12-Lead ECG-BC (ABCM) - 12-Lead ECG Board Certification Exam

The 12-Lead Intermediate ECG Board Certification (ECG-BC 12-Lead Intermediate) certification was developed by the American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine (ABCM) for cardiac professionals recording, reading and responding to cardiac anomalies seen in cardiac patients’ ECGs. This is the middle level of certification among the three levels available and is intended for cardiac nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians. ABCM offers certification exclusively in the cardiology specialty and is the current accrediting authority for these certification exams.

Eligibility

The 12-Lead Intermediate ECG-BC exam is open only to those meeting the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), physician assistant (PA), ECG technician or cardiac monitor technician (CMT)

• Have at least 2 years of experience in a cardiology setting reading 12-lead ECGs

• Hold valid state licensure as RN, NP or PA or certificate of completion as a non-licensed ECG tech or CMT

• Possess the physical ability to perform job duties, especially hearing as it plays a critical role

• Read the ABCM Certification Handbook and sign off that you’ve read and agree to all terms and stipulations

This exam is also open to medical students and cardiology fellows with the appropriate skills and knowledge of reading 12-lead ECGs.

Completion Time: 2 hours

Cost: 

• $25 one-time nonrefundable application fee

• $150 (live exam)

• $229 (online exam)

• $75 retake fee for 2nd attempt

• $150-$229 retake fee for all additional attempts

Exam Format

Candidates have 2 hours to complete the 12-Lead Intermediate ECG-BC exam, which contains 35 ECGs to analyze, with a mixture of 12-leads and arrhythmias. Questions are multiple choice.

Candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher to pass the 12-Lead Intermediate ECG-BC exam. Those who don’t pass may retake the exam a second time at a discounted rate but must wait 30 days to take the exam again if they fail both attempts and pay the full exam fee.

Application Process

• Read the ABCM Candidate Handbook

• Fill out the application form

• Pay the exam fee

• Watch for email with voucher link to access the exam scheduler

  • Candidates have a 6-month window to take the exam

12-Lead Intermediate ECG-BC renewal is required every 3 years and requires continuing education as part of the process. Candidates are encouraged to begin recertification at least 30 days prior to the expiration of their current certification.

Renewal Fees

• $149 on-time renewal

• $169 late renewal/expired certification

Renewal candidates must complete 15 CEs in electrocardiography for the recertification process every 3 years. They must submit photocopies of their certificates of attendance received for each CE course completed. ABCM doesn’t accept CE lists that require validation or verification.

• ABCM Certification Handbook

The ABCM also offers the following certifications:

• Basic ECG Board Certification Exam (Basic ECG-BC)

• Advanced ECG Board Certification Exam (Advanced ECG-BC)

• Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner (CVNP-BC)

• Cardiovascular Nurse-Board Certified (CVRN-BC)