Success on the CIC® certification exam demonstrates a commitment to best practices in infection prevention and control and improved patient care and signals to your employer and colleagues that you are committed to your professional growth.
Prepare for Your Certification in Infection Control Exam
See how CIC Certification can help you enhance your IP knowledge and skills, while advancing your career.
Steps to CIC Certification
Discover learning options for every study style.
Whether you prefer to learn with the help of an expert instructor, or at your own time & convenience, APIC has a learning option that can help you succeed! Explore and contrast the options below to find your perfect fit.
APIC Learning System for CIC: Self-Study
12-month access to the APIC Learning System for CIC, a comprehensive program with a guided study path based on your unique knowledge gaps
Interactive study tools including flashcards, quizzes, practice exam and more
Flexible study experience, based on your needs and schedule
Activity is designated for 25.5 Nursing Contact Hours
Starts at $695
APIC Learning System for CIC: Cert Prep Course
12-month access to the APIC Learning System for CIC, a comprehensive program with a guided study path based on your unique knowledge gaps
Interactive study tools including flashcards, quizzes, practice exam and more
3 days (27 hours) of in-depth instruction covering exam material & study guidance, led by an expert instructor
Activity is designated for 23.5 Nursing Contact Hours
Starts at $1675
APIC Learning System for CIC: Power Prep Course
12-month access to the APIC Learning System for CIC, a comprehensive program with a guided study path based on your unique knowledge gaps
Interactive study tools including flashcards, quizzes, practice exam and more
1 day (9 hours) of test-taking tips & study guidance, led by an expert instructor
Activity is designated for 8.5 Nursing Contact Hours
Starts at $995
Certification Companion:
Mastering the CIC Exam
Mastering the CIC Exam
Reviews eight content areas identified by the CBIC practice analysis.
Includes 650+ practice questions and three full-length practice exams, with answers and rationales.
Starts at $119.
Do-It-Yourself Certification Preparation
Create your own study experience by exploring the APIC Text, Fundamental Statistics & Epidemiology in Infection Prevention, Infection Preventionist’s Guide to the Lab, and more – in the APIC Store.
Join our online CIC Study Group* or check with your local APIC chapter* for more study group options.
*APIC Member Benefit
*APIC Member Benefit
Cost dependent on study choices
Explore what's inside the APIC Learning System for CIC.
The APIC Learning System for CIC is divided into five modules. You will learn the latest best practices to elevate your job performance and help you take advantage of common technologies. The information you gain through these materials will help you develop mastery of knowledge in infection prevention and control as well as drive improvement in your healthcare facility.
Reading Materials
Online embedded reader plus optional printed books
- MODULE 1: Identification of Infectious Disease Processes
- MODULE 2: Surveillance and Outbreaks
- MODULE 3: The Infection Prevention Program
- MODULE 4: Occupational Health
- MODULE 5: Preventing HAIs Linked to Equipment & Environment
Online Study Tools
All are accessible on a variety of devices
- Assessment: Online assessment helps determine your current knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
- Module Quizzes: Check your understanding of the lessons covered in reading modules and decide whether you need further study or practice on the topic.
- Flashcards: Practice learning key terms and concepts to reinforce your knowledge.
- Glossary: Look up key terms from anywhere in the system with the glossary.
- Resource Center: Additional resources including printable flashcards, related links to key IP information referenced in the print modules, downloadable e-book versions, and much more!
- Post-Test: Cap off your studies and confirm exam readiness with the Post-Test.
- Reports: Track your progress, compare the results of quizzes and pre- and post-tests. View a breakdown of your test scores by module to determine your learning gain.
The Importance of Certification
Hear From Other Certified IPs
Dr. Buffy J. Lloyd-Krejci, DrPH, MS, BS, CIC, LTC-CIP
Epidemiologist and CEO | IPCWell, LLC
Certification will empower you. It will build your knowledge base and help you truly be the expert in reducing the risk of infections. It will build your confidence and your ability to be an effective leader.
Benjamin Galvan, MLS (ASCP), CIC
Infection Preventionist |
Tampa General Hospital
The pandemic has forced me to grow as a better collaborator, a quicker thinker, and a stronger problem solver. I’ve been able to witness remarkable triumphs of scientific technology and public health with testing, treatment, and vaccination. I’ve also had to learn how to provide emotional support to patients and team members, how to be a calming voice amongst the chaos, and how to be a leader in the field of infection prevention. I can truthfully say that I am proud to hold my CIC® and look forward to what the rest of my IP career has to offer.
Syed Abdul Bari, MD, CIC
Infection Prevention & Control Professional | Prince Sultan Cardiac Center
After achieving my CIC certification the confidence level in me was at its peak. And I got special consideration, a key role in prevention of Covid-19 pandemic in the form of education of healthcare workers, strategies for Covid-19 vaccination and I was a part of research team in publication of transmission of Covid-19 in healthcare workers. During my certification various clinical scenarios in the form of disease transmission, mode of transmission and its prevention were very helpful in implementation of infection prevention strategies like case definition, outbreak management isolation practices, screening of high risk patients and healthcare workers, vaccination strategies and significance of vaccination in hesitant workers.
Lynn Slonim Fine, PhD, MPH, CIC
Infection Preventionist | University of Rochester Medical Center
Becoming certified shows a commitment to best practices in infection prevention and control and improved care regardless of the facility type in which one practices.
Adrian Russell Sta. Cruz, MBA, BScN, RN, CIC
Infection Prevention and Control Manager | Ina Grafton Gage Home
Being Certified in Infection Control (CIC®) not only shows that I have the experience, knowledge, and capabilities as an infection preventionist. It helped me gain confidence that I am a subject expert who can help my team and other facility stakeholders provide evidence-based practices by promoting the infection prevention and control program to promote patient safety.
Benjamin Pagarigan III, CIC
MD/Infection Control Director | Optalis Healthcare/Fountain Bleu Health and Rehabilitation Center
Being a CIC is not just letters or words that can be added after your name. It is a legacy that you can show the world that you have the knowledge and you can confidently manage any facility, any infections, any outbreak with patient safety in mind in making the world safe thru infection prevention.
Latasha Richards, MSN, RN, CIC
Senior Infection Preventionist | St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Being a CIC to me means that I am considered as a subject matter expert to my peers and within my organization.
Dr. Janet Hsieh-Li, DNP, RN, CIC
Infection Preventionist | NYC Children's Center
Achieving the CIC has been a professional and personal milestone that I am particularly proud of. This nationally recognized credential signifies my commitment to ongoing professional development based on my philosophy of being a life-long learner. The CIC designation carries a lot of respect in the health care community and has tremendous potential in furthering one’s career and profession.
Jeannie Marie Sanborn, RN, BS, MS, CIC
Director | Heywood Hospital
I have stayed an IP because every day I am able to use my clinical skills, knowledge, creativity, impact and influence to make a difference.