1. Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC®)
Certification is Commitment
Updated: June 2016 1

2. Sections Background - CBIC and the CIC® Exam Why Certify?
The Certification Process
The Making of the CIC® Exam
Validity
Eligibility/How to Qualify
How to Prepare for the Exam
Resources
In this PowerPoint, we will cover general information about CBIC and the CIC examination, the benefits of certification, how an IP becomes certified, how the exam is developed, what lends the exam its credibility, the eligibility requirements needed to sit for the exam, some tips on how to prepare for the exam, and the resources used to write the exam.

3. Section 1:
CBIC and the CIC® Exam 3

4. What is CBIC? Voluntary, independent, multidisciplinary Board
Mission: To protect the public through the development, administration and promotion of an accredited certification in infection prevention & control. CBIC maintains and promotes professional certification of the highest quality through the accomplishment of key objectives.
The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (or CBIC) is a voluntary autonomous multidisciplinary Board that develops and administers the initial CIC examination and the recertification examination. While CBIC is responsible for the administration and development of the CIC exam, CBIC is not responsible for education or determining common infection control practices. The mission of CBIC is to 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. 4 4

5. What is CBIC?
Established by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) in 1981; CBIC is an affiliate of APIC
Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
Member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), formerly National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA)
In 1981, the APIC established CBIC; however, CBIC is now an independent organization that works with APIC as a partner, but not as a parent organization. APIC remains the sole member of CBIC. CBIC also works closely with IPAC Canada. In addition, CBIC is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, also known as the NCCA. The NCCA sets standards that shape CBIC policies and procedures. As part of its accreditation with the NCCA, CBIC is also a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, which provides education and research on certifying agencies and best practices. 5 5

6. Board Composition (Minimal Requirements per Bylaws, 2014)
Medical Doctor: (1)
Medical Technologist: (1)
RNs: (3)
Canadian Infection Preventionist (IP): (1)
IP non-hospital setting: (1)
IP long-term care setting: (1)
IP 4 years or less experience as IP: (1)
Public Consumer*: (1)
* All but consumer director & administrator must be CIC®
According to the Bylaws of CBIC, the Board must be comprised of 14 directors, all but one of which must be CIC certified. On this slide, you can see the minimum requirements that the Board has to meet in order to maintain a diverse Board. As outlined in the NCCA standards, one Board member must be a representative of the public, and therefore this Board member does not need to be certified. 6 6

7. CBIC Strategic Priorities
Maintain and improve the accredited certification program
Increase recognition/value of certification
Increase the number of certified IP/ICPs
Establish/maintain partnerships with APIC, IPAC Canada and other organizations to accomplish goals
The main goals of CBIC are to maintain and improve the accredited certification program, which is accomplished through ongoing supervision and a practice analysis that is conducted every five years. CBIC also aims to increase the recognition or perceived value of achieving and maintaining the CIC credential. The CIC represents a level of excellence in the field of infection prevention and control that is recognized internationally, and CBIC continues to increase this awareness through strategic communications. In addition to this, CBIC strives to annually increase the number of IP/ICPs who are Certified in Infection Control. CBIC works in conjunction with its partner organizations, like APIC and IPAC Canada, to grow this competent pool of certified IP/ICPs. 7 7

8. Section 2:
Why Certify? 8

9. Why Certify?
Reaffirms that through study and hard work, certificants attain an internationally recognized level of knowledge in the infection prevention and control field
Supports future knowledge and skills
Enhances professional credibility and prestige
Grants personal satisfaction
Why should you become certified? The CIC credential is an internationally recognized standard of competence in the infection prevention and control field. Having the credential demonstrates to yourself, your coworkers, your employer and the public that you are knowledgeable in your field. In addition, it provides a measure of accountability to grow with the profession through recertification every five years.

10. Why The CIC®?
Represents commitment to continual improvement of infection prevention and control functions and their contribution to healthcare and patient safety
Fosters a recognized professional community that helps to reduce infections in healthcare settings
Moves the profession forward!
Certification shows competence and supports growth in individuals in the infection prevention and control field, thereby support the profession as a whole.

11. Objectives of Certification
Provides standardized measure of current knowledge required for persons practicing infection prevention and control
Encourages individual growth and study, thereby promoting professionalism
Formally recognizes professionals in infection prevention and control who fulfill the requirements for certification and recertification
CBIC has outlined the following objectives of certification in infection prevention and control:
Certification provides a standardized measure of current knowledge required for persons practicing in infection prevention and control
Certification encourages individual growth and study, thereby promoting professionalism
Certification formally recognizes professionals in infection prevention and control who fulfill the requirements for certification and recertification.

12. Use of the CIC® Credential
Only individuals who have successfully passed the proctored, initial certification examination and have maintained current certification, through the recertification examination* may use 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.
In order to use the CIC credential, an individual must first pass the initial certification examination, and then maintain their certification through recertification. Once earned, the CIC credential can be used on any form of written communication, such as resumes, business cards, letterhead, signatures, name badges, publications, and almost anywhere your name appears. It’s a credential to be proud of and you should show it off! If your certification lapses, you will need to remove the credential from any of the aforementioned materials. Finally, individuals are not legally permitted to produce products using the CIC credential or logo. If you are interested in products bearing the CIC logo, please contact CBIC to purchase their products.
*CICs may maintain certification through the proctored examination, only if they receive a failing score on the recertification exam. 12 12

13. Section 3:
The Certification Process 13

14. Applying for the Certification Examination
Ensure eligibility requirements are met
Review the Candidate Handbook for additional information, applications and suggested reference materials
Apply online at or submit a paper application to the CBIC office
There are a few steps to go through to prepare to apply to take the initial CIC examination. The first thing you need to do is check to determine whether you are eligible to take the exam. The eligibility requirements are listed on the CBIC website and there is also an interactive tool on the website to help you determine if you are eligible. The Candidate Handbook is an excellent source for almost everything you need to know about the CIC exam. It will take you from the eligibility requirements all the way through the examination process. Also provided in the Candidate Handbook are the references used to write the CIC examination. Once you have determined your eligibility and have read through the Candidate Handbook, you may apply online or via paper application. Both forms of the application can be found on the CBIC website. However, once you apply and are approved to take the examination, you have 90 days to schedule and take the exam, so make sure that you are ready to take the exam before applying. 14

15. Methods of Certification & Recertification
Initial certification:
1. Proctored initial certification examination
Recertification:
Self-paced, open book recertification examination OR
Proctored certification examination if candidate fails recertification examination
Each certification cycle lasts five years. To initially become certified in infection prevention and control, you will need to take and pass the initial examination at a Prometric testing center. Once you have successfully passed the initial certification examination, you will need to recertify every five years. To recertify you must take the self-paced online recertification examination. This can be taken on any computer that has access to the internet. Under the circumstance that the recert exam is failed, CICs have the opportunity to maintain their certification by taking and passing the initial examination at a Prometric facility.
Certification/recertification is valid for 5 years

16. Certification Examinations
Comprehensive, job-related, objective tests
150 multiple choice questions; 135 of which are scored
Developed from a practice analysis of Infection Prevention and Control Professionals in the U.S., Canada and other countries
Recognized by APIC and IPAC Canada as the standard for certification in infection control
Recognized by TJC as a measure of competence
The certification examination is comprised of 150 multiple choice questions. Only 135 of these count towards your score. The other 15 questions are placed in unscored “pre-test” slots to ensure their validity and reliability. The performance statistics for these questions will determine their use as scored questions on future examination forms. You will not know which questions are which. The examination content outline is developed from a practice analysis that is conducted every 5 years. This practice analysis ensures that the exam encompasses the most crucial job-related tasks and knowledge for professionals responsible for infection prevention and control. The exam is recognized by APIC and IPAC Canada as the standard for certification in infection prevention and control. It is also recognized by The Joint Commission as a measure of competence.

17. Certification Examinations
Aligned with recognized 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 in North America
ALL examination questions are the copyrighted property of CBIC
The certification examination is aligned with recognized practice standards for infection control and healthcare epidemiology. You can see a list of the references used to write the current examination in the Candidate Handbook online. Currently, CBIC is the only certification program to offer a measure of competence in infection prevention and control in North America. The CIC credential is recognized internationally as a standard of competence, and CBIC has certificants in many countries. Finally, please note that all of the questions on the examination are copyrighted and therefore should not be discussed or shared after taking the exam.

18. Initial Examination Proctored examination
Required for initial certification
Administered at assessment centers throughout the United States, Canada and other international sites
90-day window from application approval to exam completion
The initial certification examination is comprised of 150 multiple choice questions, which are administered at Prometric testing facilities. These facilities can be found worldwide. A search tool enabling users to locate the testing center nearest their home or work can be found on the Prometric website. Once you apply for the examination and are approved, you have 90 days to schedule AND sit for your examination. Keep that in mind when considering when to apply to take the exam. 18

19. Recertification Examination
Self-administered (non-proctored), multiple choice, internet-based from any location
Questions are based on the most current CBIC practice analysis
The purpose of the recertification examination is to demonstrate continued knowledge mastery in the field of infection prevention and control
Once you sit for and pass the initial certification examination, you are required to recertify every five years. This is done by taking the recertification exam, which is a multiple choice test that is accessible from any computer with an internet connection. Once you purchase the examination, you have the rest of the calendar year to complete the exam. You can log in and out at any time and your answers will be saved. Just like the initial exam, the recert exam is based on the most recent practice analysis. The purpose of the recertification exam is to demonstrate continued knowledge mastery in the field of infection prevention and control.

20. Recertification Examination
Unlimited access before submission
Must be done alone; do not discuss with colleagues
Deadline to purchase: December 1
Deadline to submit: 11:59pm GMT/6:59pm EST on December 31* (same calendar year)
*CBIC strongly recommends submitting the SARE no later than December 30th to be sure that the exam is submitted successfully in time. 
Once again, you will have unlimited access to the recert exam once it is purchased through the end of the calendar year. The deadline to submit the exam is 11:59pm Greenwich Mean Time, which is 6:59pm Eastern Standard Time, on December 31st of your recertification year. If you have not submitted your exam, it will be automatically submitted at this time. CBIC recommends submitted the exam a day early so that if you have any questions regarding the submission, you can speak with someone on the phone and work it out before the 31st. The last day to purchase the recertification exam is December 1st of your recertification year. If you have not purchased it by that time, your certification will lapse and you will need to test as a first time certificant the following year. The sooner you purchase your exam, the longer you will have to take it! You can purchase it as early as January of your recertification year. Finally, just as with the initial exam, the recertification examination questions are copyrighted and confidential. You are not allowed to take the exam as a group or discuss the questions with your colleagues.
The sooner you purchase the exam, the more time you have to complete it! 20

21. Section 4:
The Making of the CIC® Exam 21

22. Developing the Test Estimated timeline 18-24 months Practice Analysis
Content Outline
Question (Item) Development
Test Run Questions (Items)
Establish Cut/Pass Scores
Completed Test
Estimated timeline months
There is a lot that goes into the development of the CIC examinations. First, CBIC conducts a practice analysis, which begins with a survey that helps determine the scope of practice for those working in infection prevention and control. Using the results of the practice analysis survey, the Test Committee determines the content outline, or core competencies, of the exam. Once the content outline is determined, subject matter experts on the Test Committee write and review questions (also called items) for all content areas of the exam. These questions are put into examination forms and piloted in order to determine item difficulty and establish a cut score. Once the test is piloted and the cut score is set, the process is complete. This process is repeated every five years to ensure the exam is always testing on up-to-date infection prevention and control practices and encompasses all relevant practice settings.
Although a practice analysis is only conducted once every five years, the CBIC Test Committee meets every year to write and review new questions every year in order to continually update the CIC examination. New examination forms are equated to previous forms using psychometric techniques that adhere to testing industry standards. The equating process ensures that the difficulty level of the examination remains consistent, and therefore that the threshold for competency remains the same across all examination forms.

23. Question (Item) Development
Developing The Test
Practice Analysis
Content Outline
Question (Item) Development
Cut (Pass) Scores
Test
Survey
Development
Distribution
Analysis
~ q 5 years
2014 (15.7% response rate)
Based upon findings of practice analysis survey
Revise content specifications
Submission new question (item) with references
Reviewed & edited by Test Committee
Test run for stats
Passing scores calculated to account for question (item) difficulty and differences between examinations
Equated, validated
Checked for similarities & cues
4 Initial Cert Exams
2 Recert Exams
Analysis
This slide goes more in depth than the previous slide. As you can see, the most recent practice analysis was completed in 2014.

24. Profile of an Infection Control Professional (2014)
Based on responses from CBIC's 2014 Practice Analysis survey. The complete practice analysis summary can be found on the CBIC website at:
Once the 2014 practice analysis was complete, CBIC updated their profile of a CIC infographic which can be accessed on their website. Note that while most survey respondents work in an acute care setting as depicted on the slide, the examination encompasses general infection prevention and control practices across all settings.

25. Section 5:
Validity 25

26. Validity of the Certification Examinations
Exams based on practice analysis to ensure content is current, practice-related and representative of the responsibilities of infection prevention and control professionals
The practice analysis, examination development and examination process adhere to nationally recognized standards for validation, educational, and psychological testing
As already discussed, exams are based on the most recent practice analysis. The practice analysis, exam development, and examination process all adhere to nationally recognized standards for validation, educational and psychological testing. These standards are set by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, which accredits CBIC. 26

27. Validity of the Certification Examinations
Developed under the guidance of a psychometrician and test development specialist from an independent testing agency
The testing agency oversees scoring of the examination
Each test question undergoes both expert and statistical scrutiny before use
Furthermore, CBIC works with psychometricians at their testing agency who are experts in exam development and administration. While CBIC provides the subject matter experts that develop the exam content, the testing agency, Prometric, oversees the exam administration process with guidance from CBIC. They provide the software that scores the exam and they analyze each test question before it becomes a scored question in the exam form. 27

28. Validity of the Certification Examinations
Passing scores are determined for each version of the test to ensure equivalency between the different forms at all times
Acknowledged by The Joint Commission as an important element of an effective infection control program
Many measures are taken to ensure the exam is secure and valid. After all of the questions are developed and reviewed by both subject matter experts and psychometricians, the exam is piloted by a group of eligible candidates. From this pool, the exams are scored and each variation of the exam is analyzed to make sure it is scored at the same level of knowledge. The CBIC exam is acknowledged by Joint Commission surveyors as proof of competency. Note: IPs still need to prove yearly maintenance of competency. 28

29. Confidentiality of Examination Scores
Both CBIC and Prometric (testing company) maintain complete confidentiality of individual test scores
Only summary statistics are provided at open forums and published periodically in the infection prevention and control literature
CBIC does not share test scores with anyone besides Prometric and the candidate themselves. From time to time CBIC will analyze test scores to provide summary statistics. Pass rates for both the initial CIC exam and the recertification exam can be found on the CBIC website.

30. Section 6:
Eligibility 30

31. Eligibility for Certification
Successful certification indicates competence in the actual practice of infection prevention and control and healthcare epidemiology, and is intended for individuals who are actively accountable for the infection prevention and control program within their current position.
You are accountable for the infection prevention and control activities/program in your setting and this is reflected in your current job description.
AND
First and foremost, in order to be eligible to sit for the exam, you MUST be accountable for the infection prevention and control activities and/or program in your setting and this must be reflected in your current job description. 31

32. Eligibility for Certification
You have a post-secondary degree (e.g. associates’* or baccalaureate degree) from an accredited academic facility.
AND
You have had sufficient experience (recommended: two years) in infection prevention and control which includes all three (3) of the following:
Identification of infectious disease processes
Surveillance and epidemiologic investigation
Preventing and controlling the transmission of infectious agents
*Equivalent to Canadian two- or three-year diploma from an accredited academic facility
In addition to being accountable for infection prevention and control you must also have a post-secondary degree and experience in identification of infectious disease processes, surveillance and epidemiologic investigation, and preventing and controlling the transmission of infectious agents. The post-secondary degree must be from an accredited academic facility and must be at least an associates’ degree or higher. An associates’ degree is equivalent to a Canadian two- or three-year diploma. Please note that, while CBIC recommends two years of experience in infection prevention and control, it is not a requirement.
While there is no specific time requirement that defines “sufficient experience”; the certification examination is geared toward the professional who has had at least two years of full-time experience in infection prevention and control.

33. Eligibility for Certification
And at least two (2) of the remaining five (5) components:
Employee/occupational health
Management and communication
Education and research
Environment of care
Cleaning, sterilization, disinfection, and asepsis
The last eligibility requirement that a candidate must meet is that they must have experience in at least two of the remaining five core competencies of the examination. These are: employee/occupational health, management and communication, education and research, environment of care, and cleaning, sterilization, disinfection, and asepsis.

34. Eligibility for Certification
Candidates who are self-employed must submit additional documentation (See Candidate Handbook on our website for details)
Individuals who are currently certified are automatically eligible for recertification every 5 years.
Eligibility for Recertification
The documents that you must submit to prove you meet the eligibility requirements include: an updated resume or CV, your current job description (usually obtained from your human resources department), an attestation statement signed by your supervisor, and proof of your degree. If you are self-employed, you must also submit an additional self-employment attestation statement. Once you meet the eligibility requirements and successfully certified, you will be automatically eligible for recertification every five years as long as you don’t let your certification lapse at any point and adhere to the CBIC Code of Ethics. 34

35. Lapsed Certification
If you fail to recertify when you are due and later decide that you would like to, you:
Must meet the criteria for initial certification
May no longer be eligible if you have changed positions to one where infection control is NOT your main area of responsibility
In order to maintain your certification you must recertify every five years. If you are eligible for recertification and do not successfully recertify then your certification will lapse. If your certification lapses and you wish to once again certify, you will then have to meet all of the eligibility requirements again. This is especially important to remember if you change positions, retire, or if your job responsibilities no longer encompass infection prevention and control. 35

36. Section 7:
How to Prepare for the Exam 36

37. Preparing for the Examination
Current Content Outline
Content Domain
Items
Identification of Infectious Disease Processes 22
Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation 24
Preventing/Controlling the Transmission of Infectious Agents 25
Employee/Occupational Health 11
Management and Communications 13
Education and Research
Environment of Care 14
Cleaning, Sterilization, Disinfection, Asepsis 15
On this slide you can see the 8 core competencies that both the initial and recertification examinations cover. This slide also lists the number of scored questions in each domain are on the examinations. Once again, there are 135 scored questions on each examination.

38. Preparing for the Examination
Create a study plan
Review reference material (as listed in the candidate handbook), journals and standards, including APIC and IPAC Canada’s Practice Standards
Form a study group amongst your peers
Listen to our webinars
“Road to CIC Certification” com/recordingslibraryc4 .php
"How to Prepare for the CIC exam” rtification/media
Contact your local APIC or IPAC Canada chapter for support.
Per the NCCA Standards, CBIC can neither recommend nor endorse any study materials. However CBIC does have a few helpful hints. First of all, it is useful to review the core competencies on the previous slide to determine what areas you will need to review the most and create a study plan. It is recommended that candidates utilize the primary and secondary references that are used to write the exam. This list can be found on the CBIC website in the Candidate Handbook. Other ideas are to form a study group or contact your local infection prevention and control agency for more resources.

39. Test Questions
Each content area includes test questions that target different cognitive levels:
Recall (simple recall or recognition)
Application (comprehension, interpretation or manipulation of concepts/information)
Analysis (integration of a variety of concepts, problem solving, making judgments)
Each of the content areas include test questions that target different cognitive levels. These are: recall, application, and analysis. Recall is simply remembering or recognizing best practices, application is comprehension, interpretation, or manipulation of concepts or information, and analysis is the integration of a variety of concepts, problem solving skills and making judgement calls.

40. Sample Question: Recall
In investigating an epidemic, cases should be categorized according to: A. time, place, and person. B. agent, host, and environment. C. agent, host, and date of onset. D. time, person, and date of onset. Answer: A
This is a sample question using the cognitive level: recall.

41. Sample Question: Application
The lengths of stay for patients with nosocomial infections are 12, 12, 12, 13, 15, 15, 16, 20, and 30 days. What is the median length of stay?
A. 12 days B. 15 days C. 16 days D. 25 days
Answer: B
This is a sample question using the cognitive level: application.

42. Sample Question: Analysis
The risk of healthcare associated urinary tract infections in spinal cord injury patients is BEST reduced by:
A. prophylactic antibiotics. B. bladder instillation of antiseptic. C. intermittent catheterization. D. placement of all patients with urinary catheters in the same area.
Answer: C
This is a sample question using the cognitive level: analysis.

43. CBIC neither produces nor endorses products or materials related to preparing for the certification examination.
There are many study materials out on the market for the CIC examination. None of these review guides, flashcards, or other materials are created or endorsed by CBIC. 43 43

44. Section 8:
Exam Resources 44

45. Exam References Primary References:
APIC Text of Infection Control and Epidemiology, 4th ed., Volume I, Volume II and Volume III, APIC, Washington, DC, **
Kulich P, Taylor D, eds. The Infection Preventionist’s Guide to the Lab, APIC, Washington, DC, 2012.
Heymann, D., ed. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 19th ed., Washington, DC: American Public Health Association; 2008.
Brooks, Kathy. Ready Reference for Microbes, 3rd ed., APIC;
Here is the list of primary references used to write the CIC examination.

46. Exam References Secondary References:
Current Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Current guidelines, standards, and recommendations from CDC, APIC, SHEA, and Public Health Agency of Canada.
Pickering, Larry K, ed. Red Book, 29th ed., Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2012.
**The 2015 recertification examination was written using the 3rd edition of the APIC Text of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Volumes I and II.
Here is the list of secondary references used to write the CIC examination.

47. Resources Check CBIC Web site www.cbic.org for:
Online Candidate Handbook (all application and order forms for the examinations are included)
Background information on CBIC and the certification process
The CBIC website is a great resource for any other information you may want to know about can be found on the CBIC website, including the Candidate Handbook which takes you through the polices and processes from preparing to apply, to recertifying. 47

48. Resources
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)
1275 K St., NW Suite 1000
Washington, DC (202)
Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC Canada)
PO Box RPO Westdale Winnipeg, MB R3R 3S3 (866)
CBIC works closely with both APIC and IPAC Canada and they are great resources for infection prevention and control best practices.

49. Resources CBIC Executive Office: Testing Company:
555 East Wells Street
Suite 1100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414)
Fax: (414)
Web site:
Testing Company:
Prometric
Phone: (800) (toll free U.S., U.S. Territories, and Canada)
Website:
Finally, this is the contact information for both CBIC and their testing agency Prometric. If you have not applied for the exam yet, please contact CBIC for any questions, before contacting Prometric. 49