LTC-CIP (CBIC) - Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention

The Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) is offered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC). This certification is designed for healthcare professionals, especially those working in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living communities. This certification focuses on infection prevention and control practices specific to long-term care settings, emphasizing reducing infection risks among a vulnerable population.

Completion Time: 3.5 hours

Cost: $430

The LTC-CIP exam includes 150 multiple-choice questions (15 unscored) covering infection control principles, common infections in long-term care, outbreak management, and regulatory compliance.

For the LTC-CIP Examination, a pass/fail decision is based on a candidate's total test scaled score. To pass the exam, a candidate must achieve a minimum scaled score of 700. Scaled scores are determined by converting the number of correctly answered questions to a scaled score ranging from 300 to 900.

Certification Process

Gain relevant experience in infection prevention in a long-term care setting.

Complete any necessary education or training programs focusing on infection control in long-term care.

Apply for the certification through a recognized certifying body.

Meet the eligibility criteria and pass the certification examination, if required.

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• Experience in infection prevention, especially in long-term care settings. This can include roles such as infection preventionists, nurses, or other healthcare professionals.

• Knowledge of long-term care regulations and guidelines related to infection control.

• Completion of training or educational programs in infection prevention and control.

• Passing a certification examination in infection prevention for long-term care, if offered by the certifying organization.

The LTC-CIP certification must be renewed every 5 years either by submitting a continuing education portfolio or by retaking the certification exam. Credentials expire on December 31 of the 5th year, and the cost for either renewal pathway is $430.

Continuing Education Portfolio

To renew through continuing education, certificants must earn 40 Infection Prevention Units (IPUs) and submit them online by October 31 of the renewal year. Submissions made between November 1–30 incur a 25% late fee. After November 30, the only way to maintain certification is to complete the full proctored exam by December 31.

Recertification by Examination

As an alternative, professionals may renew by examination. This involves retaking the same LTC-CIP certification exam required for initial certification.

When submitting a portfolio for renewal, candidates must demonstrate that their activities cover at least 7 out of 9 knowledge areas outlined in the LTC-CIP exam framework. These domains include:

1. Long-term care environments

2. Leadership and communication within infection prevention programs

3. Recognition of infectious diseases

4. Surveillance and epidemiology practices

5. Infection and communicable disease prevention and control

6. Environmental safety in care facilities

7. Proper cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of medical devices and equipment

8. Antimicrobial stewardship initiatives

9. Employee and occupational health

In addition, candidates must complete at least 5 infection prevention units (IPUs) specifically focused on long-term care during each five-year certification cycle. Candidates can find more details in the candidate handbook.

Candidate Handbook

For specific information regarding Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention, including eligibility criteria, examination details, and renewal processes, consulting directly with professional organizations or certifying bodies specializing in infection prevention in healthcare, particularly those focusing on long-term care is recommended. These organizations provide resources, training, and certification standards for healthcare professionals dedicated to infection prevention in long-term care settings.

Career Opportunities

Professionals with the LTC-CIP certification work in long-term care facilities, overseeing and implementing infection control programs, training staff, and ensuring compliance with health regulations.

They play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of residents by preventing and controlling infections.

The CBIC also offers the following certifications:

• Certified in Infection Control (CIC)

• Associate – Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC)