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Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: TEC Cardiologia Exam

100 Items

Five-option MCQs on the official TEC 2026 paper (50 teórica + 50 teórico-prática)

Edital TEC 2026 — CJTEC/SBC

6 Hours

Total examination time on a single online day (13h00–16h00 and 16h15–19h15)

Edital TEC 2026 — CJTEC/SBC

R$ 1.650,00

Registration Fee for SBC/AMB Affiliated Members (R$ 3.300 for Non-Members)

Edital SBC / AMB

60%

Minimum Passing Grade Benchmark (6.0 / 10.0 Scale)

Regulamento Oficial CJTEC / SBC

RQE Cardiologia

Specialist Registration Credential Conferred with CFM

Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM) / AMB

Semi-Annual / Annual

Official Examination Frequency Conducted by CJTEC

Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC)

The TEC (Título de Especialista em Cardiologia) is the premier Brazilian cardiology board certification examination administered semi-annually or annually by SBC and AMB. It consists of a theoretical phase testing national guideline knowledge and evidence-based cardiology, alongside a rigorous theoretical-practical phase testing ECG, echocardiography, hemodynamics, and cardiac imaging interpretation.

Sample TEC Cardiologia Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your TEC Cardiologia exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 58-year-old man presents to an emergency department in a community hospital without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) capabilities experiencing 90 minutes of severe retrosternal crushing chest pain radiating to his left jaw. The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) reveals 3.5 mm ST-segment elevation in leads V1–V4 with reciprocal ST depression in leads II, III, and aVF. The estimated transfer time to the nearest tertiary hemodynamics center for primary PCI is 150 minutes. According to the Diretriz da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia sobre Tratamento do Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST (SBC STEMI Guidelines), which reperfusion strategy is most appropriate?

A.Immediate transfer for primary PCI regardless of transfer delay, since mechanical reperfusion is always superior to pharmacologic fibrinolysis.

B.Immediate administration of a fibrin-specific fibrinolytic agent (such as Tenecteplase or Alteplase) followed by routine transfer to a PCI-capable center for coronary angiography within 2 to 24 hours (pharmacoinvasive strategy).

C.Immediate administration of full-dose intravenous unfractionated heparin and dual antiplatelet therapy while awaiting emergency transfer for rescue PCI only if clinical symptoms persist.

D.Initiation of intravenous nitroglycerin and beta-blocker therapy with delayed elective coronary angiography scheduled during the hospitalization index.

Explanation: According to SBC Guidelines on STEMI, when primary PCI cannot be performed within 120 minutes of first medical contact (FMC), intravenous fibrinolysis with a fibrin-specific agent (e.g., tenecteplase) is indicated within 30 minutes (door-to-needle time <30 min). Following successful fibrinolysis, the patient should undergo a pharmacoinvasive strategy consisting of routine coronary angiography within 2 to 24 hours, or immediate rescue PCI in case of failed reperfusion.

2A 72-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and a transient ischemic attack (TIA) 6 months ago is admitted with an acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI / IAMSST). Coronary angiography reveals an 85% culprit lesion in the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery, and a drug-eluting stent (DES) is successfully deployed. When selecting guideline-directed dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), which P2Y12 inhibitor is strictly contraindicated in this patient?

A.Clopidogrel

B.Ticagrelor

C.Prasugrel

D.Cangrelor

Explanation: Prasugrel is strictly contraindicated in patients with a prior history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) due to a significant increase in the risk of fatal and intracranial bleeding demonstrated in the TRITON-TIMI 38 trial and reflected in SBC/AMB guidelines. In addition, caution or dose adjustment is recommended for patients aged ≥75 years or weighing <60 kg.

3On day 4 following an acute inferior STEMI treated with delayed primary PCI to the right coronary artery (RCA), a 64-year-old man develops sudden-onset respiratory distress, diaphoresis, and cold extremities. Physical examination reveals blood pressure 82/50 mmHg, heart rate 118 bpm, bilateral diffuse pulmonary crackles, and a new harsh grade 4/6 holosystolic murmur radiating to the axilla. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrates hyperdynamic left ventricular systolic function with acute severe mitral regurgitation due to posteromedial papillary muscle rupture. What anatomical feature explains why the posteromedial papillary muscle is significantly more susceptible to ischemic rupture than the anterolateral papillary muscle?

A.The posteromedial papillary muscle has a solitary vascular supply from the posterior descending artery (arising from the RCA or LCx), whereas the anterolateral papillary muscle receives a dual blood supply from both the LAD and LCx.

B.The posteromedial papillary muscle is subjected to higher mechanical shear stress because it attaches exclusively to the anterior mitral leaflet.

C.The posteromedial papillary muscle receives a dual vascular supply from the marginal branches of the circumflex artery and diagonal branches of the LAD.

D.The anterolateral papillary muscle is predominantly composed of fibrous collagen and lacks vulnerable myocardial vasculature.

Explanation: The posteromedial papillary muscle receives a single blood supply, typically from the posterior descending artery (PDA) originating from the right coronary artery (or left circumflex artery in a left-dominant system). Conversely, the anterolateral papillary muscle has a dual blood supply from the left anterior descending (LAD) diagonal branches and left circumflex (LCx) obtuse marginal branches, making the posteromedial muscle 6 to 10 times more prone to rupture during inferior/posterior myocardial infarctions.

4A 45-year-old woman presents with typical acute ischemic chest pain, dynamic T-wave inversions in V2–V6, and a significant rise and fall of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI: 2,450 ng/L; 99th percentile URL: 16 ng/L). Urgent coronary angiography demonstrates completely normal epicardial coronary arteries without angiographic evidence of stenosis, dissection, or thrombus (<30% luminal narrowing). She meets criteria for MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries). According to Brazilian (SBC) and international consensus guidelines, which diagnostic imaging modality is the gold standard next step to establish the definitive underlying etiology (e.g., myocarditis, Takotsubo syndrome, or true ischemic infarction)?

A.Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with plaque subtraction.

B.Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging with late gadolinium enhancement and T1/T2 parametric mapping.

C.Radionuclide myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (SPECT) with 99mTc-sestamibi.

D.Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with agitated saline bubble study.

Explanation: Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) is the gold-standard diagnostic tool in MINOCA, recommended by SBC guidelines within 7 to 14 days of presentation. CMR distinguishes true ischemic myocardial necrosis (subendocardial/transmural late gadolinium enhancement - LGE conforming to a coronary vascular territory) from non-ischemic etiologies such as acute myocarditis (subepicardial/mid-wall LGE with T2 edema) and Takotsubo syndrome (apical/midventricular ballooning with myocardial edema and absence of LGE).

5A 52-year-old non-smoking man with well-controlled hypertension presents to the cardiology outpatient clinic reporting intermittent substernal chest tightness triggered by brisk uphill walking, relieved within 3 minutes of rest. Resting 12-lead ECG is normal, and resting transthoracic echocardiogram shows an LVEF of 62% without regional wall motion abnormalities. His calculated pre-test probability (PTP) for obstructive coronary artery disease is intermediate (22%). According to the Diretriz Brasileira de Doença Coronariana Crônica (SBC Guidelines on Chronic Coronary Disease), which diagnostic test is considered an optimal first-line anatomical examination in this symptomatic patient with intermediate clinical probability?

A.Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA / Angio-TC de artérias coronárias).

B.Right and left heart catheterization with endomyocardial biopsy.

C.Exercise treadmill testing (teste ergométrico) without electrocardiographic monitoring.

D.Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of the left anterior descending artery via radial access.

Explanation: In patients with suspected chronic coronary syndrome and intermediate pre-test probability, non-invasive anatomical evaluation with Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) has a very high negative predictive value and is recommended as a preferred first-line diagnostic test by SBC and international guidelines to rule out obstructive CAD, assess atherosclerotic plaque burden, and guide preventive medical therapy.

6A 62-year-old diabetic man presents with progressive Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Class III angina. Diagnostic coronary angiography reveals severe 80% stenosis of the unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA / Tronco de Coronária Esquerda) involving the bifurcation, severe proximal LAD disease (85%), and severe proximal LCx disease (80%). The calculated SYNTAX score is 34. Echocardiography shows preserved left ventricular systolic function (LVEF 55%). According to SBC and international myocardial revascularization guidelines, what is the recommended revascularization strategy?

A.Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with second-generation drug-eluting stents to the left main and branches, as PCI is superior in all diabetic patients.

B.Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG / Cirurgia de Revascularização Miocárdica) with left internal thoracic artery (LITA/mammary) to LAD and complementary saphenous/arterial grafts (Class I recommendation).

C.Exclusive medical therapy with high-dose statins, dual antiplatelets, and triple anti-anginal drugs, deferring revascularization until acute infarction occurs.

D.Percutaneous balloon angioplasty without stenting to avoid chronic foreign-body thrombosis.

Explanation: In patients with multivessel coronary artery disease involving the left main trunk, diabetes mellitus, and high anatomical complexity (SYNTAX score >32), Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) carries a Class I recommendation and provides superior long-term survival, reduced repeat revascularization, and lower myocardial infarction rates compared to PCI, with LITA to LAD being the gold-standard conduit.

7A 66-year-old woman is admitted to the coronary care unit with an acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Her admission parameters: heart rate 94 bpm, blood pressure 138/84 mmHg, serum creatinine 1.4 mg/dL, positive high-sensitivity troponin, transient ST depression of 1.5 mm in leads V4–V6, and no signs of heart failure (Killip I). Her calculated GRACE risk score is 148 (predicted in-hospital mortality >3%, high risk). According to the SBC NSTEMI Guidelines, what is the recommended timing for invasive coronary angiography?

A.Immediate invasive strategy within 2 hours of admission.

B.Early invasive strategy (estratégia invasiva precoce) within 24 hours of hospital admission.

C.Delayed elective invasive strategy performed between 72 and 96 hours post-admission.

D.Purely non-invasive ischemia-guided strategy with discharge home if symptoms resolve within 48 hours.

Explanation: Patients with NSTEMI and a GRACE risk score >140, dynamic ST-T segment changes, or confirmed troponin rise are classified as high risk, for which SBC and ESC guidelines recommend an early invasive strategy (coronary angiography and revascularization) within 24 hours of hospital admission.

8A 48-year-old woman presents with exertional angina and positive exercise stress testing. Coronary angiography demonstrates angiographically smooth, non-obstructive coronary arteries. Interventional diagnostic testing during cardiac catheterization is performed. Adenosine infusion reveals a coronary flow reserve (CFR) of 1.6 (normal >2.0) and an index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) of 34 (normal <25). Intracoronary acetylcholine testing reproduces her typical chest pain with ischemic ECG changes but without epicardial coronary spasm (>90% vasoconstriction). Which clinical diagnosis is established?

A.Microvascular Angina (Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction / Angina Microvascular).

B.Prinzmetal (Vasospastic) Epicardial Angina.

C.Myocardial bridging (ponte miocárdica) of the circumflex artery.

D.Coronary subclavian steal syndrome.

Explanation: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) / Microvascular Angina is diagnosed when symptomatic patients with non-obstructive CAD (<50% stenosis) exhibit impaired coronary flow reserve (CFR <2.0 or <2.5) and/or elevated microcirculatory resistance (IMR ≥25), along with microvascular spasm provoked by intracoronary acetylcholine without epicardial lumen reduction >90%.

9A 38-year-old previously healthy woman who is 6 weeks postpartum presents to the emergency department with acute retrosternal chest pain. ECG shows ST elevation in leads V2–V5, and troponin I is elevated at 3,100 ng/L. Emergency coronary angiography reveals a long, smooth, diffuse narrowing (tapered radiolucent lumen) in the mid-to-distal LAD without atherosclerotic lesions in other vessels, characteristic of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD / Dissecção Espontânea de Artéria Coronária, Type 2). The patient is currently pain-free, hemodynamically stable (BP 122/78 mmHg, HR 72 bpm), and TIMI flow in the LAD is 3. What is the recommended initial management according to SBC consensus on SCAD?

A.Conservative medical management with close in-hospital hemodynamic monitoring, beta-blocker therapy, and antiplatelet therapy.

B.Immediate extensive overlapping drug-eluting stent implantation from the distal LAD to the left main trunk.

C.Emergency administration of full-dose intravenous Tenecteplase.

D.Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting with bilateral internal mammary arteries.

Explanation: In hemodynamically stable patients with SCAD and preserved distal coronary perfusion (TIMI 2–3 flow), conservative medical therapy with in-hospital observation, beta-blockers (to reduce shear stress), and antiplatelet therapy is the preferred first-line approach, as >80% of dissected vessels heal spontaneously within weeks, whereas PCI in SCAD carries high rates of technical failure, hematoma propagation, and stent malapposition.

10An 81-year-old man with chronic kidney disease (eGFR 28 mL/min/1.73m²), prior peptic ulcer bleeding, and baseline hemoglobin 10.2 g/dL undergoes successful elective PCI with a contemporary drug-eluting stent for stable angina. He meets criteria for High Bleeding Risk (HBR) based on Academic Research Consortium (ARC-HBR) criteria. According to current Brazilian and international guidelines, what is the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) before de-escalating to single antiplatelet monotherapy?

A.1 to 3 months of DAPT, followed by single antiplatelet monotherapy (preferably Clopidogrel or Aspirin).

B.Strict minimum of 12 months of DAPT with Aspirin plus Ticagrelor.

C.Indefinite lifetime DAPT with Aspirin plus Prasugrel.

D.Immediate cessation of all antiplatelet agents within 24 hours of stenting.

Explanation: In patients with chronic coronary syndromes meeting High Bleeding Risk (HBR / ARC-HBR) criteria (e.g., age >65, severe CKD, anemia, prior major bleeding), shortened DAPT of 1 to 3 months followed by single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT with clopidogrel or aspirin) is recommended to minimize life-threatening bleeding without significantly increasing stent thrombosis.

About the TEC Cardiologia Exam

The Título de Especialista em Cardiologia (TEC) is the official board certification for cardiologists in Brazil, awarded by the Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC) in partnership with the Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB) and registered with the Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM). The examination is organized by the Comissão Julgadora do Título de Especialista em Cardiologia (CJTEC) and evaluates comprehensive knowledge of modern cardiology, Brazilian clinical guidelines (Diretrizes da SBC), electrophysiology, hemodynamics, non-invasive imaging, and intensive cardiovascular care. Achieving the TEC title is the definitive milestone for Brazilian physicians to obtain their Registro de Qualificação de Especialista (RQE) in Cardiology.

Assessment

Single-day online examination run by the Comissão Julgadora do Título de Especialista em Cardiologia (CJTEC) of the Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia with the AMB. Prova Teórica: 50 five-option MCQs on general cardiology, 13h00–16h00, 50 points. Prova Teórico-Prática: 50 five-option MCQs prioritising image and video interpretation, complementary tests and clinical cases, 16h15–19h15, 50 points. Análise Curricular: up to 10 additional points for training, scientific updating and academic output.

Time Limit

6 hours of examination on a single day (3h Prova Teórica + 3h Prova Teórico-Prática, with a short interval)

Passing Score

Final score of at least 77 points (Prova Teórica 50 + Prova Teórico-Prática 50 + Análise Curricular up to 10)

Exam Fee

R$ 2.178,00 (sócios adimplentes da SBC e/ou da AMB) / R$ 4.356,00 (não sócios ou sócios inadimplentes) (Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC) — Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB))

TEC Cardiologia Exam Content Outline

15%

Doença Coronariana e Aterosclerose

Acute Coronary Syndromes (STEMI, NSTEMI, Unstable Angina), reperfusion strategies, pharmacoinvasive protocols, DAPT duration, mechanical complications, MINOCA, chronic coronary syndromes, revascularization indications (CABG vs PCI, SYNTAX score), and microvascular angina (INOCA).

15%

Insuficiência Cardíaca e Transplante Cardíaco

Pathophysiology and classification of HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF; GDMT quadruple therapy (ARNI, beta-blockers, MRA, SGLT2i); device therapy (ICD, CRT); acute decompensated heart failure profiles; inotropes and vasopressors; advanced HF (INTERMACS, LVAD, heart transplantation); and iron deficiency management.

15%

Arritmias Cardíacas e Eletrofisiologia Clínica

Atrial fibrillation and flutter management (anticoagulation, cardioversion, catheter ablation); supraventricular tachycardias (AVNRT, AVRT/WPW); ventricular arrhythmias; channelopathies (Brugada, Long QT, CPVT); ARVC; bradyarrhythmias; conduction blocks; and pacemaker/ICD indications.

10%

Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica e Emergências Hipertensivas

Brazilian Hypertension Guidelines diagnostic thresholds (Office, MAPA, MRPA); target organ damage; first-line dual combinations; resistant and refractory hypertension; secondary hypertension workup (primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, renovascular HTN, coarctation); and hypertensive emergencies vs urgencies.

10%

Valvopatias e Endocardite Infecciosa

Aortic stenosis (classical, low-flow low-gradient, TAVI vs SAVR); aortic regurgitation; rheumatic mitral stenosis (Wilkins score, balloon valvotomy); mitral regurgitation (primary vs secondary, TEER); tricuspid valve disease; prosthetic valve management and anticoagulation; infective endocarditis (modified Duke criteria, antibiotic prophylaxis).

10%

Miocardiopatias e Doenças do Pericárdio

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (LVOT obstruction, SAM, mavacamten, sudden death risk); Chagas cardiomyopathy (apical aneurysm, RBBB + LAFB); cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM, scintigraphy, tafamidis); acute myocarditis (Lake Louise criteria); Takotsubo syndrome; acute pericarditis; cardiac tamponade; and constrictive pericarditis.

10%

Métodos Gráficos, Diagnósticos e Imagem Cardiovascular

Complex 12-lead electrocardiography; exercise treadmill testing (Duke Treadmill Score); transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (diastolic function, speckle tracking GLS); coronary calcium scoring (Agatston); coronary CT angiography (CAD-RADS 2.0); cardiac MRI (tissue characterization, LGE patterns); and nuclear cardiology (SPECT/PET).

Cardiologia Pediátrica e Cardiopatias Congênitas

Acyanotic congenital defects (ASD, VSD, PDA, Coarctation of the aorta); cyanotic congenital defects (Tetralogy of Fallot, Transposition of the Great Arteries, Ebstein anomaly); Eisenmenger syndrome; and management of adult congenital heart disease (GUCH/ACHD).

Emergências Cardiovasculares e Terapia Intensiva

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ACLS shockable vs non-shockable algorithms); post-cardiac arrest care (targeted temperature management); cardiogenic shock staging (SCAI) and mechanical support; acute aortic syndromes (Stanford A and B dissection); and massive pulmonary embolism.

Prevenção Cardiovascular, Dislipidemias e Farmacologia

Cardiovascular risk stratification; LDL-C and non-HDL-C goals; statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors; severe hypertriglyceridemia; antithrombotic pharmacology in AF + PCI; SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists with proven cardiovascular outcome benefits.

How to Pass the TEC Cardiologia Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Final score of at least 77 points (Prova Teórica 50 + Prova Teórico-Prática 50 + Análise Curricular up to 10)
Assessment: Single-day online examination run by the Comissão Julgadora do Título de Especialista em Cardiologia (CJTEC) of the Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia with the AMB. Prova Teórica: 50 five-option MCQs on general cardiology, 13h00–16h00, 50 points. Prova Teórico-Prática: 50 five-option MCQs prioritising image and video interpretation, complementary tests and clinical cases, 16h15–19h15, 50 points. Análise Curricular: up to 10 additional points for training, scientific updating and academic output.
Time limit: 6 hours of examination on a single day (3h Prova Teórica + 3h Prova Teórico-Prática, with a short interval)
Exam fee: R$ 2.178,00 (sócios adimplentes da SBC e/ou da AMB) / R$ 4.356,00 (não sócios ou sócios inadimplentes)

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TEC Cardiologia Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the Official SBC Guidelines (Diretrizes da SBC): Prioritize the latest guidelines published in Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia (ABC Cardiol), focusing on Class I and Class III recommendations, specific diagnostic cutoff values, and pharmacological titration algorithms.

2Internalize Heart Failure Quadruple Therapy: Know the exact initiation protocols, target doses, contraindications, and laboratory monitoring for ARNI (Sacubitril/Valsartan 36h ACEi washout), evidence-based beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (Spironolactone), and SGLT2 inhibitors (Dapagliflozin/Empagliflozin).

3Systematize 12-Lead ECG Interpretation: Practice rapid identification of complex arrhythmias, bundle branch and fascicular blocks (especially RBBB + LAFB in Chagas cardiomyopathy), pre-excitation patterns, ischemia/infarction territory localization, and channelopathies (Brugada Type 1 coved ST pattern, Long QT subtypes).

4Correlate Multimodality Cardiac Imaging: Review hemodynamic pressure tracings (aortic stenosis gradients, constrictive pericarditis dip-and-plateau), echocardiographic formulas (Wilkins score, continuity equation, diastolic dysfunction E/e' algorithm), coronary CT angiography (CAD-RADS 2.0), and cardiac MRI late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) distribution patterns.

5Memorize Resuscitation and Emergency Protocols: Review ACLS shockable (VF/pVT) and non-shockable (PEA/asystole) medication sequences, targeted temperature management (TTM), cardiogenic shock SCAI phenotyping, anti-impulse therapy in aortic dissection, and fibrinolysis in massive pulmonary embolism.

6Practice Timed High-Yield Question Sets: Complete full-length practice blocks under timed conditions to refine clinical reasoning, rapid distractor elimination, and multi-step diagnostic synthesis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TEC and why is it essential for cardiologists in Brazil?

The Título de Especialista em Cardiologia (TEC) is the official medical specialist certification awarded by the Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC) and the Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB). Passing the TEC exam allows physicians to register their specialized qualification (Registro de Qualificação de Especialista - RQE) in Cardiology with the Regional Medical Councils (CRMs) and Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), which is legally required to advertise and practice formally as a medical cardiologist in Brazil.

What are the prerequisite eligibility requirements to sit for the TEC examination?

Candidates must be fully licensed physicians registered with a Regional Medical Council (CRM) in Brazil and fulfill one of the qualifying training pathways: (1) Completion of an accredited Medical Residency Program (CNRM/MEC) in Cardiology; (2) Completion of an SBC-recognized Cardiology Specialization Program (Curso de Especialização credenciado pela SBC); or (3) Proven clinical practice in Cardiology for at least double the duration of official residency (4 to 6 years), substantiated by institutional documentation and meeting minimum curricular evaluation points as stipulated in the annual CJTEC/SBC notice (Edital).

How is the TEC examination structured across its stages?

The exam is administered by the Comissão Julgadora do Título de Especialista em Cardiologia (CJTEC) and consists of two main stages on the same day: (1) Prova Teórica (Theoretical Exam), containing multiple-choice questions focusing on pathophysiology, clinical trials, and Brazilian Cardiology Guidelines (Diretrizes da SBC); and (2) Prova Teórico-Prática (Theoretical-Practical Exam), presenting clinical case vignettes accompanied by 12-lead ECG tracings, echocardiographic loops and measurements, coronary angiograms, hemodynamic tracings, and cardiac CT/MRI imaging.

What is the passing score and grading criteria for the TEC?

To pass the TEC sufficiency exam and be awarded the specialist title, candidates must obtain a minimum composite score of 60% (equivalent to a 6.0 on a 10.0 scale, or as specified in the official Edital). Some editions require reaching a minimum eliminatory threshold on both the theoretical and theoretical-practical sections independently.

Which official clinical guidelines are primarily tested on the TEC?

The examination tests the official Diretrizes da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia published in the journal Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia (ABC Cardiol). Key guidelines include those on Acute Coronary Syndromes (STEMI and NSTEMI), Chronic Coronary Disease, Acute and Chronic Heart Failure, Systemic Arterial Hypertension, Valvular Heart Disease, Atrial Fibrillation and Arrhythmias, Dyslipidemia and Prevention, Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ACLS/SBC).

Why is this OpenExamPrep practice bank presented in English?

This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation, not a replica of the official paper: the real TEC is sat in Portuguese and uses five alternatives per item, whereas our questions use four. It is offered to support international cardiology fellows, Brazilian candidates who prefer to revise in English, and clinicians worldwide. All official Portuguese terminology, SBC guideline names and statutory wording are preserved inline.