
CMC Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 15, 2026 against AACN Certification Corporation
CMC Questions and Answers
The bark of the willow tree is helpful in cardiac medicine because it contains salicin, a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory substance. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), a derivative of it, is generally known as aspirin and is frequently prescribed to lessen the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE-I) are frequently used for conditions like hypertension, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction. Despite the fact that these medications are well tolerated, one in five patients stop using ACE-I because of adverse pharmacological reactions, primarily chronic cough.
Medicines may be used to aid in the restoration of heart rhythm. These medications are known as anti-arrhythmic drugs. Other medications that may be used to treat or reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death include:
- Beta blockers.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
- Calcium channel blockers.
Depending on the condition being treated, several medications are widely utilized in cardiac units. Antiplatelet medicines, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and diuretics are among the most often used pharmaceuticals. Patients may also be given drugs such as nitroglycerin or heparin to treat acute symptoms or avoid blood clots.
Nuclear stress testing are typically considered safe. However, 1 in every 5,000 persons may experience an issue as a result of the operation. A small amount of radiation is used in the treatment. Radiation exposure can cause cancer, but experts believe that substantial or frequent doses are required.
Angina (chest pain caused by the heart), excessive blood pressure, and various forms of irregular heartbeats are all treated with DZ 30mg Tablet (arrhythmia). As a calcium channel blocker, it is referred to. In order to lower blood pressure, it works by relaxing blood vessels. This lessens the strain on the heart.
Telemetry is the term used to describe heart monitoring that uses a wireless transmitter to show the patient’s heart rhythm and electrical activity at a central nurses station but not necessarily at their bedside.
A class of drugs known as cardiac protectant pharmaceuticals are utilized to safeguard the heart’s wellbeing and functionality. Patients with cardiovascular disorders or those who are at risk of developing heart-related issues are frequently prescribed these drugs. Cardiac protectant medications function in a variety of ways, including by enhancing the heart’s blood flow, lowering inflammation, preventing blood clots, managing blood pressure, and promoting general cardiac health. Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), statins, antiplatelet medications, and anticoagulants are a few examples of medications that protect the heart.
NMC stands for Nuclear Medicine Cardiac. An NMC camera is primarily utilized in patients for noninvasive monitoring of heart function and blood flow.
An imaging technique called a nuclear stress test makes use of radioactive material to demonstrate how well blood flows into the heart muscle both at rest and when it is working. A peripheral vein receives a radiotracer injection. Gamma radiation is released as the radiotracer decays and is captured by a gamma camera.
Depending on the type of arrhythmia and the patient’s medical history, different types of heart medications are used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, anti-arrhythmic agents, and blood thinners are some typical heart medications used to treat cardiac arrhythmias.
A potential indicator of high risk obstructive coronary artery disease on stress myocardial perfusion imaging is transient ischemic dilatation (TID) of the left ventricle (MPI).
Digoxin is a medication classified as a “cardiac glycoside” that is used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeats. It is sold under the names Lanoxin and Sigmaxin in Australia and is made from the leaves of the foxglove plant (Digitalis lanata).
The length of the prior authorization process for cardiac nuclear medicine might change based on a number of variables, including the particular insurance company, the difficulty of the case, and how effectively the healthcare practitioner handles the situation. Normal processing times for prior authorisation range from a few days to a few weeks. It is advised to speak with your healthcare practitioner and insurance provider to get a more precise idea of how long prior authorization will take in your particular circumstance.
When necessary, naloxone, atropine, and epinephrine may be administered through the endotracheal tube to a patient without IV or intraosseous (IO) access at a dose of two to five times that of an IV. Compression needs to be temporarily ceased while an endotracheal tube is being used to administer medication.
The negative effects of various coronary heart disease medications vary. Antiplatelet medications can result in abdominal pain, headaches, chest pain, muscle aches, dizziness, diarrhea, rash, or itching. Anticoagulants can cause bleeding and skin necrosis (gangrene) as side effects.
The management and lowering of the requirement for medication in heart diseases can be significantly aided by diet and exercise. People can improve their cardiovascular health and possibly reduce the dosage or requirement for specific cardiac drugs by leading a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and frequent exercise. Adjusting medicine needs to be done under a doctor’s supervision, so it’s important to speak with a healthcare expert to decide on the best course of action. To promote safe and successful management of cardiac problems, lifestyle modifications should be undertaken in addition to medical treatment and under the direction of healthcare professionals.
Combining medicine with dietary and activity modifications will stabilize your coronary calcium score and lower your chance of having a heart attack.
After finishing an internal medicine residency, it is feasible to pursue a heart surgery fellowship. But it’s vital to keep in mind that cardiac surgery is a specialist field, and entry into a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship is often contingent on completing a general surgery residency. A general surgery residency, followed by a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship, are usually required steps on the path to becoming a cardiac surgeon. Medical school is also frequently required.
The risk of sudden death or arrhythmia was found to be positively correlated with the use of ADHD drugs in a more recent meta-analysis of 10 studies15, but not with the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, or all-cause mortality.
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- The CMC exam has 90 multiple-choice items: 75 are scored and 15 are unscored pretest items. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- Candidates have 2 hours to complete the CMC exam. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- The CMC passing score is a criterion-referenced cut score set with the modified Angoff method; AACN does not publish a fixed number. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- The CMC (Cardiac Medicine Certification) computer-based exam costs $150 for AACN members and $240 for nonmembers. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- A CMC exam retest costs $125 for AACN members and $170 for nonmembers. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- CMC candidates may take the exam up to 4 times in a rolling 12-month period, paying the discounted retest fee for each retake. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- CMC certification is valid for 3 years, starting on the first day of the month in which the candidate passes the exam. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- The CMC exam is taken by computer at a PSI testing center or online through PSI Live Remote Proctoring. (AACN Certification Corporation)
- CMC candidates need a current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license, a current nationally accredited clinical nursing specialty certification, and either 1,750 hours in 2 years or 2,000 hours in 5 years of acute/critical adult care, with at least half of those hours spent with cardiac patients. (AACN Certification Corporation)
Facts verified Oct 15, 2026 against AACN Certification Corporation. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
CMC Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 90 multiple-choice items (75 scored) | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Time limit | 2 hours | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Passing score | Criterion-referenced cut score (modified Angoff); no fixed number published | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Exam fee | $150 AACN members / $240 nonmembers | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Retake fee | $125 members / $170 nonmembers | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Retake policy | Up to 4 attempts in a rolling 12-month period | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Validity | 3 years | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Delivery | Computer-based at PSI test centers or via Live Remote Proctoring | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Eligibility | Unencumbered US RN/APRN license + current specialty certification + clinical hours | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Score release | On-screen immediately; detailed report by email within 24 hours | AACN Certification Corporation |
| Testing window | Year-round; currently a 180-day eligibility window after applying | AACN Certification Corporation |
Facts verified Oct 15, 2026 against AACN Certification Corporation. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Free CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification Study Tools
Interactive CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
CMC Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
CMC Cardiac Arrhythmia Management
CMC Exam Questions covering Cardiac Arrhythmia Management. Master CMC Test concepts for certification prep.
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CMC Project Planning & Execution
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CMC Quality Assurance & Improvement
CMC Study Material on Quality Assurance & Improvement. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
CMC Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework
Free CMC Test covering Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework. Practice and track your CMC exam readiness.
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CMC Exam Questions covering Risk Assessment & Management. Master CMC Test concepts for certification prep.
CMC Technology & Digital Tools
Free CMC Practice Test featuring Technology & Digital Tools. Improve your CMC Exam score with mock test prep.
Pro Tip: Focus your CMC study time on areas where you score lowest. Most exam questions test application of knowledge, not memorization.

CMC: Pros and Cons
- +CMC certification validates expertise recognized by employers nationwide
- +Certified professionals typically earn 15-20% higher salaries
- +Opens doors to advanced positions and leadership roles
- +Demonstrates commitment to professional standards and ethics
- +Builds a strong professional network through certification communities
- −Exam preparation typically requires 2-4 months of dedicated study
- −Certification and exam fees can range from $150-$500+
- −Must complete continuing education to maintain active certification
- −Pass rates vary — thorough preparation is essential for success
- −Some certifications require prerequisite experience or education
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| CMC certification validates expertise recognized by employers nationwide | Must complete continuing education to maintain active certification |
| Opens doors to advanced positions and leadership roles | Pass rates vary — thorough preparation is essential for success |
| Demonstrates commitment to professional standards and ethics | Some certifications require prerequisite experience or education |
Sample CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Which body governs the CMC (Cardiac Medicine Certification) credential and sets its professional standards?
- A. American Heart Association (AHA)
- B. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- C. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- D. Society of Cardiovascular Care Professionals (SCCP)
Answer: B. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
The AACN administers the CMC certification and establishes the standards and eligibility requirements for the credential.
A patient's continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data integrated into the cardiac EHR shows recurrent nocturnal hypoglycemia with simultaneous heart rate variability (HRV) changes. This finding is MOST relevant to which cardiac condition?
- A. Increased risk of nocturnal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy
- B. Worsening heart failure requiring diuretic adjustment
- C. Unstable angina triggered by hypoglycemia-induced coronary spasm
- D. Atrial fibrillation onset related to sympathetic activation
Answer: A. Increased risk of nocturnal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy
Nocturnal hypoglycemia causes QT prolongation and autonomic instability, increasing arrhythmia risk in diabetic patients with cardiac autonomic neuropathy.
Which scoring system is used to estimate the operative mortality risk of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and is commonly used in pre-operative cardiac risk stratification?
- A. CHADS2-VASc
- B. STS Risk Score
- C. HEART Score
- D. Revised Cardiac Risk Index
Answer: B. STS Risk Score
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Risk Score estimates operative mortality and morbidity for cardiac surgical procedures and guides surgical candidacy decisions.
Which pre-operative evaluation tool is most appropriate for estimating cardiac risk before a major non-cardiac surgical procedure?
- A. HEART Score
- B. Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI)
- C. GRACE Score
- D. TIMI Risk Score
Answer: B. Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI)
The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) estimates risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after non-cardiac surgery using six clinical predictors.
Take the full CMC - Cardiac Medicine Certification practice test
About the Author

Certified Professional Development Expert & Niche Certification Advisor
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of EducationDr. Alexandra Kim holds a PhD in Professional Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) and Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). With 17 years of corporate training and professional certification advisory experience, she helps professionals navigate specialized, emerging, and cross-industry certification programs.