VAD-C Info | ICCAC
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VAD-C Info


Submit an application to test by completing this form: VAD-C Application Form

  • PLEASE NOTE: If you are a first-time RETAKE TEST TAKER, your exam must be a minimum of 30 days from your last attempt AND you need to be within your 90-day candidacy window. IF YOU FALL OUT OF THIS WINDOW, please email the board directly: vad-cb@iccac.global
  • The application form does not require a Google login


Study Document Options


Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question or concern? Email the VAD-C Certification Board directly: vad-cb@iccac.global

  • VAD-C Board FAQ
  • PSI FAQ
  • Qualifications to sit for the exam:
    • Currently work with VAD patients for at least one year in a center that is certified in VAD by CMS or international equivalent, -OR- an entity that supports VAD patients, such as industry partners.
    • Work in one of the following professions: RN division, APP division, MD/DO, Perfusion division, Biomedical Engineering/Equipment Management.
    • Hold a license in your field or have an equivalent educational degree.
  • ICCAC membership is not required the VAD-C test.
  • Every application is reviewed by the Exam Candidate Review Committee. Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a confirmation email regarding candidacy, or an email requesting audit information.
  • Our collaborating partner, PSI, will send an email to schedule the exam (this process may take 1-2 weeks).

Examination Eligibility Window



Once approved to sit for the VAD-C examination, candidates have 90 days from the date of eligibility approval to complete their initial examination attempt.


The 90-day eligibility window applies only to the initial examination attempt. Once the candidate completes the examination, the initial 90-day eligibility window closes, regardless of the examination result.


Retesting After an Unsuccessful Attempt

Candidates who do not pass the VAD-C examination must wait a minimum of 30 days from the date of the unsuccessful examination attempt before retesting.


The retake examination must be completed no later than 60 days after the date of the unsuccessful examination attempt.

Therefore, candidates eligible for a retake have a testing window beginning 30 days after the unsuccessful attempt and ending 60 days after the unsuccessful attempt.


Example: If a candidate takes the examination on June 1 and does not pass, the candidate may retest beginning July 1 and must complete the retake no later than July 31.


Failure to complete the examination or retake within the applicable eligibility window may require a new application and/or additional fees in accordance with VAD-C Certification Board policies.


Candidate Attestation (to be part of the application)


  • I acknowledge that I have read and understand the VAD-C examination eligibility and retesting requirements. I understand that I have 90 days from approval to complete my initial examination attempt. Once I take the examination, that 90-day eligibility window closes. If I do not pass, I must wait at least 30 days before retesting and must complete my retake no later than 60 days after my unsuccessful examination attempt.

 

 



Candidate Resources


Cost of exams

  • First Attempt: $375
  • Second Attempt (as a retake): $75 
  • Third Attempt (as a retake): $375
  • Fourth Attempt (as a retake): $75


Failure to report for a scheduled exam will result in forfeiture of exam fees. Please refer to candidate handbook for additional information.


Recertification Information

  • Click here to apply for certification renewal
    • Upon approval of your application, you will receive an email with instructions on payment. 
    • Individuals will be randomly selected for audit. If you are chosen for audit, you will need to submit proof of contact hours via email prior to approval for renewal.
  • Individuals must recertify every three years
  • Cost of recertification: $250
  • Recertification Criteria:

Contact Hour refers to one hour of participation in an organized learning activity, typically involving direct interaction with an instructor or facilitator. This unit is used to measure the amount of time spent in an educational session, such as a class, workshop, or seminar.

NOTE:  If you decide to recertify by exam, you must successfully complete the exam in order to achieve recertification.  If you are not successful on the exam, you may not then attempt to renew using the continuing education pathway.  Instead you would need to meet initial eligibility to take the initial exam. 



As of July 2026:

  • 37 States and 4 countries represent locations of VAD-C Individuals
  • 190 individuals have successfully passed the VAD-C exam



2025 VAD-C Certification Board

VAD-C Certification Board direct email: 

vad-cb@iccac.global



 


Have a question or concern? Email the VAD-C Certification Board directly: vad-cb@iccac.global