Questions on Applying to Sit for the Certification and Recertification Exams
Questions About the Exams
Questions on Licensure
Questions on Verification of Status
Recertification
Nuclear Cardiology is a specialty of cardiology that uses radioisotopes for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
What is certification and what is its purpose?
Certification provides practice-based standards against which members of the profession can be assessed. The purposes of the CBNC Certification Program are as follows:
What is the address of the CBNC?
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101 Lakeforest Blvd., Suite 401 Gaithersburg, MD 20877 USA |
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How should I notify CBNC of an address change?
Notification must be in writing and include a signature. Please include change in phone/fax and cell numbers too. Candidates should inform CBNC of address changes so that important correspondence is received at the correct address. Diplomates [those who have passed the CBNC exam] should inform CBNC of address changes so that the Who Is Certified database lists diplomates in the correct location.
CBNC can mail you a copy of the Bulletin and Application forms and a PDF version is posted on CBNC's website when available. Application must be made on the original forms and must include the applicant's original documentation. Therefore, CBNC cannot fax the Bulletin to applicants and applications must be sent by mail or UPS or Fedex overnight services.
What are the application criteria?
Yes, you can apply online by first creating yourself an online account. To do so, please go to this link. There are also PDF forms that can be filled in on your computer and printed out for mailing. Please choose Certification or Recertification application.
No, we must have the original documents.
When are the application deadlines?
Certification — Application Postmark Deadlines
Recertification — Application Postmark Deadlines
What are the fees to sit for the exams?
The fees for each exam is dependent on when you apply. Please see "When are the application deadlines?" above for the appropriate fee associated with each exam and deadline.
The fees can be paid by check payable to CBNC or by credit card (AMEX, Discover, MasterCard or Visa).
Non-sufficient funds, administrative fees, late fees and resubmission fees will not be refunded.
Does the application have to be typed?
No, but it must be legible.
Sample preceptor letters are included in the Candidate Bulletin and on the CBNC website at Preceptor Letter Templates and Preceptor Letter Templates - Outside U.S. The letters must be written on institutional letterhead within 12 months of application.
All eligibility criteria must be met at the time of application. Applications will be considered incomplete if any of the material is missing or incorrect and the applicant subject to a $50 resubmission fee.
For example, if the preceptor letter included does not use the correct language for the applicant's background, the letter will be returned to the applicant. It is the applicant's responsibility to make certain that the letter written by the preceptor complies with CBNC's templates.
I missed the October deadline for applying... can I apply late?
No, applications received after the October deadline are returned unopened to candidates. No exceptions to the policy are made.
The CBNC certification and recertification exam dates can be found here. Prospective candidates apply to CBNC. Once deemed eligible, applicants receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter, which provides instruction on how to schedule a test time at Prometric Testing center.
The exam will be held at Prometric test centers around the world. For more information on locations, log onto www.prometric.com/cbnc/default.htm.
In 2010, the exam will be held at Prometric test centers around the world. For more information on locations, log onto www.prometric.com/cbnc/default.htm.
What happens after I am approved to sit for the exam?
If your application is complete and you meet all the criteria, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter indicating that your application has been approved. The ATT letter will provide instruction on scheduling a test time within the CBNC testing window.
If your application is incomplete or any part is incorrect, the CBNC office will notify you of what is needed. We encourage applicants to provide an active email address so that we can contact you quickly with what is required to complete your application. It is the responsibility of the candidate to obtain or correct any outstanding or incorrect materials and submit them to the CBNC office. Applications with missing or incorrect documentation will be subject to a $50 resubmission fee before they are deemed eligible. CBNC reserves the right to return incomplete applications as of October 19, together with a refund. ($795 for certification and $495 for recertification) Non -sufficient funds, administrative fees, late fees and resubmission fees will not be refunded.
How should I prepare for the exam?
This section of the CBNC website provides information on the exam content outline, sample questions and a list of references, Preparing to Take the Examination.
What courses does the CBNC recommend for preparation for the exam?
The CBNC does not recommend particular courses. The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology website (www.asnc.org) has a number of courses available and also has an online educational calendar that lists many course in nuclear cardiology, both ASNC and others. Other society websites such as ACC, EANM, ESC and SNM may also have nuclear cardiology course listings.
What can I bring with me to the exam?
You will need your valid government-issued ID bearing a photo and signature to be allowed to sit for the exam. If you do not have the appropriate ID you must make arrangements with CBNC PRIOR to the exam date. No calculators, electronic devices (e.g. cell phone, beeper, Blackberry, IPhone, ITouch, etc) or books or papers of any kind are allowed in the testing room. A small locker is provided for storage of personal items. If such devices are stored in a locker you are NOT permitted to use them during a break or anytime during your visit to the test center. It is recommended that such devices be left securely in your car or at home. Notes may not be taken from the test room, nor may notes be retrieved and reviewed from a locker during a break.
The testing vendor will provide scratch paper or a small white board along with pen or pencil for your use which will be collected at the end of the exam. There are no scheduled breaks but candidates may take a restroom break as needed. Candidates may also not leave the testing center during breaks. No additional testing time is added for unscheduled breaks. Proctors at the Prometric testing sites will supervise the administration of the exam and candidates may be video and/or audio taped to maintain the strictest security throughout the testing period. If it is determined that a Candidate engaged in any form of exam impropriety before or during the exam, the exam will not be scored. Furthermore, should any impropriety be found, the Candidate will not be allowed to reapply until three (3) years have passed; a new application and Candidate fees will be required. If such instance occurs, no refund of any fees paid will be made.
What forms of ID are acceptable?
Acceptable forms of photo identification for North American residents are a valid driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID. Non-North American residents must present a valid passport for identification. These are the only forms of photographic identification that will be accepted. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE EXAMINATION WITHOUT PROPER PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION. If you do not have the appropriate ID you must make arrangements with CBNC PRIOR to the exam date.
What is the general content of the exam?
Please see the content outline: Examination Outline.
Does the CBNC examination carry CME credit?
No, CBNC is not an ACCME-accredited sponsor of CME credit.
Applicants must cancel IN WRITING to the CBNC office. All submitted materials will be returned to you along with a refund ($795 for certification and $495 for recertification) if cancelation is received by December 3, 2010. CBNC is not able to retain your application material; reapplications for subsequent years must be made in full. Candidates who cancel after December 3 will not receive any refund. Candidates must cancel with both Prometric and CBNC by December 3 in order to receive a refund.
Is it true that if I'm late for the exam, I will not be permitted to sit?
This is correct. Prometric schedules examinations throughout the day. If you are late, it may cut into the scheduled time of the person following you. It is up to Prometric whether they are able to accommodate late arrivals. No refunds will be made to candidates who appear late and are denied entry. CBNC strongly recommends arriving 30 minutes early. Most Prometric testing centers have small lobby areas that accommodate early arrivals.
I have a flight scheduled after the exam; can I bring my luggage with me to the exam?
Most candidates will no longer be flying to a testing center. Examinees will be provided with a small locker; however, large bags probably will not be able to be accommodated. No materials can be brought into the testing room.
Cancellations must be made by December 3, 2010 with both CBNC and Prometric. CBNC must have evidence of cancellation with Prometric before we can issue your refund. Refunds can not be offered to applicants who cancel after December 3, 2010.
I sat for the recent exam. How can I find out whether I passed?
Approximately ten weeks after the exam, candidates will receive by mail a letter indicating whether the candidate passed or failed, along with a diagnostic score report indicating how the candidate scored in each of the content areas. These documents cannot be faxed and scores cannot be given over the phone or by email.
Why does it take so long to get my test results since they are computer graded?
The examination committee reviews each question after the exams are scored. Questions are discarded if they do not meet predefined performance criteria. If statistical evaluation raises a concern about the validity of a question (for example, if a large number of people consistently answer with a different response), then these questions are individually reviewed again to make sure they are accurate. When inaccuracies are identified, these questions may be re-scored or discarded. For these reasons, the entire score process takes approximately ten weeks.
I failed the exam. Can the CBNC hold my application for next year?
CBNC cannot hold applications from one year to the next due to the fact that Eligibility Requirements could change, as well as the fees. All materials submitted are returned to the applicant and some can be used again for future applications.
The NRC has ruled that for Non-Agreement States, CCNC certification may be used as a pathway in conjunction with a Preceptor Statement. Those in Agreement States are subject to the requirements established by their state and should contact their state liaison officer. For Agreement State Liaison Officer contact information, see the following website: Directory of Agreement State and Non-Agreement State Directors and State Liaison Officers.
If I can't use my certification as a pathway, what do I need to do to become licensed?
Under 10 CFR Part 35, Medical Use of Byproduct Material, published in the March 30, 2005 Federal Register, cardiologists in Non-Agreement States have two pathways for licensure: 1) 700 hours of supervised work experience, including a minimum of 80 hours of classroom and laboratory or 2) Certification by a medical specialty board whose certification process has been recognized by the NRC. The CBNC is one such board.
In Agreement States, physicians must apply to the appropriate Agreement State office for Authorized User Licensure. For Agreement State Liaison Officer contact information, see the following website: Directory of Agreement State and Non-Agreement State Directors and State Liaison Officers.
I'm in an Agreement State. How do I find out what's required to become an Authorized User?
For Agreement State Liaison Officer contact information, see the following website: Directory of Agreement State and Non-Agreement State Directors and State Liaison Officers.
The CBNC website has a Who Is Certified searchable database. Click Here. Searchable fields include last name, city, state and country.
Note: It is the responsibility of the Diplomate to keep CBNC apprised of address changes.
The CBNC website has a Who Is Certified searchable database. Click Here
Does the CBNC provide verbal verification of certification status?
Yes, you may contact the CBNC office at +240.631.8151.
Does the CBNC provide written verification of certification status?
Yes, you may contact the CBNC office at +240.631.8151 and staff will be happy to fax or mail verification of certification status on corporate letterhead.
I seem to have lost my certificate. How can I get a replacement?
CBNC can have a replacement certificate mailed to for you. Please be aware that the CBNC office does not maintain copies of certificates. Therefore, it will take 2-3 weeks from receipt of the request to have the replacement mailed.
Cost for replacement is $20. Orders will be processed once the request and check or money order is received in the CBNC office.
Please visit the Recertification webpage for details. Applicants may test in any (or all) of years 8, 9 or 10 of their 10 year certification period.