Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination (CAPE) 

Eligibility Criteria

The criteria for application to take the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination are as follows:

1. The applicant must fulfill one of the following criteria:
   • The applicant must have graduated from, or be currently enrolled in, an accredited cardiovascular perfusion education program, and anticipating graduation prior to the date of the examination; or  
   • The applicant must have been admitted to the examination process before April 15, 1981, or have been previously certified by the ABCP.
2. Applicants for the examination must have the following on file in the National Office prior to the examination:
   • All documentation as needed for the Perfusion Basic Science Examination; and
   • A clinical record itemizing 40 independent clinical perfusions after graduation from the accredited school of perfusion. Cases must come from Table A – Primary Clinical Perfusion Activities (PCPA).
3. NEW! If you are not yet ready to upload a complete CAPE Case Record when completing the online application, you may choose to apply by agreeing to the CAPE Promissory in lieu of uploading the document.
   • The CAPE Promissory states that you agree to submit your 40 independent clinical perfusions to the ABCP National Office at info@abcp.org by 5:00 pm CT at least two weeks prior to the start of your exam window.
   • The due date is March 30, 2026 for the spring exam and October 5, 2026 for the fall exam.

CAPE Application Procedure

Application window opens November 15, 2025 for the spring exam and May 15, 2026 for the fall exam.
Applicants are required to submit or arrange for submission of the following:

• A completed CAPE Application
• The CAPE application fee
  • Online Application (submit payment information in the online application)
  • CAPE Paper Application (submit application fee here)
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Applicants are required to submit, or agree to submit, the following to the National Office prior to the examination:

• A completed case summary documenting 40 independent clinical perfusions after graduation.
• Cases must come from Table A – Primary Clinical Perfusion Activities (PCPA).

The number of times that the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination can be taken is not limited.

Applicants retaking the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination are NOT required to resubmit the case summary.

Please note, all applications submitted after March 16, 2026 for the spring exam (and after September 22, 2026 for the fall exam) will have a $100 late fee applied. Eligibility to register with Pearson VUE is contingent upon all documentation being received in the National Office prior to registration.

All files MUST be complete by March 30, 2026 for the spring exam and by October 5, 2026 for the fall exam. Eligibility to reserve a seat at a testing site is contingent upon receipt of all documentation by the National Office.