APIC MN Conference

September 19, 2013

CIC Preparation

Cami Rossiter MT (ASCP), CIC

Essentia Health East Region

Objectives
Explain the value of CIC certification
List resources available for CIC certification
Plan your CIC certification steps

CIC Certification Importance

Demonstrates competency
Shows professionalism
Commitment for continual improvement

Assessment Tools
Moving the Profession Forward,
Prevention Strategist, summer 2012
Self-Assessment to Advance IP
Competency, Prevention strategist,
summer 2013
Includes a self assessment and professional
development plan

First steps

CIC website
Handbook
FAQs
Apply

www.cbic.org

Requirements
Must meet all of the following
1. Infection prevention and control is one of your primary roles /
responsibilities in your current position; i.e. you are actively involved in
infection prevention and control activities and/or management, and are
accountable for these in your current position;
AND
2. You are a licensed or certified healthcare professional (including, but not
limited to, registered nurse, licensed / registered practical nurse [LPN,
RPN], nurse practitioner, physician, medical technologist, respiratory
therapist) with current registration/certification in good standing with
the appropriate licensing board /certification/ governing body (e.g.
state/provincial medical licensure; state/provincial nursing association
or board, etc.), OR have a minimum of a baccalaureate (Bachelors)
degree;
AND

Requirements
Must meet all of the following (Continued)
3. You are currently working in a healthcare setting;
AND
4. You have had sufficient experience in infection prevention and control, which must
include active roles in a, b, and c below:
a. Collection, analysis and interpretation of infection prevention outcome data;
AND
b. Investigation and surveillance of suspected outbreaks of infection;
AND
c. At least 3 of the following additional activities:

Planning, implementation and evaluation of infection prevention and control

measures;

Education of individuals about infection prevention and control;

Development and revision of infection prevention and control policies and

procedures;

Management of infection prevention and control activities;

Consultation on infection prevention and control risk assessment, and

prevention and
control strategies.

Covering the Cost of Certification

CBT - New/Re-applicant Candidate $350
CBT - Recertification Candidate $325
SARE- Recertification Candidate $325

Your Facility
APIC Scholarship
Yourself

CIC exam format

Categories (# of questions)
Identification of Infectious Disease Processes (18)
Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation (38)
Preventing/Controlling the Transmission of
Infectious Agents (39)
Employee/Occupational Health (10)
Management and Communication (Leadership) (16)
Education and Research (14)

3 hours of Questions

150 questions
Includes 15 pretest questions
Multiple choice
Cognitive Levels I, II, and III
Choose best answer

http://www.sodahead
.com

Passing Score
Based on 135 questions
The method used to set the minimum
passing score is the Angoff method
Content experts have evaluated each exam
question to determine how many correct
answers are necessary to demonstrate
knowledge and skills required to pass.

Primary References
APIC Text of Infection Control and Epidemiology, 3rd ed,
2009 including on-line version 2010
The Infection Preventionists Guide to the Lab, 2012
Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 19th ed, 2008
Ready Reference for Microbes, 3rd ed, 2012

Secondary References
Current Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP)
Current guidelines, standards, and recommendations from
CDC, APIC, SHEA
Red Book, 29th ed., 2012

Know Your Best Learning Style

Study time!
Study guide
$59

APIC text
APIC Competency Review
course
$295

EPI 101 and EPI 102

CBIC practice examination
70 question online
$50

Suggestions for studying

Testimonial APIC webinars

Study groups
Use the APIC self assessment
Go through the study guide
Read APIC text
Time off of work

Lets get started..

Make your Plan

When do you want to be certified by?

Study in a week/months?
Do you want to study by yourself?
Do you want to study in a group?

Your Timeline

Plan study groups

Who wants to be a part of a study group

Where to meet or by web
How often weekly/biweekly/monthly
Leader?
Study plan

Recognition!

Hard work and

determination = SUCCESS

Ready for some fun!!!

IP Knowledge Bowl
Each table has a buzzer person
3 Questions in each category of study guide
Table with highest score WINS

100

200

300

100

200

300

100

200

300

Identification of
Infectious Disease
Processes

Surveillance and
Epidemiologic
Investigation

Preventing/Controlling
the Transmission of
Infectious Agents

Employee/Occupational
Health

Management and
Communication

Education and Research

100

200

300

100

200

300

100

200

300