CSC Practice Test
Your Proven Shortcut to Cardiac Surgery Subspecialty Certification (CSC) Success
Get exam-style questions, detailed explanations, and realistic timing to master the latest American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation. Prepare CSC practice test then walk into your Nursing exam with confidence.
"Join thousands who passed their test by practicing with Cardiac Surgery Subspecialty Certification (CSC) exam questions just like the real thing."
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How Our Practice Test Works?
Study wherever, whenever with these quiz types:
Pick a Mode
You can choose Exam Mode (timed 90-minute simulation) or Study Mode for preparation.
Realistic Mix
Questions reflect both multiple-choice and scenario/performance-style prompts aligned to CSC objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Every question includes a clear explanation, so you know why an answer is correct.
Domain Analytics
See strengths/weaknesses by the domains & sub-topics to focus your revision.
Reattempts
Retake sets to improve your speed and accuracy; watch your score trend toward the benchmark.
Exam Simulator
Get a feel for the real exam with our American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation practice test.
Why Choose PrepHOW for CSC Practice Questions
Train the way you'll be tested. Our platform replicates the real American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation experience and turns every attempt into clear, actionable progress-so you waste less time and pass sooner.
Real Exam Feel
Exam/Study modes, question flagging, and instant or end-of-exam feedback.
Smarter Analytics, Faster Improvement
Trend charts so you can see when you're consistently above the passing scrore.
Quality You Can Trust
Clear, teach-back explanations with why the correct answer is right and why others aren't.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cardiac Surgery Subspecialty Certification (CSC)?
The CSC is a subspecialty certification for nurses who provide direct care to acutely/critically ill adult cardiac surgery patients. It validates a nurse's knowledge and expertise in caring for these patients specifically within the first 48 hours postoperatively.
Who is the target audience for the CSC exam?
The CSC exam is designed for certified registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who work in critical care settings such as:
- Cardiovascular Surgery Units
- Cardiothoracic Surgery ICUs
- Post-Anesthesia Care Units (PACU)
- Specialty recovery units for cardiac surgery patients
The certification specifically validates knowledge in caring for these patients within the first 48 hours postoperatively.
What are the primary eligibility requirements to take the CSC exam?
Candidates must meet two main prerequisites:
- A current, unencumbered U.S. RN or APRN license.
- A current, nationally accredited clinical nursing specialty certification (e.g., CCRN, PCCN, CCNS, etc.) to which the CSC credential will be attached.
What content areas does the CSC exam cover?
The exam focuses heavily on Clinical Judgment and is divided into key content areas related to post-operative cardiac surgery care. These include:
- Therapeutic Interventions (e.g., pharmacology, standards of care)
- Complications (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurologic)
- Procedures (e.g., CABG, valve replacement, LVAD implantation)
- Monitoring and Diagnostics
What are the clinical practice hour requirements for CSC eligibility?
Candidates must meet one of the following two practice hour options:
- Two-Year Option: 1,750 hours of practice in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients over the previous two years, with at least 875 of those hours accrued specifically in the care of adult cardiac surgery patients within the first 48 hours postoperatively.
- Five-Year Option: A minimum of 2,000 hours of practice in direct care of acutely/critically ill adult patients over the previous five years, with at least 1,000 of those hours accrued specifically in the care of adult cardiac surgery patients within the first 48 hours postoperatively.
What kind of commercial study guides should I look for?
Look for CSC-specific study guides and practice question books that clearly align with the AACN Test Plan.
- Clinical Review Books: Choose a guide that provides in-depth clinical review focused on the immediate post-cardiac surgery period, including management of devices like IABPs and VADs.
- Practice Question Books: Prephow offer detailed rationales for every answer (both correct and incorrect), as learning the rationale is more valuable than just getting the right answer.
What's the best way to structure my study time?
An effective strategy balances content review and practice:
- Start with the Test Plan: Use it to identify your weakest areas.
- Focus on Content Review: Use a study guide or review course to cover the material.
- Practice Regularly: Dedicate a significant amount of time to answering practice questions under timed conditions to improve your endurance and test-taking confidence.