For infection prevention and control professionals in Canada, keeping your certification current is a critical step in maintaining professional standing and providing safe patient care. As 2026 unfolds, understanding the separate processes for IPAC Canada membership renewal and certification renewal helps ensure you remain compliant and avoid lapses. This article covers the key details you need to manage your credentials this year, including recertification routes, membership fees, and financial support available through the IPAC Canada Certification Award Program.
Understanding IPAC Certification Renewal in Canada
IPAC Canada endorses certification from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) as a core requirement for Infection Prevention and Control Professionals. The three main credentials are the Certification in Infection Control (CIC), the Associate – Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC), and the Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP). Each certification has its own renewal timeline and process managed directly by CBIC, not by IPAC Canada.
The CIC designation requires recertification every five years. Certification should be completed within 2 to 5 years of assuming an infection prevention and control role and must be maintained thereafter. For a-IPC and LTC-CIP, specific timelines are set by CBIC; individuals holding these credentials should verify their renewal dates through CBIC official channels. It is important to note that IPAC Canada membership renewal is a separate process handled through the association’s online portal.
CIC Recertification: Examination or Continuing Education
To maintain the CIC designation, you may choose between two recertification methods: a recertification examination or continuing education (CE). Both options are administered through CBIC and are designed to ensure your knowledge remains current with evolving infection control standards.
The examination route involves taking and passing the CIC exam again within the recertification window. For those who prefer the CE pathway, you must earn a specified number of continuing education credits approved by CBIC before the five-year cycle ends. It is advisable to plan ahead and track your CE activities well before your certification expiration date. Details on required credit hours and eligible activities can be found on CBIC’s website.
IPAC Canada Membership Renewal for 2026
IPAC Canada membership is separate from certification but offers valuable benefits, including access to professional development, networking, and the Certification Award Program. Renewal for 2026 can be completed through a personal Online Membership Account if you have created one in the past. If you are a new member, you will set up your account during the registration process.
Fees for 2026 are as follows:
- Individual member: $235
- Group membership (first representative): $311
- Additional representatives (group): $157 each
- Student and retired members: $142
- First-time individual member (first year only): $142
If you were newly certified in CIC, a-IPC, or LTC-CIP in 2025, you receive a $50 discount off your 2026 IPAC Canada membership fee. This discount is available once per lifetime. Members should apply this discount when prompted during the online renewal process.
IPAC Canada Certification Award Program
To help offset the cost of certification testing, IPAC Canada offers a Certification Award Program that provides up to $500 CAD per eligible applicant. The award is available to IPAC Canada members who have held membership for at least one year and are seeking initial certification or renewal in CIC, LTC-CIP, a-IPC, or AL-CIP.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have no other financial support for exam fees from an employer or another source. Supporting documentation includes evidence of chapter participation, an employer attestation, a score report (for renewal attempts), and a receipt for exam fees paid. The number of awards granted depends on available funding, so the program does not guarantee full coverage for every applicant. Be sure to review the full guidelines on the IPAC Canada website before applying.
Key Differences: Membership Renewal vs. Certification Renewal
It is common for professionals to confuse membership renewal with certification renewal. The table below summarises the main distinctions based on information from IPAC Canada and CBIC.
| Aspect | IPAC Canada Membership | Certification (CIC, a-IPC, LTC-CIP) |
|---|---|---|
| Managing body | IPAC Canada | CBIC (Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology) |
| Renewal process | Online via personal account at ipac-canada.org | Through CBIC – by exam or continuing education (CIC); specific timelines for a-IPC and LTC-CIP |
| Frequency | Annual (membership year) | Every five years (CIC); variable for a-IPC and LTC-CIP |
| Related discount | Newly certified receive $50 off membership in 2026 | IPAC Canada offers a Certification Award of up to $500 for exam fees |
| Purpose | Association membership, network, and benefits | Professional credential demonstrating competency |
Understanding these differences helps you budget time and resources correctly. Mark your calendar for both your certification renewal date (from CBIC) and your annual membership expiry (from IPAC Canada).
Maintaining Your Credentials in 2026: Key Steps
To keep your IPAC-related credentials active and up to date, follow these practical steps based on the information available:
- Verify your certification renewal deadline with CBIC. If you hold a CIC, note that it is valid for five years. For a-IPC or LTC-CIP, check the official CBIC website for your personal renewal date.
- Choose your recertification method for CIC – or confirm the requirements for other credentials – and begin gathering continuing education credits or preparing for the exam well in advance.
- Renew your IPAC Canada membership for 2026 by logging into your Online Membership Account. Use the $50 discount if you were newly certified in 2025.
- Consider applying for the IPAC Canada Certification Award to help with exam fees. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria (member for at least one year, no other funding) and have the required documentation ready.
- Keep copies of all renewal confirmations, receipts, and certificates for your professional portfolio.
By staying proactive, you can avoid any gaps in your certification and continue to serve your patients and organization with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must I recertify my CIC?
The CIC designation requires recertification every five years. You may renew either by passing the CIC examination again or by completing an approved continuing education program. Check your certification expiry date on your CBIC certificate and plan your renewal activities accordingly.
Can I renew my IPAC Canada membership and certification together?
No. IPAC Canada membership renewal and certification renewal are separate processes. Membership is renewed annually through IPAC Canada’s online account system. Certification renewal (including CIC) is handled by CBIC. You must manage each independently to maintain both your association membership and your professional credential.
What is the IPAC Canada Certification Award and who can apply?
The award provides up to $500 CAD to offset testing fees for eligible members seeking initial or renewed certification (CIC, LTC-CIP, a-IPC, or AL-CIP). To apply, you must be an IPAC Canada member for at least one year, have no other financial support for exam fees, and submit documentation including chapter participation, employer attestation, score report, and receipt.
Who qualifies for the a-IPC designation and its renewal?
The a-IPC (Associate – Infection Prevention and Control) designation has no eligibility requirements and is intended for novice infection preventionists or those interested in pursuing IPAC careers. The certification is managed by CBIC, and renewal timelines are set by that body. Check your CBIC account or contact CBIC directly for your specific renewal date and process.
Is the $50 membership discount available every year?
No. The $50 discount off IPAC Canada membership fees is a one-time benefit offered to individuals who were newly certified (CIC, a-IPC, or LTC-CIP) in 2025. It applies only to the 2026 membership renewal. After that, standard membership rates apply unless you qualify for another discount category such as student or retired status.