Introduction

If you’re preparing for the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) exam, two of the biggest questions on your mind are probably:

• “How much does the CIC exam cost?”
  
• “What exactly are the steps to register?”
  

The good news?
The CIC registration process is straightforward once you understand the sequence, the fees involved, and the timing.
The better news?
This guide walks you through everything step-by-step — from creating your account to scheduling your exam date.

In this detailed breakdown, you’ll learn:

• CIC exam fees
  
• Application costs
  
• Renewal fees
  
• Rescheduling/cancellation rules
  
• Step-by-step instructions for registering
  
• How the eligibility process works
  
• What documents you need
  
• How long approval takes
  
• Where the test is administered
  
• How to schedule your test day
  
• What to expect after registration
  
• What to do if you’re denied eligibility
  
  

You’ll finish with a complete, confident understanding of both the costs and the registration workflow, so you can move forward with no confusion.

👉 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. How Much Does the CIC Exam Cost?

The CIC has a few different costs depending on whether you’re:

• Taking your initial certification
  
• Retaking the exam
  
• Renewing your certification later
  

Here is the full breakdown:

A. CIC Initial Certification Fee

✔️ $410 USD total

This is the most common fee and applies to first-time CIC candidates.

It includes:

• Application fee
  
• Exam fee
  
• Administrative processing
  
  

This is the fee you’ll pay once your application is approved and you’re ready to schedule your exam.

 

B. CIC Retake Fee

✔️ $410 USD

Yes — retakes cost the same as the initial attempt.

There is no discount for repeat test takers.
There is also no limit to how many times you can retake the CIC, although you must wait 90 days between attempts.

C. CIC Renewal (Recertification) Fee

Once you pass the CIC, you’ll need to renew every 5 years.

There are two renewal pathways:

1. Computer-Based Recertification Exam:

✔️ ~$410 USD

2. Continuing Education (CIC-Recert) Pathway:

✔️ ~$340 USD
This allows you to renew without retesting if you complete approved CE hours.

(Internal link prompt: “Use the CIC Study Guide to understand what happens after certification, including CE requirements.”)

D. Other Potential Costs

Depending on your situation, you may also encounter:

✔️ Rescheduling fee

Some testing centers charge $25–$50 depending on notice time.

✔️ Cancellation fee

Refunds are not always available. Some cancellations convert your application fee into a voucher.

✔️ Travel or parking (if testing in person)

✔️ International testing fees

If applicable; varies by region.

 

2. What Does the CIC Exam Fee NOT Include?

The $410 fee does NOT include:

• Study materials
  
• Review courses
  
• Practice exams
  
• Textbooks
  
• Travel or accommodation
  
• Continuing education hours for future renewal
  
  

Exam fees are strictly for CBIC exam administration.

3. Step-by-Step CIC Registration Process

Now that you know the cost, let’s walk through exactly how to sign up.
There are eight main steps, and all are mandatory.

Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility Requirements

CBIC requires ALL candidates to have:

✔️ At least one year of full-time IPC experience

or

✔️ 1,800 hours of part-time IPC experience within the last 3 years

Your experience must include core infection prevention activities like:

• Surveillance
  
• Epidemiology
  
• Data analysis
  
• Outbreak response
  
• Policy development
  
• Staff education
  
• Sterilization oversight
  
• Environmental safety involvement
  
  

If you do not meet these requirements, your application will be denied.

Step 2 — Create Your CBIC Online Account

Go to:

www.cbic.org

Click:

“Apply for Certification”

You’ll be prompted to:

• Create an account
  
• Provide contact information
  
• Enter employment history
  
• Specify IPC roles and responsibilities
  
  

This account becomes your home base for logging application status and scheduling information.

Step 3 — Gather Required Documentation

CBIC requires proof of your IPC experience.

You must submit:

✔️ Employment verification

Your supervisor must confirm your IPC experience.

✔️ Job responsibilities summary

You’ll outline the IPC duties you perform regularly.

✔️ Resume or CV

Demonstrating relevant experience.

✔️ Additional documents (if requested)

If your role is nontraditional, CBIC may ask for more detail.

Step 4 — Submit Your CIC Application

This includes:

• Uploading your documents
  
• Completing your biography and work history
  
• Answering qualification questions
  
• Paying the application fee (part of the $410 total)
  
  

Once you submit:

✔️ Your application enters review

✔️ CBIC may request clarifications

✔️ Approval typically takes 10–14 business days

Delays occur if:

• Your supervisor doesn’t respond quickly
  
• Your job duties aren’t clear
  
• Your experience doesn’t match IPC expectations
  
  

Step 5 — Watch for Approval Email

If approved, you’ll receive an email containing:

• Your authorization to test (ATT)
  
• Your eligibility window
  
• Instructions for scheduling your exam
  
• Confirmation of your exam fee application
  
• This email is very important — save it.

Step 6 — Schedule Your Exam Through Prometric

The CIC exam is administered exclusively through:

Prometric Testing Centers

Testing options:

✔️ In-person at a Prometric center

✔️ Remote proctored testing (if available)

Once you receive your ATT letter, go to:

www.prometric.com/cbic

There, you can:

• Choose date
  
• Choose time
  
• Choose location
  
• Confirm your appointment
  
  

You must schedule the exam within your eligibility window, which is usually:

✔️ 90 days

(or occasionally 120 days depending on approval timing)

Step 7 — Prepare for Test Day Requirements

Prometric requires:

• Valid ID
  
• No electronic devices
  
• No study materials
  
• Arrival 30 minutes early
  
• Signature and ID verification
  
• Locker storage for personal items
  
• Adherence to security protocols
  
  

Remote proctoring requires:

• Webcam
  
• Quiet test room
  
• Stable internet
  
• Secure browser download
  
• Full room scan

Step 8 — Take the CIC Exam

Once you sit down at the computer:

• You’ll complete a brief tutorial
  
• You’ll proceed through all 150 questions
  
• You’ll receive confirmation of submission
  
• Results will not appear immediately
  

Official results are sent via email within:

✔️ 3–5 business days

Some candidates receive them sooner.

 

4. Can You Reschedule the CIC Exam?

Yes, but rules apply.

Prometric’s standard policies:

✔️ More than 30 days before exam:

Free to reschedule.

✔️ 5–29 days before exam:

A rescheduling fee may apply.

✔️ Less than 5 days before:

Rescheduling may not be allowed.

✔️ Missed exam:

You may lose your exam fee and must reapply.

Always confirm the rules for your testing center.

 

5. How Long Does It Take to Get Your CIC Results?

Most candidates receive their results within:

✔️ 72 hours to 5 business days

Your score report includes:

• Scaled score
  
• Pass/fail result
  
• Domain performance indicators
  
• You will NOT see raw scores or percentages.

 

6. What If Your Application Is Denied?

If CBIC denies your application:

• You will be told why
  
• You may need to provide additional documentation
  
• You may be asked to clarify your job duties
  
• You may reapply once issues are resolved
  
  

Typical denial reasons:

• Insufficient IPC experience
  
• Unclear job responsibilities
  
• Missing documentation
  
• Administrative errors
  
• Supervisor verification not completed
  

Denied candidates are not permanently barred — you can reapply once corrected.

 

7. What If You Fail the CIC Exam?

If your score is below 700:

✔️ You must wait 90 days before reapplying

✔️ You must pay the full fee again

✔️ You must submit a new application

✔️ Your domain feedback will help guide remediation

Most candidates pass on their second attempt with structured study.

 

8. Total Estimated Cost of Becoming CIC-Certified

Here is the realistic breakdown for most candidates:

A typical candidate’s total investment:

$500–$800 depending on study tools and personal expenses.

 

👉 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

Understanding the cost and registration process for the CIC exam helps eliminate stress and uncertainty so you can focus on what matters most — preparing effectively and walking into test day with full confidence.

Now you know:

• The CIC exam costs $410
  
• Retakes cost the same
  
• Renewal costs vary by pathway
  
• Eligibility requires one year of IPC experience
  
• The application takes 10–14 business days
  
• Scheduling is done through Prometric
  
• Your eligibility window is typically 90 days
  
• You can reschedule, but fees may apply
  
• Results arrive within 3–5 business days
  
  

You’re taking a major step toward becoming a certified Infection Preventionist — a role that protects communities, healthcare workers, and patients every single day. Keep going. You’re building expertise that matters.