The primary certification credential in perfusion is the Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP). This has become the de facto standard in the field and is typically a requirement of most organizations who employ perfusionists. It is estimated that at least 70% of the practicing perfusionists are certified. The certification examination is administered by a wholly independent organization:
American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP)Established in 1975, ABCP has no organizational ties or relationships with any other group or entity. The eligibility requirements to sit for the CCP certification examination include one stating that the applicant must be a graduate of an accredited perfusion training program. This requirement underscores the importance of obtaining perfusion training through a recognized accredited program rather than from an alternative source, e.g., on-the-job training. (The official position of AmSECT is that on-the-job perfusion training is not recommended; persons who become perfusionists in this manner will have severely limited career mobility because they will not be eligible to be certified.) Perfusionists normally begin the process of earning certification immediately upon graduating from perfusion school. Many persons are routinely able to attain certification within two years after graduation. Once the CCP has been received, the ABCP has rigorous continuing education requirements that must be met. The CCP is conferred for a period of three years, during which time a specified number of approved credits must be earned in order to be recertified. AmSECT makes every effort to offer a wide array of activities that will assist perfusionists in satisfying their continuing education needs. All questions regarding the certification program should be directed to the ABCP at the address shown above.
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