Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP)

The Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP), exclusively for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) professionals, is the only certification aligned with the published CR competencies. AACVPR’s exam assesses proficiency via exam questions that evaluate knowledge of facts, concepts and processes required to complete the following tasks as illustrated in the CCRP exam blueprint and the CCRP Candidate Handbook. Exam questions are based on a wide variety of publications, regulations and resources in the field. A full list of exam resources can be found in the Exam Resource Document. To review the current CCRP Pass Rates, click here.

The CCRP certification is awarded by the AACVPR Professional Certification Commission solely upon achievement of a passing score on the exam. There is no requirement for any class, course or other education or training programs provided by AACVPR or any other provider in order to sit for the CCRP examination.

Certification Information

Recertification Information

Eligibility – U.S. and International Candidates

Professionals wishing to sit for the CCRP exam must meet the following criteria by the end of the application period:

  • 1,200 clinical hours in CR/secondary prevention in Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a health-related field from an accredited college or university OR current RN licensure OR current RRT credential (with RT Associates Degree).
    • Current RN licensure or RRT credential (with RT Associates Degree) does not necessitate minimum academic requirement.

Professionals who do not meet the eligibility requirements may appeal their eligibility by completing the CCRP Eligibility Appeals Form and submitting it with a professional resume and letter of attestation from their supervisor to certification@aacvpr.org.

2023 Exam Windows

The application for the May 2023 Exam Window opens on March 1, 2023, and closes on April 22, 2023.  Applications must be submitted during this time frame to ensure eligibility for the exam.

Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Click here for troubleshooting instructions if you do not see the option to register when you follow the step-by-step instructions.

You must be logged in to the AACVPR website for you to access the CCRP application. Don't have a login? Click here to create an account.

Please see below for the 2023 Exam Windows for the CCRP Exam.

2023 Exam Window
(All dates in 2023)

February 1 - February 28 May 1 - May 31 September 1 - September 30 November 1 - November 30
Application Window December 1, 2022 - January 22, 2023 March 1 - April 22 July 1 - August 15

September 1 - October 15

Certification Cost

  Member Rate Non-Member Rate

United States of America Exam Location

$320
$380
International Exam Location
$340
$400

About the Exam

 

Recertification

The purpose of renewal of certification is to assure a level of continued competence through the ongoing enhancement of knowledge and skills in the field of cardiac rehabilitation. A three-year certification cycle has been established to maintain current knowledge with the ever-changing aspects of cardiac rehabilitation. Candidates may recertify by either earning 60 continuing education credits (25 of which must be AACVPR-approved), or by re-sitting for the exam and passing prior to the expiration of their current certification. If you prefer to resit for the examination to recertify, please contact the AACVPR Certification team at certification@aacvpr.org for guidance.

2022 Recertification Information

The 2022 Deadline for Recertification has been extended to January 13, 2023. If your expiration date is 12/31/2022, make sure to submit your application by January 13, 2023 to avoid delays in your recertification processing.

Applications submitted after the new extended deadline of January 13, 2023 will be subject to a $30 late fee and will be accepted until February 13, 2023. A six month extension is also available by request; for more information about the six month extension, please contact us at certification@aacvpr.org.

Recertification Policies and Important Documentation

Recertification Fees

By Contact Hours:

AACVPR Member

$95
Non-Member

$130

By Examination:

  AACVPR Member Non-Member
United States of America $320 $380
International $340 $400

Verification

Our Certified Cardiac Rehab Professionals in Good Standing document is updated periodically for employer or certification verification purposes. If you have any questions, please contact certification@aacvpr.org.

ANCC Magnet Recognition Program Data Collection Tool Inclusion: AACVPR is pleased to announce that the CCRP credential has been reviewed by American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and has met the criteria for inclusion on their list of certifications included in the Magnet Recognition Program® Demographic Data Collection Tool™ (DDCT). Hospitals applying for Magnet strongly urge all nurses to be certified within their specialty.

Apply for Certification or Recertify Today 

Ready to apply or recertify? Log in to your AACVPR account, and click on the link below to navigate to your profile. When on your profile, click on the “CCRP Certification” link at the top of the page and either click “Apply for Certification” to start the process or “View or Renew Certification” to submit for recertification.

Click here for step by step instructions for certification, and click here for step by step instructions for recertification.

Apply or Recertify

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