Certification in Infection Control

1. WWW.cbic.org 1 Certification in Infection Control Lighting the Future

2. WWW.cbic.org 2

3. WWW.cbic.org 3 Mission “To develop and administer a certification process designed to measure basic knowledge of infection prevention and control and applied epidemiology.”

4. WWW.cbic.org 4 Objectives of Certification Provide a standardized measurement of current basic knowledge Encourage individual growth and study, promoting professionalism among ICPs. Formally recognize ICPs who fulfill the requirements for certification with the CIC® credential.

5. WWW.cbic.org 5 Method of Certification Initial certification is achieved via a computer-generated examination (or paper & pencil examination for Canadian and international applicants). Remains valid for 5 years.

6. WWW.cbic.org 6 Methods of Re-certification Via the computerized examination (or paper & pencil examination for Canadian and international applicants) OR Via the Self Assessment Recertification Exam (SARE)

7. WWW.cbic.org 7 The Certification Examination is: A comprehensive, job-related, objective test 150 multiple choice questions Developed from a practice analysis (PA) of ICPs in the U.S. and Canada Recognized by APIC and CHICA (Canada) as the standard for certification

8. WWW.cbic.org 8 The Certification Examination Aligned with the Practice Standards for Infection Control and Healthcare Epidemiology The only standardized measurement of basic knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of infection control professionals

9. WWW.cbic.org 9 Computerized Certification Examination Administered at Assessment Centers throughout the United States Sites listed at: CBIC web site, www.cbic.org, or AMP web site, www.goamp.com Used for both initial certification and re-certification

10. WWW.cbic.org 10 Self Assessment Re-certification Examination (SARE) Similar in content to the computerized (or paper & pencil) examination with 150 multiple choice items developed from the practice analysis Self-administered (non-proctored) at a location of one’s choosing

11. WWW.cbic.org 11 The Self Assessment Re-certification Examination (SARE) may be Used for study and education Used for CIC® re-certification only Taken every 5 years for re-certification

12. WWW.cbic.org 12 Validity of the Certification Examinations The exams are based on a practice analysis of infection control professionals The practice analysis, examination development and process adhere to nationally recognized standards for validation, educational and psychological testing

13. WWW.cbic.org 13 Validity of the Certification Examinations The examinations are developed under the guidance of Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP), an independent testing agency. AMP also oversees scoring of the examination. Each test item undergoes both expert and statistical scrutiny before use.

14. WWW.cbic.org 14 Validity of the Certification Examinations Passing scores are calculated to compensate for item difficulty and differences between examinations Acknowledged by JCAHO as an element of an effective infection control program

15. WWW.cbic.org 15 Certification Examination Content Outline Identification of Infectious Disease Processes Surveillance & Epidemiological Investigation Preventing/Controlling the Transmission of Infectious Agents Program Management and Communication Education & Research IC Aspects of Employee Health

16. WWW.cbic.org 16 Eligibility for Certification Minimum of 2 years practice in infection control with a minimum of 800 hours worked prior to the date of the examination Practice requirements may not be waived

17. WWW.cbic.org 17 Eligibility for Certification (cont) A current license or registration as a medical technologist, physician, or registered nurse; OR A minimum of a baccalaureate degree (Contact CBIC Executive Office regarding educational requirement waiver)

18. WWW.cbic.org 18 Eligibility for Certification (cont) Candidates who are self-employed or who work in non-traditional settings must submit additional documentation (See Candidate Handbook for details) Candidates with lapsed certification also must meet the practice requirements

19. WWW.cbic.org 19 Eligibility for Re-Certification Individuals who are currently certified are automatically eligible for re-certification every 5 years.

20. WWW.cbic.org 20 Definition of Infection Control Practice The clinical practice of infection control occurs in a variety of settings and includes both: analysis and interpretation of collected infection control data; and the investigation and surveillance of suspected outbreaks of infection. AND

21. WWW.cbic.org 21 Definition of Infection Control Practice (cont) Includes at least three of the following five activities: Planning/implementation/evaluation of infection prevention and control measures; Education of individuals about infection risk, prevention and control;

22. WWW.cbic.org 22 Definition of Infection Control Practice (cont) 3. Development and revision of infection control policies and procedures; 4. Management of infection prevention and control activities; and 5. Provision of consultation on infection risk assessment, prevention and control strategies.

23. WWW.cbic.org 23 Applying for the Certification Examination Obtain a Candidate Handbook with application forms and special accommodations requests from CBIC. Ensure that the eligibility requirements are met (request an educational waiver, if necessary). Select an examination date and location from the list in the Candidate Handbook. OR

24. WWW.cbic.org 24 Applying for the Certification Examination (cont) Request a SARE (for study or re-certification) Complete and mail application with fee to CBIC Study for the examination!

25. WWW.cbic.org 25 Preparing for the Examination Refer to the detailed content outline in the Candidate Handbook to guide study efforts

26. WWW.cbic.org 26 Preparing for the Examination (cont) Review current infection control reference books, journals and standards. Solicit support from your local APIC or CHICA chapter. Form a study group among your peers.

27. WWW.cbic.org 27 Confidentiality of Examination Scores Both CBIC and AMP (CBIC’s testing agency) maintain complete confidentiality of individual test scores. Only summary statistics are provided at open forums and published periodically in the infection control literature.

28. WWW.cbic.org 28 Reasons for Achieving CIC® Support professional growth. Provide employers and consumers with an accepted measure of one’s mastery of basic infection control knowledge.

29. WWW.cbic.org 29 Reasons for Achieving CIC® Achieve formal recognition as an infection control professional who fulfills the requirements for certification. Enhance credibility and prestige. Receive personal satisfaction.

30. WWW.cbic.org 30 Proper Use of the CIC® Credential Only individuals who have successfully passed the certification exam and have maintained current certification, through either computerized/paper & pencil or SARE examination, may use the CIC® credential.

31. WWW.cbic.org 31 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.

32. WWW.cbic.org 32 Resources Check CBIC Web site www.cbic.org for: Application forms Candidate Handbook Background information on CBIC and the certification process Fees and exam schedules

33. WWW.cbic.org 33 Resources (cont) CBIC Executive Offices are located at: 1275 K Street NW, Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 454-2550 Fax: (202) 789-1899 Web site: www.cbic.org