Certification in Clinical Perfusion is attained by satisfactory performance on the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion certification examination. The certification examination is composed of two parts. Part I, the Perfusion Basic Science Examination (PBSE) is an approximate 220-item, multiple-choice examination designed to cover perfusion basic sciences and extracorporeal support. Part II, the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination (CAPE) is also a multiple-choice format where a series of clinical scenarios are presented, each with a series of questions. The number of questions on the Part II examination may vary from 200 to 230, depending on the scenarios used.
Both the Perfusion Basic Science Examination and the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination are given twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. The applicant meeting all requirements to take the Perfusion Basic Science Examination and meeting all other criteria may sit for the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination within the same examination window. Eligibility and application procedures are in the sections to follow.
The examination is based on topics in the ABCP knowledge base. The 11 major sections of the knowledge base are:
The questions used on the PBSE are designed primarily to test the examinees’ knowledge of basic science as it applies to clinical perfusion. The questions used in the CAPE are designed to measure the examinees’ understanding of the practice of clinical perfusion and the application of scientific knowledge therein. While questions relating to all eleven aspects of the knowledge base may be found on either examination, the emphasis is placed on understanding processes in the PBSE and on application of knowledge in the CAPE.
Each applicant must pass both the Perfusion Basic Science Examination and the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination in order to attain certification. Upon successful completion of the certification process, the new CCP will receive an official communication from the National Office as well as a physical certificate.
A database of all current Certified Clinical Perfusionists is available on the ABCP website.
Foreign applicants must meet the same requirements for certification as all other applicants.
Applications must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the National Office and must be postmarked no later than September 15th for the fall examination or March 10th for the spring examination.
The Reinstatement fee is a one-time charge for any applicant until reinstatement is accomplished or abandoned.
NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN.
Individuals submitting applications for either portion of the certification examination, anytime after the specific exam deadline of September 15th for the fall examination or March 10th for the spring examination, will be charged an $100.00 Late Filing fee (if applying for both exams late, you will be charged a separate late fee for both exams). An application may be submitted up to two weeks prior to the examination with a late fee.
No applications or materials will be accepted after March 24th for the spring exam and September 29th for the fall exam.