BTS CPI study guide
BTS CPI · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The BTS Certified Professional in Infection Prevention and Control (CPI) is a professional credential for practitioners who build, run, and evaluate infection prevention programs in healthcare settings. Candidates typically include infection preventionists, nurse educators, quality and safety staff, and clinical leaders who need to demonstrate working command of the field rather than niche expertise in a single department. The BTS CPI study guide has 9 sections and about 3,604 words.
01Infection Prevention and Control Program Management and Leadership
The IPC program domain tests how a facility organizes authority, resources, and accountability for infection prevention-not just whether policies exist. Expect questions on required program elements, the infection preventionist (IP) role, annual risk assessment, committee structure, reporting relationships, and how program goals tie to regulatory conditions and quality improvement.
454 words, about 2 min02Microbiology, Pathogenicity, and Transmission of Infectious Agents
The microbiology and transmission domain tests whether you can connect a pathogen's biology to the precautions and outbreak controls it requires. Questions often ask about colonization versus infection, the chain of infection, mode of transmission, infectious dose, incubation, and why one organism needs soap and water while another needs an N95.
398 words, about 2 min03Surveillance, Outbreak Investigation, and Epidemiologic Methods
Surveillance and outbreak investigation questions test whether you can define a case, calculate a rate correctly, and defend an intervention. Expect NHSN definitions, device-associated rates, the standardized infection ratio, epidemic curves, and outbreak steps.
407 words, about 2 min04Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions and Isolation Practices
Standard and transmission-based precautions questions test whether you apply the right precaution at the right time, including empiric use before results return. Know what standard precautions require for every patient and when to add contact, droplet, or airborne precautions.
411 words, about 2 min05Hand Hygiene, Environmental Cleaning, and Disinfection and Sterilization
Hand hygiene, cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization questions test whether you can match the method to the organism, the item, and the risk level. Expect the WHO 5 Moments, alcohol versus soap and water, Spaulding classification, contact time, and sterilization monitoring.
389 words, about 2 min06Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention (CLABSI, CAUTI, VAP, SSI, MDRO/C. difficile)
HAI prevention questions test bundle elements, device necessity, and NHSN definitions. Expect CLABSI, CAUTI, VAP/VAE, SSI, and MDRO/C.
393 words, about 2 min07Occupational Health, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Healthcare Worker Safety
Occupational health and bloodborne pathogen questions test OSHA requirements, exposure management, and work restrictions. Expect the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, hepatitis B vaccination, post-exposure prophylaxis, sharps safety, respirator fit testing, and TB screening.
423 words, about 2 min08Antimicrobial Stewardship and Multidrug-Resistant Organism Control
Antimicrobial stewardship and MDRO control questions test core elements, metrics, and the link between antibiotic use and resistance. Expect de-escalation, time-outs, antibiograms, restricted agents, and MDRO transmission control.
360 words, about 2 min09Regulatory Compliance, Accreditation, and Quality Improvement
Regulatory compliance, accreditation, and quality improvement questions test how standards are written, surveyed, and improved. Expect CMS Conditions of Participation, Joint Commission/DNV standards, the infection control plan, QAPI, and performance improvement tools.
369 words, about 2 min