CCS (ABPTS) - Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist

The Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS) certification is a specialized credential for physical therapists with advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy. This certification, administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), recognizes physical therapists' proficiency in providing care to individuals with cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. It’s designed for clinicians who focus on improving cardiovascular and pulmonary function, promoting physical fitness and enhancing overall wellness.

Eligibility

Candidates must:

• Be a physical therapist with a current permanent/unrestricted license to practice physical therapy

• Submit evidence of 2,000 hours of direct patient care as a licensed physical therapist in cardiovascular and pulmonary therapy within the last 10 years (500 hours within the last 3 years) OR completion of an APTA-accredited post-professional clinical residency  within cardiovascular and pulmonary therapy within the last 10 years

• Be currently certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) by the American Heart Association

• Submit evidence of participation in a clinical data analysis project directly related to the cardiovascular and pulmonary specialty within the last 10 years or submit one case report demonstrating specialty cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy practice based on clients seen in the past 3 years

Completion Time: Up to 6 hours with four 90-minute blocks and optional breaks in between

Cost: All related costs of the exam, not education requirements before taking the exam

• Early Bird Application (Deadline July 1): 

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) member: $550

  • Nonmember: $895

• After July 1 (Deadline Sept 30):

  • APTA member: $650

  • Nonmember: 995

• Exam Fee (Deadline Nov 30): 

  • APTA member: $810

  • Nonmember: $1,535

• Reapplication Review (Deadline Aug 31): $190

Exam Format

The exam consists of 200, with candidates given four 90-minute sessions to complete 50-question blocks in each. Optional breaks are offered between sessions. Topics covered and the percentage of the exam each topic covers are as follows:

• Knowledge Areas: 

  • Foundational, behavioral, and clinical sciences (15%)

• Professional roles, responsibilities, and values:

  • Professional behaviors, leadership education, administration, consultation (5%)

  • Evidence-based clinical practice, including critical inquiry principles and methods (10%)

• Patient and client management expectations 

  • Examination (15%)

  • Evaluation (30%)

  • Diagnosis and Prognosis (5%)

  • Plan of care and interventions (15%)

  • Outcomes (5%)

ABPTS requires a scaled score of 500 to pass the CCS exam.

Renewal is required every 10 years, but to maintain CCS certification, applicants must submit evidence of continuing competence every 3 years, called a Maintenance of Specialist Certification (MOSC) cycle. By June 30 of their certification's third, sixth and ninth year, OCS certificate holders must submit evidence of the following:

• Current unrestricted licensure as a physical therapist

• 200 hours of direct patient care acquired in cardiovascular and pulmonary therapy

• Participation in ongoing professional development or service within cardiovascular and pulmonary therapy

• Practice performance through clinical care and reasoning through submission of one case reflection portfolio

Completion of an APTA-accredited residency or fellowship program in cardiovascular and pulmonary therapy meets all requirements for one three-year cycle if completed during that three-year MOSC period. Once all requirements in each cycle have been completed, candidates are eligible to take the non-proctored recertification examination in year 10.

Renewal Fees

MOSC Fees and Deadline for renewal include:

• APTA Members: $760 total

  • Three installments of $220 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $100 at-cost exam fee in year 10

• Nonmembers: $1,400 total

  • Three installments of $400 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $200 exam fee in year 10

Part of the renewal process includes professional development equalling 10 MOSC credits, with 30 credits total required by year nine. These credits can be earned within 3 activity categories, with continuing education (CE) as one option in category 2. Candidates earn 1 MOSC credit for every 10 contact hours of CE related to cardiovascular and pulmonary completed.

• Candidate Guide

• CCS Exam Outline

• CCS Content Outline & Resources

• General Resources

• Tips for Exam Day

The ABPTS also offers the following certifications:

• Board-Certified Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist (ECS)

• Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS)

• Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS)

• Board-Certified Oncologic Clinical Specialist (Oncology)

• Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)

• Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist (WCS)

• Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)

• Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)

• Board-Certified Wound Management Clinical Specialist (Wound)