Find answers to frequently asked questions about the CCRP certification exam, eligibility, testing, certification requirements, and professional standards in cardiac rehabilitation.
Will program certification require having professionally certified individuals on staff? How will the two certifications affect one another?
Professional certification is not a required component for program certification. Individuals who provide Cardiac Rehabilitation services should possess a common core of professional and clinical competencies, regardless of their academic discipline.
CCRP Exemption: CCRP Certification is recognized as evidence of professional competency in the Cardiac Program Certification application. All CCRP‑certified staff are exempt from the staff competency requirements stated on the Program Certification application for the duration of their three‑year certification, and ongoing as long as certification is maintained through required CEUs.
All staff who are not CCRP certified must complete the competency assessments listed on the Program Certification application.
Can I see what Pearson VUE testing sites offer the CCRP exam?
Yes. You can search for Pearson VUE testing centers that offer the CCRP exam at the following link:
https://findseats.pearsonvue.com
Please note: Inclusion of a facility in this search feature does not guarantee available testing appointments. Available appointments can only be viewed and confirmed after your application has been approved and AACVPR has sent instructions for scheduling through Pearson VUE.
I have already submitted my application. When will I select my exam date, time, and location?
During the application period, it can take between 7–10 days to process applications with Pearson VUE.
Once your application has been fully processed, AACVPR will send instructions on how to register with Pearson VUE and select an exam date, time, and location through their website.
Will there be an opportunity for physicians or respiratory therapists to appeal to sit for the exam?
Per the posted eligibility criteria, physicians have obtained a higher degree in a health‑related field and therefore are eligible to sit for the exam.
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) who have at least an Associate’s degree and meet the 1,200 clinical hours of experience eligibility requirement also qualify under the stated criteria.
Will the exam be offered at other locations or regional meetings?
No. CCRP exams are only offered as computer‑based testing at Pearson VUE test centers.
After your application to sit for the exam has been approved, AACVPR will send instructions on how to select a testing site through the Pearson VUE website.
I have several years of experience in the field. Why can’t I be grandfathered without taking the exam?
All certificants are required to achieve a passing score on the examination in order to hold the CCRP credential. The passing score is set through a formal standard‑setting process.
No exceptions have been made to this policy. This ensures that all CCRP‑certified individuals have demonstrated the minimum required knowledge for competent cardiac rehabilitation practice.
Can individuals who held RN‑C certification be grandfathered into the CCRP program?
The ANCC RN‑C cardiac rehabilitation examination was retired several years ago. Although the current ANCC cardiovascular nursing exam includes some cardiac rehabilitation content, it is not based on the published core competencies for cardiac rehabilitation.
As a result, it does not adequately reflect the comprehensive skills required in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation setting and cannot be used as a substitute for CCRP certification.
Why is nursing licensure listed separately from a Bachelor’s degree in the eligibility criteria?
Nursing licensure is listed separately because it is possible to earn a nursing license without holding a Bachelor’s degree.
What is the rationale behind requiring all disciplines to take one unified exam?
Cardiac rehabilitation is delivered by a multidisciplinary team. The core competencies define the minimum qualifications for professionals practicing in cardiac rehabilitation, regardless of discipline.
The CCRP exam is therefore not discipline‑specific. It ensures that all certified professionals demonstrate competence in these minimum standards.
Will the CCRP certification advantage nurses over exercise professionals?
No. The CCRP exam is based on minimum competencies and does not replace discipline‑specific education or training. Cardiac rehabilitation continues to rely on a multidisciplinary care model.
If I pass the CCRP exam, may I use CCRP in my credentials?
Yes. Individuals who pass the exam may add “CCRP” to their professional credentials.
How and why did AACVPR develop professional certification?
AACVPR conducted a needs assessment among members, and strong support emerged for a profession‑specific certification. The CCRP credential was developed to strengthen assurance of quality among professionals delivering cardiac rehabilitation services.
I hold ACSM CES or RCEP certification. Does this replace the need for CCRP?
ACSM certifications demonstrate expertise in clinical exercise physiology and are recognized in AACVPR hiring recommendations. However, CCRP certification specifically validates knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation core competencies.
CCRP certification complements rather than replaces discipline‑specific credentials.