CVNP-BC - Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner

Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner board certification (CVNP-BC) validates the knowledge and skills of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who work in the cardiovascular setting. The American Board of Cardiovascular Medical Accreditation (ABCM).

Eligibility Requirements

Only  licensed NPs or physician’s assistants working in a cardiology setting qualify to sit for the CVNP-BC exam. The ABCM recommends two years of experience and focused study in a cardiology setting before attempting the exam. Applicants must provide their license number and state of issuance, and information about their education and current employment when applying. International applicants must have professional English language proficiency.

• Completion Time: Candidates have 4 hours to complete the CVNP-BC exam

• Cost: $439.95

Exam Format

CVNP-BC certification exam consists of 288 questions and takes 4 hours to complete. Options include testing in person at a ProvExam testing center or remotely. Candidates must score 70% to pass the exam and should receive an email with Pass/Fail results within 30 minutes of completing the exam. CVNP-BC exam topics include: 

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Heart Failure, Hypertension, ACS, Cardiomyopathy 

• Heart Sounds and Bedside Assessment

• 12-Lead ECG & Arrhythmias

• CV Pharmacology 

• Pacemakers & ICDs

• Interventional Cardiology Procedures

• Non-Invasive Cardiology Procedures

• Non-Invasive Cardiology Diagnostic Procedures

Testing options include online or in person testing at ProvExams locations. Candidates must earn a passing score of 70% or better. They receive an email within 30 minutes of exam completion containing their pass/fail statement, but ABCM provides the final score once it processes the results.

• Go to the online ABCM Application

• Select “CVNP-BC”

• Complete the application

• Be prepared to provide details including:

  • Personal information

  • Professional license

  • Education

  • Current employment

Applicants must submit a legible copy of their state-issued ID or passport with their application. Scan and email identification to course registrar Bobbi Lucido at[email protected]. In approximately one week, candidates receive an email with further directions.

CVNP-BC certification is valid for 3 year. ABCM sends out email reminder notices about 2 to 3 months in advance of renewal dates. Renewal candidates should submit their recertification applications at least one month early to prevent a lapse in their certification. However, ABCM encourages candidates to begin 2 to 3 months before their current certifications expires in case they’re missing information or their applications are incomplete. Renewal approvals usually take 10 days but can take up to 30 days. Steps for recertification include:

• Complete the Recertification Application

• Email proof of CE/CME credits to [email protected]

• Pay online or mail check payable to ABCM to:

  • ABCM, Inc.
    Attn: Kayla Bryant
    P.O. Box 5929
    Sun City Center, FL 33571

Cost: $125 / $150 late renewal

Part of the renewal process includes completing continuing education (CE) or continuing medical education (CME). CVNP-BC renewal requires completion of 30 CE/CME credits. These must all be in cardiology. Email ABCM for questions about acceptable CE topics to ensure they qualify for recertification.

The ABCM encourages candidates to only use current references, those released within the last 5 years, while studying. It also offers helpful resources, including:

• The ACCN - On Demand - Cardiovascular Nursing Review Course

• Various Reference Books available in the online store

Related Cardiovascular Nursing, Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Board Certification Exams available through ABCM include:

• CVRN-BC Level 1 Board Certification - ideal for non-acute care cardiovascular nurses in telemetry, post procedure, PCU and cardiac rehabilitation, and office-based staff

• CVRN-BC Level 2 Board Certification - ideal for acute care cardiovascular nurses in CVICU, CCU, transport units, heart failure clinics, interventional and cath labs and general acute cardiac care

• CVRN-BC Level 3 - for interventional and cath lab nursing staff who’ve already obtained Level 2 certification and an RCIS license

• Basic ECG - ideal for all telemetry, post procedure, PCU, cardiac rehabilitation and office-based nursing staff

• 12-Lead ECG - ideal for all cardiology care providers

• Advanced ECG - ideal for nurse practitioners and physician assistants