Frequently Asked Questions-Applicants

1. Are CCI Self Assessment Exams intended to be used as a study guide?

No. CCI Self Assessment Exams are intended to be used only as an assessment tool, so that applicants/candidates can determine their strengths and weaknesses based on the subject matrix for each examination. Applicants/candidates will not receive exact question/answer combinations; only a score report broken down by the subject matrix will be returned.

2. Are there any study guides or review courses to assist me in preparation for the examination?
There are several sources of review material advertised in CCI's official publication, The Pulse, or at www.cci-online.org. A list of review courses offered by a variety of groups and businesses is also published in The Pulse. CCI does not endorse any third party review course, even those who may advertise in The Pulse.

3. How can I tell if I qualify for the exemption for the Cardiovascular Science Examination?
There are three (3) pathways to gain exemption from the Cardiovascular Science examination:

1) Hold an "active" CCI Registry Level credential: RCIS, RCS, RVS; or

2) Have earned at least one of the following credentials: BTEC, DO, PA, RDCS, RN, RRT MD, RT(R) or RVT, and they must be current for the year in which you apply or expire at a later date. Registrant must also complete and submit the Cardiovascular Science Exemption Application found on page 20 of the 2007 CCI Application and Examination Booklet; or

3) Have graduated from a CAA-HEP-accredited Cardiovascular Technology or Diagnostic Medical Sonography (cardiac or vascular programs only) educational program.

4. What type of identification will I need to obtain admission to the Pearson examination site?
It will be necessary to have two (2) forms of identification, including at least one (1) current, government issued source of identification that includes a picture. A valid driver's license with a picture and a passport are two examples of acceptable forms of identification.

5. When will I get my results?
Preliminary results are delivered immediately at the Pearson Professional Center (PPC). Official results will be mailed from CCI approximately 2 to 3 weeks after the examination.

6. If I must retake an examination, what is the time requirement for retaking the examination?
There is a 45-day waiting period to re-take an examination.

7. What period of time is given to pass both the cardiovascular science examination and the specialty examination to become credentialed?
It is required that both the Cardiovascular Science Examination (or exemption) and the Registry exam of your choice be completed in a three (3) year period. Failure to complete both examinations successfully in a three (3) year period will require you to reapply to take the previously passed examination. (Cardiovascular Science exemption fees must also be resubmitted if the candidate is not successful in passing the Registry Level examination with three (3) years of the original Cardiovascular Science
Exemption.)

8. On what dates are the examinations offered?
CCI has gone to a computer-based testing format, thus allowing the examinations we offer to be taken year-round based on availability at Pearson Testing Centers.

9. Where are the test sites for the examinations?
The examinations offered by CCI are administered by Pearson Professional Centers, which has over 3200 sites worldwide. A complete list of Pearson test sites can be found at www.pearsontesting.com/cci

10. What are the qualifications for the examinations?
The qualifications are listed on pages 12 -13 in the 2009 Application and Examination Overview Booklet..

11. Where can I find materials for the examinations?
CCI does not endorse nor recommend any third party review course, even those who may advertise in The Pulse. CCI provides a detailed outline, as well as list of reference materials in the 2009 Application booklet. There are several sources of review material advertised in CCI's official publication, The Pulse, or at www.cci-online.org. A list of review course offered by a variety of groups and businesses is also published in The Pulse.

12. After I submit my application, how long will it take before I receive something back from CCI?
CCI required 2-3 weeks from receipt of exam application for processing. Once the application has been processed and approved, you will be mailed an Authorization to Test letter which will include your 90-day testing window.

13. How do I schedule an examination?
To schedule or reschedule your examination appointment, please contact Pearson Professional Centers at 1-800-869-4102 or at www.pearsontesting.com/cci.

14. If I fail the examination and have to retest, do I have to pay the fee again?
Yes. The fee is required each time you take an examination.

15. If I fail an examination, must I reapply to retest?
When you complete your exam, you will receive an official results letter. Attached to your results letter will be an application to test. If it is resubmitted within 6 months, supporting documentation need not be resubmitted. If resubmitted after 6 months, documentation will be required to qualify. A 45-day waiting period must be met before you can take the exam for a second time.

16. How does one cover the hundreds of possible subjects listed in the detailed outlines?
CCI as a credentialing agency can not provide recommendations on how to study. A detailed outline of each examination and popular reference materials are found in the CCI Examination and Overview Booklet. Applicants may also order a self assessment Booklet. These booklets are not intended as study guides, but as a tool to assess the applicants' knowledge in each of the subject categories found on the credentialing examination.

17. Will CCI's exam qualifications be changed?
Although CCI's examination qualifications are currently under review, the qualifications may be revised and effective no sooner than January 1, 2010.

18. How long is my credential good for after I pass my exam?
Credential is active 9-12 months after passing exam. Refer to chart on Page 25 of 2009 Application Booklet.

19. Can I have an extension to test?
Each applicant will be granted one (1) 90-day extension to test. If exam is not taken by the end of the extension period, testing fee will be forfeited and applicant will have to reapply to take the test. If applicant has made an appointment with Pearson prior to requesting the extension, appointment must be cancelled before CCI is contacted.

20. Why aren't all the questions on the examination scored?
All CCI credentialing examinations consist of 100 or more multiple choice questions. Some of the items on the examination may not be scored. These items are not identified for examination candidates at the time of testing. This is standard practice and enables CCI to evaluate questions which may be used in future examinations. These items are not scored when your examination results are calculated and thus will not effect your score. The time you have been allotted to take the examination has been determined by taking into consideration the number of scored and unscored items.