CVRN-BC - Cardiovascular Nurse-Board Certified (ABCM)

The Cardiovascular Nursing Level I Board Certification (CVRN-BC Level 1) validates the knowledge and skills of non-acute cardiovascular nurses, including the assessment, management, treatment and evaluation of cardiovascular patients. The American Board of Cardiovascular Medical Accreditation (ABCM) offers the CVRN-BC Level 1 exam.

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the CVRN-BC Level 1 exam, applicants must be an active registered nurse or nurse practitioner. Although not required, ABCM recommends applicants have at least one year of experience in the non-acute care setting such as PCU, Telemetry, PICU or Interventional Cardiology.

After earning the CVRN-BC Level 1, applicants may attempt the CVRN-BC Level 2 exam. Nurses who aren’t Board Certified with the ABCM because they haven’t taken the CVRN-BC Level 1 exam but are Board Eligible through education, experience and other qualifications still qualify to sit for the Level 2 exam at a higher cost.

Completion Time: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the CVRN-BC Level 1 exam

Cost: Initial testing fee $349.95

Exam Format

The CVRN-BC Level 1 exam includes 150 questions, and the minimum passing score is 70%. Exam topics include:

• Bedside Assessment (14.5%)

• Basic ECG Concepts (18%)

• Coronary Artery Disease & ACS (9.5%)

• Hypertension (9.5%)

• Heart Failure (9.5%)

• Cardiomyopathy (6.5%)

• Cardiovascular Pharmacology (11.5%)

• Pacemakers/ICDs (6.0%)

• Non-Invasive and Interventional Cardiology (15%)

Test Dates

Applicants can register to take the online exam anytime based on ABCM availability. In-person testing facilities are still closed due to COVID.

Test Results

ABCM emails test results shortly after exam completion. Applicants must forward their results to the Assistant Exam Director at [email protected].

Online Application

• Navigate to the ABCM website

• Check the box next to “CVRN-BC Level I Exam”

• Enter name and contact information

• Enter license information

• Enter education information

• Enter work information

• Click “Submit”

To pay:

• Navigate to the ABCM checkout page

• Select “CVRN-BC Level 1 Certification Exam $349.95” from the drop-down menu

• Click Add to Cart

• Click Checkout

After application submission, ABCM emails a response within 1 week with instructions for scheduling the exam.

CVRN-BC Level 1 is valid for 3 years. Renewal applicants can renew by completing 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), submitting the recertification application, and paying the renewal fee. Renewal applicants should submit applications at least 1 month before the expiration date. 

To pay:

• Navigate to the ABCM renewal checkout page

• Select “Recertification Fee if Ontime” from the drop-down menu

• Click Add to Cart

• Click Checkout

To renew:

• Navigate to the ABCM renewal page

• Check the box next to “CVRN-BC Level I Exam”

• Enter name and contact information

• Enter work information

• Upload CE information

• Upload a copy of valid ID such as driver’s license

• Click Submit

Renewal Fees

• Renewal: $125

• Late renewal: $150

NCC requires 30 CEUs to renew the CVRN-BC Level 1. CEUs must relate to cardiology and include the CE provider's name, State Board CE provider number, date of course or event, and the number of CEs awarded. 

ABCM may also accept academic transcripts for Masters and Doctoral Programs. For consideration send transcripts to the ABCM exam Director at [email protected].

If unsure about accepted CEUs, contact ABCM to confirm.

ABCM provides several resources to help prepare for the CVRN-BC Level 1 exam, including:

• Cardiovascular Nursing Course, online course with a corresponding paper manual, available online for $199.95

• CVRN-BC Level 1 Practice Exam available for $89.95

  • Select “CVRN-BC Level 1 Practice Exam” from the drop-down menu

• ABCM also recommends an in-depth study of the following topics:

  • Bedside Assessment of the CV Patient

  • Basic to Intermediate Electrocardiography including Recording, Reading, and Responding

  • Coronary Artery Disease, including STEMI, NSTEMI, and Unstable Angina

  • Hypertension

  • Cardiomyopathy

  • Heart Failure

  • Non-Invasive and Invasive Cardiology Procedures

The ABCM also offers the following certifications:

• Basic ECG Board Certification Exam (Basic ECG-BC)

• Advanced ECG Board Certification Exam (Advanced ECG-BC)

• 12-Lead ECG Board Certification Exam (12-Lead ECG-BC)

• Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioner (CVNP-BC)

• Cardiovascular Nursing Level II Board Certification (CVRN-BC Level II)