CSCP National Certification Examination — Clinical Perfusion — Information & Free Practice

About CSCP National Certification Examination — Clinical Perfusion

CSCP National Certification Examination — Clinical Perfusion · CA

Key exam facts

Provider

Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion (CSCP); its ACE Committee produces, invigilates and scores the examination. ProctorU/Measure provides online test-centre delivery and booking.

Format

Online at local testing centres in Canada and the USA. Multiple-choice questions include independent four-option items and case/scenario-based sets; official presentation ranges are 75–85% independent and 15–25% case-based.

Exam questions

Total questions: 175.

Time limit

4 hours of examination time. Health/washroom breaks do not stop the clock; arrive at least 20 minutes early (or earlier if the test centre requires).

Passing score

A content-expert panel sets the pass mark using the modified-Angoff method, referenced to item content and difficulty and minimum competent entry-level performance. The published blueprint specifies this method rather than a fixed numerical pass percentage or scaled score; results report pass/fail.

Exam fee

CAD $950 examination fee. Applicants must also be paid Associate members in good standing (CAD $350 membership dues); travel expenses are additional when needed.

Topics covered

The authority publishes percentage ranges for each content area. The practice percentages below use the midpoint of each range, normalized to 100%; they are not exact percentages published by the authority. Practice question counts may differ slightly because of rounding.

• Safe Work Practice — Official range: 5–10% (Practice allocation: 7.5%)

  • Document and report unsafe situations.
  • Apply universal precautions.
  • Perform aseptic and sterile techniques.
  • Handle biohazardous and dangerous materials.
  • Complete pre-bypass checklist.

• Planning & Clinical Decision Making — Official range: 15–25% (Practice allocation: 20%)

  • Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology in planning and clinical decision making.
  • Apply knowledge of pathophysiology in planning and clinical decision making.
  • Apply knowledge of biochemistry in planning and clinical decision making.
  • Apply knowledge of hematology in planning and clinical decision making.
  • Apply knowledge of pharmacology in planning and clinical decision making.
  • Apply knowledge of physics in planning and clinical decision making.
  • Obtain relevant data from patient records.
  • Obtain relevant physiological data.
  • Analyze and interpret data to develop a patient-specific perfusion plan.
  • Adapt plan in response to patient directives.
  • Respond to uncommon clinical presentations.

• Technical Expertise — Official range: 20–30% (Practice allocation: 25%)

  • Select equipment, supplies, and techniques to meet patient requirements.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of reservoirs.
  • Prepare blood pumps.
  • Prepare gas delivery and analyzing devices.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of filters.
  • Prepare myocardial preservation devices.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of venting.
  • Prepare temperature control equipment.
  • Prepare and test safety devices.
  • Prepare ultrafiltration and hemodialysis devices.
  • Prepare Vacuum Assist Venous Drainage devices (VAVD).
  • Prepare coagulation monitoring devices.
  • Prepare in-line monitors.
  • Prepare hemodynamic monitoring devices.
  • Prepare autologous blood processing devices.
  • Prepare equipment for minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
  • Prepare Left Heart Bypass (LHBP) systems.
  • Prepare Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) and catheters.
  • Prepare Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).
  • Prepare Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs).

• Clinical Practice — Official range: 35–45% (Practice allocation: 40%)

  • Perform calculations to assist in clinical decision making.
  • Determine and administer pharmacological agents and solutions via the extracorporeal circuit.
  • Monitor reservoirs.
  • Operate blood pumps.
  • Operate oxygenators.
  • Operate gas delivery and analyzing devices.
  • Monitor filters.
  • Operate myocardial preservation devices.
  • Operate temperature control equipment.
  • Operate safety devices.
  • Operate ultrafiltration devices and hemodialyzers.
  • Operate Vacuum Assist Venous Drainage devices (VAVD).
  • Operate and respond to in-line monitoring devices.
  • Analyze the data of hemodynamic monitors.
  • Monitor and respond to cerebral monitoring devices.
  • Monitor and respond to blood analysis results.
  • Monitor and respond to coagulation analysis results.
  • Handle and store blood products for clinical administration.
  • Administer blood products and derivatives.
  • Operate autologous blood processing devices.
  • Operate Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABP).
  • Operate veno-arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).
  • Operate veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).
  • Operate Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs).
  • Participate in the implementation and management of uncommon procedures.
  • Operate equipment for minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
  • Operate Left Heart Bypass (LHBP) systems.
  • Participate in the implementation and management of hypothermia and circulatory arrest techniques.
  • Participate in the implementation and management of cerebral perfusion.
  • Initiate intervention when a change in patient status is detected.
  • Record patient information, perfusion plan and perfusion interventions performed.
  • Transport patient requiring cardiopulmonary support.
  • Respond to emergency situations.

• Professional Responsibilities — Official range: 5–10% (Practice allocation: 7.5%)

  • Adhere to CSCP Standards of Practice.
  • Adhere to CSCP Mission and Code of Ethics.
  • Adhere to CSCP Role of the perfusionist.
  • Follow principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity.
  • Respect patient’s right to determine course of treatment.
  • Provide information to patient and support persons in a manner that assists in their understanding and decision making.
  • Participate effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
  • Apply evidence-based knowledge and skills, and technological innovations, to practice.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of institutional and departmental policies, procedures, and protocols.
  • Maintain awareness of and work within level of individual knowledge, skills, and experience.
  • Participate in opportunities for ongoing education, self-development, and professional growth.
  • Follow and contribute to quality assurance strategies.

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources and references

• National Entry-Level Competency Profile for Clinical Perfusionists

  p. 1, Preface

• CSCP National Certification Examination Blueprint

  p. 12, Final Blueprint, competency categories

• National Certification Exam Candidate Manual

  p. 4, Instructions for Candidates

• CSCP National Certification Examination Blueprint

  p. 10, Standard Setting

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.