CBIC

The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) is the credentialing board that directs and oversees the CBIC certification. This is a voluntary certification for professionals who have obtained a predetermined level of expertise and skill in the arena of infection control. The CBIC created the CBIC exam to enhance the quality of care by encouraging continued professional learning and growth in the area of infection control. Their belief is that if the professional is elevated, then the profession is elevated. The exam validates a predetermined assessment of a body of knowledge necessary to expertly and efficiently practice professionally in infection control. By officially acknowledging the commitment and dedication of the infection control professional, professionalism is encouraged and elevated, public trust is enhanced, and credibility is conveyed.

Qualification to take the CBIC exam includes both educational and practice requirements. All candidates must have a valid professional license as a nurse, clinical lab scientist, physician, or medical technologist. Candidates are also required to have a baccalaureate degree or apply for an educational waiver.

The certification exam is given by computer testing and consists of 150 test questions. One hundred thirty-five of the questions count toward the candidate's score the other fifteen questions are test questions that are being validated for possible inclusion in future versions of the CBIC exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, the candidate is entitled to use the initials CBIC after their name. The CBIC credentials are valid for a period of five years, after which they must be renewed by recertifying by examination or by the self-assessment exam (SARE).

If the candidate chooses to recertify by taking the recertification examination and fails the exam he/she can maintain their CIC status for one year, during which they must pass the examination. Upon passage of the exam, credentialed status will then be conveyed for four more years.

Recertification by SARE involves a 150-question examination that is created to assess knowledge and skills in infection control. The SARE exam is a more extensive exam in that it is designed to assess the knowledge and skill of a professional who has accumulated seven years of experience in infection control. These questions are more complex than those on the certification examination, which is based on the knowledge and skills of a two-year practitioner.

The certification board website has a candidate handbook which may be downloaded free of charge. The handbook gives step-by-step details regarding the certification process, applications, and a test content outline with suggested study references. The candidate should refer to the handbook throughout the certification process as well as utilize the study resources to help direct study needs.