Free Practice Questions for CV-BC
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Sample CV-BC Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CV-BC exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 145+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A patient with chronic heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
2A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following is the most appropriate initial intervention?
3A patient with atrial fibrillation is at high risk for which of the following complications?
4A patient with a history of hypertension is prescribed a thiazide diuretic. Which of the following should the nurse monitor for?
5A patient is scheduled for a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Which of the following is a key component of preoperative teaching?
6A patient with a history of mitral valve stenosis is at risk for which of the following?
7A patient is recovering from a myocardial infarction. Which of the following is an important component of a cardiac rehabilitation program?
8A patient is diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Which of the following is a classic symptom?
9A patient is taking an ACE inhibitor. Which of the following side effects should the nurse monitor for?
10A patient has a new prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?
About the CV-BC Exam
The ANCC CV-BC certification validates specialized knowledge and clinical judgment in cardiac-vascular nursing, covering assessment, evidence-based pharmacological and interventional therapies, complication evaluation, and patient/community education.
Exam sponsor: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
150 questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
350 scaled score (range 0–500)
Reported exam pass rate: 67% (2025, first-time). ANCC 2025 certification data: 1,120 tested, 754 passed (67%) This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Cardiovascular anatomy, pathophysiology, physical assessment, diagnostic testing, and cardiac rhythm interpretation.
Planning and Implementation
Evidence-based practice guidelines, invasive/surgical procedures, cardiovascular pharmacology, and clinical risk reduction.
Evaluation and Modification
Expected outcomes, cardiovascular drug interactions, adverse events, and urgent/emergent crisis management.
Patient and Community Education
Cardiovascular risk factors, chronic disease self-management, health literacy, and community resources.
Preparing for the CV-BC Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 350 scaled score (range 0–500)
- Exam length: 150 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam / certification fees: $395 ($295 ANA members; $340 SVN or PCNA members) Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 145 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the ANCC CV-BC exam?
The CV-BC is considered an advanced specialty certification. It tests broad cardiac-vascular knowledge including assessment, hemodynamics, pharmacology, device management, and patient education. ANCC's 2025 Certification Data reports a 67% first-time pass rate for Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (1,120 tested, 754 passed).
How many questions are on the CV-BC exam?
The CV-BC exam has 150 multiple-choice questions, of which 125 are scored and 25 are unscored pretest items. You are given 3 hours to complete the examination.
What score do I need to pass the CV-BC exam?
The ANCC uses a scaled pass/fail scoring model rather than a fixed percentage. A scaled score of 350 out of 500 is required to pass. ANCC does not publish a specific percentage cutoff.
How long should I study for the CV-BC exam?
Most candidates study for 3-6 months (100-140 hours) depending on clinical experience. Focus on Planning and Implementation (35%) and Patient and Community Education (25%), which together make up 60% of the scored exam, alongside Assessment and Diagnosis (22%) and Evaluation and Modification (18%).
What is the CV-BC exam fee and what are the eligibility requirements?
The CV-BC exam fee is $395 for non-members, $295 for ANA members, and $340 for Society for Vascular Nursing (SVN) or Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA) members; every price includes a $140 non-refundable administrative fee. Eligibility requires a current active RN license, 2 years of full-time RN experience, 2,000 hours of clinical practice in cardiac-vascular nursing within the last 3 years, and 30 hours of continuing education in the specialty within the last 3 years.