CV-BC
ANCC Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC)
Certifies RNs in cardiac and vascular nursing practice.
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CV-BC Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | ANCC Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC) |
| Governing Body | ANCC |
| Number of Questions | 150 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 350 (scaled) |
| Exam Fee | $395 non-member / $295 ANA member |
| Category | Nursing & Nursing School |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | ANCC official website ↗ |
CV-BC Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area |
|---|
| Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology |
| Diagnostic Testing and Interpretation |
| Pharmacology |
| Patient Management and Procedures |
| Professional Issues |
Domain areas are sourced from the ANCC content outline.
Topics Covered
- ✓ I. Assessment and Diagnosis (27 questions, 22%)
- ✓ II. Planning and Implementation (44 questions, 35%)
- ✓ III. Evaluation and Modification (23 questions, 18%)
- ✓ IV. Patient and Community Education (31 questions, 25%)
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CV-BC
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CV-BC is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CV-BC format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CV-BC Frequently Asked Questions
What does CV-BC stand for?
CV-BC stands for ANCC Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC). It is administered by ANCC.
Who administers the CV-BC?
The ANCC Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC) is administered by ANCC. For official information, visit the ANCC website.
How many questions is the CV-BC?
The CV-BC consists of 150 questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CV-BC?
The passing score for the CV-BC is 350 (scaled), as set by ANCC. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CV-BC exam cost?
The CV-BC exam fee is $395 non-member / $295 ANA member. This fee is set by ANCC and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
How many questions on the CV-BC are scored?
125 scored + 25 pretest (unscored). Unscored items are used to trial future questions and are indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts.
How is the CV-BC scored?
Scaled score of 350 or higher on a scale with a maximum of 500. Criterion-referenced; minimum passing score set by SME panel using the Modified Angoff Method. ANCC does not publish a percent-correct equivalent. Always confirm the current standard with ANCC before testing.
What does the CV-BC cost?
Non-member $395; American Nurses Association member $295; Society for Vascular Nursing member $340; Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association member $340. All prices include a $140 non-refundable administrative fee. Fees are set by ANCC and change periodically; confirm current pricing before you register.
What is ANCC Cardiac Vascular Nursing certification (CV-BC)?
CV-BC is an ANCC specialty certification for RNs practicing in cardiac and vascular nursing settings, telemetry, cardiac step-down, cardiac catheterization labs, and vascular surgery units. It validates expertise in cardiovascular pathophysiology, cardiac monitoring, and evidence-based cardiovascular nursing care.
What are the CV-BC eligibility requirements?
Candidates must hold a current RN license, have a minimum of 2 years of RN experience, have practiced 2,000 hours in cardiac vascular nursing within the past 3 years, and hold a BSN or higher degree. Direct clinical experience in cardiac or vascular settings is essential.
How hard is the ANCC CV-BC exam?
CV-BC is considered moderately challenging. The exam emphasizes cardiac rhythm interpretation, hemodynamic monitoring, heart failure management, acute coronary syndrome, peripheral vascular disease, cardiac procedures (PCI, CABG, valve surgery), and post-procedural nursing care. Nurses with telemetry or step-down experience typically find it manageable with focused study.
How long should I study for CV-BC?
Most candidates study 6–10 weeks. Core resources include ANCC CV-BC practice exams, cardiac nursing textbooks (Morton and Fontaine's Critical Care Nursing), and ACC/AHA guideline summaries. ECG interpretation review is particularly high-yield.
How does CV-BC compare to CCRN for cardiac nurses?
CV-BC is specific to cardiac and vascular nursing and is appropriate for step-down, telemetry, and cardiac procedure nursing. CCRN is for critical care nurses with direct care of critically ill patients for at least 1,750 hours. ICU cardiac nurses may pursue CCRN, while telemetry and cardiac floor nurses are typically better served by CV-BC.
How long is CV-BC certification valid?
CV-BC is valid for 5 years. Renewal requires 75 CE hours, 1,000 practice hours in cardiac vascular nursing, and current RN licensure. ANCC processes renewals online.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the ANCC Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC), a Nursing & Nursing School certification, administered by ANCC. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by ANCC. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the ANCC official website ↗ .