Raising the Bar in Heart Care: ACC's CCKE Driving Clinical Excellence

As part of broader College-wide strategic efforts to personalize educational experiences   and to focus on continuous clinical competence and addressing knowledge gaps, the ACC debuted its Certified Cardiovascular Knowledge Examination (CCKE) in 2022 as a means for cardiovascular clinicians to validate their clinical knowledge and uphold standards of excellence associated with cardiovascular patient care.

Test Prep Tips

• Review current guidelines in the management of common cardiac disease. (Click here for the CCKE Clinical Review Guide with quick links to these sources.)
• Review competencies for NPs and PAs.
• Leverage online educational resources. For example, build your own practice exam or focus on specific medical categories using ACCSAP. (ACCSAP is available at a reduced rate of $300 for members and $350 for non-members for one year to NPs/PAs taking the CCKE. Call Member Care at 800-253-4636 to learn more).

 I registered for the one-year discounted access to ACCSAP practice questions and that was an awesome resource for preparing for the exam," says Marquardt. "I would also recommend going through the practice material and questions prior to sitting for the exam. 

Registration for the next CCKE for NPs and PAs taking place in May 2025 is now open. Click here for more information on the exam, key dates and how to apply.

To date, hundreds of nurse practitioners (NPs) and PAs, along with cardiologists from outside the U.S., have taken and passed one of the two existing online CCKE exams, earning the new CCK credential demonstrating their commitment to improving heart health for all.

"The exam was a great resource for continuing education regarding all the cardiology topics," says Kristen Marquardt, APRN, CCK, who works at Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside Cardiology. "I learned so much more from just studying for the exam and I'm able to apply it in my cardiology practice. This has allowed me to be a better cardiology provider."

Marquardt and Allan Dotado Memoracion, NP, CCK, who works for Northwell Health Physician Partners Cardiology at Bay Shore and Brightwaters, NY, both emphasize the value of the exam as a learning experience, reinforcing their expertise and credibility within their respective practice or institution, and providing deeper knowledge of the latest evidence-based guidelines and practices. New this year, clinicians who pass the exam can use the CCK designation to signify their knowledge and expertise.

"There was a lot that I learned from the exam," says Memoracion. "In addition to gaining confidence in my clinical practice and growing in my knowledge, the exam also highlighted the importance of continuously updating myself with the current trends in disease management."

Attendees at ACC.25 in Chicago will have two new learning experiences from which to choose – Fireside Chats and Town Hall sessions. Designed to continue to transform the way health care professionals learn and connect, both formats are centered on furthering engagement, interaction and the application of knowledge.

These innovative sessions, coupled with the focused gaming area that has emerged over the last two years, aim to improve knowledge retention, skill building and overall learning outcomes, drawing on the principles of interactive education.

"Education that leverages multiple senses through conversation, collaboration and real-world scenarios helps professionals retain complex medical information more effectively," says ACC.25 Chair Katie Berlacher, MD, FACC, who adds that she, along with ACC.25 Vice Chair Julie Damp, MD, FACC, and CV Team Lead Kimberly Guibone, DNP, ACNP-BC, FACC, have prioritized hands-on, discussion-based formats to support deeper learning. "Traditional lectures remain valuable, but the Fireside Chat and Town Hall sessions allow attendees to immerse themselves actively in the learning process," she says.

Fireside Chats: Intimate, In-Depth Conversations With Experts

The Fireside Chat format is set to offer an intimate experience for participants, replacing formal presentations with relaxed, yet focused, conversations. In these sessions, attendees can engage directly with thought leaders, fostering a more personal and accessible dialogue. This setup is ideal for diving deeper into complex topics while creating a space where professionals feel comfortable discussing nuanced challenges.

"By inviting experts to a closer, conversation-centered environment, Fireside Chats promote adaptability and critical thinking," says Damp. "The emphasis on discussion allows participants to explore real-life problem-solving and develop fresh perspectives for tackling challenges in their own practices."

With a Fireside Chat available for every pathway, attendees have a wide range of options from which to choose, empowering them to focus on the topics that resonate most with their interests and professional needs. Chats currently under development include insider tips for fellowship training and beyond for women in electrophysiology; conversations with cardiovascular legends about innovations in preventive cardiology, pulmonary hypertension and adult congenital cardiology; a closer look at the value of remote monitoring and AI in improving heart health; and more.

Town Hall Sessions: A Platform For Collaboration and Open Dialogue

Advance Registration for ACC.25 ends on Feb. 12. Click here to reserve your spot!

ACC.25's Town Hall sessions are designed with one goal in mind: interaction. Each Town Hall will dedicate a significant portion of time to audience questions and contribution, encouraging attendees to share experiences, raise concerns and seek advice directly from experts on stage.

"By promoting teamwork and open discussion, the Town Hall format addresses one of the core tenets of health care success: effective communication," says Guibone. "These sessions give attendees practical insights into collaborative problem-solving, helping them improve patient care and safety outcomes. With real-time feedback and the opportunity to build skills, we hope everyone will leave better prepared to tackle the complexities of patient care, together."

Don't miss the Town Hall sessions focused on progress towards creating an independent CV Board of Medicine and a new era of competency-based continuing certification; conversations with interventional experts; debate surrounding comprehensive care centers for pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery; tackling reimbursement challenges in cardiac imaging; implementation of some of the newest ACC/AHA clinical guidelines; and more.

"At the end of the day, ACC.25 promises to be an enriching experience, where attendees can explore new ways of learning, share knowledge and leave with practical skills they can apply immediately," says Berlacher. "Pack your bags and come ready to engage!"

Stay Certified and Stay Ahead With the CMP

As the house of cardiology awaits a final decision from the American Board   of Medical Specialties (ABMS) regarding the creation of a new,  independent American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine (ABCVM), it is critical that cardiologists maintain their certification in order to ensure a seamless transition should a new Board be approved. Lapsed certifications will not transition.

The Collaborative Maintenance Pathway (CMP), which is delivered through ACC's Self-Assessment Programs (SAPs), remains a trusted option for cardiologists needing to maintain their current certification and is one of three options recognized by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Through the CMP, clinicians can stay 100% certified by focusing on just 20% of the field each calendar year for five years.

The final CMP Performance Assessment Window for general cardiology in 2024 is taking place Dec. 7 to 15, while registration for 2025 is now available and ongoing. Early registration for 2025 ensures clinicians are maximizing the CMP and taking advantage of the two Performance Assessment Windows during the year. Just announced, one-year or five-year SAP subscription options are now available.

Learn more and register for the CMP at ACC.org/CMP. For the latest on the ABCVM, including a new webinar outlining progress and next steps, visit CVBoard.org.