What is the ECMO specialist certification exam?

The Adult ECMO Specialist Certification (AESC) is offered by AmSECT's International Board of Blood Management (IBBM). It validates competency in managing adult patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, covering circuit management, patient monitoring, and emergency troubleshooting. The exam is designed for RNs, RRTs, perfusionists, and other clinicians working in ECMO programs.

What is the format of the ECMO certification exam?

The AmSECT Adult ECMO Specialist exam is a computer-based multiple-choice test administered through an online proctored platform. Candidates answer questions within a timed window, typically 2 hours, and receive their pass/fail result shortly after completion. Questions draw from ELSO guidelines and current ECMO clinical practice standards.

How many questions are on the ECMO specialist exam?

The Adult ECMO Specialist Certification exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions covering physiology, circuit components, cannulation, anticoagulation, and crisis management. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the test. Questions are based on evidence from ELSO Red Book chapters and peer-reviewed ECMO literature.

What is the passing score for the ECMO certification exam?

AmSECT requires a minimum scaled score of 70% to pass the Adult ECMO Specialist Certification exam. Scores are reported immediately after the exam concludes. Candidates who fail must wait a specified period, typically 60 days, before retaking the exam and may need to pay an additional fee.

What topics are covered on the ECMO exam?

The exam covers ECMO physiology, VA and VV circuit configurations, cannulation sites, oxygenator function, anticoagulation monitoring with ACT and anti-Xa, hemodynamic assessment, weaning protocols, and emergency management of air embolism, circuit thrombosis, and cannula displacement. It also includes pharmacology, blood gas interpretation, and infection prevention specific to ECMO patients.

Who is eligible to take the ECMO specialist exam?

Eligibility requires current licensure as an RN, RRT, perfusionist, physician assistant, or physician, plus documented ECMO clinical experience. AmSECT generally requires at least 6 months of active bedside ECMO practice and completion of an accredited ECMO training program before candidates can sit for the AESC examination.

How do I register for the ECMO certification exam?

Registration is completed through the AmSECT member portal at amsect.org. Candidates create an account, submit proof of clinical experience and training, pay the exam fee (approximately $350 for members, $450 for non-members), and schedule their proctored session. Application review typically takes 2 to 4 weeks before testing approval.

What are the best ways to prepare for the ECMO exam?

Study the ELSO Red Book, which is the primary reference source, and review AmSECT's published exam content outline. Practice questions, case-based scenarios, and simulation training on water drills strengthen troubleshooting skills. Many candidates also complete a formal ECMO specialist course and shadow experienced specialists for at least 100 bedside hours before testing.

ECMO Practice Test

Updated for October 2026

Dr. Alexandra KimOct 1, 202612 min read

⏱️3 HoursTime Limit

📝100Questions

✅75%Pass Rate

💵$300Exam Fee

Note: The AmSECT CES-A and CES-P exams are rigorous assessments of your ability to manage an ECMO patient safely. Ensure you are familiar with ecmo in medical terms, the specific ECMO medical abbreviation list, and standard protocols used in an ecmo icu.

ECMO Practice Test Prep Guide & Study Resources - ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) preparation guide

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ECMO Exam Flashcards

Quick review for essential concepts

🫀What does VA ECMO stand for?

Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation supports both heart and lung function.

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🫁Indication for VV ECMO?

Veno-Venous ECMO is primarily used for severe respiratory failure when cardiac function is intact.

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💉ECMO Cannula Placement?

Cannulas are placed in large vessels like the internal jugular or femoral veins.

REVIEW ECMO QUESTIONS

⏱️ACT Target?

Activated Clotting Time is monitored to prevent clotting in the ECMO circuit.

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📜AmSECT Certification?

The American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology offers the CES-A and CES-P exams.

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📉Weaning from ECMO?

The process of gradually reducing mechanical support as the patient's organs recover.

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ECMO EXAM QUESTIONS QUIZ

ECMO Exam Study Guide

This comprehensive guide covers the essentials of the ECMO procedure, from initial cannulation to weaning and decannulation. Learn how the ecmo bypass machine systems function and how to troubleshoot critical alarms.

What is the ECMO exam?	The ECMO certification exams (like AmSECT CES-A) validate a professional's expertise in operating the ECMO machine and managing patient care.
Who takes the ECMO test?	Perfusionists, respiratory therapists, and critical care nurses seeking to become a certified ECMO specialist take this exam.
What is VA ECMO?	VA ECMO (Veno-Arterial) provides both cardiac and respiratory support by draining blood from a vein and returning it to an artery. It is often referred to as an ecmo heart lung machine or ecmo heart machine.
What is VV ECMO?	VV ECMO (Veno-Venous) provides only respiratory support by draining and returning blood to the venous system, essentially acting as ecmo for lungs when the heart functions well.

What is the ECMO exam?

The ECMO certification exams (like AmSECT CES-A) validate a professional's expertise in operating the ECMO machine and managing patient care.

Who takes the ECMO test?

Perfusionists, respiratory therapists, and critical care nurses seeking to become a certified ECMO specialist take this exam.

What is VA ECMO?

VA ECMO (Veno-Arterial) provides both cardiac and respiratory support by draining blood from a vein and returning it to an artery. It is often referred to as an ecmo heart lung machine or ecmo heart machine.

What is VV ECMO?

VV ECMO (Veno-Venous) provides only respiratory support by draining and returning blood to the venous system, essentially acting as ecmo for lungs when the heart functions well.

START ECMO REVIEWER QUIZ

ECMO Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

How many questions did you answer correctly?

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correct✓PASS

Many hospitals will sponsor your ECMO certification costs and pay for training courses as part of their investment in the cardiac support team.

Ecmo Machine - ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) study guide

ECMO Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the ECMO - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

ECMO Anticoagulation and Hemostasis

ECMO Exam Questions covering Anticoagulation and Hemostasis. Master ECMO Test concepts for certification prep.

ECMO Cannulation Techniques and Strategies

Free ECMO Practice Test featuring Cannulation Techniques and Strategies. Improve your ECMO Exam score with mock test prep.

ECMO Circuit Components and Management

ECMO Mock Exam on Circuit Components and Management. ECMO Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

ECMO Complications and Troubleshooting

ECMO Test Prep for Complications and Troubleshooting. Practice ECMO Quiz questions and boost your score.

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ECMO Questions and Answers on ECMO in Neonatal and Pediatric Populations. Free ECMO practice for exam readiness.

ECMO Pharmacology and Drug Management

ECMO Mock Test covering ECMO Pharmacology and Drug Management. Online ECMO Test practice with instant feedback.

ECMO ECPR and Special Populations

Free ECMO Quiz on ECPR and Special Populations. ECMO Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

ECMO - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation...

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ECMO Study Material on - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuit Components and Management. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

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ECMO Exam Questions covering - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ECMO Physiology and Principles. Master ECMO Test concepts for certification prep.

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ECMO Mock Exam on - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patient Monitoring and Assessment. ECMO Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

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ECMO Test Prep for - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Veno-Arterial (VA) ECMO Management. Practice ECMO Quiz questions and boost your score.

ECMO - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation...

ECMO Questions and Answers on - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Veno-Venous (VV) ECMO Management. Free ECMO practice for exam readiness.

ECMO - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation...

ECMO Mock Test covering - Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Weaning and Decannulation. Online ECMO Test practice with instant feedback.

ECMO Foundations of ECMO and ECMO Management

Free ECMO Quiz on Foundations of ECMO and ECMO Management. ECMO Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

ECMO Nutrition and Metabolic Management in...

ECMO Practice Questions for Nutrition and Metabolic Management in ECMO. Build confidence for your ECMO certification exam.

ECMO Patient Monitoring and Assessment

ECMO Test Online for Patient Monitoring and Assessment. Free practice with instant results and feedback.

ECMO Physiology and Pathophysiology

ECMO Study Material on Physiology and Pathophysiology. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

ECMO Physiology and Principles

Free ECMO Test covering Physiology and Principles. Practice and track your ECMO exam readiness.

ECMO Veno-Arterial (VA) ECMO Management

ECMO Exam Questions covering Veno-Arterial (VA) ECMO Management. Master ECMO Test concepts for certification prep.

ECMO Veno-Venous (VV) ECMO Management

Free ECMO Practice Test featuring Veno-Venous (VV) ECMO Management. Improve your ECMO Exam score with mock test prep.

ECMO Weaning and Decannulation

ECMO Mock Exam on Weaning and Decannulation. ECMO Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

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FREE ECMO PRACTICE TEST

ECMO Test Day Checklist

✓Valid Government ID
✓Exam Confirmation Email
✓Arrive 30 Mins Early
✓Review ECMO Guidelines
✓Leave Electronics in Car
✓Light Jacket (Room Temp)
✓Water/Snack (Locker)
✓Confidence!

📄Free ECMO Practice Test PDF

Ready to Pass Your ECMO Exam?

Join thousands of critical care professionals who passed with our comprehensive practice tests. Start your journey to becoming a certified ECMO specialist today.

ECMO Renewal Requirements

📄

CEU Credits

45 Hours

🏥

Clinical Hours

300 Hours

💵

Renewal Fee

$150

Ensure you log all your pump hours and continuing education credits. Lapsing requires retaking the full ECMO exam.

✅Pros

+Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
+Increases job market competitiveness
+Provides structured learning goals
+Networking opportunities with other certified professionals

❌Cons

−Study materials can be expensive
−Exam anxiety can affect performance
−Requires dedicated preparation time
−Retake fees apply if you don't pass

ECMO Questions and Answers

ECMO: How Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Works and Who

ECMO Machine: Components, How It Works, VA vs VV Types, and

ECMO Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Practice Test PDF (

About the Author

Dr. Alexandra KimPhD Professional Studies, CPLP, CPTD

Certified Professional Development Expert & Niche Certification Advisor

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

Dr. 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.

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