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Exam Review

Key Facts: RCIS Exam

170

Total Questions

CCI RCIS Detailed Test Outline

150 + 20

Scored + Pretest

CCI RCIS exam format

3 hours

Exam Time

CCI RCIS exam format

$365

Application Fee

CCI fee schedule

24%

Intra-Procedure (largest)

CCI RCIS Detailed Test Outline

22%

Imaging & Hemodynamics

CCI RCIS Detailed Test Outline

3 years

Certification Validity

CCI recertification policy

Pearson VUE

Test Provider

CCI testing partner

CCI's RCIS exam contains 170 items (150 scored and 20 unscored) in a three-hour seat time, with 2 hours 50 minutes for exam questions. The current matrix weights pre-procedural activities 8%, diagnostic procedures 40%, interventional procedures 34%, emergency procedures 13%, and post-procedural activities 5%. Candidates need a scaled score of 650 on CCI's 0-900 scale.

Sample RCIS Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the RCIS exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 112+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In a right-dominant coronary circulation, which artery gives rise to the posterior descending artery (PDA)?
A.Left anterior descending (LAD)
B.Left circumflex (LCx)
C.Right coronary artery (RCA)
D.First diagonal branch
Explanation: Coronary dominance is defined by the origin of the PDA. In approximately 85% of patients (right-dominant), the PDA arises from the distal RCA after the crux of the heart. About 8% are left-dominant (PDA from LCx) and 7% are co-dominant.
2Which coronary artery is BEST visualized in a left anterior oblique (LAO) cranial projection?
A.Mid and distal left anterior descending (LAD)
B.Proximal left circumflex
C.Right coronary artery ostium
D.Posterior descending artery only
Explanation: LAO cranial (typically LAO 30-50 degrees with 20-30 degrees cranial angulation) elongates the LAD and separates it from the diagonal branches, providing optimal visualization of the mid-to-distal LAD and septal/diagonal bifurcations.
3Which test is performed BEFORE radial artery access to confirm dual blood supply to the hand?
A.Trendelenburg test
B.Allen or Barbeau test
C.Romberg test
D.Phalen test
Explanation: The Allen test (clinical compression) and Barbeau test (pulse oximetry plethysmography) assess ulnar collateral perfusion before radial access. The Barbeau test is more objective (Type A/B = acceptable, Type C = transient loss/return, Type D = no return = contraindication).
4A pulmonary artery catheter measurement records a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of 22 mmHg. This MOST likely reflects which condition?
A.Hypovolemic shock
B.Elevated left atrial / left ventricular end-diastolic pressure
C.Right ventricular failure with normal LV function
D.Tricuspid stenosis
Explanation: PCWP normally is 8-12 mmHg and approximates left atrial pressure and LV end-diastolic pressure when the mitral valve is normal. A PCWP of 22 mmHg indicates elevated LA/LVEDP, classic for left heart failure or significant mitral disease.
5Which catheter is preferred for left ventriculography to permit power injection of contrast without recoil?
A.Judkins right (JR4)
B.Pigtail catheter
C.Amplatz left (AL1)
D.Multipurpose A1
Explanation: The pigtail catheter has multiple side holes and a curled tip that distributes high-pressure contrast injection, prevents myocardial staining/dissection, and avoids whip from the ventricle. Standard LV gram is RAO 30 degrees with 30-40 mL contrast at 10-15 mL/s.
6TIMI flow grade 2 is BEST described as which of the following?
A.No perfusion past the lesion
B.Penetration without complete distal perfusion (slow filling)
C.Complete perfusion at normal speed
D.Penetration with delayed but full distal perfusion
Explanation: TIMI 0 = no flow; TIMI 1 = penetration without distal perfusion (faint contrast trickle); TIMI 2 = delayed but complete distal perfusion (slower than non-target vessel); TIMI 3 = normal brisk flow.
7Per current AHA/ACC and ESC guidelines, which vascular access site is associated with LOWER bleeding and mortality in primary PCI for STEMI?
A.Femoral artery
B.Radial artery
C.Brachial cutdown
D.Translumbar approach
Explanation: Multiple RCTs (RIVAL, MATRIX, SAFARI-STEMI in selection) and meta-analyses show transradial access reduces major bleeding, vascular complications, and mortality compared with transfemoral access in ACS/STEMI when performed by experienced operators. Current guidelines recommend radial as default.
8Which guide catheter shape is MOST commonly used to engage a left main coronary artery with normal aortic root anatomy during PCI?
A.Judkins Left (JL) 3.5 or 4
B.Amplatz Right 1 (AR1)
C.Multipurpose A2
D.Hockey-stick
Explanation: JL 3.5 and JL 4 are the workhorse guides for the left main in normal-sized aortic roots. Larger roots may require JL 4.5 or 5; small roots use JL 3 or JL 3.5.
9Which guidewire category is specifically designed for crossing chronic total occlusions (CTOs)?
A.Workhorse wires (BMW, Runthrough)
B.Tapered-tip stiff wires (Fielder XT-A, Gaia, Confianza/Conquest, Hornet)
C.Hydrophilic floppy wires (Whisper, Pilot 50)
D.Extra-support exchange wires (Iron Man)
Explanation: CTO crossing wires include tapered-tip polymer or stiff wires such as Fielder XT-A (1.0g), Gaia 1/2/3 (composite-core, controllable tip), Conquest/Confianza Pro (9-12g, tapered), and Hornet 10/14 (penetration). Tip load is selected based on cap morphology.
10A patient with severe aortic stenosis has a peak instantaneous transvalvular gradient. Using the modified Bernoulli equation, what is the gradient if peak velocity across the valve is 4.5 m/s?
A.18 mmHg
B.36 mmHg
C.81 mmHg
D.162 mmHg
Explanation: Modified Bernoulli: gradient (mmHg) = 4 x V^2, where V is velocity in m/s. 4 x (4.5)^2 = 4 x 20.25 = 81 mmHg.

About the RCIS Exam

RCIS is CCI's credential for cath lab technologists who assist physicians during diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization. It validates competence across pre-procedure assessment, intra-procedural monitoring/assistance, post-procedure care, hemodynamics, pharmacology, equipment operation, and professional standards.

Exam sponsor: CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

170 questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

650 on a 0-900 scale

Exam / Certification Fees

$365

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 75%. CCI first-time RCIS pass rate for 2025 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.

8%

Conducting Pre-Procedural Activities

Prepare rooms, equipment, patients, and personnel; review records, lab values, consent, time-out, and patient status

40%

Conducting Diagnostic Procedures

Monitor patients; assist with catheterization, ECG, imaging, pressure and flow studies, radiation safety, vascular access, and pharmacologic support

34%

Conducting Interventional Procedures

Assist with coronary, structural-heart, peripheral-vascular, and implanted-device interventions

13%

Responding to Emergency Procedures and Protocols

Respond to emergency presentations and procedural complications and operate emergency equipment

5%

Conducting Post-Procedural Activities

Obtain hemostasis, manage access-site complications, educate patients, report, and transfer care

Preparing for the RCIS Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 650 on a 0-900 scale
  • Exam length: 170 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: $365 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 112 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

RCIS: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master coronary anatomy and dominance — RCA gives the PDA in ~85%, the LCx in ~8% (left dominant), and either in ~7% (co-dominant)
2Memorize angiographic projections: LAO cranial = LAD, RAO cranial = LAD/diagonals, LAO caudal (spider) = left main bifurcation, LAO 30-45 = RCA
3Drill ACT targets: 250-300 sec for PCI with GP IIb/IIIa, 300+ sec without; 200-250 for diagnostic-only catheterization
4Memorize current DES platforms (Synergy, Promus, Xience, Resolute Onyx, Onyx Frontier) and current TAVR valves (SAPIEN 3 Ultra, Evolut FX)
5Practice Bernoulli (4V^2) and Gorlin (with constants 44.3 aortic, 37.7 mitral) calculations until automatic
6Learn complication recognition cold: Ellis perforation grades, NHLBI dissection A-F, TIMI flow 0-3 and TIMI thrombus 0-5
7Drill ALARA and dosimetry: Time-Distance-Shielding, dual badge monitoring, lens dose 20 mSv/yr, 5 Gy reference air kerma threshold for follow-up
8Stay clear on RCIS scope: support the operator, monitor, anticipate, and document — do not direct treatment decisions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the RCIS exam?

The RCIS exam contains 170 items: 150 scored and 20 unscored. Candidates have a three-hour seat time, including 2 hours 50 minutes for the questions.

What score do I need to pass RCIS?

CCI reports scores from 0 to 900. A total scaled score of 650 is required to pass RCIS; that scaled score is not a raw percentage correct.

How much does the RCIS exam cost?

The current CCI RCIS application fee is $365. There may be additional fees for retakes, recertification, or specific testing accommodations per the CCI fee schedule.

Who is eligible to take RCIS?

CCI offers multiple pathways including completion of an accredited invasive cardiovascular technology program (CAAHEP/CoARC), hospital-based training programs, or documented cath lab clinical experience. Verify the specific pathway requirements in the current CCI RCIS Exam Application before applying.

What is the difference between RCIS and RCES?

RCIS validates competence in the cardiac cath lab (diagnostic angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention). RCES validates competence in the electrophysiology lab (EP studies, ablation, device implantation). Both are CCI cardiovascular technologist credentials but cover different procedural environments.

How long is RCIS certification valid?

RCIS is valid for 3 years. Recertification is achieved by earning continuing education points or by retaking the RCIS exam, per current CCI recertification policy.

What domains carry the most weight on the RCIS exam?

Diagnostic Procedures (40%) and Interventional Procedures (34%) are the largest current domains. Pre-Procedural Activities are 8%, Emergency Procedures 13%, and Post-Procedural Activities 5%.