CSC Practice Test 2025
Cardiac subspecialty certification is a great way to show employers and patients that you’re knowledgeable about treating cardiac surgery patients. This certification exam covers a wide variety of topics related to the care of these patients.
Fortunately, there are a lot of resources out there to help you prepare for this exam. One of my favorites is Nicole Kupchik’s CSC study guide.
Free CSC Practice Test Online
CSC Book Exam
The Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam is one of the more difficult tests you can take. It requires a high level of preparation and an impressive score. The CSC test is comprised of 90 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 2 hours.
The best way to prepare for the CSC exam is to read up on the material, study your textbooks, and practice as many test questions as possible. You can also hire an expert to help you study for the test. The AACN has an excellent website with information about the exam, including the list of eligible test centers, dates and times of testing, and registration instructions.
The csc book is the official CSC exam guidebook, but there are numerous other study aids available online. This includes a CSC test simulator that will let you try out several sample CSC exams before you sign up for the real thing. It also includes a number of practice test questions that will give you an idea of how to answer all the questions correctly. You can also use the AACN app to schedule and check in for your test. The AACN website also has a plethora of other resources that can help you succeed on the CSC exam.
CSC Exam 2025
The Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam (CSC) is a highly-specific examination that tests a nurse’s expertise in caring for patients with heart disease. It is offered by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), a certifying body for medical professionals in the United States.
The CSC exam is a multi-part test that includes written questions, a clinical skills portion, and a diagnostic skills section. It tests a nurse’s understanding of common and rare cardiac conditions.
Upon passing the exam, a candidate can add the title “CSC” to his/her credentials. This certification is valid for life.
Before you take the CSC exam, it’s important to understand its scope and acquire study resources. This is especially true for subspecialty exams, which are highly-specific and often involve complex clinical tasks.
For example, the CSC cardiac examination requires knowledge about advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. It also requires the knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease.
The CSC exam is a computerized test that’s conducted by CSC through its Central Office or its several Regional Offices. It’s usually held twice a year for the professional level and once a year for the sub-professional.
CSC Exam Cost
The Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam is a rigorous test of your knowledge and skill as a nurse in cardiac care. You must pass this exam to become a Certified Cardiac Nurse (CCN).
You can prepare for the CSC exam with proven study guide and practice questions. Print or eBook – guaranteed to raise your score.
Getting a CSC certification isn’t easy, and it takes time and effort. However, it’s well worth the investment because certification matters to your patients, referring physicians, employers and peers.
To apply for the Cardiac Subspecialty Certification, you must be a registered nurse or an advanced practice registered nurse and hold a clinical nursing specialty certification that is nationally accredited. You also need to meet certain work requirements and pay the AACN examination fee.
The Cardiac Subspecialty Exam is a 90-question multiple-choice exam that is timed for two hours. About 15 of the questions are not scored, and you must answer 80% correctly to pass. You can retake the exam for a fee of $150 if you fail.
CSC Exam Dates
The Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam is an assessment of your knowledge in cardiac nursing. This is an important certification to earn, and it can help you secure a job in this field.
The CSC exam is available year-round at testing centers in the United States. However, there are certain requirements that you must meet to take the test.
To apply for the exam, you need to fill out a form and submit it with all of the required documentation. You should also prepare for the test and review it before you take it.
Once you have completed all of the requirements, you should file the application for the CSC exam at your local CSC office. You can find the nearest CSC office by checking the Civil Service Commission Office Directory.
Before the exam, you will be given a notice called the Online Notice of School Assignment (ONSA). This will tell you where your exam is taking place and when. It is recommended that you check this online notice a week before the exam so that you know where to go on the day of the test.
CSC Exam Pass Rate
The Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam is a two-part examination designed to measure knowledge and skills necessary to become a specialist in cardiology. The written component of the exam tests a candidate’s knowledge and judgment, while the applied component focuses on electrocardiograms and imaging studies. The exam is divided into four two-hour sessions and a half-day session.
Pass rates on the CSC exam are high, with 80% of candidates passing the qualifying and certifying exams on their first attempt. This is because the AACN uses a modified-Angoff method to score the test and report cut scores on each question.
This means that AACN panelists are given test results and other examiners’ ratings to determine the score on each question. This makes the exam more reliable and accurate compared to raw scores and allows for standardized scaled scores.
To become board certified in cardiology, you must pass both the qualifying and certifying examinations. This is a long and time-consuming process, but it can be done. There are many resources that can help you prepare for the exam. These include practice questions and flashcards. You can also use review centers or a reviewer to help you prepare for the CSC exam.
CSC Exam Preparation
Cardiac patients are among the most difficult and critical to care for. They need highly trained professionals who can manage their specialized needs.
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) offers the Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam to determine if nurses have sufficient training and expertise in caring for cardiac patients. It is available year-round at testing centers throughout the United States.
There are four main areas on the CSC exam: patient care problems, therapeutic interventions, clinical judgment and nursing interventions. Cardiovascular patient care problems make up 43 percent of the test’s questions and include subsections on issues related to comorbidities, including hypertension, sudden cardiac death and papillary muscle rupture; renal issues such as kidney failure and chronic kidney disease; and endocrine issues like diabetes mellitus.
The Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Test is an incredibly challenging test that requires study and repetition. However, you can succeed if you have the right knowledge and the right strategies.
CSC Exam Requirements
The Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam, or CSC, is a test of nurses’ knowledge and skills related to caring for patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. It is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
This certification is voluntary, but it can help you demonstrate your expertise to employers and other healthcare professionals. It is good for three years and can be renewed by meeting strict practice hours and professional development requirements.
In order to earn a CSC, you must have an unencumbered nursing license in the U.S. and a clinical nursing specialty certification that is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNSNC or NCCA).
You also need to complete a certain number of clinical hours in direct care of acutely and critically ill adult patients. These hours can be obtained by working as a direct caregiver or by supervising nurses who are directly caring for these patients.
You can prepare for the CSC exam by taking our free practice tests. We also have a study guide that you can purchase that will teach you how to answer questions on the test.
CSC Exam Qualification
To become a Diplomate of the American College of Cardiology, you must have completed at least three years of AOA-recognized subspecialty training in the field of cardiology and pass a written examination. If you have been trained before 1989, you must also pass a clinical component of the exam.
The written exam is made up of a full-day component and a short-duration component. The content of both is determined by a blueprint, or table of specifications, reviewed and updated as needed by the ABIM.
Questions on this part of the exam require diagnostic interpretation of electrocardiograms, echocardiograms and coronary angiograms. You will see a list of the question types used in this section on your test paper.
You will also find a series of sample cases in the ECG and Imaging Studies portion of the exam, which you can use to familiarize yourself with the question formats and answer option lists. This will help you work more efficiently on the actual exam.
ESC/ACVC is committed to delivering high-quality exams. This includes providing candidates with access to their results through their My ESC account.
The exam is proctored by ESC/ACVC staff at the ESC headquarters in Toronto, Canada, which ensures that you are given an equal and fair opportunity to prove your knowledge. You can also appeal your exam result through the online Appeals Procedure.
Once you have passed the written exam, you can apply to access a logbook platform that records your practical experience in the acute cardiovascular care field. This part of the programme is time-limited and you will need to submit your logbook in full, by a specified date. If you do not comply with this deadline, the logbook will be returned and you will need to repeat the exam in order to be granted certification.
CSC Exam Question and Answers
What is CSC exam?
The Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam refers to a specific certification exam in the field of cardiology. It is designed for healthcare professionals, typically physicians, who specialize in cardiac care and wish to demonstrate their expertise and competency in this subspecialty.
The exam assesses the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment of the candidates in various areas related to cardiac medicine, including cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities, and management of cardiac conditions and diseases.
How hard is the CSC exam?
The difficulty level of the Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam can vary depending on various factors, including the candidate’s level of preparation, clinical experience, and the specific content and format of the exam.
Certification exams in the medical field, including subspecialty exams like the Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam, are generally challenging and require a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. These exams assess not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to apply that knowledge to real-world clinical scenarios.
How to pass CSC exam?
Passing the Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam requires thorough preparation and a systematic approach.
It is important to note that individual study strategies may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Adapt these tips to your learning style and preferences. Finally, consult with colleagues or mentors who have successfully passed the Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam for additional guidance and support.
How to prepare for CSC exam?
Preparing for the Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam requires a systematic and comprehensive approach. Here are some steps to help you in your preparation:
- Review the Exam Blueprint: Obtain the exam blueprint or content outline provided by the certifying body. This will give you a clear understanding of the topics and domains that will be covered in the exam.
- Gather Study Resources: Collect study resources such as textbooks, review books, medical journals, guidelines, and online resources specific to the cardiac subspecialty. Ensure you have access to up-to-date and reliable sources.
- Create a Study Schedule: Develop a study schedule that suits your needs and commitments. Allocate dedicated study time for each topic and domain. Set realistic goals and adhere to the schedule.
- Understand Key Concepts: Gain a strong understanding of core concepts, diagnostic criteria, treatment guidelines, and management strategies related to the cardiac subspecialty. Focus on comprehending the underlying principles rather than memorizing facts.
- Practice with Sample Questions: Obtain practice question banks or previous exam questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and style. Practice answering questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy.
Remember that each individual’s study approach may vary, so adapt these steps to suit your learning style and preferences. Seek guidance from mentors or colleagues who have already obtained the Cardiac Subspecialty Certification for additional insights and support.
What to bring to CSC exam?
When attending the Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam, it’s important to come prepared with the necessary items to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Here are some things you should consider bringing:
- Exam Admission Ticket: Make sure to have your exam admission ticket or confirmation email, which typically includes important details like the exam date, time, and location. This document serves as proof of your registration and eligibility to take the exam.
- Valid Identification: Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license. The ID should have your full name, signature, and a recognizable photograph. Ensure that the name on your ID matches the name on your exam registration.
- Approved Calculator: If permitted, bring an approved calculator for any calculations required during the exam. Check the exam guidelines or contact the certifying body to confirm if calculators are allowed and if there are any specific restrictions or recommendations.
- Writing Materials: Have an assortment of pens, pencils, and erasers to use for any written portions or note-taking during the exam. It’s a good idea to bring multiple writing instruments in case one fails or runs out of ink.
How long is CSC exam?
The duration of the Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam can vary depending on the specific certifying body or organization that administers the exam. However, in general, subspecialty certification exams in cardiology are often full-day exams that can last anywhere from 6 to 8 hours.
How many times can you take the CSC exam?
A candidate may take the CSC exam up to four times in a calendar year. Candidates who fail the exam are eligible for a reduced retest price, which is offered until the test is passed.
How to apply for the CSC exam?
To apply for the Cardiac Subspecialty Certification (CSC) exam, you typically need to follow these steps:
- Determine eligibility: Review the eligibility requirements for the CSC exam set by the certifying body or organization. These requirements may include completing specific training programs, obtaining relevant work experience, and holding certain qualifications or licenses.
- Gather required documents: Prepare the necessary documents to support your application, which may include copies of your medical degree, training certificates, licensure, and any other relevant credentials or qualifications.
- Submit the application: Visit the website of the certifying body or organization that administers the CSC exam and locate the application form. Fill out the application form accurately and provide all the required information. Attach the supporting documents as specified.
- Pay the application fee: Pay the required application fee, which is usually specified on the certifying body’s website or in the application instructions. The fee amount can vary, so ensure you have the necessary funds available.
- Await confirmation and scheduling: After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will typically receive confirmation of your application’s receipt. Once your eligibility is verified, you will be provided with information on scheduling the exam, such as available dates, locations, and instructions on how to book your exam appointment.
- Prepare for the exam: Use the time leading up to the exam to study and review the relevant content. Utilize study materials, practice questions, textbooks, and any other resources recommended by the certifying body to adequately prepare for the exam.
- Take the exam: On the scheduled exam date, arrive at the designated testing center or follow the instructions for remote proctoring if available. Follow all exam rules and guidelines provided by the certifying body during the exam session.
It’s important to note that the specific application process for the CSC exam may vary depending on the certifying body or organization offering the certification. Therefore, it is recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on the application process.
How to register for CSC exam?
A paper application and comprehensive testing instructions are also included in the CSC Exam Handbook. Applying online is also an option.
Can subspecialty certification qualify for clinical informatics?
Subspecialty certification in a specific medical field, such as Cardiac Subspecialty Certification, typically focuses on clinical expertise and knowledge within that specific specialty. While subspecialty certification demonstrates advanced proficiency in a specialized area of medicine, it may not directly qualify someone for clinical informatics.
Clinical informatics is a distinct field that combines healthcare, information technology, and data analysis to improve patient care and healthcare delivery through the use of technology and informatics systems. It involves the management and analysis of health information, implementation of electronic health records, development of clinical decision support tools, and utilization of data for research and quality improvement.