Applicants must, at the time of application, hold a current and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the U.S. or their country of residence.

Testamur status

Applicants with a training medical license may apply to sit for the examination in Testamur status provided that, at the time of application:

• They are in their penultimate or final year of Cardiology, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiology training or Advanced Imaging training; or
• Have completed training within 12 months of application for CBCCT.

Upon successfully passing the CBCCT examination, Testamur candidates remain in that status until documentation of a current, unconditional, unrestricted medical license and board certification is received. Applicants who pass the CBCCT examination under Testamur status have six years from the date of passing the examination to document all requirements. Regardless of when a Testamur becomes a Diplomate, CBCCT certification expires 10 years from the date of passing the examination.

Applicants must be physicians who, at the time of application, hold one or more of the following board certifications.

• Cardiovascular Disease – Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, OR from an ABIM Cardiology subspecialty, OR in Cardiology from the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine
• Nuclear Medicine – Board certified in Nuclear Medicine by the American Board of Nuclear Medicine OR the American Osteopathic Board of Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology – Board certified in Radiology by the American Board of Radiology OR the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology

Fellows, residents, and other Testamur applicants may apply under the training-status licensure rules.

Training completed outside the U.S. may be documented through equivalent medical specialty board certification or, where a board exam does not exist, a letter of completion following the international training letter requirements.

Applicants must complete the required cardiovascular CT training and experience before applying.

• Cardiology and Nuclear Medicine applicants must meet Level 2 CCT training requirements under the ACC Task Force 4 2015 COCATS Guidelines.
• Radiology applicants may qualify either through Level 2 training or through the case requirements outlined in the ACR Practice Guidelines for diagnostic and cardiac CT.

Explore the full case requirement breakdown

All documentation must verify dates of training, number and type of cases, and the manner in which cases were performed. CBCCT reserves the right to audit submitted documentation and, if audited, applicants must provide a cardiac CT case log with the required elements.

All Level 2 ( or 3)-trained Applicants must document 150 contrast CT cases every 36 months.

• If Level 2 or Level 3 training, or the effective date of an SCCT Verification Program letter, was completed more than 36 months before the application date, the applicant must document 150 additional contrast cardiac CT cases completed within the last 36 months.
• Radiologists meeting the ACR Cardiac CT Practice Guidelines must document 75 contrast cardiac CT cases interpreted within the last 12 months, excluding those performed exclusively for calcium scoring.

Documentation may include course certificates or a letter from a qualified supervisor, and CBCCT provides a Maintenance of Competency letter template for this purpose.

Level 2 or Level 3 applicants must document 20 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CME in general CT or cardiac CT in the 36 months prior to application.

• ACR Practice Guidelines applicants must document 30 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CME in cardiac CT and/or cardiac anatomy and physiology in the 36 months prior to application if qualified in thoracic CT; if not qualified in thoracic CT, 200 hours are required.
• Fellows and residents are exempt if an ACGME-accredited training program was completed up to 36 months before the date of application.
• Non-U.S. applicants must document 20 education or lecture hours in general CT or cardiac CT in the 36 months prior to application.

Candidates who have not passed the CBCCT examination after three attempts are required to repeat CCT Level 2 training and provide documentation of 20 hours of Category 1 CME in general CT or cardiac CT, or recomplete the requirements for CCT training according to the ACR Cardiac CT Guidelines. The Level 2 training and CME must have been completed within 18 months of application.

• Template for Training Experience Verification Letter
• Template for Maintenance of Competency Letter
• International Specialty Verification Letter
• International Training Letter

APCA functions under policies intended to demonstrate impartiality, high ethical standards and validity of its certification assessments.

APCA does not restrict Applicants, Candidates or becoming a Certificant based on limiting conditions, such as membership of an association or professional society of any organization. APCA will not unfairly impede or inhibit access to its certification to Applicants, Candidates or Certificants who meet our stated policies regarding qualification requirements, renewal requirements and/or passing APCA’s psychometrically sound certification assessments.

Applicants may document licensure with: 

• A photocopy of a medical license wallet card,  
• A photocopy of a wall-mounted license, or 
• A  printout from a state medical board website to document licensure.  

At a minimum, the documentation must include the applicant’s name, issuing state/country, status, and expiration date if issued in the U.S. 

One of the following documents verifying Board certification must be submitted with the application: 

• A letter from the certifying Board verifying passing of the Board exam including the effective and expiration dates 
• A certificate from the certifying Board showing the effective and expiration dates 
• A print-out from the certifying Board’s website showing the effective and expiration dates 
• For non-U.S.-trained physicians, a copy of equivalent documentation verifying training credentials and/or national registration as a specialist in Cardiology, Nuclear Medicine or Radiology 

One or more of the following documents verifying completion of training must be submitted with the application: 

• A certificate from a Level 2 (or 3) training course showing the dates of training and the number of cases including the manner in which they were performed. Multiple course certificates are acceptable; or 

• A letter from a supervisor or Program Director, who must be Level 2 (or 3) or ACR-qualified, attesting that the Applicant has completed CCT training. CBCCT’s Training and Experience Verification letter template can be used to satisfy this requirement. This letter must be dated and printed on the author’s organizational letterhead; or 

• A letter from the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) Verification of cardiovascular CT Experience Program confirming the Applicant’s training 

COCATS Training Requirements Chart

While CBCCT is currently requiring that Cardiology/Nuclear Medicine and Radiology (if applicable) applicants complete their casework for CT training using the 2015 COCATs guidelines, we will NOT enforce the minimum 8-week training component of the guidelines through the 2026 application cycle.  

CBCCT reserves the right to audit documentation submitted to demonstrate eligibility qualifications. If audited, applicants must provide CBCCT with a cardiac CT case log. Under audit of case logs, the following information is required: numerical listing of cases including date and an anonymous identifier; scan indication; scan procedure including type and scope of cardiac CT exams (e.g., CTA native coronaries; CTA bypass grafts, etc.) and; key findings.​ 

Certificate(s) from a course(s) showing the name of the course, dates of attendance and verification that the Applicant interpreted: 

• Level 2 (or 3):  150 contrast cardiac CT cases in the last 36 months 
• ACR Cardiac CT Training: 75 contrast cardiac CT cases (excluding those performed exclusively for calcium scoring) on a workstation in a supervised teaching environment in the last 1 

A letter from a qualified supervisor attesting to the Applicant’s interpretations is also acceptable. 

A “qualified supervisor” may be Chief of Service; Program Director; CT Director, or for cases completed in a private practice clinical environment, CFO; CEO; or Billing Manager. 

CBCCT provides a Maintenance of Competency letter template which can be used to satisfy this requirement. This letter must be dated and printed on the author’s organizational letterhead. 

• Certificate from AMA PRA Category 1 CME provider identifying the name of the course, program or conference, dates attended, credit hours earned and Program Director(s) name.  If CME was earned by attendance at a multimodality conference/meeting it is the Applicant’s responsibility to provide documentation for the various CT-specific sessions attended and credit hours earned. Multiple course certificates will be accepted. 
• Activities outside the U.S. for non-U.S. applicants  – Evidence of 20 hours of attendance at or participation in education lectures, via a letter or certificate from the sponsoring organization. 

• One or more certificate(s) from a Level 2 (or 3) training course 
• A letter from a supervisor or Program Director, who must be Level 2 (or 3) or ACR qualified, attesting that the applicant has completed CCT training. Cardiovascular CT Training Verification Letter Template​​ 
• A letter from the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) Verification of Cardiovascular CT Training. 

At a minimum, the documentation must include the applicant’s training completion date, the number and type of cases and the manner in which the cases were acquired or performed. 

To document completion of CME hours, applicants must submit the certificate of completion or transcript of courses completed. At a minimum, the documentation must include the course or session title(s), the number of hours completed and the date(s) of each course or session. 

CBCCT certification is currently valid for 10 years. CBCCT is actively evaluating continued competence models.

The recertification examination is composed of approximately 100 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have two and one-half hours to complete the examination.

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Some questions include interpretation of images. Each question contains four options or choices, only one of which is the correct or best answer. The examination question pool will be updated on a regular basis to reflect current knowledge. Individual questions are modified or deleted based on statistical analysis of the examination.  

Applicants must be certified in cardiovascular CT by CBCCT no earlier than eight years prior to application and must complete all recertification eligibility requirements before submitting an application. APCA will not accept an application if the required maintenance of competency cases are not provided. 

Applicants must hold a current and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the U.S. or their country of residence. Acceptable documentation includes a license wallet card, wall-mounted license, or a printout from a medical board website, and all documentation must be in English or accompanied by a translation.

Applicants must have 24 hours of Category 1 CME in cardiovascular CT in the 36 months prior to application. Applicants must provide certificates identifying the course, program, or conference, dates attended, credit hours earned, and Program Director names. Non-U.S. applicants must provide evidence of attendance at or participation in educational lectures. 

Applicants must document having performed and interpreted 150 clinical contrast cardiac CT cases in the last 36 months prior to application, or document the applicable Category A / A1 pathway described in the original requirements. Recertification applicants may now attest to their own maintenance cases, and CBCCT provides a Recertification Maintenance Attestation template that can be used to document this requirement. 

Former Diplomates whose certification status has lapsed may apply for recertification by meeting the eligibility requirements. Upon passing the examination, a one-time fee of $250 will be assessed in order to be reinstated.

After passing CBCCT as a Testamur, you must complete the conversion process before you have official certification standing.

You are ready to convert when you have passed your exam as a Testamur and now have the final documentation required by your program. Each Testamur is responsible for contacting the appropriate program office to request conversion to Diplomate.

Use the checklist below to get started– be sure to review the program-specific requirements at each step. 

Update your online account: Log in to your Inteleos online account and create or update your contact information before you submit documentation. Your certificate will be mailed to the address listed in your account. 

Gather documentation: Prepare picture or PDF versions of the required documents before submitting your request. The exact documents vary by exam. 

CBCCT 

• A picture or PDF version of your current, unconditional, unrestricted medical license. Please make sure the expiration date is showing. 
• A picture or PDF version of your ABIM-CD, CD Subspecialty, ABR, or ABNM score letter or certificate. 

Submit your documentation: Submit your documentation to the appropriate program office by email. You can also upload it into your Inteleos online account  and notify staff by email.  

CBCCT@inteleos.org 

Requests are processed in the order received. Requests with all required documentation received by Thursday of each week will be processed by end of business on Friday of the same week. Certificates will be mailed via USPS. 

Watch for confirmation and certificate delivery: Once all required documentation has been received and approved, Diplomate status can be granted by the appropriate program. After conversion, certified physicians may present themselves to the public as Diplomates of the applicable certification board. Certification remains valid for 10 years following the passed examination date. 

Candidates who applied as Testamurs and were successful on the examination have no official certification standing until they complete the conversion process. Only physicians who are granted Diplomate status are certified and may present themselves to the public as Diplomates of the applicable certification board. 

Conversion must occur within six years of passing the examination. Regardless of when a physician converts status, certification expires 10 years from the date of passing the examination.

Starting January 1, 2027, Maintenance of Certification (MOC) replaces the 10-year recertification exam. 

Beginning in 2027, Cardiovascular Imaging (CBCCT, CBCMR and CBNC) certifications will transition to a Maintenance of Certification (MOC) model, replacing the traditional 10-year recertification exam for CBCCT and CBNC Diplomates and formally establishing an ongoing maintenance pathway for CBCMR Diplomates. 

The last 10-year Recertification Examination Administration will be in 2026. 

We are transitioning to an annual Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. As individual certifications expire, diplomates will be required to complete the Annual MOC components outlined below. 

+ Attesting to Inteleos (ARDMS/APCA) rules and policies 

+ Disclose any credential action, suspension, or censure that affects the physician’s legal ability to practice in the specialty 

+ CME Requirements (to be completed over 3-year period) 

+ Annual, specialty-specific Knowledge Confirmation through the SKILLS platform due by December 31 of each year 

+ Paying renewal fee 

+ Update or confirm contact information in your MyAPCA portal 

+ Attest to having a valid Medical License in good standing 

The transition is designed to be clear, predictable, and respectful of existing certification cycles. With defined timelines and targeted guidance, Inteleos (APCA) is committed to helping Diplomates understand what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how to move forward with confidence. 

Stay tuned for more information. 

+ CT pilot is currently available 

+ MR and NC pilots will launch in Q3 2026 

The MOC program launches on January 1, 2027. 

Log in to MYAPCA to participate in the SKILLS quizzes and view your current status. 

ACTION MAY BE REQUIRED (Expiring 2026-2028, Lapsed) 

• Year 10 CBCCT/CBNC Diplomates Expiring in 2026/2027 
  • 2026 is your final opportunity to take the 10‑year recertification exam before your certification lapses. Passing the 2026 exam will provide a new 10‑year certification period. 
  • After recertifying in 2026, transition to the annual MOC program will begin the last full year before the expiration of your certification. 
  • We encourage you to participate and meet the current reinstatement requirements before the MOC transition takes effect. 
• Years 8 & 9 CBCCT/CBNC Diplomates (Expiring in 2027/2028 and/or 2028/2029) 
  • You may elect to take the 10-year recertification exam in 2026 to obtain another 10-year certification period, before your scheduled expiration date. 
  • You may instead remain certified through your current expiration date and transition to the annual MOC pathway in year 10 of your certification. 
• Lapsed CBCCT/CBNC Diplomates 
  • 2026 is your final opportunity to regain certification by taking the 10‑year recertification exam under the current reinstatement requirements. 

PLAN AHEAD 

• Years 1-7 Diplomates 
  • Your certification will remain valid through the stated expiration date. APCA will post updates and send emails about the MOC transition before certifications expire. 
• Multi-Credential Holders 
  • You will complete Knowledge Confirmation for each certification annually via the SKILLS platform. 
• Fellowship Program Directors 
  • Your Fellows who take and pass examination in 2026:Receive 10-year certifications. MOC won’t apply until the final full year of certification. 
  • Your Fellows who take and pass examination in 2027+:Upon certification, fellows will complete annual MOC. 10-year recertification exams will no longer be issued. 

MONITOR/REVIEW NEEDED 

• Testamurs 
  • MOC requirements do not apply to you.  
    • Priority: convert to Diplomate status. 
      • Requirements: Full, unrestricted medical licensure; Appropriate board certification; Complete within 6 years of your CBCCT, CBNC and/or CBCMR exam. 
• Initial Candidates 
  • Take and pass examination in 2026 or earlier: earn 10-year certification. 
  • Take and pass examination in 2027 or later:enter MOC directly.
     
• CBCMR Diplomates 
  • No recertification exam exists for CBCMR. MOC transition begins the final year of your certification.