---
title: What is Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Control and Prevention(AL‑CIP™)?
description: What is Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Control?
---

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# [What is Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Control and Prevention(AL‑CIP™)?](https://blog.eoscu.com/blog/what-is-advanced-leadership-certification-in-infection-control-and-preventional-cip)

 Written by [Erica Mitchell](https://blog.eoscu.com/blog/author/erica-mitchell) | August 4 2025

As the role of infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals continues to evolve, the **Advanced Leadership Certification in Infection Prevention & Control (AL‑CIP™)** from the Certification Board of Infection Control & Epidemiology (CBIC) recognizes those who go beyond daily practice to lead, innovate, and shape policy across healthcare settings.

### Why AL‑CIP™ Matters

Unlike traditional testing methods, AL‑CIP™ is a **portfolio-based assessment** designed to validate the leadership, strategic vision, and measurable impact of IPC practitioners. It serves as a rigorous credential for those influencing organizational policy, advocating for quality improvement, and mentoring the next generation of infection preventionists.

### Who Should Apply?

- Applicants need to hold an **active CIC® or LTC‑CIP® certification**.
- Demonstrated **5–10 years (or more)** of advanced engagement in IPC through leadership, research, policy, or education.
- Evidence from impactful contributions beyond individual roles (such as organizational transformation, advocacy initiatives, or published materials) is expected.

### Certification Framework: Domains & Competencies

AL‑CIP™ centers around two core domains subdivided into leadership and professionalism competencies:

- **Domain I: Leadership**
  
    - Practice & Innovation (strategic vision, innovation)
    - Change Management & Quality Improvement (risk reduction, team building)
    - Advocacy (coalition building, influence)
- **Domain II: Professionalism**
  
    - Accountability (individual responsibility, advancing the profession)
    - Inclusivity (engagement and inclusive implementation)
    - Professional Development (self‑growth and leadership cultivation)

### Portfolio Submission & Evidence

Applicants submit **6–8 distinct pieces of evidence**, each supported by a written rationale (max 1,000 words), showing alignment with selected sub-competencies. One piece of evidence may support up to three sub-competencies if justified clearly.  
Examples of qualifying evidence include:

- Publications and presentations
- Strategic tools or quality‑improvement programs
- Leadership or quality credentials such as Six Sigma or CPHQ certification<https://sdapic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ALCIP_CBIC-Deck_-5.10.24.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com>

Clear linkage between rationale and evidence is paramount—scoring depends on both quality of evidence and how well the rationale explains the professional impact.

### Application Timeline & Fees

- *Next application window*: **July 10–August 15, 2025**
- *2026 cycle*: **January 20–March 2, 2026**Fees vary by country income level:
  
    - High-income: ~$545 USD
    - Upper-middle: $385
      
       
    - Lower-middle: $245
    - Low-income: $125
- All fees are **non-refundable** and unable to be transferred to future cycle

### Evaluation & Recertification

- Each submission is reviewed by **three subject-matter experts** using detailed rubrics for reasoned narrative and quality evidence.
- If unsuccessful, applicants receive feedback on unmet sub-competencies and may **retake with only missing items for 50% fee** within two cycles.
- The certification is **valid for five years**. Recertification requires submission of 4 new pieces of evidence and rationale across both domains, plus **20 IPUs** (infection prevention units) earned in the last five years, covering at least half the competency domains.

### Career Impact & Recognition

- AL‑CIP™ communicates leadership and expertise in IPC beyond certification—it opens doors to executive-level engagement and strategic roles in healthcare settings.
- Real-world leaders report increased credibility, influence on policy, and expanded professional networks upon completing the credential.

### Is AL‑CIP™ Right for You?

If you hold CIC® or LTC‑CIP®, and your career in infection prevention features substantial leadership, innovation, and measurable outcomes across multiple settings, AL‑CIP™ lends recognition to your expertise. It’s not just about credentials—it's about demonstrating influence on the profession and aligning IPC initiatives with strategic organizational goals.

 

[View full post](https://blog.eoscu.com/blog/what-is-advanced-leadership-certification-in-infection-control-and-preventional-cip)

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