100+ Free a-IPC Practice Questions
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Key Facts: a-IPC Exam
100
Exam Questions
CBIC
2 hours
Exam Time
CBIC
~$300
Exam Fee
CBIC 2026
Entry-level
Certification Level
CBIC (vs advanced CIC)
WHO 5
Hand Hygiene Moments
WHO/CDC guidelines
3 types
Transmission-Based Precautions
CDC/HICPAC
The a-IPC exam has 100 questions with a 2-hour time limit and costs approximately $300. It is the entry-level credential from CBIC, designed for professionals new to infection prevention. The exam covers the chain of infection, surveillance methods, outbreak investigation, Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions, hand hygiene, Spaulding classification, and antimicrobial stewardship basics. The advanced CIC certification requires more experience.
About the a-IPC Exam
The a-IPC exam is the entry-level infection prevention and control certification offered by CBIC. It validates foundational knowledge in infection prevention including identification of infectious disease processes, surveillance and epidemiologic investigation, preventing and controlling transmission, hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection, isolation precautions, and antimicrobial stewardship. The a-IPC is designed for professionals new to the infection prevention field.
Assessment
100 multiple-choice questions (scored and pretest items)
Time Limit
2 hours
Passing Score
Scaled passing score (criterion-referenced)
Exam Fee
~$300 (CBIC (Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology))
a-IPC Exam Content Outline
Infection Prevention and Standard Precautions
Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions, PPE, safe injection practices, bloodborne pathogen prevention, CLABSI/CAUTI bundles, and SSI prevention
Surveillance and Epidemiology
Surveillance methods, NHSN reporting, incidence/prevalence calculations, device-associated rates, SIR benchmarking, and data analysis
Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization
Spaulding classification, high-level disinfection, sterilization monitoring, terminal cleaning, contact time, and equipment reprocessing
Outbreak Investigation
Outbreak detection, case definitions, epidemic curves, line listings, case-control studies, and control measure implementation
Hand Hygiene and Antimicrobial Stewardship
WHO 5 Moments, compliance monitoring, ABHR vs soap and water, antibiogram use, de-escalation, IV-to-oral conversion, and resistance prevention
How to Pass the a-IPC Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled passing score (criterion-referenced)
- Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions (scored and pretest items)
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Exam fee: ~$300
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
a-IPC Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the a-IPC certification?
The a-IPC (Associate Infection Prevention and Control) is an entry-level certification offered by CBIC for professionals who are new to infection prevention or beginning their career in the field. It validates foundational knowledge of infection prevention principles, surveillance, and control measures. The a-IPC complements the more advanced CIC (Certification in Infection Prevention and Control) credential.
How does a-IPC differ from the CIC certification?
The a-IPC is the entry-level credential designed for professionals new to infection prevention, with 100 questions and a 2-hour time limit. The CIC is the advanced certification with 130 questions and a 3-hour time limit that requires deeper knowledge and experience. The a-IPC covers foundational concepts while the CIC tests advanced application, program management, and research capabilities.
What are the eligibility requirements for a-IPC?
The a-IPC has fewer prerequisites than the CIC, making it accessible to professionals entering the infection prevention field. Candidates should have a basic understanding of infection prevention concepts. CBIC encourages candidates to review the official content outline and candidate handbook before applying. Specific eligibility requirements are detailed on the CBIC website.
How many questions are on the a-IPC exam?
The a-IPC exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, including scored items and pretest (unscored) questions. You have 2 hours to complete the exam. The exam is administered via computer-based testing at PSI testing centers or through remote proctoring.
What topics are covered on the a-IPC exam?
The a-IPC exam covers infection prevention fundamentals including the chain of infection, Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions, hand hygiene, surveillance methods, epidemiological concepts, outbreak investigation, cleaning/disinfection/sterilization (Spaulding classification), antimicrobial stewardship basics, and regulatory requirements for infection prevention programs.
How much does the a-IPC exam cost?
The a-IPC exam costs approximately $300. The exact fee may vary by registration period. This is lower than the CIC exam fee ($410), reflecting its entry-level positioning. Check the CBIC website for current pricing and registration deadlines.
Can I pursue CIC after passing a-IPC?
Yes, the a-IPC is designed as a stepping stone toward the CIC certification. After gaining more infection prevention experience and developing advanced competencies, a-IPC holders can pursue the CIC. The a-IPC demonstrates foundational knowledge while the CIC validates advanced practice capability.