CCRP

At a glance

Why it matters for an EP

Cardiac rehab is home base for many EPs. CCRP shows you've mastered the whole program, not just exercise: risk stratification, secondary prevention, psychosocial care, and program management. AACVPR also accepts CCRP in place of other staff competency requirements in its program certification applications, which is valuable to employers.

Who this fits

• EPs working in phase II/III cardiac rehab
• EPs aiming for cardiac rehab coordinator or lead roles

Eligibility routes

By the end of the application period, you need:

• 1,200 clinical hours in cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention, and
• One of these: a bachelor's degree or higher in a health-related field from an accredited school; current RN licensure; or a current RRT with an RT associate degree.

If you don't meet the criteria, there's an appeal process: an eligibility appeal form, your resume, and a supervisor attestation letter sent to certification@aacvpr.org.

Your step-by-step path

1. Start an hours log now with dates, setting, supervisor, and duties. Relevant internship hours may count.
2. Reach 1,200 qualifying cardiac rehab hours.
3. Download the current CCRP Candidate Handbook and study the content outline.
4. Apply during an open exam window.
5. Pass the exam. No specific prep course is required.

Watch-outs

• Only cardiac rehab/secondary prevention hours count, not general exercise or fitness hours.
• Exam windows are scheduled, so plan around application deadlines.

Pairs well with

• ACSM-CEP: the clinical EP foundation
• CCT: ECG and stress-test skills
• CDCES: many cardiac rehab patients also have diabetes

Official sources

• AACVPR — CCRP
• AACVPR — CCRP Candidate Handbook (April 2026)
• AACVPR — CCRP FAQs