The CBIC Certified Infection Control Exam Study Guide (6th edition) emphasizes that when an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Program identifies inadequate resources, the first and most critical step is internal assessment and communication. Scheduling a meeting with the supervisor to discuss current job duties allows the infection preventionist to clearly define workload demands, regulatory requirements, and gaps between assigned responsibilities and available resources.

This initial discussion establishes a shared understanding of scope of practice, priority tasks, and compliance obligations, such as surveillance, reporting, education, emergency preparedness, and performance improvement. The Study Guide highlights that resource justification must begin with a clear inventory of required functions versus available staffing, time, and tools. Without this foundational step, subsequent actions—such as benchmarking, literature review, or plan updates—lack context and organizational alignment.

Option A is an important later step, used to support justification once internal expectations and gaps are defined. Option B may provide benchmarking data but should not precede internal role clarification. Option D is premature, as program plans should be updated only after leadership agreement on scope, priorities, and resources.

For CIC® exam preparation, it is essential to recognize that effective advocacy for IPC resources begins with direct supervisor engagement, role clarification, and documentation of unmet needs. This structured approach aligns with leadership principles and ensures that requests for additional resources are credible, data-driven, and organizationally relevant.