Introduction

If you’ve been researching the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC), you may have come across information that the CIC exam includes Part 1 (Knowledge) and Part 2 (Skills). And if you’re new to the exam structure or if your organization recently transitioned to the updated competency model, it’s natural to wonder:

• What exactly is the difference between Part 1 and Part 2?
  
• Do all candidates need to take both?
  
• How do the two parts measure competency?
  
• Are the testing formats the same?
  
• How should you study differently for each part?
  

This long-form guide breaks down everything you need to know about the two-part CIC pathway, how each section works, what each part evaluates, what the testing experience looks like, and how to prepare strategically for top performance.

By the end, you’ll understand how the dual-exam structure supports the CBIC mission: ensuring Infection Preventionists (IPs) demonstrate both knowledge AND applied professional skills, aligned with modern practice.

👉 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. Why the CIC Exam Includes Two Distinct Parts

The field of infection prevention has evolved drastically:

• New pathogens emerge
  
• Public health responsibilities expand
  
• Data analytics expectations increase
  
• Sterile processing knowledge grows more complex
  
• Surveillance systems become more sophisticated
  

Because of this evolution, CBIC strengthened the exam structure to measure:

✔️ Knowledge (Part 1)

AND

✔️ Applied Skills & Competency (Part 2)

This two-part system helps ensure that certified professionals are not just knowledgeable — but capable of performing the real-world skills necessary to keep healthcare environments safe.

2. CIC Part 1: Knowledge — What It Tests

CIC Part 1 assesses core infection prevention knowledge, including:

Domains covered:

• Infectious disease processes
  
• Microbiology principles
  
• Epidemiology
  
• Transmission dynamics
  
• Surveillance systems
  
• Outbreak detection
  
• Isolation and precautions
  
• Sterilization and disinfection
  
• Environmental safety
  
• Occupational health
  
• Regulatory and accreditation requirements
  
• Policy development
  
• Education and training principles
  

Part 1 Format:

• 150 questions
  
• 135 scored + 15 unscored
  
• Multiple-choice, single correct answer
  
• 3 hours to complete
  
• Computer-based testing
  
• Non-adaptive
  
• Delivered via Prometric
  

Part 1 is a classic knowledge-based exam — think of it as ensuring you understand the content of infection prevention.

3. CIC Part 2: Skills — What It Tests

CIC Part 2 evaluates your ability to apply infection prevention skills in real-world scenarios.

While Part 1 measures knowledge, Part 2 measures competency.

Skills assessed may include:

• Conducting surveillance
  
• Identifying trends and anomalies
  
• Analyzing infection rates
  
• Using epidemiologic tools
  
• Conducting outbreak investigations
  
• Reviewing environmental exposure risks
  
• Evaluating sterilization process failures
  
• Reading ventilation reports
  
• Reviewing water management risk factors
  
• Assessing compliance gaps
  
• Responding to occupational exposures
  
• Creating program recommendations based on data
  

In other words, Part 2 is about thinking like a practicing Infection Preventionist.

Part 2 Format Typically Includes:

• 100–120 scenario-based questions
  
• Performance-based tasks
  
• Data tables
  
• Exhibit reviews
  
• Case studies
  
• Multi-step reasoning
  
• Interpretation of reports and documentation
  
• Real-world decision-making
  

The Skills exam simulates practical dilemmas an Infection Preventionist faces daily — the same challenges that impact patient safety.

4. Key Differences Between Part 1 and Part 2

Here’s a breakdown of how the two exams compare:

Understanding this difference helps you tailor your study plan effectively.

5. Do All Candidates Need to Take Both CIC Part 1 and Part 2?

Yes — under the updated CBIC certification model, candidates must complete BOTH parts before becoming fully certified.

However, the order can depend on:

• Candidate preference
  
• Availability
  
• Scheduling
  
• Institution policies
  

Most candidates take Part 1 first, then Part 2.
 Some schools or employers require both within a particular time frame.

6. How the Two Parts Work Together

Think of the exam like a two-step verification of your abilities:

STEP 1 — Demonstrate Core Knowledge

Part 1 ensures you understand the principles, guidelines, regulations, and scientific foundations of infection prevention.

STEP 2 — Demonstrate Practical Competency

Part 2 ensures you can apply that knowledge:

• Interpret data
  
• Investigate outbreaks
  
• Identify risks
  
• Make recommendations
  
• Analyze environmental failures
  

Together, the two exams validate that you are:

✔️ Knowledgeable
✔️ Competent
✔️ Safe
✔️ Prepared for real-world practice

This two-part approach makes the CIC a highly respected credential.

7. What Part 1 Questions Look Like

Here’s what you can expect from Part 1:

Typical Structure:

• Direct knowledge checks
  
• Concept-based questions
  
• Guideline recall
  
• Epidemiology statistics
  
• Microbiology principles
  
• Regulatory requirements
  
• Definitions and classifications
  
• Matching best practices to scenarios
  

Example:

Which of the following represents the correct definition of the incubation period?

Part 1 items are generally “clean” in structure — one question, four choices, one correct answer.

8. What Part 2 Questions Look Like

Part 2 questions may involve:

✔️ Multiple exhibits

✔️ Data charts

✔️ Line listings

✔️ Outbreak diagrams

✔️ Surveillance summaries

✔️ Compliance reports

✔️ Environmental risk factors

✔️ Staff rosters

✔️ Sterilization logs

Example Structure:

You are presented with:

• A CLABSI rate chart
  
• Device-days table
  
• Line listing for affected patients
  

Then asked:

• Identify trends
  
• Determine root cause
  
• Select interventions
  
• Recommend next steps
  

This part simulates practical IP decision-making.

9. Which Exam Is Harder — Part 1 or Part 2?

Most candidates say Part 2 is harder, but it depends on your background.

Part 1 is harder for candidates who:

• Don’t have strong guideline knowledge
  
• Aren’t familiar with regulatory bodies
  
• Struggle with epidemiology formulas
  
• Don’t know transmission-based precautions well
  

Part 2 is harder for candidates who:

• Have limited outbreak investigation experience
  
• Don’t feel comfortable with NHSN data
  
• Struggle to interpret trend analysis
  
• Aren’t used to real-world IPC documentation
  
• Have little exposure to sterilization logs or water management
  

Part 2 requires strong critical thinking — it feels more like being on the job.

10. How to Study for CIC Part 1

The best strategy:

1. Review all eight CIC domains
   
2. Memorize key guidelines (CDC, OSHA, SHEA, APIC)
   
3. Practice epidemiology calculations
   
4. Learn sterilization parameters
   
5. Understand standard and transmission-based precautions
   
6. Study outbreak definitions
   
7. Review regulatory standards

11. How to Study for CIC Part 2

Part 2 requires hands-on competency training, not just memorization.

Best ways to prepare:

1. Do scenario-based practice
   
2. Analyze infection rate trends
   
3. Solve practice outbreak cases
   
4. Review NHSN rules
   
5. Learn common environmental hazards
   
6. Interpret water and HVAC reports
   
7. Work through sterilization cycle failures
   
8. Practice line listings and flow charts
   

12. Do You Need to Pass Part 1 Before Taking Part 2?

Not always — but it’s strongly recommended.

Most candidates follow this order:

1. Study for Part 1 (Knowledge)
   
2. Take Part 1
   
3. Study for Part 2 (Skills)
   
4. Take Part 2
   

Why?
Because Part 1 builds the foundation for Part 2.

However, some institutions or employer pathways may allow overlapping preparation.

13. What Happens If You Pass One Part but Not the Other?

You must pass both to earn the CIC credential.

If you fail one part:

• You keep the passing credit for the part you passed
  
• You retake only the part you failed
  
• You must wait 90 days before retaking
  
• Fees apply to each part independently
  

You do not need to start over unless your eligibility window expires.

14. How Long Do You Have to Complete Both Parts?

Typically:

✔️ 12 months after your application is approved

Your eligibility window may vary slightly depending on CBIC processing cycles.

If you do not complete both parts within your window:

• Your progress resets
  
• You must reapply
  
• You must repay exam fees
  
• You must retest from the beginning
  

Avoid delays if possible.

15. Which Part Should You Take First?

Most candidates start with Part 1 (Knowledge).
This is the recommended order because:

• It builds the foundation
  
• The content is easier to learn systematically
  
• It prepares you for the reasoning needed in Part 2
  

However, choose based on your strengths:

If you’re strong in real-world practice → Start with Part 2

If you’re strong academically → Start with Part 1

Your comfort level matters.

👉 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 difference between CIC Part 1 and Part 2 helps you prepare strategically — and confidently.

Now you know:

• Part 1 tests knowledge
  
• Part 2 tests applied skills and competency
  
• Both exams are required for certification
  
• Both measure different aspects of infection prevention practice
  
• Part 1 is multiple-choice
  
• Part 2 is scenario-based
  
• Part 1 builds foundation
  
• Part 2 measures real-world readiness
  
• You must pass both within your eligibility window
  
• Each part benefits from different study strategies
  

You’re moving closer to earning one of the most respected credentials in healthcare. Stay steady, stay focused — and believe in the expertise you’re building every day.