Free CIC Practice Questions
Original questions with explanations
These original CIC practice questions are educational examples designed to exercise reasoning. They are not recalled exam items and do not imply access to live or confidential test content.
Question 1
A cluster of infections is suspected. What is an appropriate early epidemiologic step?
- A. Define cases consistently and verify the diagnosis
- B. Assume every illness is related
- C. Wait for annual data
- D. Discard baseline information
Answer and explanation
A. Define cases consistently and verify the diagnosis A consistent case definition and diagnostic verification are foundational to determining whether an outbreak exists.
Question 2
Which measure describes new cases occurring in a population during a period?
- A. Incidence
- B. Prevalence only
- C. Specificity
- D. Predictive value
Answer and explanation
A. Incidence Incidence measures the occurrence of new cases over a defined time in the population at risk.
Question 3
What is the primary purpose of standard precautions?
- A. Apply core infection-prevention practices to all patient care
- B. Replace transmission-based precautions
- C. Apply only to known infections
- D. Eliminate hand hygiene
Answer and explanation
A. Apply core infection-prevention practices to all patient care Standard precautions are the baseline practices used for every patient regardless of known infection status.
Question 4
A surveillance definition changes midyear. What should the infection preventionist do?
- A. Combine data without noting the change
- B. Document the change and assess its effect on comparability
- C. Delete earlier data
- D. Report only favorable months
Answer and explanation
B. Document the change and assess its effect on comparability Definition changes can alter measured rates and must be documented and considered when trends are interpreted.
Question 5
Which education strategy best evaluates competency?
- A. Attendance alone
- B. Observed performance using defined criteria
- C. Email distribution
- D. Posting a policy
Answer and explanation
B. Observed performance using defined criteria Competency assessment requires evidence that the learner can correctly perform the required behavior.
How to Review Your Results
For every missed item, name the tested concept, explain why the correct option is best, and identify the clue that rules out each distractor. Then review the corresponding official content domain.
Official Sources
- CBIC CIC examination information
- CBIC current content outline and sample questions
- CBIC exam preparation resources