Introduction

The American Board of Infection Control: The Gold Standard in Infection Prevention

(CBIC)

The American Board of Infection Control (CBIC) represents the specialized scientific body that grants the certification in infection control (CIC) internationally. This council was established to serve as the primary, accredited reference for evaluating the competency of specialists in this vital field, and its certification has become a global standard for excellence and expertise in infection prevention and control within healthcare facilities.

CBIC operates as an independent, multidisciplinary organization aimed at setting precise standards to measure the knowledge and skills of infection control professionals. The board is not affiliated with any specific professional body to ensure neutrality and objectivity in the evaluation and accreditation process. Since its inception, the council has collaborated with major scientific organizations, such as the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and its Canadian counterpart (IPAC Canada), to establish the certification's status as proof of professional competence.

The CIC certification granted by CBIC is considered the most prominent credential in the field of infection prevention. It is awarded to specialists who pass a rigorous exam covering all aspects of advanced practice in this area. This certification is highly valued by healthcare leaders and employers, with studies indicating that the vast majority prefer to hire those who hold it. Earning this credential signifies the holder's commitment to the highest standards of quality and safety in patient care.

Alongside the CIC certification for experienced specialists, CBIC offers a range of credentials that cater to various professional stages:

- The Associate – Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC) certification for newcomers to the field.

- The Long-Term Care Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) certification.

- The Advanced Leadership – Infection Prevention (AL-CIP) certification, which is based on an assessment of professional achievements and leadership experience.

The value of this certification extends beyond being a professional addition to one's resume; it represents a genuine commitment to improving patient safety and the quality of healthcare services. Holders of these certifications ensure the application of the latest evidence-based practices in their institutions, contributing to the reduction of hospital-acquired infections and fostering a safe health environment for all.

Thus, the American Board of Infection Control (CBIC) and its specialized certifications remain the compass guiding professionals toward excellence and healthcare institutions toward the highest levels of quality in infection prevention.

Description

Learning Outcomes of the American Board of Infection Control (CBIC)

The American Board of Infection Control (CIC) certification represents a global standard of excellence in the field of infection prevention. The content of this certification covers an integrated set of knowledge and skills that specialists must master. The main learning outcomes can be classified into the following areas:

First: The Field of Infectious Disease Processes

This area focuses on the scientific basis of infectious diseases, enabling the specialist to:

- Accurately distinguish between bacterial colonization, active infection, and microbial contamination

- Apply proper practices for collecting and transporting diagnostic specimens for laboratory analysis

- Interpret laboratory reports and correlate them with the patient's clinical signs

- Understand the mechanisms of action of antibiotics and participate in antimicrobial stewardship programs

Second: The Field of Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation

The specialist acquires advanced skills in tracking and analyzing infections, including:

- Designing effective systems for infection surveillance within healthcare facilities

- Collecting and analyzing epidemiologic data using appropriate statistical measures

- Calculating indicators such as infection prevalence rate, incidence rate, and attack rate

- Applying scientific investigation steps during outbreaks to identify sources and implement control measures

Third: The Field of Preventing and Controlling Infection Transmission

The specialist becomes able to apply preventive practices in the clinical environment, such as:

- Implementing standard precautions and transmission-based isolation precautions

- Ensuring the correct use of personal protective equipment and its safe disposal

- Applying principles of safe injection practices and handling of medical solutions

- Overseeing hand hygiene programs and infection control strategies related to patient care

Fourth: The Field of Employee and Occupational Health

This focuses on protecting healthcare personnel from occupational risks, and includes:

- Assessing risks of occupational exposure to infectious diseases in the work environment

- Managing exposure incidents to infectious microorganisms in coordination with employee health services

- Overseeing periodic health screening and vaccination programs for healthcare workers

Fifth: The Field of Management and Communication

The specialist develops leadership competencies enabling them to:

- Plan infection control programs and prioritize them according to the facility's needs

- Apply quality improvement and patient safety methodologies, such as problem-solving models

- Communicate effectively with medical and administrative teams and provide feedback based on data

- Write professional reports and participate in specialized committees

Sixth: The Field of Education and Research

The specialist gains the ability to transfer knowledge and contribute to scientific development by:

- Designing effective educational programs for healthcare workers and patients

- Evaluating scientific research and studies and applying evidence-based findings to improve clinical practices

- Using various strategies to transfer knowledge and change incorrect behaviors

Seventh: The Field of the Environment of Care

The specialist becomes capable of assessing environmental risks surrounding the patient, including:

- Overseeing environmental cleaning practices and disinfection techniques

- Assessing infection risks associated with healthcare facility design, construction, and renovation

- Monitoring essential elements of the care environment such as ventilation systems and water quality

Eighth: The Field of Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization

The specialist possesses in-depth knowledge of medical device reprocessing processes, including:

- Identifying appropriate practices for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing devices and equipment

- Overseeing critical steps in high-level disinfection and sterilization processes

- Assessing the reprocessing feasibility of new or complex medical products

Conclusion

Course Content