CAIP Candidate Handbook

ABOUT CAIP®

The Certified Ambulatory Infection Preventionist (CAIP) credential is the first certification developed specifically for infection preventionists working in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry. Administered by the Board of Ambulatory Surgery Certification (BASC), a nonprofit organization, the CAIP certification recognizes individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and expertise needed to support effective infection prevention practices in the ASC setting. To earn the credential, candidates must meet established eligibility requirements and achieve a passing score on an examination designed to assess the infection prevention knowledge considered essential for this specialized role.

The CAIP certification is valid for three years, provided the certificant pays the required certification fee and submits the appropriate continuing education documentation. After passing the CAIP examination and earning certification, certificants are expected to remain current with developments in infection prevention and control. This ongoing professional development is achieved through infection prevention educational programs that award continuing education.

Candidate Handbook

This Candidate Handbook provides the information needed to apply for the CAIP examination, including eligibility requirements, examination policies, the CAIP Examination Content Outline, and the requirements for maintaining certification. Candidates and certificants should use this handbook as an ongoing reference throughout the application, examination, and certification maintenance process.

Statement of Nondiscrimination

BASC does not discriminate against any individual or candidate based on age, sexual orientation, color, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, race, language, medical condition, or disability. All candidates are evaluated solely on their ability to meet the eligibility and certification criteria established by the BASC Board and published in the candidate materials. BASC complies with all applicable federal and state laws governing certification and requires its vendors and contractors to adhere to the BASC nondiscrimination policy.

EXAMINATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible to take the CAIP examination, applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements before applying.

Licensure. Applicants must be licensed healthcare professionals with responsibility for the ASC’s infection prevention program.

Experience. Applicants must have experience in infection prevention or oversight of infection prevention activities, as outlined in their job description.

OR

Alternatively, applicants may meet this requirement by holding the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC®) credential.

Infection Prevention Education. Applicants must have completed at least ten contact hours of infection prevention education within the previous two years.

EXAMINATION OVERVIEW

Examination Format and Content Development

The CAIP examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and is administered in a computer-based format at an approved testing location. Candidates have three hours to complete the examination.

The examination is based on the CAIP Examination Content Outline as described in Appendix A . This document was developed by qualified subject-matter experts and testing professionals through a national role delineation and job analysis study. As part of the study, infection preventionists in the ASC industry were surveyed to identify tasks that knowledgeable ASC infection preventionists routinely perform and consider important.

Examination Fee

The CAIP examination fee is $385 and may be paid by credit card using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Cash and checks are not accepted. All fees must be submitted with the application to BASC by the application deadline.

EXAMINATION DATES AND APPLICATION DEADLINES

Examination dates and application deadlines are available on the CAIP website. To apply, candidates must submit the electronic application and appropriate fee to BASC by the published application deadline. Paper applications are not accepted, and incomplete applications will not be processed. The CAIP Examination application is made available on the CAIP online portal  once the application window opens.

EXAMINATION APPLICATION

Application Submission Process  

The electronic application is available on the CAIP online portal . Applicants must create an account to begin the application process. The email address and password used to create the account will be used throughout the application process.

The following materials must be submitted with the CAIP electronic application:

1. A copy of state license verification, with the license valid at the time of application submission.
2. An infection preventionist job description, or a job description signed by the applicant that documents experience in infection prevention or oversight of infection prevention activities;
    OR
   proof of holding the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) credential, which must be valid at the time of application submission.
3. Documentation of at least ten contact hours in infection prevention education completed within the previous two years.
4. One letter of reference from the applicant’s direct supervisor. The letter must be signed, dated, and printed on the signer’s letterhead. If the applicant is self-employed, the letter of reference must be provided by the administrator of an ASC in which the candidate works and performs infection prevention duties.
5. A legible photocopy of the applicant’s government-issued photo identification.
6. The examination fee.

BASC may deny any application that fails to meet the established eligibility requirements. Applicants whose applications are denied may appeal the decision in accordance with the appeal procedures described in this handbook.

Receipt of Application

BASC will email applicants an acknowledgment confirming receipt of the electronic application. Applicants should allow at least two weeks after the application deadline before contacting BASC regarding the status of their application.

Refunds

Examination fees are nonrefundable, except for applicants who are deemed ineligible to sit for the examination. Requests for a refund for any other reason must be submitted in writing to BASC within 30 days after the examination date and must include the reason for the request. Refund determinations are made at BASC’s sole discretion.

EXAMINATION LOGISTICS AND SCHEDULING

Testing Agency

PSI Services is the professional testing agency contracted by BASC to support the development, administration, scoring, score reporting, and analysis of the CAIP examination. PSI is a leader in the testing industry, providing certification, licensing, talent assessment, and academic assessment solutions worldwide.

Computer Examination Administration

The CAIP examination is delivered by computer at approximately 300 PSI test centers located throughout the United States. Computer-based examinations are administered by appointment only, Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments may be available based on test center availability. Appointment start times vary by location, and available dates will be displayed during the scheduling process. Candidates are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Test Center Locations

PSI test centers are selected to provide accessibility for candidates in all states and major metropolitan areas. A current listing of PSI test centers, including addresses and driving directions, is available through PSI . Specific address information will be provided when the candidate schedules an examination appointment.

Scheduling an Examination

The CAIP examination is offered at PSI test centers throughout the United States. After a candidate applies and is approved by BASC to sit for the examination, PSI will provide information about scheduling the examination appointment. Candidates may schedule their examination using one of the following methods:

1. Online scheduling. Candidates may schedule online through PSI by selecting “Find Your Test” and following the step-by-step instructions to register for the examination.
2. Telephone scheduling. Candidates may schedule an examination appointment by calling PSI at 855-579-4641.

When scheduling an examination appointment, candidates should be prepared to confirm the preferred testing location, date, and time. Candidates will also be asked to provide the unique identification number issued by PSI. PSI will notify candidates of the time to report to the test center and, if an email address has been provided, will send an email confirmation notice.

Special Arrangements for Candidates with Disabilities

PSI complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and strives to ensure that no individual is denied the opportunity to take the examination solely because of a disability. Under the ADA, an individual with a disability is defined as a person who has physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a history or record of such an impairment, or is perceived by others as having such an impairment.

PSI provides reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities. Candidates requesting special accommodation may contact PSI at 800-367-1565, ext. 6750 or submit the request in writing to schedule their examination.

1. Wheelchair access is available at all established test centers. Candidates must notify PSI at the time of scheduling if wheelchair access is needed.
2. Candidates with visual, sensory, physical, or learning disabilities that would prevent them from taking the examination under standard conditions may request special accommodation and arrangements.

Verification of the disability and a statement describing the specific type of assistance needed must be submitted in writing to PSI at least 45 calendar days before the desired examination date by completing the Request for Special Examination Accommodations form included in this handbook. PSI will review the submitted documentation and contact the candidate regarding the accommodation decision.

Rescheduling an Examination

Candidates may reschedule their examination appointment one time at no charge by calling PSI at 855-579-4641 at least two business days before the scheduled appointment.

Missed Appointment and Forfeiture

Candidates will forfeit their examination registration and all fees paid under the circumstances listed below. To reapply for the examination, candidates must submit a new, complete application and examination fee.

• The candidate wishes to reschedule an examination but fails to contact PSI at least two business days before the scheduled testing session.
• The candidate wishes to reschedule a second time.
• The candidate arrives more than 15 minutes late for the examination.
• The candidate fails to report for the scheduled examination appointment.

Inclement Weather, Power Failure or Emergency

In the event of inclement weather or an unforeseen emergency on the day of an examination, PSI will determine whether circumstances warrant cancellation and subsequent rescheduling of the examination. The examination will generally not be rescheduled if test center personnel are able to open the test center.

Candidates may check PSI for test center closure information  before the examination. Every effort is made to administer examinations as scheduled; however, if an examination is canceled at a test center, all scheduled candidates will be notified after the examination regarding rescheduling or reapplication procedures.

If power to a test center is temporarily interrupted during examination administration, the examination will be restarted. Responses submitted to the point of interruption will remain intact.

EXAMINATION PREPARATION

Practice Examination

An online CAIP Practice Examination is available. BASC developed the 60-question practice examination to include questions from each of the five major content areas. The practice examination may be purchased through the CAIP online portal . Candidates who wish to purchase the practice examination and apply for the CAIP examination at the same time may do so for a bundled fee. Candidates do not need to create an account to purchase the practice exam.

After the application and payment have been accepted and processed, the candidate will receive an email from PSI with instructions for accessing the CAIP Practice Examination. Candidates have 45 days to access and complete the practice examination online. While the practice examination is active, candidates may change their answers as often as they choose; however, once the practice examination is submitted, answers cannot be changed. Upon completion of the practice examination, candidates will receive statistics indicating the number of correct answers in each of the five content areas.

Examination Content

The CAIP Detailed Content Outline, included as Appendix A , describes the topics covered on the examination and may be used to guide examination preparation. The examination content is directly linked to a job analysis that identifies the activities performed by infection preventionists working in ASCs. Each examination item is linked to the CAIP Detailed Content Outline and is categorized by the level of complexity, or cognitive level, a candidate is likely to use when responding.

• Recall: Requires the ability to recall or recognize specific information.
• Application: Requires the ability to comprehend, relate, or apply knowledge to new or changing situations.
• Analysis: Requires the ability to analyze and synthesize information, determine solutions, and evaluate the usefulness of a solution.

The examination is based on five major content areas:

1. Infection Prevention Program Development, Implementation, and Maintenance
2. Infection Prevention Education and Training
3. Surveillance, Data Collection, and Analysis
4. Infection Prevention Strategies
5. Instrument and Equipment Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization

Each content area is described by the list of tasks that follows the corresponding content heading in the CAIP Detailed Content Outline. In addition, the outline indicates the number of examination questions devoted to each major and minor content area.

Study Materials

Various examination study materials are available to support candidate preparation and are organized according to the examination content areas. Candidates are encouraged to review the available materials and select resources that correspond to their knowledge, professional experience, and individual preparation needs.

Note: The use of recommended study resources may assist candidates in preparing for the examination; however, such use does not guarantee a passing score.

DAY OF EXAMINATION PROCEDURES

Taking the Examination

The CAIP examination is administered by computer at a PSI test center. Candidates do not need prior computer experience or typing skills to take the computer-based examination. On the day of the examination appointment, candidates must report to the test center no later than the scheduled testing time. Candidates who arrive more than 15 minutes after the scheduled testing time will not be admitted.

Identification

To gain admission to the test center, candidates must present two forms of identification. The primary form of identification must be government issued, current, and include the candidate’s name, signature, and photograph. Temporary identification will not be accepted. Candidates will also be required to sign a roster for identity verification.

• Examples of valid primary identification include a driver’s license with photograph, state identification card with photograph, passport, or military identification card with photograph.
• The secondary form of identification must display the candidate’s name and signature for signature verification, such as a credit card with signature, Social Security card with signature, or employment or student identification card with signature.
• If the name on the candidate’s registration differs from the name on the candidate’s identification, the candidate must bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order.

Candidates must present proper identification to gain admission to the test center. Failure to provide appropriate identification at the time of the examination is considered a missed appointment, and examination fees will not be refunded.

Security

PSI administration and security standards are designed to ensure that all candidates have the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. For security purposes, the test center is continuously monitored by audio and video surveillance equipment. The following security procedures apply during the examination:

• Examination materials are proprietary. Cameras, notes, tape recorders, pagers, cellular or smart phones, and other electronic devices are not permitted in the testing room. Possession of a cellular or smart phone or other electronic device is strictly prohibited and will result in dismissal from the examination.
• Only silent, non-programmable calculators without alpha keys or printing capabilities are permitted in the testing room.
• Guests, visitors, and family members are not permitted in the testing room or reception areas.

Personal Belongings

Candidates should not bring personal items, valuables, or weapons to the test center. Only wallets and keys are permitted. Large coats and jackets must be left outside the testing room. Candidates will be provided a soft locker to store their wallet and/or keys while in the testing room. The proctor will lock the soft locker before the candidate enters the testing room, and the candidate will not have access to these items until the examination is completed.

The following items are not permitted in the testing room unless securely locked in the soft locker:

• Watches
• Hats
• Wallets
• Keys

After placing personal belongings in the soft locker, candidates will be asked to empty their pockets to confirm that they are empty. Candidates who bring personal items that do not fit in the soft locker will not be permitted to test. The test center will not store or be responsible for candidates’ personal belongings.

If any personal item is observed or heard in the testing room after the examination has started, including a cellular or smart phone or alarm, the candidate will be dismissed, and the examination administration will be forfeited.

Examination Restrictions

• Pencils will be provided during check-in.
• Candidates will be provided with one piece of scratch paper at a time to use during the examination, unless otherwise noted on the sign-in roster for a particular candidate. Scratch paper must be returned to the proctor at the completion of testing.
• No documents or notes of any kind may be removed from the test center.
• Candidates may not ask questions concerning examination content during the examination.
• Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted in the test center.
• No scheduled breaks are provided. Candidates may take a break when needed; however, additional time will not be provided to make up for time lost during breaks.

Misconduct

Candidates who engage in misconduct during the examination may be dismissed, may have their scores withheld, and will not receive a refund of examination fees. Examples of misconduct include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Creating a disturbance, being abusive, or otherwise being uncooperative.
• Displaying or using electronic communication devices, including pagers, cellular phones, or smart phones.
• Talking or participating in conversation with other examination candidates.
• Giving or receiving assistance or being suspected of doing so.
• Leaving the test center during administration of the examination.
• Attempting to record examination questions or make notes.
• Attempting to take the examination for another individual.
• Being observed with personal belongings.
• Being observed with unauthorized notes, books, or other aids not listed on the roster.

Copyrighted Examination Questions

All examination questions are copyrighted. Federal copyright law prohibits candidates from copying, reproducing, recording, distributing, or displaying examination questions by any means, in whole or in part. Violations may subject candidates to severe civil and criminal penalties.

Computer Login

After the candidate’s identification has been confirmed, the candidate will be directed to a testing carrel and instructed on-screen to enter the identification number. The candidate’s photograph, taken before the examination begins, will remain on-screen throughout the examination session.

Examination Practice Session

Before beginning the examination, candidates will have the opportunity to complete a computer-based practice session. The practice session consists of five questions that are not related to the examination and is intended to familiarize candidates with the testing software. Time spent in the practice session does not count toward the examination time or score. When candidates are comfortable with the computer testing process, they may exit the practice session and begin the timed examination.

Timed Examination

Following the practice session, candidates will begin the timed examination. The examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have three hours to complete it. Before the timed examination begins, instructions for taking the examination will be provided on-screen.

The computer monitors the time spent on the examination and will terminate the examination if the allowed time is exceeded. Candidates may monitor the remaining time by selecting the “Time” box in the lower menu bar on the screen. A digital clock will display the time remaining to complete the examination. The “Time” feature may be turned off during the examination.

Only one examination question is presented at a time, and the question number appears in the lower-right corner of the screen. Answer choices are identified as A, B, C, or D. Candidates may select an answer by typing the letter in the response box in the lower-left portion of the screen or by clicking the answer option with the mouse. To change an answer, candidates may enter a different letter in the response box or select a different option with the mouse. Answers may be changed as often as needed within the examination time limit.

To move to the next question, candidates should select the forward arrow (>) in the lower-right portion of the screen. This moves candidates forward through the examination one question at a time. To review previous questions, candidates may select the backward arrow (<) or use the left arrow key to move backward through the examination.

Candidates may leave a question unanswered and return to it later during the examination session. Questions may also be bookmarked for later review by selecting the blank square to the right of the “Time” button.

To identify unanswered or bookmarked questions, candidates may select the double arrows (>>). When the examination is completed, the number of answered questions will be reported. If any questions remain unanswered and time is still available, candidates may return to the examination and answer those questions. Candidates should provide an answer for each examination question before exiting the examination. There is no penalty for guessing.

Candidate Comments

During the examination, candidates may submit comments for any question by selecting the “Comment” button to the left of the “Time” button. This will open a dialog box where comments may be entered. Comments will be reviewed; however, individual responses will not be provided.

Post Examination Survey

Candidates will also have the opportunity to complete a post-examination survey regarding their testing experience.

AFTER THE EXAMINATION

Notification of Results

After the examination, candidates will see a pass/fail result on the screen. A score report will also be emailed to the candidate at the email address on file.

Confidentiality

Individual examination scores are released in writing only to the individual candidate. Questions concerning examination results should be submitted to BASC in writing. All information related to the examination, including application materials and examination scores, is confidential and will not be released unless authorized by the candidate or required by law.

Appeals Process

BASC provides an appeal process for challenging denial of admission to the examination, denial of eligibility, denial of certification or recertification, or the imposition of sanctions. The individual is responsible for initiating the appeal process by submitting a written request to BASC within 30 days and identifying the circumstances that are the basis for the appeal.

Requests for Hand Scoring

Candidates who do not pass the examination may request manual verification of the computer scoring. Candidates may contact PSI Candidate Services at 855-579-4641 for information about requesting a hand score. Requests for hand scoring must be submitted to PSI with the $25 hand-scoring fee within 60 days from the date of notification of examination results.

Re-Examination Opportunities

Candidates who do not pass the CAIP examination may retake the examination one time during the next testing period and will be charged a retake fee of $192.50. Candidates who do not pass the second examination attempt must wait one year before becoming eligible to take the CAIP examination again. The full examination fee applies to the third and all subsequent examination attempts.

MAINTAINING THE CERTIFICATION

Recognition of Certification

Candidates who achieve a passing score on the CAIP examination will be awarded the CAIP certification, including the right to use the designation “CAIP” after their name. Specific procedures regarding use of the CAIP designation will be provided to successful candidates and are available through BASC.

Recertification Process

The CAIP certification is valid for three years, provided the certificant pays the required annual certification fee and submits the appropriate continuing education documentation.

Certification Fees

Certification fees are paid once every three years, rather than annually, beginning with each new three-year certification cycle.

Certificants who are already in the middle of a three-year cycle will continue paying annually until their next three-year certification period begins. After that, fees will be due once every three years .

Payments will continue to be made through the CAIP online recertification system between October 1 and December 31 in the applicable year.

Continuing Education

Certificants are no longer required to submit six hours in each of the five content areas during a three-year recertification cycle. Instead, certificants must submit a total of 30  infection prevention contact hours (IPCHs) during each three-year recertification cycle, along with the required information and documentation, through the CAIP online recertification system by December 31 of the third year of the cycle.

Infection control education may be obtained from any provider if the educational program type is listed below.

• In-person program
• Virtual learning, live or on demand
• Formal oral presentation led by the certificant

Revocation of Certification

Certificants may have their certification suspended or revoked for any of the following reasons:

1. The individual falsified, misrepresented, or included misleading information in the CAIP examination application or in the submission of Infection Prevention Contact Hours (IPCH) documentation.
2. A state board or agency has taken action to revoke, suspend, or impose other disciplinary action in connection with the individual’s current license.
3. The individual surrendered a license while under investigation by a state board or agency or another entity engaged in the administration of law.
4. The individual has been placed on probation by a state board or agency.
5. The individual has breached the confidentiality agreement signed at the time the CAIP examination was taken.
6. The individual has failed to pay all outstanding debts to BASC, including the annual recertification fee, or failed to submit required IPCH documentation after notice and an opportunity to pay fees and submit documentation have been provided.
7. The individual has been excluded from Medicare, Medicaid, or another public program for fraud and/or abuse.
8. The individual has been convicted of, pled guilty to, or pled nolo contendere, or no contest, to a violation of law reflecting on ASC administration.

Candidates will be provided notice of any pending suspension or revocation and afforded due process in accordance with BASC policies and procedures before certification is suspended or revoked.

Leave of Absence

Certificants who are temporarily disabled and therefore unable to be employed or complete the required continuing education to maintain CAIP status may request in writing to BASC for temporary disability status and include verification of disability status from a licensed physician.

During this period, the certificant must continue to maintain the CAIP certification fee.

If the certificant is unable to complete the required continuing education during the three-year recertification cycle because of temporary disability status, an extension of time to complete the requirement may be granted. The length of any extension is at the discretion of the BASC Board of Directors. Any extension granted due to temporary disability will not affect the certificant’s next three-year cycle for completing an additional 30 IPCHs.

Verification from a licensed physician confirming the certificant’s ability to return to employment is required. Temporarily disabled certificants who are granted an extension but fail to complete the IPCH requirement by the extension deadline will have their certification revoked. To regain CAIP status, the individual must retake and pass the CAIP examination and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Appendix A