CIC Passing Score 2026: 700 on a 300-900 Scale
November 2, 2026 · Alex S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write
You need a scaled score of at least 700 on the CIC scale of 300 to 900. Passing candidates see only a Pass message, and failing candidates see a score between 300 and 699.
The CIC passing score is a scaled score of 700 on a scale that runs from 300 to 900. The exam has 150 questions and 135 of them count toward your score. CBIC does not tell you how many answers equal 700, and if you pass you will not see a number at all.
Preparing for the CIC? Take a free readiness test and see which topics to study first. Or see the CIC study guide.
What a 700 does and does not tell you
CBIC converts the number of questions you answer correctly into a scaled score between 300 and 900. The scaled score is meant to give a uniform frame of reference, so the standard is the same whichever exam form you receive. The CBIC exam page gives no raw-score equivalent for 700, so a figure like "you need 100 right" did not come from CBIC.
The score report works in an unusual way. If you pass, you get a Pass message and no numerical score. If you fail, you get a scaled score between 300 and 699. The only way to learn your number is to land under the line.
Forward-only testing changes how you pace
Since January 2, 2025, the CIC is delivered with forward navigation. You answer every question in the order it appears. You cannot skip, flag, or go back, and once you confirm an answer and move on, it is locked. The highlight and strikeout tools are still allowed.
| Part of the session | Time |
|---|---|
| Introduction and tutorial | 10 minutes |
| Section 1 | 90 minutes |
| Optional break | 16 minutes |
| Section 2 | 90 minutes |
| Survey | 5 minutes |
The first 75 questions must be finished within the 90 minutes of Section 1, and you cannot return to that section after the break. By simple arithmetic that is about 72 seconds per question. You get timer alerts at 30, 15, and 5 minutes before the break begins. With no way back, an answer you are unsure about still has to be given on the spot.
Where the 135 scored questions come from
CBIC has published an updated 2026 content outline. The eight domains stay the same and the total stays at 135 scored items, but the split changes:
| Domain | 2021 items | 2026 items |
|---|---|---|
| Processes to Identify Infectious Diseases | 22 | 22 |
| Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation | 22 | 23 |
| Preventing/Controlling the Transmission of Infectious Agents | 22 | 22 |
| Employee/Occupational Health | 11 | 11 |
| Management and Communication | 14 | 16 |
| Education and Research | 12 | 15 |
| Environment of Care | 14 | 13 |
| Cleaning, Disinfection, Sterilization of Medical Devices and Equipment | 18 | 13 |
Cleaning and sterilization loses five items, while Education and Research gains three and Management and Communication gains two. If your study plan was built on the older outline, check it against the new one.
Dates tied to the outline change
- Applications under the current outline and fee structure must be submitted by November 10, 2026.
- Beta test applications open November 24, 2026, with a 25% discount on the application fee.
- Beta test dates run March 1 to April 9, 2027, and regular applications reopen May 11, 2027.
The application fee is $445 USD for the standard exam. CBIC says the exam is geared toward professionals with at least one year of full-time experience in infection prevention and control; check the eligibility rules on its site.
Frequently asked questions
Is 700 the same as 70 percent?
No. 700 is a point on a 300-900 scaled range. CBIC does not describe it as a percentage of questions answered correctly.
How many CIC questions are scored?
CBIC says the exam has 150 questions and 135 of them are used to compute the score.
Can I skip a question and come back to it?
No. Since January 2, 2025, you must answer all items in order, with no skipping and no returning to earlier answers.
How long is the exam?
The sections add up to 3 hours of testing: two 90-minute sections, with an optional 16-minute break between them.
Can I take it at home?
CBIC says you can schedule at a Prometric testing center or use Prometric's remote testing system, ProProctor.
Official sources
- CBIC: About the CIC Examination
- CBIC: CIC Content Outline (July 2026)
- CBIC: Summary of updates, 2021 to 2026 outlines
Checked against the sources above on November 2, 2026. Exam bodies change fees and rules: confirm on the official page before you register.