In its Vision 2012: A Strategic Plan, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) states that APIC will be recognized as the leader in infection prevention and control. However, if the APIC Strategic Plan is to be advanced by its members, infection control professionals must choose a leadership role by becoming certified, validating their competency and setting a standard of excellence. Certification by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) validates an infection control professional's competence to the public, the profession, employers, and regulators. The White Paper presented here by the CBIC provides a rationale for certification and recertification in infection prevention and control practice.