The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has released the fifth edition of the Certification Study Guide to assist candidates preparing for the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC®) exam.
Rewritten by a team of infection prevention experts, this guide features 630 practice questions that review the six content areas identified by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC®). For the first time the study guide includes three practice tests to simulate the test experience.
“The newest edition of the Certification Study Guide includes rationales explaining the correct answers with appropriate references,” says lead author Carol McLay, DrPH, MPH, RN, CIC. “Infection preventionists now have the opportunity to learn the reasoning behind each answer and use the references to find additional information.”
In addition to the new features of the study guide, this edition also includes helpful test-taking tips and chapter-by-chapter guidance for studying with the APIC Text and other resources.
Awarded by CBIC, the CIC® credential identifies healthcare professionals who have shown mastery in knowledge of infection prevention and control by sitting for and passing the certification exam. Certification in infection prevention and control (CIC®) is the centerpiece of a new competency model developed by APIC to advance the profession.
“The CIC® credential shows a commitment to best practices in infection prevention and control and improved patient care and signals to your employer and colleagues that you are committed to your professional growth,” says McLay. “Obtaining and maintaining certification is one of the most important contributions you can make to the advancement of the field.”
Source: APIC
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.