Exam Results and Scoring

How the NP/PA-CCKE is scored and how the results are calculated.

Access Your Exam Results

Scores are posted in the Exam Hub.

What Do Successful Candidates Receive?

Candidates who pass the Certified Cardiovascular Knowledge Examination will receive:

• A Score Report that includes a recommended list of content to study based on the questions answered incorrectly.
• A printable Certificate
• A Digital Badge to use in email signatures, on LinkedIn, etc.
• Recognition on ACC's website
• Qualifies you as an Associate of the ACC (AACC), with credit towards becoming a Fellow of the ACC (FACC)
• Earn and use the "CCK" Credential after their name. (CCK stands for Certified in Cardiovascular Knowledge)

Please note that the certificate, score report, and digital badge may be delivered at different times; processing and delivery schedules can vary so recipients should not expect to receive all components simultaneously.

The CCK credential is valid for a minimum of five years, after which candidates will need to demonstrate continuous competency to continue using it. The website will be updated later in 2025 with additional information on renewing your credential.

Exam Scoring

Candidate scores are determined by the number-correct formula where a correct response will count as one and an incorrect response will count as zero.

While ACC strongly recommends that candidates attempt to answer every question, failure to complete every question does not immediately imply you did not pass the exam and there is no penalty for guessing.

Passing Score*

The passing score is determined based on the results of a content-based standard-setting study by a panel of subject matter experts followed by review and final approval by ACC's Certification Governance Work Group.

The standard-setting study is conducted by cardiovascular subject matter experts invited by ACC to participate as a standard setting panelist. Panelists are representative of U.S. NPs/PAs and reflect diversity in age, geographic location, and years of experience.

ACC uses the standard setting method known as the modified-Angoff. Under the guidance of a psychometrician, selected panelists review each question to determine the basic level of knowledge or skill that is expected. The recommended passing score is based on the panel's estimated difficulty ratings for each exam question. The recommended passing score from the standard-setting study is then reviewed and approved by ACC's Certification Governance Working Group. The passing score for the exam represents the minimum score needed to identify individuals with an acceptable level of knowledge and skill.

If the candidate's score is equal to or higher than the passing score, then the candidate has passed the exam. All individuals who pass the exam, regardless of their score, have demonstrated an acceptable level of knowledge.

Score Report

A score report showing the candidate's score and the passing score will be available 1-2 months after the examination window. ACC will notify candidates by email when scores are available.

* A passing score on the Certified Cardiovascular Knowledge Examination (the "Program") solely demonstrates that a medical professional has met the standards and criteria of the Program. Neither the American College of Cardiology Foundation, nor the Program itself, guarantees or warrants anything beyond a medical professional's ability to meet such standards or criteria. A passing score is not a license to practice medicine, nor is it a substitute for formal medical training. The American College of Cardiology Foundation makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees as to, and has and assumes no responsibility for the proper performance of medical services or care provided by those individuals who achieve a passing score under the Program.

If I Do Not Pass the Exam, Can I Take it Again?

You may take the exam multiple times, but not consecutively. If you take the spring exam and do not pass, then you must skip the next exam that fall and try again in one year.

If I Retake the Exam, Will I Need to Pay Again?

Your exam fee covers the cost of one exam; if you take the exam a second time, you will need to pay a second fee. Application fee is not refundable.