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The CIC® examination is the standardized measure of the basic knowledge, skills and abilities expected of professionals working in the field of infection prevention and control. The initial certification exam is an objective, multiple-choice examination consisting of 150 questions. 135 of these questions are used to compute the score. Learn more about how the examination is written by scrolling down to "Practice Analysis." Individuals have the option to schedule to take the examination at a Prometric testing center or Prometric's remote testing system, ProProctorTM.
New! Effective January 2, 2025, the CIC®, a-IPC™, and LTC-CIP® examinations will be delivered using forward navigation. Forward navigation in an examination refers to a format where candidates can only progress through the exam in a linear sequence, answering each question one after another without the option to return to previous questions. Beginning January 2, 2025, candidates must answer all items in the order they appear, with no option to skip questions. Once a candidate confirms an answer and moves to the next question, they cannot go back to change or modify their response. Candidates will no longer be permitted to flag questions or return to previous questions. The text highlight and strikeout tool will still be permitted. The forward-only exam navigation aligns with the best practices of many healthcare examinations and meets the standards of our accrediting body. Additionally, it serves as a security measure for CBIC examinations.
Review the eligibility guidelines page.
Candidates are required to submit a $410 examination fee with their application. CBIC Examination Fees increase effective January 6, 2025.
This certification examination is geared toward the professional who has had at least one year of full-time experience in infection prevention and control. Review the eligibility guidelines page for further information about work experience.
Step-by-step instructions on how to apply are available here.
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
What is a psychometrician?
Visit our Prometric Experience page for more information on scheduling and what to expect on your test day.
For the CIC® Examination, there is one reported pass/fail decision score. A candidate needs a total test scaled score of at least 700 to pass the CIC® Examination. Scaled scores are determined by converting the number of questions answered correctly to a scaled score that ranges from 300 to 900. Scaled scores provide a uniform frame of reference, based on the standard adopted by CBIC of the amount of knowledge necessary to pass, without regard to the specific examination form or version taken.
Passing candidates will receive a Pass message. No numerical scaled score is reported to passing candidates. A Pass message indicates that the candidate has mastered the required knowledge for this examination. Failing candidates will receive a scaled score between 300 and 699. A numerical score indicates that the candidate has failed this examination.
Sample Score Report-Pass
Sample Score Report-Fail
The examination content is based upon results of a practice analysis, which is a survey of practicing professionals in infection prevention and control that is conducted by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC ®) every 4-5 years.
The most recent practice analysis was conducted in 2020. The practice analysis determines the scope of knowledge and responsibilities that are currently required by, and are representative of, individuals practicing infection prevention and control. It is important to recognize that the examination content is based on this information, even though all elements of the examination may not seem to be directly relevant to every individual taking the exam.
CBIC's current Practice Analysis.
Copyrighted Questions
All test questions are the property of the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) and are protected by copyright. Federal law provides severe civil and criminal penalties for the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or exhibition of copyrighted materials.
Test center administrators are not allowed to answer any questions pertaining to the exam content. If you do not understand a question on the examination, you should answer the question to the best of your ability. Opportunity for feedback will be provided in the post-exam questionnaire.