CCP (ABCP) - Certification in Clinical Perfusion

The Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) certification offered by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) is a professional credential for healthcare professionals specializing in perfusion, the practice of operating the cardiopulmonary bypass machine during cardiac surgery and other procedures that require circulatory support. This certification demonstrates expertise in all aspects of clinical perfusion, including equipment management, patient monitoring and physiological and pharmacological intervention.

Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria for the Perfusion Basic Science Examination (PBSE):

• Education Requirements: Graduate or current student in an accredited perfusion program or previously ABCP certified.

• Documentation Required:

  • Official transcript

  • Statement of clinical competency

  • Evidence of 75 cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) cases, including a minimum of 10 pediatric cases requiring CPB to fulfill Primary Clinical Perfusion Activities (PCPAs)

  • Beginning July 1, 2023: 5 of the 75 PCPAs must be Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) or Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) cases, and the remaining 70 can be CPB.

• PCPA Performance Criteria (post 08/01/24):

  • Post 81/24 Completion of all 75 cases must have occurred within the USA/US territories/Canada

  •  Active participation in preoperative planning, equipment selection and execution of essential procedures

  • An instructor must be physically present and be a CCP

Eligibility Criteria for the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination (CAPE):

• Submission of all documentation required for the PBSE

• Clinical record itemizing 40 independent clinical perfusions after graduation from the accredited cardiovascular perfusion education program

Completion Time: PBSE: 4 hours / CAPE: 4 hours

Cost: 

• PBSE application fee: $350 

• CAPE application fee: $350

• Reinstatement fee: $350 + $250

• Late fee: $100

Exam Format

The CCP certification exam is an in-person, computer-based exam with two parts:

• Part 1: Perfusion Basic Science Exam (PBSE) contains 220 multiple-choice questions on basic sciences and support.

• Part II: Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination (CAPE) contains 200-230 multiple-choice questions on clinical scenarios.

Exam questions cover these major sections:

• Anatomy & Physiology

• Pharmacology

• Pathology

• Laboratory Analysis

• Quality Assurance

• Devices & Equipment

• Clinical Management

• Special Patient Groups

• ECMO/ECLS/Special Procedures and Techniques

• Catastrophic Events & Device Failure

• Monitoring

Must pass both parts to obtain the CCP certification. Candidates have 4 hours to complete each exam, for a total of 8 hours, and may opt to take both exams on the same day, depending on test site availability. Candidates receive preliminary test results at the end of each testing session. Official scores come from the ABCP National Office.

The passing score for each exam can change from one exam to the next based on content and/or difficulty, so the ABCP doesn’t publish the cutoff score for current or previous exams publicly. Unsuccessful candidates may retake the exam, with no limit on the number of times it can be retaken. However, candidates may only take each exam once within the same exam window.

Test Dates

Both exams are given twice yearly, in the spring and fall.

Application Process

PBSE: Applicants must submit their completed, notarized PBSE application and fee by July 1 for the fall exam or December 1 for the spring exam. All required documentation must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the exam date.

CAPE: Applicants must submit their completed, notarized CAPE application and fee by July 1 for the fall exam or December 1 for the spring exam. All required documentation must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the exam date.

CCP must renew their certification annually through continuing education and clinical activity, including 40 clinical activities and professional activity, with continuing education units reported every third year. Renewal candidates must file recertification reports using the  Online Filing System. All reporting periods end on June 30.

Renewal Fees

Renewal fee not posted. Late fee of $100 for late renewal applications.

During each 2-year reporting period, CCPs must earn 45 CEUs, with at least 15 CEUs earned in Category 1: ABCP Approved Perfusion Meetings and Related Activity.

• Exam Booklet

Other related certifications include:

• Perioperative Blood Management Technologist (PBMT)

• Adult Certified ECMO Specialist (CES-A)