Local health departments are on the frontlines of preventing infectious disease, but many struggle with limited resources and specialized training in infection prevention and control (IPC). Certification in Infection Control (CIC), a nationally recognized credential, can help address this gap by equipping staff with the knowledge and credibility needed to lead effective IPC programs.

Our new JPHMP article, “Strengthening Local Health Departments: The Impact of Certification in Infection Control,” examines the impact of NACCHO’s scholarship program, which supports local health department staff in earning the credential. Through surveys and focus groups, we found that certification improves not only individual skills but also organizational performance and community health outcomes. The findings illustrate how an investment in staff development can yield tangible returns for public health systems, particularly in outbreak preparedness and collaboration with healthcare partners.

Why Certification Matters

For many local public health professionals, earning the CIC validates their expertise and builds personal and professional confidence. Some participants were seasoned IPC practitioners seeking formal recognition, while others were newer to the field and saw certification as a critical step toward transitioning from emergency response to long-term IPC roles.

Certified staff also often mentor junior colleagues and onboard new team members, helping sustain infection prevention knowledge across the department. This helps maintain a strong IPC foundation even when staff turnover occurs.

Enhancing Credibility and Collaboration

Certified staff reported stronger partnerships with hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other clinical partners. The CIC signals credibility to clinical colleagues who recognize its rigor. This leads to better communication and collaboration during outbreaks or investigations.

Certification also improves coordination with state health departments. Participants described smoother conversations, fewer clarification delays, and increased trust from state partners, all of which support faster and more effective responses.

One epidemiologist noted that after certification, their discussions with healthcare partners were more efficient because they could “speak the same language.”

Day-to-Day Benefits

Certified staff are better equipped to interpret lab data, assess infection risks, and make evidence-based recommendations. They also understand the day-to-day challenges faced by healthcare facilities, such as staffing shortages and competing demands which help ensure their guidance is practical and actionable.

Several participants also said certification made them more efficient. They could find reliable IPC guidance more quickly and apply it with confidence, saving time and reducing uncertainty.

Overcoming Barriers

Despite its benefits, certification can be difficult to pursue. Barriers include limited study time, lack of funding, and inconsistent leadership support. Some departments also worry that staff may leave after certification, but many recipients expressed a strong commitment to staying and growing within their current roles.

These findings highlight the need for local health leaders to invest in staff development through protected study time, funding, and a culture that values professional growth.

A Stronger Workforce for Healthier Communities

Our evaluation shows that the CIC is more than a professional credential; it’s a workforce development tool that builds capacity to prevent and respond to disease threats. Certified staff enhance internal operations and strengthen external partnerships, making local health departments more resilient and prepared.

NACCHO’s scholarship program has made this opportunity accessible to hundreds of local health department staff nationwide. But lasting progress will depend on continued investment in staff training and professional development.

To support your team’s certification efforts, NACCHO has compiled recommended study resources and planning tools at https://bit.ly/cicresources.

To explore the full evaluation and learn more about how certification is shaping the future of infection prevention at the local level, read our article: “Strengthening Local Health Departments: The Impact of Certification in Infection Control.“

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Jaclyn Abramson, MPH, is a Senior Program Analyst at NACCHO, where she leads initiatives on healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging infectious diseases, reflecting the broad scope of infection prevention and control work in local health departments.

 

Daniel Pagán, MA, MPH, is a Lead Analyst in Evaluation Methodology and Data Analytics with NACCHO. His work focuses on health equity, immunization, infectious diseases, public health law, harm reduction, and food safety. Daniel has expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, which he uses to address systemic inequities in public health.