As you prepare for the VA-BC™ exam, we encourage you to explore the detailed content outline in its entirety and other preparation materials to start your VA-BC™ study journey.
The current vascular access certification examination is based on a content outline developed from the practice analysis completed in 2025. The exam consists of 150 questions, of those you are scored on 125. The format uses a four-option, multiple-choice question written at three different cognitive levels:
- Recall: The ability to recall or recognize specific information.
- Application: The ability to comprehend, relate, or apply knowledge to new or changing situations.
- Analysis: The ability to analyze and synthesize information, to determine solutions, and/or to evaluate the usefulness of a solution.
| Category | Domains of Practice | Percentage |
| I | Device Assessment and Selection | 14% |
| II | Patient Assessment | 18% |
| III | Preparation | 11% |
| IV | Insertion | 11% |
| V | Care and Maintenance | 14% |
| VI | Troubleshooting Complications and Interventions | 16% |
| VII | Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice | 8% |
| IIX | Legal and Ethical Considerations | 8% |
These categories represent an organized way to identify the performance that clinicians will use on the job.