CCI RCS Certification Exam Syllabus
Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the CCI Registered Cardiac Sonographer certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the CCI RCS exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The CCI Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with echocardiography, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as Echocardiographic imaging, cardiac/valvular/hemodynamic assessment, ultrasound physics and image optimization within real-world settings like Hospitals, cardiovascular/echocardiography laboratories, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers.
The syllabus outline below reflects the core domains and expectations defined by the official CCI certification framework and aligns with the cognitive and professional standards assessed in the CCI RCS exam. Candidates can use this guide alongside official vendor resources and structured practice to align their preparation with current exam standards and professional expectations for Cardiac sonographers, cardiovascular technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers and related roles
CCI RCS Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | CCI Registered Cardiac Sonographer |
| Credential | CCI Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) |
| Vendor | Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) |
| Exam Code | RCS » CCI RCS Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Computer-based, in-person testing through Pearson Professional Centers and Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centers |
| Exam Duration | 180 mins |
| Number of Questions | 170 questions (150 scored and 20 unscored) |
| Passing Score | Pass / Fail |
| Exam Price | $365 (USD) |
| Scheduling Window | 90-day eligibility window after application approval and issuance of the Authorization to Test; one additional 90-day extension may be requested |
| Schedule Exam | Pearson VUE |
| Trainings/Resources |
- Anderson, Bonita. Echocardiography: The Normal Examination and Echocardiographic Measurements. Echotext, Australia. - Anderson, Bonita. A Sonographer’s Guide to Assessment of Heart Disease. Echotext Pty Ltd, Australia. - Armstrong, William F. and Ryan, Thomas. Feigenbaum’s Echocardiography. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - Bonow, Robert O., Libby, Peter, Mann, Douglas L., Tomaselli, Gordon F., and Zipes, Douglas P. Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. Elsevier. - Edelman, Sidney K. Understanding Ultrasound Physics. Woodlands, Tex.: ESP Ultrasound. - Kremkau, Frederick W. Sonography Principles and Instruments. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier/Saunders. - Cane, Garvan C., Oh, Jae K., Seward, J. B., and Tajik, A. Jamil. The Echo Manual. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. - Otto, Catherine M. Textbook of Clinical Echocardiography. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier. |
| Sample Questions | CCI RCS Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | CCI RCS Certification Practice Exam |
CCI RCS Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Performing Non-Imaging Responsibilities |
- Review patient’s clinical history - Review patient’s prior studies - Verify echocardiographic order - Maintain ergonomic safety - Prepare patient for echocardiographic exam (e.g., position patient, explain procedure, provide post-procedural instructions) - Prepare a report of echocardiographic findings for the reading physician - Communicate significant echocardiographic findings |
9% |
| Performing Echocardiographic Imaging |
- Perform 2D transthoracic echocardiography - Perform M-mode - Perform color Doppler - Perform spectral Doppler - Perform contrast echocardiography (i.e., ultrasound enhancing agent) - Perform agitated saline studies - Perform exercise echocardiography - Perform pharmacological echocardiography - Perform non-ischemic stress echocardiography - Assist with transesophageal echocardiography - Perform strain imaging - Perform 3D TEE imaging - Perform 3D TTE imaging |
24% |
| Evaluating Valvular Echocardiographic Findings |
- Assess aortic valve structure and function - Assess aortic valve stenosis - Assess aortic valve regurgitation - Assess mitral valve structure and function - Assess mitral valve stenosis - Assess mitral valve regurgitation - Assess tricuspid valve structure and function - Assess tricuspid valve stenosis - Assess tricuspid valve regurgitation - Assess pulmonic valve structure and function - Assess pulmonic valve stenosis - Assess pulmonic valve regurgitation - Assess prosthetic valves - Assess valvular endocarditis |
25% |
| Evaluating Anatomy, Physiology, and Hemodynamics |
- Evaluate cardiac chambers and structures - Evaluate cardiomyopathies - Evaluate diastolic function - Evaluate systolic function - Assess ischemic heart disease - Evaluate pericardial disease - Evaluate great vessels - Evaluate diseases of the aorta - Evaluate pulmonary hypertension - Evaluate cardiac masses - Recognize congenital heart disease - Recognize implanted devices (e.g., ICD, pacemaker, LAA occluder, closure devices, mechanical support) - Evaluate strain imaging - Evaluate cardiac hemodynamics - Evaluate infiltrative disease |
29% |
| Applying the Physics of Ultrasound |
- Identify properties of ultrasound waveforms - Recognize artifacts - Optimize resolution - Optimize frame rate - Optimize Doppler waveforms - Optimize color Doppler - Optimize 2D image - Optimize 3D image - Optimize contrast image |
13% |
The CCI RCS certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in echocardiography. The exam evaluates competencies such as Echocardiographic imaging, cardiac/valvular/hemodynamic assessment, ultrasound physics and image optimization, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as Cardiac sonographers, cardiovascular technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers and related roles working in settings such as Hospitals, cardiovascular/echocardiography laboratories, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers.
To prepare effectively for the CCI Registered Cardiac Sonographer exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
