CIC® Certification Examination — Information & Free Practice
US · Examination information
200 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required
CIC® Certification Examination
- Provider
- Prometric
- Format
- Objective, multiple-choice, single-response examination
- Exam questions
- Total questions: 150; Scored questions: 135; Unscored questions: 15; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
- Time limit
- Three hours of examination time
- Passing score
- Scaled score of at least 700
Examination outline
Identification of Infectious Disease Processes (16.3%)
- Interpret diagnostic, radiologic, procedural, and laboratory reports
- Specimen collection, transportation, handling, and storage
- Correlate clinical signs, symptoms, and test results
- Differentiate colonization, infection, and pseudo infection
- Prophylactic, empiric, and therapeutic uses of antimicrobials
- Assess risk factors for infectious diseases
- Monitor local and global health threats
Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation (16.3%)
- Design of Surveillance Systems
- Collection and Compilation of Surveillance Data
- Interpretation of Surveillance Data
- Outbreak Investigation
Preventing/Controlling the Transmission of Infectious Agents (16.3%)
- Infection prevention policies and procedures
- Responses to biologic threats and disasters
- Infection prevention and control strategies
- Transmission based Precautions
- Adapt precautions to settings and patients
- Antimicrobial stewardship programs
- Emergency preparedness and management
Employee/Occupational Health (8.15%)
- Screening and immunization programs
- Counseling, follow up, and work restrictions
- Evaluate occupational health data
- Healthcare personnel transmission risk
- Alternative infection prevention options
- Occupational exposure risk
- Safe work practices
Management and Communication (10.37%)
- Planning the Infection Prevention Program
- Communication
- Quality Performance Improvement and Patient Safety
Education and Research (8.89%)
- Education
- Research
Environment of Care (10.37%)
- Environmental Safety
- Safe care environment and construction
Cleaning, Disinfection, Sterilization of Medical Devices and Equipment (13.33%)
- Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization practices by intended use
- Single use and reprocessing decisions
- Observe critical reprocessing steps
- Audit process documentation
Examination sources
- CBIC current CIC examination content outline
PDF p. 1, adoption statement and section 1
- CBIC current CIC examination content outline
PDF p. 6, section 8 and final scope item
- CBIC Candidate Handbook
PDF p. 9, CIC Certification, About
- CBIC Candidate Handbook
PDF p. 43, Scoring Details
- CBIC Candidate Handbook
PDF p. 34, Format
- CBIC Candidate Handbook
PDF p. 10, Application
- CBIC CIC examination page
About the CIC Exam, transition announcement
Related license preparation
This examination may be required or accepted as an alternative, depending on the license and application pathway.