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An infection control professional is reviewing the hospital's hand hygiene protocol. Which of the following is the MOST important component to include for preventing the spread of Clostridium difficile?

Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after patient contact.

Washing hands with soap and water after caring for a patient with C. difficile.

Wearing gloves for all patient contact.

Using a chlorhexidine-based soap for handwashing.

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CBIC CIC Exam

~75%

Est. Pass Rate

CBIC estimate

~70% (scaled)

Passing Score

Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC)

150

Exam Questions

Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC)

3 hours

Exam Duration

Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC)

$350

Exam Fee

Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC)

The Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) has 150 questions in 3 hours, requiring ~70% (scaled) to pass. The estimated pass rate is ~75%. The CIC certification validates expertise in infection prevention and control. It covers epidemiology, surveillance, outbreak investigation, hand hygiene, isolation precautions, sterilization, and healthcare-associated infection prevention.

Sample CBIC CIC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CBIC CIC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 195+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1An infection control professional is reviewing the hospital's hand hygiene protocol. Which of the following is the MOST important component to include for preventing the spread of Clostridium difficile?

A.Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after patient contact.

B.Washing hands with soap and water after caring for a patient with C. difficile.

C.Wearing gloves for all patient contact.

D.Using a chlorhexidine-based soap for handwashing.

Explanation: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against Clostridium difficile spores. Therefore, washing hands with soap and water is the most effective way to remove C. difficile spores and prevent their transmission.

2Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of an infection control surveillance program?

A.To punish healthcare workers who do not follow infection control policies.

B.To identify and track healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) to guide prevention efforts.

C.To report all infections to the public health department.

D.To reduce the cost of antibiotics used in the facility.

Explanation: The primary purpose of an infection control surveillance program is to collect, analyze, and interpret data on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) to identify trends, guide interventions, and ultimately prevent future infections.

3A patient is admitted with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. What type of transmission-based precautions should be implemented?

A.Contact precautions

B.Droplet precautions

C.Airborne precautions

D.Standard precautions

Explanation: Pulmonary tuberculosis is transmitted through airborne droplet nuclei. Therefore, airborne precautions, which include a private, negative-pressure room and the use of an N95 respirator by healthcare personnel, are required to prevent transmission.

4A healthcare worker sustains a needlestick injury from a patient who is known to be HIV positive. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?

A.Immediately go to the emergency department.

B.Wash the area with soap and water and report the exposure.

C.Squeeze the wound to express as much blood as possible.

D.Wait to see if any symptoms develop before seeking medical attention.

Explanation: The most appropriate immediate action after a needlestick injury is to wash the area with soap and water and then report the exposure to the appropriate occupational health department for evaluation and potential post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

5Which of the following is an example of a critical item that requires sterilization?

A.A blood pressure cuff

B.A stethoscope

C.A surgical instrument

D.A bedpan

Explanation: Critical items are those that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system. Surgical instruments are considered critical items and must be sterilized before use to prevent the transmission of infection.

6The chain of infection consists of six links. Which of the following is the correct order?

A.Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.

B.Reservoir, infectious agent, mode of transmission, portal of exit, portal of entry, susceptible host.

C.Susceptible host, portal of entry, mode of transmission, portal of exit, reservoir, infectious agent.

D.Portal of exit, infectious agent, reservoir, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.

Explanation: The correct order of the chain of infection is: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Breaking any link in this chain can prevent infection.

7A hospital is experiencing an outbreak of norovirus. Which of the following is the MOST effective environmental cleaning agent for this virus?

A.A quaternary ammonium compound

B.A phenolic compound

C.A solution of 10% bleach

D.An alcohol-based solution

Explanation: Norovirus is a non-enveloped virus that is resistant to many common disinfectants. A solution of 10% bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is the most effective disinfectant for inactivating norovirus on surfaces.

8What is the primary goal of an employee health program in a healthcare setting?

A.To provide free medical care to all employees.

B.To ensure that employees are physically fit to perform their jobs.

C.To prevent the transmission of infections between healthcare workers and patients.

D.To discipline employees who come to work sick.

Explanation: The primary goal of an employee health program is to protect both healthcare workers and patients from the transmission of communicable diseases. This includes providing immunizations, managing exposures, and promoting a safe work environment.

9An infection control professional is preparing to educate a group of nurses on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). What is the MOST important principle to emphasize?

A.PPE should be used for all patient interactions.

B.The type of PPE required is determined by the patient's diagnosis.

C.PPE should be donned and doffed in a specific sequence to prevent self-contamination.

D.Gloves are the only type of PPE needed for most patient care activities.

Explanation: The proper sequence for donning and doffing PPE is critical to prevent self-contamination and the spread of microorganisms. Emphasizing this sequence is essential for effective PPE use.

10A hospital is conducting a root cause analysis (RCA) of a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). What is the primary purpose of the RCA?

A.To identify the individual responsible for the infection.

B.To determine the financial impact of the infection on the hospital.

C.To identify system-level factors that contributed to the infection and prevent future occurrences.

D.To report the infection to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Explanation: A root cause analysis is a systematic process used to identify the underlying causes of a problem, in this case, a CLABSI. The primary purpose is to identify system-level factors that can be addressed to prevent similar events from happening in the future.

About the CBIC CIC Exam

The CIC certification validates expertise in infection prevention and control. It covers epidemiology, surveillance, outbreak investigation, hand hygiene, isolation precautions, sterilization, and healthcare-associated infection prevention.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

~70% (scaled)

Exam Fee

$350 (Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC))

CBIC CIC Exam Content Outline

25%

Clinical Knowledge & Assessment

Core knowledge, patient assessment, diagnostic interpretation, and clinical reasoning

25%

Patient Care & Procedures

Treatment protocols, procedural skills, pharmacology, and evidence-based interventions

20%

Safety & Compliance

Patient safety, infection control, regulatory standards, and quality assurance

15%

Professional Practice

Ethics, scope of practice, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration

15%

Specialized Topics

Domain-specific advanced topics, emerging practices, and population-specific considerations

How to Pass the CBIC CIC Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: ~70% (scaled)
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 3 hours
Exam fee: $350

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CBIC CIC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on the highest-weighted content areas first — they represent the most exam questions

2Complete at least 200 practice questions and review explanations for every missed item

3Study in focused 1-2 hour blocks with active recall and spaced repetition

4Review clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice standards relevant to this credential

5Take at least two full-length timed practice exams before your scheduled test date

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CBIC CIC exam passing score?

The Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) requires a score of ~70% (scaled) to pass. The exam has 150 questions in 3 hours. The estimated pass rate is ~75%.

How hard is the CBIC CIC exam?

The Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) is considered moderately challenging with an estimated pass rate of ~75%. Candidates with clinical experience and structured study plans typically perform well. Plan for 60-120 hours of dedicated study.

How long should I study for the CBIC CIC?

Most candidates study for 6-12 weeks, investing 60-120 hours. Focus on content areas with the highest exam weight, complete practice questions, and review explanations for missed items.

What is the CBIC CIC exam fee?

The exam fee is $350. The exam is administered by Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). Check the official website for the most current pricing and scheduling information.