Certification in Infection Prevention and Control CIC ® Certification is Commitment

What is CBIC? Voluntary, independent, multidisciplinary Board Provides direction for and administers the certification process for infection prevention and control and applied epidemiology. Mission: Protect the public through the development, administration, and promotion of an accredited certification in infection prevention and control. CBIC maintains and promotes professional certification of the highest quality through the accomplishment of key objectives.

What is CBIC? Established by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc (APIC) in 1981; CBIC is an affiliate of APIC Certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) Member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), formerly National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA)

Objectives of Certification Provide a standardized measurement of current essential knowledge needed for persons practicing infection prevention and control Encourage individual growth and study, thereby promoting professionalism among professionals in infection prevention and control Formally recognize professionals in infection prevention and control who fulfill the requirements for certification and recertification.

Method of Certification Initial certification: proctored computer- based examination (CBT) Remains valid for 5 years

Methods of Re-certification Proctored computer-based test (CBT) OR Self Achievement Recertification Exam (SARE) Remains valid for 5 years

Certification Examinations Comprehensive, job-related, objective tests 150 multiple choice questions;15 questions under evaluation, not included in scoring Developed from a practice analysis of Infection Prevention and Control Professionals in the U.S., Canada and other countries Recognized by APIC and CHICA-Canada as the standard for certification in infection control

Certification Examinations Aligned with the Practice Standards for Infection Control and Healthcare Epidemiology The only standardized measurement of essential knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of infection prevention and control professionals ALL examination questions are the copyrighted property of CBIC

Computer-Based Test (CBT) Proctored examination Administered at Assessment Centers throughout the United States, Canada and other international sites Sites listed at: AMP web site, Used for both initial certification and re-certification

Self Achievement Re-certification Examination (SARE) Similar in content to the Computer-Based Test (follows content outline) with 150 multiple choice items developed from the practice analysis; 15 questions under evaluation, not included in scoring Questions are practice oriented and challenging Test geared to infection prevention and control recertifier who has, at minimum, five (5) to seven (7) years experience in infection prevention and control.

Self Achievement Recertification Examination (SARE) (cont) Self-administered (non-proctored), Web-based at a location of one’s choosing May access multiple times before completion Must be done alone; do not discuss with colleagues Deadline to purchase: December 1 Deadline to submit: December 31 The sooner the purchase, the more time to complete

Validity of the Certification Examinations Exams are based on a practice analysis of infection prevention and control professionals The practice analysis, examination development and process adhere to nationally recognized standards for validation, educational and psychological testing

Validity of the Certification Examinations (cont) Developed under the guidance of a psychometrician and test development specialist from an independent testing agency. The testing agency also oversees scoring of the examination. Each test item (question) undergoes both expert and statistical scrutiny before use.

Validity of the Certification Examinations Passing scores are calculated to compensate for item difficulty and differences between examinations Acknowledged by The Joint Commission as an important element of an effective infection control program

Certification Examination 2012 Content Outline Identification of Infectious Disease Processes Surveillance & Epidemiologic Investigation Preventing/Controlling the Transmission of Infectious Agents Employee/Occupational Health Management and Communication (Leadership) Education and Research

Eligibility for Certification You are a licensed or certified healthcare professional (including, but not limited to, registered nurse, licensed / registered practical nurse [LPN, RPN], nurse practitioner, physician, medical technologist, respiratory therapist) with current registration/certification in good standing with the appropriate licensing board /certification/ governing body (e.g. state/provincial medical licensure; state/provincial nursing association or board, etc.), OR have a minimum of a baccalaureate (Bachelor’s) degree; AND You are currently working in healthcare; AND Infection prevention and control is one of your primary roles / responsibilities in your current position; AND (cont on next page)

Eligibility for Certification (cont) You have had sufficient experience in infection prevention and control, which must include active roles in: –Collection, analysis and interpretation of infection prevention outcome data; AND –Investigation and surveillance of suspected outbreaks of infection; AND –At least 3 of the following additional activities: Planning, implementation and evaluation of infection prevention and control measures; Education of individuals about infection prevention and control; Development and revision of infection prevention and control policies and procedures; Management of infection prevention and control activities; Consultation on infection prevention and control risk assessment, and prevention and control strategies. All requirements described in Candidate Handbook

Eligibility for Certification (cont) Candidates who are self-employed must submit additional documentation (See Candidate Handbook for details) Candidates with lapsed certification must meet the practice requirements as described in the Candidate Handbook for first time applicants and take the proctored computer- based examination (CBT).

Eligibility for Re-Certification Individuals who are currently certified are automatically eligible for re-certification every 5 years.

Definition of Infection Control Practice The practice of infection control occurs in a variety of settings and includes: –collection, analysis and interpretation of infection prevention and control measures; and –the investigation and surveillance of suspected outbreaks of infection. AND

Definition of Infection Control Practice (cont.) –at least three of the following additional activities: »Planning, implementation and evaluation of infection prevention and control measures. »Education of individuals about infection prevention and control; »Development and revision of infection prevention and control policies and procedures;

Definition of Infection Control Practice (cont.) »Management of infection prevention and control activities; »Consultation of infection prevention and control risk assessment, and prevention and control strategies.

Applying for the Certification Examination Ensure that the eligibility requirements are met Obtain a Candidate Handbook with additional information, applications and a list of suggested reference materials. You may apply online at or complete the paper application in the Candidate Handbook and send in.

Proper Use of the CIC ® Credential Only individuals who have successfully passed the proctored computer-based certification exam and have maintained current certification, through either the computer-based or SARE examination, may use the CIC ® credential.

Proper Use of the CIC ® Credential The CIC ® credential may be used on resumes, business cards, letterhead, and other professional communications. The CIC ® credential may not be used for product or other endorsements.

Resources Check CBIC Web site for: –2012 Candidate Handbook (all application and order forms for the examinations are included) –Background information on CBIC and the certification process

CBIC does not produce or endorse products or materials related to preparing for the certification examination.

Resources CBIC Executive Offices are located at: 555 East Wells Street Suite 1100 Milwaukee, WI Phone: (414) Fax: (414) Web site:

Resources (cont.) AMP (CBIC's testing company): W. 105th St Olathe, KS (888)

Resources (cont.) APIC 1275 K St., NW Suite 1000 Washington, DC, (202) CHICA-Canada PO Box RPO Westdale Winnipeg MB R3R 3S3 (866)