CMC Exam

What are the eligibility requirements candidates must meet to take the Cardiac Medicine Certification exam?

Candidates must be a registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and hold a clinical nursing specialty certification that is nationally accredited. Candidates must also meet certain work requirements.

How many questions are on the exam?

There are 90 multiple choice questions, all of which focus on clinical judgment. Of those, 75 are scored and 15 are not.

How much time do I have to complete the exam?

Candidates have two hours to finish the test.

What is the fee to take the Cardiac Medicine Certification exam?

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses members pay $130. Nonmembers pay $215. Candidates who live three hours or more from the nearest testing site are eligible to take a pencil and paper exam. The fee for that test varies, depending on the number of people taking the exam.

When can I take the tests?

Candidates can take the exam six-days a week (excluding certain holidays) at one of 300 testing centers across the United States. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses uses a private testing company to oversee the exam process.

How long does it take to process my exam application?

Generally, two to four weeks.

Once I receive approval to take the test, how long do I have to take it?

Once approved, candidates have 90 days to take the exam.

What’s on the Cardiac Medicine Certification exam?

The exam has four main areas.

1. 1. Cardiovascular patient care problems contain 43 percent of the exam’s questions and is the largest category. Candidates will face questions about cardiac issues and complications that include hypertension, sudden cardiac death, and papillary muscle rupture.
   2. Patient care problems contain 19 percent of the test’s questions. It includes subsections on renal issues like kidney failure and chronic kidney diseases; endocrine issues like diabetes mellitus; and neurology issues that include stroke.
   3. Therapeutic interventions, with 23 percent of the questions, contains a large subsection on cardiovascular issues, including cardiac and vascular procedures and cardiovascular pharmacology.
   4. Monitoring and diagnostics has the remaining 16 percent of test questions. Blood studies, stress testing and mixed venous gasses are among the question areas candidates can expect.

When will get my test results?

Results for computer-based tests will be available at the end of the exam. Pencil and paper results will be mailed to candidates three to four weeks after the exam.

How is the exam’s passing score determined?

The pass/cut score is based on the modified Angoff method, in which a panel of subject matter experts predict a question’s difficulty and set a cut score based on that information.

Should I arrive at the test center prior to my scheduled test time?

Yes. That’s always best. Candidates who arrive more than 15 minutes late won’t be allowed to take the test.

Can I bring personal items, like my mobile phone, into the test room?

No. In short, you can’t bring any personal items into the test room. That includes any electronic device, purses, coats and the like.

What identification should I bring to the test center?

Candidates must bring a primary and secondary form of identification. Primary identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, must contain a signature and a photo. Secondary identification, like a credit or social security card, must contain a printed name and signature.

What study guide will help me best prepare?

Mometrix has an excellent study guide that’s been written by professionals who specialize in test preparation materials. Our study guide prepares students by helping them understand the issues they’ll face and offers strategies to successfully answer even the toughest test questions. Our flashcards are great for busy candidates who need a refresher in specific topics. Take the flashcards anywhere and study on the go — even if you have just a few minutes. These are both excellent materials to prepare for the Cardiac Medicine Certification exam.