CSC - Cardiac Surgery Certification

About CSC Certification

The Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC) exam is administered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This specialized certification is designed for registered nurses who provide direct care to acutely and critically ill adult cardiac surgery patients within the first 48 hours postoperatively. Achieving the CSC credential demonstrates a nurse's proficiency in managing the complexities of cardiac surgical recovery, including hemodynamic monitoring, pharmacologic interventions, and patient education. This certification underscores a nurse's dedication to excellence in cardiac surgical care and commitment to enhancing patient outcomes during the critical postoperative period.

BoardCerts CSC Question Bank

BoardCerts provides a comprehensive question bank tailored for the Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC) exam, designed to support certification success. The practice questions and multiple predictor exams are aligned with the CSC exam blueprint. Each question is meticulously crafted and reviewed by healthcare professionals experienced in cardiac care, ensuring relevance and accuracy. The question bank reflects the exam's complexity and includes detailed explanations for correct and incorrect answers, providing a robust foundation for effective preparation.

CSC Exam Content Outline

The CSC exam assesses a nurse’s expertise in providing post-operative care for adult cardiac surgery patients within the first 48 hours. The exam content is divided into four primary domains:

• Procedures (11%) : Covers knowledge of common cardiac surgical procedures, including indications, techniques, and expected post-operative outcomes.
• Complications (33%): Focuses on identifying, preventing, and managing post-operative complications such as arrhythmias, infections, bleeding, hemodynamic instability, and organ dysfunction.
• Therapeutic Interventions (43%): Emphasizes evidence-based interventions, including pharmacologic treatments, fluid and electrolyte management, mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, and wound care to optimize patient recovery.
• Monitoring and Diagnostics (13%): Assesses proficiency in utilizing and interpreting advanced monitoring tools and diagnostic tests, such as hemodynamic assessments, imaging, laboratory values, and electrocardiograms, to guide clinical decision-making.

For more detailed blueprint outline, please review the CSC exam blueprint, which can be found here: Preparation and Resources.

CSC Exam Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the CSC exam, candidates must hold a current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license and possess a nationally accredited clinical nursing specialty certification to which the CSC credential will be attached. Additionally, they must meet one of the following requirements:

• Two-Year Option: 1,750 hours of direct care for acutely/critically ill adult patients in the past two years, with 875 hours in the most recent year. Of these, 875 hours must be in the care of adult cardiac surgery patients within the first 48 post-operative hours.
• Five-Year Option: 2,000 hours of direct care for acutely/critically ill adult patients in the past five years, with 144 hours in the most recent year. Of these, 1,000 hours must be in the care of adult cardiac surgery patients within the first 48 post-operative hours.

These requirements ensure that candidates have substantial hands-on experience in cardiac surgery nursing before pursuing certification.

CSC Application Process

CSC Exam Dates and Costs

The CSC exam is available year-round, offering candidates the flexibility to schedule their exam at a convenient time. After your application is approved, you can choose to take the computer-based or paper-and-pencil exam at a PSI testing center or opt for live remote proctoring, providing options that suit your preferences.

For the most current information on exam fees and scheduling options, please refer to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification page.

CSC Exam Format

Number of Questions: The CSC exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, of which 75 are scored, and 15 are unscored pretest questions used for future test development.

Exam Response Options: Multiple-choice test.

Testing Options: Candidates can choose to take the exam at a PSI testing center or opt for live remote proctoring, offering flexibility in testing environments. They can also choose between computer-based and paper-and-pencil tests.

Time Allotted: Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam.

Passing Score for CSC

Difficulty Level: The CSC certification exam is considered challenging, with annual pass rates varying between 68% and 76% over recent years.

Passing Score: The CSC exam requires candidates to correctly answer a specific number of scored questions to achieve certification. The exact passing score, known as the cut score, is determined through a standard-setting process and may vary with each exam administration.

Exam Statistics: Detailed statistics, including annual pass rates and the number of candidates tested, are available on the AACN's Exam Statistics webpage.

Score Reporting: Upon completing the CSC exam, candidates receive an immediate on-screen pass/fail result. A detailed score report, outlining performance across different content areas, is emailed to the candidates within 24 hours. Results of paper-and-pencil exams are received by mail 6 to 8 weeks following testing.

CSC Exam Proctoring

The CSC exam is administered by the AACN in collaboration with PSI Services. Candidates have the flexibility to choose between two proctoring options:

• Live Remote Proctoring (LRP): This option allows you to take the exam from a location of your choice, such as your home or office. During the exam, a professional proctor monitors you in real-time via your computer's webcam and microphone to ensure the integrity of the testing process.

• In-Person Testing Centers: Alternatively, you can opt to take the exam at one of PSI's designated testing centers, which are available across various locations. This traditional method involves attending a physical location to complete the exam under supervised conditions.

Both options are designed to maintain the exam's security and integrity while providing flexibility to accommodate your preferences and circumstances.

CSC Preparation and Resources

BoardCerts ensures that practice questions are meticulously aligned with the CSC exam blueprint, providing comprehensive coverage of the content candidates will encounter on the test. Our question bank is developed using the same authoritative resources that underpin the official exam, offering an effective and thorough preparation experience.

Topics on the Exam: Get familiar with the CSC exam content areas by reviewing the CSC exam blueprint, available here: Preparation and Resources.

Question Bank: Maximize your preparation with a high-quality question bank that aligns with the CSC exam blueprint and is reviewed by experienced CSC-certified nurses. The question bank provides extensive practice opportunities, including predictor exams to assess your readiness and build confidence before test day.

CSC Certification Renewal

The Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC) is valid for three years. To renew your certification, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Active RN or APRN License: Maintain a current, unencumbered U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license.
• Specialty Certification: Hold a current nationally accredited clinical nursing specialty certification that aligns with the CSC credential.
• Clinical Practice Hours: Completion of 432 clinical practice hours caring for acutely/critically ill adult cardiac patients as an RN or APRN within the 3-year period preceding your scheduled renewal date, with 144 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding your scheduled renewal date.

Once you have met the above criteria, you can renew your certification through one of the following options:

• Renewal by Synergy CERPs: Obtained by accumulating a total of 25 Category A Clinical Judgment Continuing Education Recognition Point (CERPs). These CERPs must be accrued during the 3-year certification renewal period.
• Renewal by Exam: Must meet the eligibility requirements for renewal and successfully apply for, take and pass the CSC exam before the scheduled renewal date.
• Inactive status: Inactive status is available to renewing individuals who do not currently meet certification renewal eligibility requirements but do not wish to lose their certification. Inactive status allows up to 3 years from your original date of renewal to meet eligibility requirements.

For detailed information on the renewal process and requirements, visit the AACN's official renewal page.

CSC Practice Questions

• Practicing sample questions is a crucial part of CSC exam preparation, helping you become familiar with the exam format, question style, and key content areas. The BoardCerts CSC Question Bank offers high-quality, exam-focused sample questions that align with the CSC exam blueprint, ensuring you are well-prepared and confident on test day.

• Access Sample Questions: Find sample questions from the BoardCerts question bank here. These questions are crafted to reflect the level of application and difficulty found on the CSC exam.

CSC Related Certifications

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offers a range of certifications for healthcare professionals specializing in acute and critical care:

• Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC): For nurses providing direct care to acutely/critically ill adult cardiac patients.
• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): For nurses who provide direct care to acutely/critically ill patients.
• Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN): For nurses who provide direct care to acutely ill adult patients in progressive care settings.