The vascular access certification examination is the standardized measure of the basic knowledge, skills and abilities expected of professionals working in vascular access.
The exam is multiple-choice consisting of 150 questions (125 of these questions are used in computing the score). Each item consists of a question with four (4) possible answers.
You have two and one half (2 ½) hours to take the exam. In addition there is a separate 15 minute tutorial at the beginning of the exam and a separate 15 minute survey following the exam.
The certification exam is available only in English and all references used to develop it are US based and reflective of US clinical practice.
It is offered each year during the entire month of June and the entire month of December.
At Prometric testing centers throughout the United States (to include US Territories), Canada, and select international locations.
We also offer a remotely-proctored exam for those outside of these geographic areas or who prefer the remote option.
Explore additional details or find a testing center.
The exam questions (items) are based the content outline or blueprint.
The VA-BC™ exam test specifications (Blueprint) are based on a Role Delineation Study, also known as a Job Task Analysis. This type of study is done every 4-5 years to assure that the examination content remains relevant and current to the specialty. The present examination Test Specification is based on a Job Analysis done on 2020.
Refer to the Candidate Certification/Recertification Handbook for complete information.
Watch an overview of the testing process and get answers to the most common questions about the VA-BC™ exam in this video with VACC staff and former President Dr. J. Hudson Garrett Jr., PhD, MSN, MPH, FNP-BC, CSRN, PLNC, CDONA, FACDONA, VA-BC™.