CIC Question Bank

Pass your Certified in Infection Control (CIC) exam on the first try.

  • Study what's actually on the exam. Every question is mapped to the official CBIC CIC blueprint, written in exam-style single-best-answer format, and validated by our nursing and physician faculty.
  • Built for busy nurses with short practice sessions, a personalized day-by-day study planner, and a mobile-responsive platform that fits your schedule: On your break, your commute, or anywhere in between.
  • Walk in confident with four timed simulation exams and analytics that show exactly where you stand before exam day, and all plans are backed by our .
See Reviews

No risk. Cancel within 7 days for a full refund for any reason.

Amy Schaar — video testimonial thumbnail

“I found this platform incredibly helpful. The bookmark feature, hints during practice tests, and well-structured flashcards make studying much more effective and less stressful. It’s especially great for managing test anxiety, as it guides you to think through questions clearly. I only wish I had this when preparing for my CEN exam. I would definitely recommend it to other nurses pursuing board certifications.”

Read more
AS

Amy Schaar, RN, CEN

Trusted by healthcare professionals at top institutions like
Boston Children's Hospital
Optum
Scripps
Baylor Scott & White
Atrium Health
Providence
UR Medicine
WVU Medicine
KU Medical center
Unity point health
AuthoraCare
Lightways
Advocate Health
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Hackensack Meridian Health
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Beth Israel Lahey Health
UPMC
UNC Health
Boston Children's Hospital
Optum
Scripps
Baylor Scott & White
Atrium Health
Providence
UR Medicine
WVU Medicine
KU Medical center
Unity point health
AuthoraCare
Lightways
Advocate Health
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Hackensack Meridian Health
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Beth Israel Lahey Health
UPMC
UNC Health
Take the Next Step in Your Career Journey

Join a community of dedicated nursing professionals achieving certification and transforming patient care.

1500+
Questions in CIC Question Bank
4
CIC simulation exams that gauge exam readiness
100%
Questions follow CIC blueprint
96%
Avg pass rate for those who complete the whole course

Exam Sections Covered in BoardCerts
CIC Question Bank

Comprehensive coverage of all exam domains with detailed topic breakdowns to ensure your success.

SECTION 1

Identification of Infectious Disease Processes

  • Interpret the relevance of diagnostic, radiologic, procedural, and laboratory reports
  • Identify appropriate practices for specimen collection, transportation, handling, and storage
  • Correlate clinical signs, symptoms, and test results to identify possible infectious disease
  • Differentiate between colonization, infection, and pseudo infection (e.g., contamination)
  • Differentiate between prophylactic, empiric and therapeutic uses of antimicrobials
  • Assess risk factors for infectious diseases (e.g., travel, vaccination status, immunocompromising factors)
  • Monitor current and emerging local and global health threats (e.g., local, national, and international public health organizations)
Exam blueprint areas coveredCIC
SECTION 2

Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation

  • Design of Surveillance Systems
  • Conduct a risk assessment based on geographic location, demographics of the population served, care, treatment, services provided, analysis of infection prevention data, evidence-based guidelines, or recommendations
  • Develop goals and objectives based upon the risk assessment
  • Develop a surveillance plan based on the goals identified
  • Adopt or establish standardized surveillance definitions
  • Create a process to identify epidemiologically significant findings and notify relevant parties
  • Integrate surveillance activities across health care settings
  • Establish processes for identifying individuals with communicable diseases requiring transmission-based precautions
  • Periodically evaluate the surveillance plan for relevance and modify as needed
  • Collection and Compilation of Surveillance Data
  • Collect data using standardized definitions
  • Utilize a systematic approach for data collection and preparation
  • Calculate infection rates/ratios and incidence/prevalence
  • Interpretation of Surveillance Data
  • Validate and analyze data
  • Compare results with published data/benchmarks
  • Prepare and present findings
  • Outbreak Investigation
  • Verify outbreak existence
  • Notify stakeholders
  • Collaborate on case definitions and control measures
  • Monitor and evaluate effectiveness
Exam blueprint areas coveredCIC
SECTION 3

Preventing/Controlling the Transmission of Infectious Agents

  • Develop infection prevention policies based on law, regulations, and evidence-based guidelines
  • Collaborate with agencies for community/facility responses
  • Implement infection prevention strategies including hand hygiene, PPE usage, patient placement, and safe injection practices
  • Adapt precautions to healthcare settings
  • Collaborate on antimicrobial stewardship and emergency preparedness
  • Integrate strategies into disaster response plans
Exam blueprint areas coveredCIC
SECTION 4

Employee/Occupational Health

  • Assess and develop screening and immunization programs
  • Collaborate on follow-up for communicable diseases/exposures
  • Evaluate data on infection prevention
  • Identify healthcare personnel risks
  • Consult on alternative options (e.g., allergies to products)
  • Assess occupational exposure risks
  • Educate on safe work practices
Exam blueprint areas coveredCIC
SECTION 5

Management and Communication

  • Develop and evaluate Infection Prevention Program goals and plans
  • Recommend resources and assess cost-benefit analyses
  • Facilitate implementation of policies
  • Communicate findings to stakeholders
  • Evaluate compliance with accreditation standards
  • Engage in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
Exam blueprint areas coveredCIC
SECTION 6

Education and Research

  • Assess educational needs and prepare appropriate content
  • Provide immediate feedback on practice lapses
  • Facilitate patient and family education
  • Conduct literature reviews and critically appraise findings
  • Incorporate research findings into practice
Exam blueprint areas coveredCIC
SECTION 7

Environment of Care

  • Collaborate on safe care environment processes (e.g., HVAC management, disinfection practices)
  • Evaluate cleaning and disinfectant products
  • Monitor environmental pathogens
  • Assess infection risks during construction/renovation and establish risk mitigation measures
Exam blueprint areas coveredCIC
SECTION 8

Cleaning, Disinfection, Sterilization of Medical Devices and Equipment

  • Evaluate cleaning and sterilization practices
  • Collaborate to determine reprocessing needs
  • Audit documentation for compliance with regulatory standards
  • Observe critical steps in cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization processes
Exam blueprint areas coveredCIC
Hospitals hiring certified nurses
Mount Sinai
Massachusetts General Hospital
Hopkins Medicine
Huston Methodist
Penn Medicine
Cleveland Clinic
Cedars Sinai
Stanford Healthcare
Northwell Health
UCLA Medical Center
Rush University Medical Center
Mount Sinai
Massachusetts General Hospital
Hopkins Medicine
Huston Methodist
Penn Medicine
Cleveland Clinic
Cedars Sinai
Stanford Healthcare
Northwell Health
UCLA Medical Center
Rush University Medical Center
Access Free CIC Resources for Your Exam

Explore exclusive tools and insights tailored to help you ace the exam.

Practice questions icon

Interactive Practice Questions

Test your knowledge with free, exam-style practice questions designed to sharpen your skills.

Start Practicing CIC Questions
Course overview icon

Comprehensive Exam Information

Stay informed with detailed guidance on exam formats, eligibility criteria, and study tips.

CIC Exam Information
Saved topics bookmark icon

Resources and Preparation

Access CIC information covering essential topics and strategies to excel on the exam.

CIC Additional Resources
Join our free BoardCerts webinar
BoardCerts free webinar graphic: Why this session—understand your exam blueprint, build a focused study plan, choose reliable prep resources, and see structured study tools—with a live session preview and presenter

Learn how to pass your board certification exam. In 30 minutes we’ll cover what matters most and how to study smarter.

In this session:

  • Step-by-step 4-8 week study plan
  • High-yield topics and common pitfalls
  • Live demo of the Question Bank and Simulation Exams
  • Quick tips for test day confidence

Includes live Q&A. Can’t attend? Register and we’ll email the recording, slides, and a study checklist.

Join the 96%
Who Pass the First Time With BoardCerts

CIC Question Bank

What's included

Access to blueprint aligned practice questions (QBank)
Access to retention focused flashcards
4 timed simulation exams
Personalized study planner to manage your schedule
Ask AI for hints, explanations, and detailed solutions for every question
Detailed analytics highlighting strengths and weaknesses
Risk-free trial - Cancel within 7 days for a full refund for any reason
Recommended
30-Day CIC Q-Bank Access$99.00
Total$99.00

No risk. Cancel within 7 days for a full refund.

What nurses are saying about BoardCerts

Reviews from nurses across our community (designation and platform shown when provided).

Brian David

Brian David

NPD-BC

Prepped with BoardCertsPassed NPD-BC

"Hi, my name is Brian. I used BoardCerts to prepare for the Nursing Professional Development Board certification (or the NPD-BC exam), and I'm excited to say that I passed on my first attempt. When I started preparing, one of my biggest challenges was figuring out exactly what I needed to focus on. There are so many different topics on the NPD-BC exam, from leadership and change theories to education, evidence-based practice, and professional development, and it can feel overwhelming trying to study everything, too. And I tried several different resources while preparing, including review courses and other practice question banks, but BoardCerts really stood out, because the questions helped me apply what I was learning instead of just memorizing information. The quality rationales also guided my remediation process and ultimately helped me understand the test content on another level. I found that the question level difficulty was also comparable to the actual exam, which helped ease some of my anxiety during the test. What I enjoyed most was being able to practice questions consistently, identify areas where I needed more review, and become more comfortable with how concepts could be presented on the exam. I also loved how there were several simulation exams to help me find my knowledge gaps which helped tailor my study sessions; and by the time I took my NPD-BC, I felt much more confident walking into the testing center. BoardCerts was definitely a valuable part of my preparation and I'd recommend it to anyone getting ready for their NPD-BC exam. Thank you."

Read More from Brian David
Cherlita Gallardo

Cherlita Gallardo

PMH-BC, GERO-BC

Prepped with BoardCertsPassed PMH-BC & GERO-BC

"Hi everyone, my name is Grace, and I'm proud to say that I am now a double board-certified nurse. I passed the PMH-BC and GERO-BC. Let me tell you something: taking the PMH-BC exam was one of the hardest certification exams I've ever taken. It was definitely not easy. A friend recommended the BoardCerts app to me, so I decided to subscribe for 3 months to help me prepare for the exam. Honestly, the practice exams were challenging. The difficulty level was comparable to the actual exam, and the practice exam is almost the same as the actual exam. It is very long, but it helped me prepare for what to expect on the exam day. At first, I was disappointed because I kept getting low scores on most of the exams I took. There were moments that I doubted myself and wondered if I was ready, but I reminded myself that practice is part of the process and low scores don't define your ability to pass. I kept studying, learning from my mistakes, and pushing myself to improve, and guess what? I passed! So thanks to the BoardCerts app platform, I am finally and officially PMH-BC and GERO-BC certified. If you are a nurse preparing for your board certification, my advice is to keep going. Trust yourself and don't let your practice scores define you or discourage you from taking your exam. I am telling you, please subscribe to the Board Cert app; it will surely help you. Thank you so much, Board Cert! You are part of my success and preparation journey. Your resources helped me get ready for this challenging exam. Thank you all, bye!"

Read More from Cherlita Gallardo
Megan Viduya

Megan Viduya

CDCES

Prepped with BoardCertsPassed CDCES

"Hi, my name is Megan. I'm a registered nurse and I'm a newly minted CDCES— that's a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist— and I can thank my passing score largely in part to BoardCerts. I found them really helpful during my study journey. A lot of really cool features on their website, the first being their simulation exam. So I took one simulation exam at the very beginning to just really get a baseline of knowledge that I was comfortable with and knowledge that I wasn't. So after taking that initial exam, I then referenced the question bank within the BoardCerts platform and was able to select topics that I was not comfortable with, so that I could get more exposure to said topics and really hone in my knowledge to then pass the exam. I really liked that you could turn on either tutor mode or exam mode. I really liked the tutor mode personally because it allowed me to get real-time feedback after answering each individual question, and it was also really cool that it had AI technology looped into it as well to then break down what you answered incorrectly and how you could study that topic further. I really appreciated the study plan option that BoardCerts recommended to plan out my week and best prepare for the exam. Overall, so thankful that I used BoardCerts, and they offer a lot of information and a lot of tools to help me succeed."

Read More from Megan Viduya

Kymm Ehler

NE-BC

Prepped with BoardCertsPassed NE-BC

"As I prepared to study for the NE-BC exam, my plan had been to use the exam break down and reference list from ANCC to create my own study guide. Yes, a very lofty goal! As I sat and pondered how I was going to tackle gathering all of the information, I decided that there was probably something out there to help me prepare. I did an internet search and found BoardCerts. After investigating and reading reviews, I decided BoardCerts was the best choice for me. BoardCerts provided questions for each of the categories covered on the NE-BC exam and also practice tests that compiled random questions from each of the categories. I appreciated the structured learning plan. I also liked seeing areas where I did well, and areas where I needed to learn more. It was easy to use and I actually looked forward to studying each night. My original plan had been to study for about 5 months and take the exam month 6. With the help of BoardCert, and my structured daily study plan, I was prepared to take the exam after about 8 weeks. Walking into the exam, although a nervous wreck, I felt prepared. I walked out a nervous wreck until I got in my car, checked my email, and found a "Congratulations, you passed!" waiting for me! BoardCert was definitely part of my success. I would recommend BoardCert as a study resource when preparing to take the NE-BC."

Read More from Kymm Ehler
Sydney Petri

Sydney Petri

MSW, LICSW, APHSW-C

Prepped with BoardCertsPassed APHSW-C

"Hi there, my name is Sydney. I am now an Advanced Palliative and Hospice Care social worker certified, thanks to BoardCerts. When I started researching ways to study, the most difficult thing for me was finding example questions to see how the test was laid out. The practice tests and question banks were definitely the most helpful resources. After answering those questions, it laid out which sections and components of the exam I needed to focus on. From there, I was able to use the flashcards to really hone in on those specific competencies. I found BoardCerts by doing research, and it had a lot of really great reviews. I ended up passing my exam on my first try after about a month of studying. BoardCerts was pretty much the only resource I used, and it was extremely helpful. I would highly recommend it to anybody.<h>"

Read More from Sydney Petri

Frequently
asked questions

Your questions answered - all you need to know to prepare and pass the CIC exam.

The CIC Question Bank features carefully crafted questions with detailed explanations and references. Each question is aligned with the CIC exam blueprint, providing focused preparation and building the confidence you need to succeed.