CVRN Certification: Overview and FAQ
If you’re a nurse working in telemetry, cardiac nursing, the cath lab, or in a heart clinic, becoming a Certified Cardiovascular Registered Nurse (CVRN) could help elevate your career. Certification enhances your credibility and shows your dedication to patients with cardiovascular problems.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, affecting millions of people each year. With the nation’s aging population and an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease, the demand for skilled cardiac nurses continues to be high. These clinicians are critical to managing complex cardiac conditions including the following:
- Aortic aneurysm
- Arrhythmias
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart defects
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Hypertension
- Myocardial infarctions
- Peripheral artery disease
- Valve disease
Knowledgeable and compassionate cardiovascular nurses help improve patient outcomes and advance cardiac care. By pursuing board certification as a cardiac nurse, you position yourself at the forefront of this essential specialty.
What Is CVRN-BC Certification?
CVRN-BC stands for Cardiovascular Registered Nurse – Board Certified. This professional credential signifies a nurse’s expertise in cardiovascular care. Offered by the American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine (ABCM), this is one of the two leading certifications for cardiac nurses. The other, Cardiac-Vascular Nurse – Board Certified (CV-BC), is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
This credential is offered at two distinct levels:
- Level 1 is best suited for nurses who work in non-acute cardiac settings, such as heart clinics, ambulatory care centers, cardiac rehab, etc.
- Level 2 is best suited for nurses in acute cardiac settings, such as CVICUs, transplant units, interventional cardiology, and cath labs.
How to Become Board-Certified in Cardiac Nursing
Ready to get your board-certification in cardiovascular nursing? Follow the steps below to earn this credential.
Step 1: Meet CVRN Certification Requirements
To qualify for either level of this certification, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid RN or NP license.
- Have at least 1–2 years of experience in cardiac nursing.
Step 2: Apply for Certification
Once you meet certification requirements, apply for the board certification exam using ABCM’s exam application page. You’ll need to complete all the fields provided and upload your state ID and professional license. The certification fees are as follows:
- Level 1: $349
- Level 2: $359
Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam
The board certification exam consists of 150 questions, and it’s administered remotely on your home computer. Here are the content areas covered on both levels of the exam:
Level 1
- Basic ECG essentials
- Bedside assessment
- Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Hypertension
- Non-invasive and interventional cardiology
Level 2
- Basic ECG essentials
- Bedside assessment
- Cardiomyopathy
- CV pharmacology
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Heart sounds
- Hemodynamic monitoring
- Hypertension
- Intra-aortic balloon pumping
- Non-invasive and interventional cardiology
- Oxygenation and mechanical ventilation
- Pacemakers and ICDs
- 12-lead ECG and arrhythmias
To give yourself the best chance of doing well on the certification exam, study using one or more ABCM-approved resources. Marriott Heart Foundation’s in-person CVRN certification review course happens annually and can be a great opportunity to review cardiac protocols and make connections with other cardiac professionals. In addition, Ascensia Test Prep’s certification study guide helps you review cardiac information and provides two practice tests with CVRN certification practice questions.
Step 4: Maintain Certification
Your cardiac nursing certification needs to be renewed every three years to remain current and valid. You don’t need to retake the exam to recertify, but you will need to provide proof of 30 continuing education credits in cardiac nursing. You’ll also need to pay the recertification fee, which is $149.
FAQs
How hard is the CVRN exam?
That depends on how well you study and your level of experience. If you’re worried about how you’ll perform on the exam, it may be wise to schedule your exam date a few months out so that you have time to make a study plan and prepare well. Use your resources such as study guides and cardiac review courses so you can arrive on exam day feeling prepared.
Should I get CVRN-BC or CV-BC certification?
Both of these credentials are designed for nurses with experience in cardiac care. So how can you know which to pursue? The answer is typically determined by your workplace. Healthcare facilities and hospital systems may prefer one over the other. If you’re not sure which credential to pursue, ask your clinical educator or unit manager for insight.
What’s the difference between CVRN vs. CCRN?
The CCRN credential validates knowledge and expertise in caring for patients in acute care areas such as ICUs, trauma units, and flight nursing. It’s offered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), one of the leading certifying organizations for nursing professionals. There are a few differences between these credentials:
- Recognition: Depending on where you live and work, the CCRN credential may be more widely recognized than ABCM’s board certification.
- Specialty: CCRN has a broader focus on intensive care medicine, while ABCM’s board certification covers cardiovascular nursing knowledge for various settings.
- Clinical experience areas: CCRN may not be available to you depending on your practice area. For example, if you work in cardiac rehab, you’re eligible for CVRN level 1, but not CCRN.
Related Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatrics Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC)
- Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)
Seeking Roles for Cardiac Nurses?
Whether you’ve already pursued the CVRN certification or not, we have fresh opportunities for nurses like you. Learn about jobs in your area and specialty with our personalized job notifications.