Introduction

Once your CIC application is approved, the next big step is scheduling your exam. This part of the certification journey becomes much easier when you know exactly how to navigate the scheduling system, when you’re eligible to test, how long your authorization is valid, and where you can take your exam — either at a physical test center or online through remote proctoring.

This guide breaks down every step of the CIC scheduling process so you feel confident, organized, and prepared:

• How to schedule your CIC exam
  
• When you’re allowed to take it
  
• How long your eligibility lasts
  
• How to reschedule or cancel
  
• The difference between in-person and remote testing
  
• What to expect before, during, and after scheduling
  
• How to choose the best test center
  
• How fast seats fill up
  
• What you need on test day
  

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to secure a test date without stress — and how to avoid the most common scheduling mistakes that delay candidates unnecessarily.

👉 Take a breath and let’s go through this step by step. Check out our Certified in Infection Control (CIC) 2024 Exam Practice Questions — designed to strengthen your understanding of infection prevention principles, surveillance, risk assessment, program management, and outbreak control. Every question comes with a clear, straightforward rationale so you can understand the reasoning behind each answer and build steady confidence as you prepare. You’re doing great, and you’re getting closer every day.

1. You Must First Be Approved by CBIC Before Scheduling

You cannot schedule the CIC exam until CBIC reviews and approves your application.

Once approved, you’ll receive:

• An official Authorization to Test (ATT) email
  
• An eligibility window (typically 90 days)
  
• Instructions to schedule with Prometric
  
• Your candidate ID
  
• The next steps for selecting your exam date
  

Keep this email safe — you will need the ATT number for scheduling.

2. Your Eligibility Window: How Long You Have to Schedule the CIC

Most candidates receive a 90-day window to schedule and take the CIC exam.

Some candidates receive a slightly longer window (e.g., 120 days), depending on the application cycle, but 90 days is the standard.

Your eligibility window begins on the date your application is approved — NOT when you schedule your test.

Example:

• Application approved: January 10
  
• Eligibility window: 90 days
  
• Deadline to take exam: April 10
  

If you fail to schedule and take your exam within this window:

✔️ Your ATT expires

✔️ You must reapply

✔️ You must repay the full exam fee

✔️ You must wait for reapproval

So it's important to act early.

3. How to Schedule the CIC Exam Through Prometric

The CIC exam is administered by Prometric, a global testing network.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1 — Go to the Prometric CBIC page

Visit:

www.prometric.com/cbic

Step 2 — Click “Schedule”

This opens the appointment calendar.

Step 3 — Enter your Authorization Number

This number is found in your ATT email from CBIC.

Step 4 — Select your test format

You will be asked whether you want:
✔️ In-person testing at a Prometric center
or
✔️ Remote proctored testing from home

(We break down the differences later.)

Step 5 — Choose your location (if in-person)

You can search by:

• ZIP code
  
• City
  
• Country
  
• Distance radius
  

Prometric will show available test centers near you.

Step 6 — Choose your date and time

Most centers offer:

• Morning sessions
  
• Midday sessions
  
• Afternoon sessions
  

Seats fill quickly in the last month of your eligibility window — schedule early.

Step 7 — Confirm your appointment

Prometric will display:

• Date
  
• Time
  
• Location
  
• Duration
  
• Check-in instructions
  

You must click CONFIRM for the booking to finalize.

Step 8 — Check your email for confirmation

Prometric will send:

• Appointment confirmation
  
• Test day instructions
  
• Check-in rules
  
• Policies for rescheduling or cancelling
  

Always keep this email.
You will need it on test day.

4. Should You Choose In-Person or Remote Proctoring?

Prometric offers two testing methods:

Option 1 — In-Person Testing

✔️ Most stable

✔️ Fewer technical issues

✔️ Secure environmen

Best for candidates who:

• Are uncomfortable with tech troubleshooting
  
• Have an unstable or noisy home environment
  
• Want a distraction-free environment
  
• Prefer a more traditional test setting
  

Option 2 — Remote Proctored Testing (OnVUE or similar)

Allows you to test:

• From home
  
• From a private office
  
• From any quiet space with stable internet
  

You must have:

• A webcam
  
• A quiet room
  
• No interruptions
  
• A stable, fast internet connection
  
• A clear desk
  
• A compatible computer
  
• ID for check-in
  

Remote testing is best for:

• People far from a test center
  
• People with time restrictions
  
• People who prefer comfort of home
  
• However, be aware:

Technical issues can invalidate your test.
Your exam could freeze or disconnect.
If disqualified, you may need to repay the fee.

Remote testing is convenient but higher risk.

5. When Are CIC Test Dates Available?

CIC testing is available year-round.

There are:

• No blackout periods
  
• No limited exam windows
  
• No seasonal testing cycles
  

Prometric operates on a continuous schedule, meaning you can test any time during your eligibility window, depending on seat availability.

6. How Fast Do CIC Test Dates Fill Up?

This depends heavily on location.

Busy cities fill up fast:

• New York
  
• Chicago
  
• Los Angeles
  
• Dallas
  
• Houston
  
• Miami
  
• Washington, D.C.
  

Remote areas may have fewer overall seats

but less competition for them.

Worst-case scenario:

If you wait until the last month of your eligibility window, you may not find a seat on your preferred day.

To avoid issues:

✔️ Schedule within the first 2 weeks of your window.

7. What Happens if You Need to Reschedule the CIC?

Prometric allows rescheduling — with conditions.

✔️ More than 30 days before exam

Reschedule for free.

✔️ Between 5–29 days before

Rescheduling fee may apply.

✔️ Less than 5 days

Rescheduling may not be allowed.
You may have to repay the full fee.

This applies to both in-person and remote testing.

8. What Happens if You Miss Your Exam?

If you don’t show up:

• You forfeit your exam fee
  
• You cannot reschedule
  
• You cannot get a refund
  
• You must reapply and repay $410
  

If you’re extremely sick or there’s an emergency:

Prometric may request documentation.
Approval is not guaranteed.

Always reschedule rather than risk a no-show.

9. What to Bring on Test Day (In-Person Testing)

Prometric testing centers require:

✔️ One valid government-issued ID

• Driver’s license
  
• Passport
  
• Military ID
  

ID must have:

• Name
  
• Signature
  
• Photo
  
• Expiration date
  

✔️ Appointment confirmation

Printed or digital.

✔️ No electronic devices

Phones, smartwatches, tablets must go into a locker.

✔️ No study materials

Books, papers, notes, flashcards are forbidden.

✔️ Arrive early

Arrive 30 minutes before your test time.

You’ll go through:

• Check-in
  
• Photo capture
  
• Palm-vein or signature scan
  
• Locker assignment
  

10. What to Expect on Test Day (Remote Testing)

If testing remotely, you must:

✔️ Download the secure browser software beforehand

✔️ Run the system test

✔️ Show a full 360-degree room scan

✔️ Have a clean workspace

✔️ Remove distractions

✔️ Keep your webcam on at all times

✔️ Not leave your seat

✔️ Not talk aloud

If the proctor suspects cheating or breaks in protocol, you may be removed from the exam.

11. How to Choose the Best Test Center

When picking a Prometric center, consider:

✔️ Distance

Choose a location that minimizes travel stress.

✔️ Reviews

Some locations are quieter or more efficient.

✔️ Parking availability

Important if testing in a busy urban area.

✔️ Morning vs. afternoon sessions

Morning sessions reduce anxiety for many candidates.

✔️ Personal preference

Some prefer test centers in office parks over inside malls.

12. What Happens After Scheduling?

After you schedule, you should:

✔️ Add the exam to your calendar

✔️ Set reminders

✔️ Begin structured review based on your test date

✔️ Do domain-focused study

✔️ Complete at least 1–2 full simulation tests

✔️ Practice epidemiology calculations

✔️ Review NHSN definitions

✔️ Familiarize yourself with APIC, CDC, and OSHA guidelines

13. How Long Before Scheduling Should You Start Studying?

Ideal preparation time is:

✔️ 6–8 weeks for most candidates

✔️ 8–12 weeks if you are new to infection prevention

✔️ 4–6 weeks if you already work in IPC full time

✔️ 3–4 weeks only if you’re retaking and narrowly missed passing

If you start studying after scheduling, make sure your test date gives you enough time.

Many candidates select a test date 6–10 weeks ahead.

14. The Best Time of Day to Take the CIC Exam

Research and candidate feedback suggest:

✔️ Morning exams are best

Your mind is fresh, and you avoid waiting all day with anxiety.

Choose a time that fits your natural energy:

• If you’re alert early → Morning session
  
• If you need time to wake up → Midday
  
• If you think best later → Afternoon
  

Avoid scheduling late in the day if you have a long commute — delays can add stress.

15. What If All Test Centers Are Full?

If no seats are available:

✔️ Expand your radius

Try nearby cities.

✔️ Try remote proctoring

Seats are sometimes more available.

✔️ Check back daily

Prometric updates constantly.

✔️ Contact Prometric support

They may locate hidden openings.

✔️ Reschedule your personal calendar

Avoid last-minute scheduling during your final 2 weeks of eligibility.

👉 Take a breath and let’s go through this step by step. Check out our Certified in Infection Control (CIC) 2024 Exam Practice Questions — designed to strengthen your understanding of infection prevention principles, surveillance, risk assessment, program management, and outbreak control. Every question comes with a clear, straightforward rationale so you can understand the reasoning behind each answer and build steady confidence as you prepare. You’re doing great, and you’re getting closer every day.

Final Thoughts

Scheduling the CIC exam becomes simple once you understand how the eligibility window works, how to use the Prometric scheduling system, and how to choose between in-person and remote testing.

Now you know:

• You must receive CBIC approval before scheduling
  
• You typically have 90 days to test
  
• Prometric handles all scheduling
  
• You can take the exam in person or remotely
  
• Morning sessions are often best
  
• Seats fill fast — schedule early
  
• Rescheduling fees depend on timing
  
• No-shows lose the test fee
  
• You need valid ID and a distraction-free environment
  
• Remote testing requires a secure and stable setup
  

You’re now fully prepared to schedule your CIC exam with confidence and clarity.
Every step brings you closer to certification — and you’re doing an amazing job staying committed to this journey.

You’ve got this.