CIC Study Plan: 10-Week Schedule
Week-by-week preparation for the CIC exam
Use this flexible 10-week plan to cover the major CIC content areas, practice retrieval, and reserve time for targeted remediation. Adjust the pace to your experience and official testing date.
Weeks 1–2: Identification of infectious disease processes
Review the corresponding content outline, take concise notes, complete practice questions, and maintain an error log. Revisit missed concepts before moving forward.
Weeks 3–4: Surveillance and epidemiologic investigation
Review the corresponding content outline, take concise notes, complete practice questions, and maintain an error log. Revisit missed concepts before moving forward.
Weeks 5–6: Preventing and controlling transmission
Review the corresponding content outline, take concise notes, complete practice questions, and maintain an error log. Revisit missed concepts before moving forward.
Weeks 7–8: Employee and occupational health and Management and communication and Education and research and Environment of care and Cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and antimicrobial stewardship
Review the corresponding content outline, take concise notes, complete practice questions, and maintain an error log. Revisit missed concepts before moving forward.
Weeks 9–10: Comprehensive review and timed practice
Review the corresponding content outline, take concise notes, complete practice questions, and maintain an error log. Revisit missed concepts before moving forward.
Tips
- Use the current official exam content outline as your master checklist
- Schedule short, consistent study blocks
- Practice application and clinical judgment, not memorization alone
- Complete at least one timed mixed-domain practice session
- Confirm current exam policies with the certifying organization
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the CIC certification?
The CIC credential is administered by Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). Candidates should always confirm current eligibility, fees, testing windows, and policies with the certifying organization.
Who is this study guide for?
This guide is written for infection prevention and control professionals who meet CBIC eligibility requirements and are preparing for initial CIC certification.
How should I use the practice questions?
Use them diagnostically: identify weak domains, review the underlying concept, and revisit missed questions until you can explain why each answer choice is correct or incorrect.