Physicians’ Vascular Interpretation (PVI)
This exam is administered by APCA.
SPI Required?
Application Window
Year-Round
Exam Fee
$725 USD
Exam Window
Within 90 days of application approval
The PVI exam tests your knowledge of the vascular system.
Overview
The PVI exam assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities that physicians in vascular medicine and surgery need:
- Cerebrovascular anatomy and interpretation
- Abdominal vascular anatomy and interpretation
- Peripheral arterial anatomy, hemodynamics, and duplex imaging
- Peripheral venous anatomy and duplex interpretation
- Hemodynamics of arterial and venous circulation
- Ultrasound examination findings and result interpretation
- Ultrasound physics, instrumentation, and use
Practice Analysis
Quality exams start with a simple purpose: reflect real-world care. We routinely evaluate and update the PVI exam to ensure that it captures the requirements of today’s practice.
Question format & scoring
The PVI exam covers approximately 178 multiple choice questions over four hours.
Scoring
You will receive your score report at the test center after completing your exam, and it will also be available in your Pearson account. Your results will be posted to your Inteleos portal within one week.
- Pass/fail score
- Point scale 300 to 700 (555 or better passes; not percentage or curve-based)
If you do not pass, you can reapply after three days. However, you must wait 60 days before retaking the exam.
Statistics
APCA exams assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to practice each specialty. Student pass rates vary.
| 2023 First-time takers: 86% Overall: 85% |
2022 First-time takers: 88% Overall: 88% |
2021 First-time takers: 88% Overall: 86% |
| 2020 First-time takers: 90% Overall: 88% |
2019 First-time takers: 92% Overall: 89% |
2018 First-time takers: 83% Overall: 80% |
| 2017 First-time takers: 78% Overall: 75% |
2016 First-time takers: 81% Overall: 77% |
2015 First-time takers: 85% Overall: 82% |
| 2014 First-time takers: 84% Overall: 83% |
2013 First-time takers: 90% Overall: 90% |
2012 First-time takers: 95% Overall: 95% |
Content Outline
Explore exam details in this PVI study guide.
Associated Certifications
The PVI exam is required for RPVI certification.
RPVI®
Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation®
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