The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) aims to provide our certificants with a straightforward path to recertification. Below, I will address common questions that can help clarify the recertification process for the CIC certification.
- How can I re-certify for my CIC certification?
Certificants can currently recertify either via examination or continuing education. Continuing education, known as Infection Prevention Unites (IPUs), can be earned through various activities, please refer to CBIC’s IPU Criteria Chart. Qualifying activities may be eligible for IPUs if they took place within five years of the recertification deadline.
- How do I take the CIC recertification examination?
Certificants can apply for the recertification examination in their recertifying year. You are not required to submit any supporting documentation to take the examination. The recertification examination is open-book and untimed, however it must be taken independently.
- Until what year will the CIC recertification by examination be offered?
Effective January 1, 2026, the open-book untimed recertification examination will no longer be offered. Recertification will be obtainable through IPUs or by retaking the initial CIC® proctored examination
- What is the cost to recertify?
The fee to recertify via examination or via IPUs will cost $410 USD.
- If I purchase the recertification exam, and no longer want to recertify via exam but want to recertify via IPUs, can I switch?
No, you cannot switch the method of recertification. Once you have purchased the recertification exam and your recertification application has been approved, CBIC cannot cancel or issue a refund for the recertification exam as access was given to view the recertification exam. This also applies to candidates that apply for recertification via IPUs and want to switch to recertification via exam.
- What is the deadline to purchase the CIC recertification examination?
To maintain current certification, the internet-based recertification examination must be purchased by November 30 and completed by 11:59 pm Greenwich Mean Time (6:59 pm EST) on December 31 of the CIC®s recertifying year.
- What is the deadline to submit my Portfolio for the CIC recertification via IPUs?
Candidates recertifying via IPUs have a submission deadline of October 31.
- Can I get an extension to the IPU portfolio deadline?
The recertification portfolio must be submitted by October 31 of the recertification year. If the portfolio is not submitted by October 31, the candidate has until November 30 to submit the portfolio with an added late fee of 25% of the recertification fee. The only method to obtain recertification for candidates who miss the November 30 deadlines are to purchase and complete the initial proctored examination by December 31.
- What is needed to recertify through IPUs?
CBIC requires 40 IPUs and 6 out of 8 domains covered to be eligible to submit your IPU portfolio. You will need to provide supporting documentation for each IPU activity entry. We recommend reviewing the following: IPU Criteria Chart, IPU Manual, and Navigating your IPU portfolio blog .
- How do I submit my IPU portfolio?
Sign into your Profile: https://secure.cbic.org/imiscbic/cbic/profile/ Click on “My IPUs” on the top navigation panel. This header will only appear if you are actively certified.
- Click “Add New IPU” to enter credits.
- Click “Pay Now” when you are ready to submit your credits in the final year of your certification.
- Click the “Submit my Application for Review” button once you see the three green check marks at the bottom of your portfolio.
- Is revision and resubmission allowed when I submit my IPU portfolio?
Revisions to your original portfolio will be allowed and you will have the chance to resubmit it for further review if it is not approved initially. You will receive an email notification for revision requests along with information on what activities were not accepted and why. Instructions on how to update your portfolio will be included in that communication. If you do not respond to the resubmission request, your portfolio will not be accepted, and you will need to recertify using the proctored in-person examination. There is a limit of TWO revisions and resubmissions. If after the second and final revision your portfolio is not approved, you must recertify by taking the proctored CIC® examination to maintain your CIC® status.
Some helpful tips we recommend when preparing for recertification:
- Apply early for your recertification exam
- Review and become familiar with the IPU Criteria Chart and IPU Manual
- Add IPUs as you earn them if recertifying via continuing education
- Ensure that you are uploading supporting documentation with your IPUs
- Submit your IPU portfolio early to allow plenty of time for any revisions if necessary
Please reach out to CBIC with any questions via email: info@cbic.org