VA-BC - Vascular Access Board Certified

The VA-BC certification is designed for healthcare workers who specialize in the care and placement of vascular access devices such as IVs and central lines. Vascular access is a common route for registered nurses who have previous experience working with intravenous devices but is also an option for those who have other types of work backgrounds as well. 

Becoming Vascular Access Board Certified is a great way for nurses who consider themselves skilled in the maintenance and care of vascular devices (such as peripheral lines and IVs) to boost their resumes and open up additional employment opportunities. Vascular access certification is a way to recognize skills and demonstrate professional competence. The Vascular Access Certification Corporation (VACC) offers the Vascular Access-Board Certified (VA-BC).

Cost

The cost of this certification varies depending on whether applicants have an AVA membership and when they apply. To receive the early registration discount, apply between September 1 - 20 to take the test in December, or between March 1 - 20 to take the test in June. Testing fees are as follows:

• Early Registrations AVA Member: $300

• Early Registration Non-Member: $400

• Standard Registration AVA Member: $375

• Standard Registration Non-Member: $475

The certification exam for the Vascular Access Certification is a multiple-choice exam that consists of 150 questions. Only 125 of these questions are scored, while the rest are used for gathering statistical data to help develop future exams. Test takers are given 2.5 hours to complete the exam. This exam is offered every year during the months of June and December. The exam can be taken in person at a Prometric testing center. These testing centers are located throughout the United States and Canada. For individuals who would like to take the test remotely, a remote proctored exam option is available as well. 

The exam content is broken down into four main categories: 

• Clinical Knowledge and Application

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Professional Development

• Legal and Ethical Considerations

For more information on exam content, check the exam specifications. 

Many professional certifications are designed to test entry-level skills. However, the VA-BC certification requires that certificants already have some experience working in the field. 

Eligibility

To be considered eligible to sit for the VA-BC certification exam, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum post-secondary education such as a nursing degree or diploma.

• Minimum of one year of professional experience relating to vascular access. 

• One of the following:

  • Healthcare professional who works directly with vascular access.

  • Professional work experience in a field that complements vascular access such as education, administration, infection control, or nutrition. 

Applicants must also have clinical experience in at least two of the following areas:

• Assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patients who require vascular access.

• Patient education as it relates to vascular access.

• Development of vascular access policies.

• Management and overseeing of vascular access activities.

• Consultation of vascular access activities 

Application Process

Once you meet the eligibility criteria to sit for the VA-BC certification exam, you can easily apply online. You’ll first want to determine which testing month works best for you and apply by the required deadline. There is a paper application option but it isn’t the preferred route and may involve additional fees. Review all application deadlines and fees before starting your application.

Healthcare is a rapidly evolving field of work and in order to keep practice standards fresh, renewal is required every three years to maintain certification. 

To renew your VA-BC certification, you can either retake the certification exam or renew with continuing education credits. If you choose to renew by taking the exam, you’ll have to make sure to apply for the test before your certification expires. 

To renew with CE credits, submit proof of 30 CE credits for the certification period of three years. CE credits can be obtained through vascular access-related conferences, seminars, or online courses. 

Renewal Fees

The cost of recertification varies depending on whether applicants have an AVA membership and when they apply. To receive the early registration discount, apply between August 1 - March 20 to recertify in June, or between February 1 - September 20 to recertify in December. Fees are as follows for online recertification:

• Early Registrations AVA Member: $240

• Early Registration Non-Member: $340

• Standard Registration AVA Member: $290

• Standard Registration Non-Member: $390

Fees for recertification through mail or fax:

• Early Registrations AVA Member: $265

• Early Registration Non-Member: $365

• Standard Registration AVA Member: $315

• Standard Registration Non-Member: $415

For detailed information regarding the certification and recertification process for the VA-BC certification, reference the VACC Certification Handbook.

Make sure to review the test blueprint and content outline prior to sitting for the certification exam. You may also want to utilize practice questions and other exam references. The VACC offers a Certification Toolkit.

Once you’ve passed your certification exam, you will be able to display your competence with the letters VA-BC on your name badge. Working as a vascular access nurse is an exciting and interesting opportunity. You’ll likely be able to find work in a hospital or outpatient setting.