CMC Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Cardiac Medicine Subspecialty Certification (CMC) is a prestigious credential for certified registered nurses (RNs) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) specializing in the care of critically ill adult cardiac patients. CMC certification is designed for those working in environments such as telemetry or cardiac care units and validates your specialized skills. It’s more than just a title — it’s a testament to your hard-earned experience.
With cardiovascular disease predicted to affect 61% of U.S. adults by 2050, the demand for skilled cardiac professionals is expected to rise. If you want to join their ranks, this guide covers everything you need to know to earn your CMC nursing certification.
CMC Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You’ll need an active RN or APRN license, 1,750 direct care hours in adult acute care over the past 2 years (or 2,000 hours in the past 5), and a nationally accredited nursing specialty certification.
- Preparation: Read the exam handbook, take practice tests, review the exam policy handbook, and consider investing in the reference texts and review courses.
- Application process: Complete the application, provide proof of eligibility, and pay the required fee.
- Exam: Your exam will have 90 questions, and you’ll have 2 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $235.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 3 years.
What Is CMC Certification?
A CMC certificate is a specialized credential given to previously certified RNs and APRNs who have gained extensive clinical experience and passed a comprehensive exam, demonstrating their top-notch expertise in cardiac care. This certification is awarded by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), an organization committed to advancing nursing practice in critical care settings.
Wondering what topics you’ll be tested on? The CMC exam outline includes four broad areas of knowledge, each covering specialized topics you’ll be tested on.
- Cardiovascular conditions include topics such as pulmonary edema, hyperlipidemia, and cardiac tamponade.
- Non-cardiovascular conditions cover topics like neurological, respiratory, and substance use disorders.
- Therapeutic interventions include topics like cardiovascular pharmacology, cardiac procedures, and electrophysiologic interventions.
- Monitoring and diagnostics cover topics including laboratory testing, echocardiography, and arterial blood gases (ABGs).
Getting certified opens up opportunities in many different settings. In addition to cardiac care units, here are other potential workplaces to consider:
- Medical ICUs
- Telemetry
- Progressive care units
- Heart failure clinics
- Home care
- Cardiac cath labs
- Interventional radiology
- Electrophysiology units
CMC Certification Requirements
Wondering how to earn this credential? Let’s break down the essential steps to get certified.
1. Become an RN or APRN
Becoming a licensed RN or APRN is your first big milestone toward earning a CMC credential. This means completing an accredited nursing program and passing the national certification exam — the NCLEX-RN — to earn your nursing license. Advanced practice roles require additional graduate-level education, typically a master’s or doctoral degree, and passing a national certification exam in your chosen specialty area.
2. Meet Certification Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to sit for the exam for CMC subspecialty certification, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a current, unrestricted RN or APRN license.
- Have a nationally accredited clinical nursing specialty certification, such as Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) or Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN).
You’ll also need to fulfill specific experience requirements, which can be met in one of two ways:
| Two-year option | Five-year option |
|---|---|
| Acquire 1,750 hours of direct acute care experience within the past 2 years, with at least 875 hours completed in the recent year. | Acquire 2,000 hours of direct acute care experience within the past 5 years, with at least 144 hours completed in the recent year. |
3. Prepare for the Exam
Now that you’re eligible, it’s time to gear up for the exam. The AACN suggests the following resources to ensure you’re well-prepared:
- Read the exam handbook thoroughly.
- Study the content outline and key topics.
- Go over the policy handbook to understand procedures.
- Practice with sample questions.
- Check the AACN online shop for helpful resources.
- Consult the list of references for recommended texts.
4. Apply for the Exam
You can apply for your CMC certification online or by submitting a paper application. You’ll be required to fill out the application and provide proof of your education, licensure, certification, and experience. Once your application is reviewed, AACN will send you a confirmation email with instructions on scheduling your exam appointment.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay the exam fee of $235 (or $145 for AACN members) before your application can be submitted. Your total CMC certification cost may be higher if you choose to invest in review courses, books, or other study tools.
5. Pass the Certification Exam
If you’re curious about the structure of the exam, here’s a quick preview of what to expect:
- Your exam will consist of 90 questions in total. Of these, 75 will be scored, while the remaining 15 are unscored and are included to evaluate potential future questions.
- You’ll have 2 hours to complete the exam.
6. Maintain the Certification
Your credential is valid for three years, and you’ll need to renew it before it expires to keep it active. Here are three ways you can maintain your certification:
- Option 1: Earn 25 Category A clinical judgment Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) in cardiology care.
- Option 2: Retake the exam.
- Option 3: Switch your certification to inactive status for up to 3 years.
Renewal by CERPS costs $130 for nonmembers and $75 for AACN members, while renewal by retaking the exam costs $165 for nonmembers and $120 for AACN members.
Frequently Asked Questions: CMC Certification Nursing
What is the typical salary for cardiac nurses?
The typical cardiac care nurse salary in the U.S. is around $73,000 a year. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on factors like education, experience, and the type of facility you work in.
Your salary can also be influenced by where you work. Here are a few examples of states where RNs tend to earn higher salaries:
How hard is the CMC exam?
The exam is considered moderately challenging, reflecting the specialized knowledge required to care for acutely ill patients in progressive care settings. It has an 82.8% first-attempt pass rate, so it’s clear that focused preparation can lead to success.
What are my options if I fail the exam?
If you don’t pass the exam, don’t worry — you can apply for a retest through AACN. You’re allowed to retake the exam up to four times within a 12-month period, giving you multiple opportunities to succeed.
Is CMC certification worth it?
This certification can be very valuable, depending on your career goals. Here are some benefits of specialty certifications for nurses:
- Career growth: It can open doors to leadership roles, such as becoming a nursing supervisor or manager.
- Higher earning potential: It can help you earn a higher salary by earning a promotion or landing a higher-paying job.
- Job security: It can boost your nursing resume and make you a top candidate in the job market.
- Improved patient care: It can lead to better patient outcomes, as certified nurses are equipped with the latest knowledge in the field.
Related Certifications
If you’re interested in broadening your skills, there are a variety of certifications that can enhance your expertise. Here are some options you may find valuable:
- Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC)
- Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC)
- Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
- Certified Cardiovascular Registered Nurse (CVRN)
- Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI)
- Venous Access – Board Certified (VA-BC)
- Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)
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