertified?

The mailing of paper certificates will temporarily be halted during this time. However, you may request and generate a digital certificate immediately via the "Certificate Request" form: https://cbic.execinc.com/edibo/CertificateReplacement.

  Where can I go for updates on COVID-19?

Visit the CDC Coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Certification

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  I failed my recertification exam or my certification lapsed. In light of COVID-19, will CBIC allow me to retake it without penalty? Will CBIC be granting extensions outside of the 2020 recertification deadline extension and if I have an appointment scheduled with Prometric?

CBIC is committed to protecting the public by providing a standardized measure of competency in infection prevention and control. We recognize that because of COVID-19, many IPs and CICs have asked if CBIC will grant extensions outside of the normal scope of the extension policy, allow candidates to retake recertification or certification examinations if they had previously failed or have lapsed, or waive the eligibility requirements entirely. CBIC will not be allowing any re-testing and we will not be waiving the initial or recertification eligibility requirements. We understand that this may put many of our CICs in a difficult situation, which is why all 2020 recertifying candidates who have not yet recertified have been granted a 90-day extension and now have until March 31, 2021 to successfully recertify. Successfully completing the recertification process demonstrates continued mastery of knowledge in infection prevention and control, and it is times like these that remind us why this mastery of knowledge is so important. It is CBIC’s mission to provide pathways to assess and maintain infection prevention competency and the recertification process is critical in ensuring that our CICs continue to maintain the highest levels of infection prevention and control competency.

  Are Prometric testing facilities open?

Prometric is back to testing at the majority of their centers. Please be advised that testing availability will be at a limited capacity to abide by social distancing measures. More information about this can be found on the Prometric COVID page: https://www.prometric.com/corona-virus-update.

  How can I check if my testing center is open?

Please view Prometric's site openings list for details on location and reopen dates.

  What do I do if I want to reschedule my examination appointment but Prometric has not cancelled it or been in contact with me yet?

You may reschedule your examination appointment yourself by visiting https://proscheduler.prometric.com/scheduling/rescheduleappointment/reschedule. You will need your 16-digit Confirmation/Tracking number, which can be found in your original Appointment Confirmation email from Prometric, and the last four characters of your last name.

Scheduling Instructions

  How can I contact Prometric if I have a problem or a question about my scheduled examination appointment?

Please utilize Prometric's Contact Us form for the quickest response time.

  COVID-19 has made it difficult for me to prepare for the CIC® certification examination. How can I get an extension?

CBIC is aware of the difficulty surrounding COVID-19 and is monitoring the situation closely. If you run into testing center closures or would like to request an extension, contact CBIC immediately at info@cbic.org. 

  What do I do if I have COVID-19 or suspect I have COVID-19 and cannot test?

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or suspect you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, you should reschedule your examination. Prometric is currently waiving rescheduling fees. You may reschedule your examination appointment yourself by visiting https://proscheduler.prometric.com/scheduling/rescheduleappointment/reschedule. You will need your 16-digit Confirmation/Tracking number, which can be found in your original Appointment Confirmation email from Prometric, and the last four characters of your last name. If you cannot reschedule your exam due to your eligibility end date, please contact CBIC at info@cbic.org.

  How can I check the status of my exam date?

Please check your exam appointment status prior to your exam date by visiting Prometric's website: https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/cbic. CBIC continues to monitor the situation and will work with Prometric to extend eligibilities as needed. If testing site closures arise within 1-2 weeks of your exam date, please contact CBIC at info@cbic.org. 

  I am thinking about applying for the CIC examination. Should I wait to apply?

CBIC is still processing applications. However, the 90-day eligibility window is still in effect for new applicants and there is a possibility your testing window may be affected by COVID-19 closures or limited availability. CBIC encourages you to check Prometric's COVID-19 status page if you are interested in applying: https://www.prometric.com/corona-virus-update. In addition, if you do apply, CBIC recommends applying online.

  What happens to my physical certificate if I recently certified or recertified?

The mailing of paper certificates will take longer to process and mail out. Additionally, international certificates cannot be guaranteed due to customs changes or restrictions. However, a PDF version of your certificate is available for download in your online CBIC profile. 

  Where can I go for updates on COVID-19?

Visit the CDC Coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Extensions

Open AllClose All
  Will CBIC be granting extensions to recertifying candidates?

Yes, due to the additional strain of COVID-19 on the workload and time of CICs, CBIC will be granting all 2020 recertifying candidates a 90-day extension.

The new recertifying deadlines are as follows:

  • Recertification examination: For those who opt to recertify by examination, the examination must be completed by March 31, 2021.
  • Recertification by continuing education: For those who opt to recertify by continuing education, the IPUs portfolio must be submitted by January 31, 2021.

The recertification examination must still be purchased by November 30, 2020.

  Does this extension apply to the recertification examination purchase date as well?

No, the recertification examination must still be purchased on or before November 30, 2020.

  I failed my recertification exam or my certification lapsed. In light of COVID-19, will CBIC allow me to retake it without penalty? Will CBIC be granting extensions outside of the 2020 recertification deadline extension and CBIC's normal extension policy?

CBIC is committed to protecting the public by providing a standardized measure of competency in infection prevention and control. We recognize that because of COVID-19, many IPs and CICs have asked if CBIC will grant extensions outside of the normal scope of the extension policy, allow candidates to retake recertification or certification examinations if they had previously failed or have lapsed, or waive the eligibility requirements entirely. CBIC will not be allowing any re-testing and we will not be waiving the initial or recertification eligibility requirements. We understand that this may put many of our CICs in a difficult situation, which is why all 2020 recertifying candidates who have not yet recertified have been granted a 90-day extension and now have until March 31, 2021 to successfully recertify. Successfully completing the recertification process demonstrates continued mastery of knowledge in infection prevention and control, and it is times like these that remind us why this mastery of knowledge is so important. It is CBIC’s mission to provide pathways to assess and maintain infection prevention competency and the recertification process is critical in ensuring that our CICs continue to maintain the highest levels of infection prevention and control competency.

  How do I request an extension if my request falls within the allowable CBIC extension policy?

Extension requests will not be considered under the following circumstances:

  • Not prepared to sit for the examination.
  • Requests submitted within 5 days or less of scheduled examination date or eligibility end-date.
  • Request to extend eligibility beyond 60 days of scheduled examination date or eligibility end date.

If your extension request is outside of the above circumstances, fill out the Extension Request Form.

If your extension request is COVID-19 related, fill out the COVID-19 Extension Request Form.

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