If you work or plan to work in infection prevention and control in Canada, you will encounter two credentials: an infection control certificate and IPAC certification. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to different achievements. An infection control certificate is a completion credential from a course, while IPAC certification most often refers to the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC). This article explains the differences, outlines the Ontario certification requirement, and helps you choose the right path for your career.
What Is an Infection Control Certificate?
An infection control certificate is typically awarded after completing an infection prevention and control course. In Canada, several reputable institutions offer such courses, many of which are endorsed by IPAC Canada (Infection Prevention and Control Canada). These courses are designed for health professionals who are new to infection control or for those who need foundational knowledge.
Examples of IPAC Canada‑endorsed certificates include the University of British Columbia IPAC Certificate (a 25‑week online program), the Queen’s University Infection Prevention & Control Online Professional Development Course (an 18‑week program with 12 modules), and Centennial College’s IPAC course (PI‑100, a 90‑hour hybrid online offering). IPAC Canada reviews these courses and endorses them for a set period, such as 2024–2026 for the UBC program and 2025–2028 for the Queen’s course.
It is crucial to understand that completing an endorsed course and receiving a certificate does not mean you are certified as an Infection Control Practitioner. As the University of British Columbia states clearly, completion of its IPAC Certificate is not certification as an Infection Control Practitioner and does not guarantee employment. The course certificate validates that you have learned the material, but it is not a licence to practise in the field.
What Is IPAC Certification (CIC)?
In Canada, IPAC certification usually refers to the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC). This credential is issued by the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC), a separate organisation that is not part of IPAC Canada. IPAC Canada recognizes the CIC as a core requirement for Infection Control Practitioner positions across the country.
Earning the CIC requires passing a rigorous exam that tests a broad range of infection prevention and control competencies. The exam content is maintained by CBIC and is independent of any single course. Many endorsed courses, such as the Queen’s University IPAC course, base their curriculum on the CIC exam content outline to help learners prepare, but completing the course does not guarantee that you will pass the exam. To earn the CIC, you must apply directly to CBIC and meet their eligibility requirements, which typically include relevant work experience and education.
IPAC Canada itself does not certify individuals. Instead, it sponsors and endorses courses that provide the education needed to work in the field. The CIC is the professional credential that demonstrates mastery of infection control practice.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Infection Control Certificate | IPAC Certification (CIC) |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing body | Educational institution (e.g., UBC, Queen’s, Centennial) | Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC) |
| Purpose | Completion of a course; demonstrates knowledge acquired | Professional certification; validates competence to practise |
| Recognition by IPAC Canada | Courses may be endorsed by IPAC Canada | Recognized as a core requirement for IPAC practitioner roles |
| Renewal | Often valid for a limited period; may require renewal or retaking the course | Must be maintained through continuing education credits and renewal fees |
| Career impact | Useful for gaining foundational knowledge; may help qualify for entry‑level roles | Required or strongly preferred for infection control positions |
Ontario’s Certification Requirement
IPAC Canada states that Infection Control Practitioners in Ontario must be certified by the end of April 2025. The exact certification mandated by the Ontario regulation is not specified in publicly available summaries, but CBIC notes that IPAC Canada recognizes the CIC as a core requirement for IPAC positions. If you are an Infection Control Practitioner in Ontario, you should verify with your employer or the applicable regulatory body which specific credential is required. The CIC is widely accepted and is the credential most commonly referenced when discussing professional IPAC certification.
This requirement means that holding only an infection control certificate may not be sufficient for working in the role after April 2025. The certificate is a stepping stone, but professional certification (likely the CIC) will be mandatory. Planning ahead and enrolling in an endorsed course that prepares you for the CIC exam is a prudent step.
Which Path Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your career stage and goals. If you are new to infection control and need to understand the fundamentals, an endorsed certificate course is an excellent starting point. Courses such as the Queen’s University IPAC course or the IPAC Canada sponsored Online Essentials in Infection Prevention and Control provide structured, high‑quality education.
If you already have some experience in the field or if you are working as an Infection Control Practitioner in Ontario, you will need to pursue the CIC certification. Completing a relevant certificate course can help you prepare for the exam, but you must then register with CBIC, meet their eligibility criteria, and pass the certification test.
Employers across Canada increasingly look for the CIC when hiring infection control professionals. A certificate alone shows you have studied the material; the CIC shows you have demonstrated competence through a national, standardized examination.
Keep in mind that IPAC Canada offers its own sponsored courses, including the Online Essentials in Infection Prevention and Control and the Long‑term Care Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Course. These courses are endorsed after review and can be valuable education tools, but they do not replace the CIC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a job with only an infection control certificate?
Some entry‑level roles may accept a certificate from an endorsed course, but most positions require or strongly prefer the CIC certification. In Ontario, Infection Control Practitioners must be certified by April 2025, which means a stand‑alone certificate will likely not be enough for those roles.
Does IPAC Canada issue its own certification?
No. IPAC Canada sponsors and endorses educational courses, but it does not certify individuals. The professional certification recognized by IPAC Canada is the CIC, issued by the Certification Board of Infection Control.
How long does it take to complete an infection control certificate course in Canada?
Course lengths vary. The UBC IPAC Certificate is a 25‑week online program. Queen’s University’s IPAC course is 18 weeks, expecting 7 to 12 hours per week. Centennial College’s course is 90 hours of hybrid online learning. Always check each program’s current schedule.
Will an endorsed course guarantee I pass the CIC exam?
No. Endorsed courses such as the Queen’s program base their curriculum on the CIC exam content outline, but passing the exam depends on your individual preparation, work experience, and study habits. The course provides the foundation, but you must take the exam separately through CBIC.
Choosing between an infection control certificate and IPAC certification ultimately comes down to your career ambitions. A certificate is a valuable educational achievement, while the CIC is the professional credential that opens doors to dedicated infection control roles. If you are in Ontario, the April 2025 deadline makes it especially important to plan your certification pathway now. Verify your specific requirements with your employer or the relevant regulatory body, and consider enrolling in an IPAC Canada‑endorsed course to build the knowledge you need to succeed.