Infection Control (HACP-IC)
About the HACP-IC Certification
The HACP-IC certification demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of regulations and industry standards of care addressing infection prevention and control in hospitals. Content addresses CMS requirements under the conditions of participation, environmental controls, sterilization and disinfection, sterile compounding, management of communicable diseases, surveillance requirements, influx of infectious patients, and much more!
This certification is ideal for healthcare professionals whose roles involve accreditation readiness, regulatory compliance, and organizational quality.
Candidate Handbook
The Candidate Handbook provides detailed information about the HACP examination, including examination rules, scoring, administration policies, and recertification requirements. Candidates are encouraged to review the handbook to confirm current expectations and reference it as needed throughout the examination process.
| HACP 2026 Applicant Handbook (pdf) |
Examination Content Overview
The HACP examination consists of 120 multiple‑choice questions. Content is reviewed annually and updated as standards and regulations change. Exams are issued each January. If regulations change mid‑year, answers remain based on the standards in effect at the time the examination was issued.
Examination Content Breakdown
The HACP examination addresses key Infection Control topics for hospitals. The specific content and distribution of questions for the examination appears below:
| No. | Topic | Number of Questions | # | Approximate Percent of Examination Total | % Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01. | Role & Function of Regulatory and Associated Agencies | 2 | 2% | ||
| 02. | Infection Preventionist | 1 | 1% | ||
| 03. | Infection Prevention & Control Program | 3 | 3% | ||
| 04. | Basic Principles of Infection Prevention & Control | 19 | 15% | ||
| 05. | Tuberculosis Control Program | 4 | 3% | ||
| 06. | Surveillance & Data Management | 8 | 7% | ||
| 07. | Disinfection & Sterilization | 15 | 12% | ||
| 08. | Operating & Procedural Areas | 12 | 10% | ||
| 09. | Sterile Compounding Preparations | 13 | 11% | ||
| 10. | Healthcare-Associated Infections | 6 | 5% | ||
| 11. | Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms | 8 | 7% | ||
| 12. | Antibiotic Stewardship | 8 | 7% | ||
| 13. | Key Infectious Diseases | 11 | 9% | ||
| 14. | Influx of Infectious Patients | 5 | 4% | ||
| 15. | Preventing Infections in Hemodialysis Units | 1 | 1% | ||
| 16. | Environmental Considerations for Infection Prevention | 4 | 3% |
Preparing for the HACP exam?
View Examination Preparation ResourcesHow the Examination Is Administered
The HACP examination is delivered online, allowing candidates to test at their convenience from home or work. CIHQ partners with Exam Builder, a leading provider of secure, web‑based certification exams.
Sample Examination Questions
Review the sample questions below. Click “Show Answer” to reveal the correct response.
1. Which of the following statements regarding equipment storage practices is false?
- Equipment needs to be stored in a manner to prevent potential contamination and ready for next patient use.
- Clean equipment should be stored in a clean utility room.
- Dirty equipment should be stored in a dirty utility room.
- Both clean and dirty equipment can be stored in the same utility room.
- All of the above
2. For which of the following organisms is use of an alcohol-based hand rub not recommended?
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)
- Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Enterococci
- Clostridium difficile
- Both A & B
3. A method of surveillance focusing on certain locations, procedures, devices, and/or infections is known as:
- House-wide surveillance
- Incremental surveillance
- Targeted surveillance
- Priority surveillance
- None of the above
Continuing your HACP journey? Working toward recertification?
View Recertification Requirements