Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a foundational element of effective public health practice, especially as communities continue to face emerging infectious disease threats and evolving public health emergencies. Local health departments (LHDs) are on the frontlines of IPC efforts; however, many face challenges in equipping staff with the specialized skills needed to support specific healthcare settings.
To help close this gap, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) launched a scholarship program that supports local public health professionals in earning the Certification in Infection Control (CIC®). This initiative not only builds individual expertise but also strengthens the overall capacity of LHDs to respond to complex IPC needs.
Why Certification Matters
The CIC® examination, offered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc., is the recognized standard for assessing the core knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of IPC professionals. Between 2023 and 2024, NACCHO funded 275 local health departments—covering exam fees, study materials, and professional development for their staff to help build a more resilient and knowledgeable public health workforce.
What the Survey Tells Us
To evaluate the impact of this investment, NACCHO conducted surveys of all LHD staff CIC scholarship recipients. In 2023, 275 responses were collected from the 164 awarded health departments. In 2024, 68 of the 105 participants, representing a 65% response rate completed the survey. The findings strongly demonstrated how certification increases individual competency, professional credibility, and the ability of LHDs to collaborate effectively with healthcare partners. It also ensures public health professionals are equipped with up-to-date IPC practices and strategies.
Certified staff reported:
Greater confidence in their IPC expertise
Improved communication within their teams
Enhanced ability to create and implement policies for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
View the 2023 Certification in Infection Control Assessment Survey Findings Infographic to explore these outcomes in more detail.
Suggested Resources for Exam Preparation
The following resources were identified as most useful by survey participants.
Structured Guides:
APIC 6th Edition: Certification Study Guide
APIC Text
APIC Online Course (ideal for asynchronous, modular learning)
Multimedia Resources:
Kern Rivers CIC Review (YouTube)
Luz’s APIC Text Walkthroughs (YouTube)
Flashcards and general memorization videos (e.g., for microbiology concepts)
Collaborative Learning:
Study groups, both in-person and virtual
Peer-created content
Involvement in local or state-led cohorts
Concurrent microbiology coursework (when available)
Peer Support and Study Communities
LHDs that offered paid study time, financial assistance, and access to materials saw stronger outcomes among staff. Leadership is encouraged to institutionalize this support and create a culture that values certification and career advancement.
A great starting point is NACCHO’s CIC Community on the Virtual Communities platform. This peer-driven network helps local health department staff:
Share study tips and resources
Ask questions about the CIC and a-IPC exams
Collaborate with colleagues preparing for certification
Tips from CIC Scholarship Participants
Based on NACCHO’s survey data, here are the most helpful tips for exam takers:
Dedicate consistent study time, most respondents emphasized: “study, study, study!”
Coordinate with your employer to study during work hours, when possible
Plan ahead: Once you register, you must take the exam within 3 months
Build a study plan before registering, and allow at least 6 months of prep time
Use a variety of materials, including flashcards, videos, and practice tests
Form or join a study group, cohorts help boost motivation and understanding
Expect a focus on hospital IPC, which may be different from typical LHD work
Seek external resources: consider webinars, shadowing hospital IPC staff, or joining state study groups
Stay confident and apply concepts to real-world scenarios
While preparation takes time and dedication, participants overwhelmingly agreed: certification is worth the effort. It strengthens individual careers and empowers local health departments to build more effective, responsive IPC programs.
Explore Further
To learn more about the research behind CIC and its impact on the public health workforce, read NACCHO’s article in the July 2025 issue of the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice (JPHMP) here.
