Certification in Infection Prevention

DNV’s Certification in Infection Prevention (CIP) recognizes organizations with strong infection control practices, demonstrating a commitment to protecting patients, staff, and communities through consistent, high-quality prevention efforts.

Why infection prevention matters more than ever 

Infection prevention remains a critical industry concern, with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affecting 1 in 31 patients daily in US hospitals. These infections contribute to longer hospital stays, higher costs, and, in the worst cases, increased morbidity and mortality.  

Meanwhile, providers are under growing pressure to: 

  • Comply with increasingly stringent regulatory standards. 
  • Respond to evolving pathogens and emerging resistance. 
  • Reassure patients and families concerned about safety. 
  • Reduce costs and readmissions through quality-driven care. 

These challenges demand a holistic, proactive, and evidence-based approach to infection prevention.  

How infection prevention certification supports you 

Our Certification in Infection Prevention is comprehensive, and standards-based, that verify an organization’s infection prevention program meets or exceeds internationally recognized best practices. It is not a generic checklist – it’s a strategic framework designed to elevate safety, strengthen processes, and improve outcomes. 

What’s included in the certification process? 

  • On-site evaluation by DNV’s expert surveyors. 
  • Review of clinical and operational practices. 
  • Risk assessment and data analysis. 
  • Assessment of infection control across all departments. 
  • Evaluation of leadership, policy, and staff engagement. 

The CIP framework aligns with best practices and standards from: 

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 
  • Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). 
  • World Health Organization (WHO). 

Rooted in ISO 9001 principles, the certification evaluates infection prevention processes across the care continuum, including: 

  • Leadership and program management. 
  • Surveillance, tracking, and mitigation of infection risks. 
  • Staff training, competency assessment, and evaluation. 
  • Environmental hygiene, disinfection, and sterilization. 
  • Interdepartmental collaboration, including lab, clinical, and support services. 
  • Continuous performance improvement and quality management system integration. 

 Certification is valid for three years, with annual surveys to ensure continued alignment with best-practices and continuous improvement. 

What sets our approach apart

Unlike other certification bodies, we bring a collaborative, outcomes-driven perspective to infection prevention that:

Validated system performance

Validates the reliability and effectiveness of your infection prevention systems.

Risk-based, outcomes-focused approach

Focuses on risk-based quality management, not prescriptive checklists.

Aligned with global best practices

Supports regulatory preparedness and aligns with recognized global best practices.

Integrated communication and accountability

Improves interdisciplinary communication and process alignment. Enhances transparency and accountability from frontline to leadership.

Why choose DNV? 

DNV is a trusted global leader in healthcare accreditation and certification. Our method is built on the ISO 9001 quality management system standards, ensuring that improvements are measurable, sustainable, and organization wide.  

With deep expertise in clinical care, risk reduction, and operational performance, we work with you to achieve long-term excellence in infection prevention. 

Unlike other certification bodies, we take a forward-looking view, supporting both compliance and innovation. Our surveys are conducted by experienced healthcare professionals who understand the nuances of clinical environments and are focused on empowering your team to build resilience and protect patients. We don’t just issue a certificate. We become your strategic partner in safer, smarter care delivery. 

Key benefits of being certified   

Achieving CIP comes with tangible and strategic advantages. 

Clinical and operational benefits: 

  • Reduces the incidence and severity of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). 
  • Improves early detection and treatment of life-threatening conditions. 
  • Enhances staff knowledge, engagement, and responsibility in infection prevention. 
  • Promotes standardized, evidence-based protocols across all departments. 
  • Strengthens environmental hygiene and sterilization practices. 

Strategic and market benefits: 

  • Supports readiness for accrediting organizations, and state inspections. 
  • Demonstrates leadership and accountability to patients and community stakeholders. 
  • Builds trust and confidence in your facility's commitment to safety. 
  • Aligns with value-based care objectives and payer expectations. 

Resources to support your Infection Prevention Certification

Access essential materials to prepare your organization for certification and sustain safe, high-quality infection prevention practices.

Partner with DNV to strengthen infection prevention excellence

Collaborate with our experts to advance your infection prevention systems, improve patient safety, and demonstrate your commitment to measurable quality improvement.

Contact us

Jeremy Gibson-Roark

Jeremy Gibson-Roark

Program Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Accreditation

Leslie Lloyd

Leslie Lloyd

Clinical and Certification Surveyor, DNV Healthcare