CSC Practice Test 2026 — Free CSC Exam Prep Questions
The CSC is AACN's subspecialty credential for already-certified nurses who care for adult cardiac surgery patients during the first 48 hours after surgery. Our practice set follows the revised CSC test plan and covers procedures, postoperative complications, therapeutic interventions, and hemodynamic and laboratory monitoring, using bedside vignettes from the cardiac surgery ICU.
A post-CABG patient has MAP 74 mm Hg, CVP 10 mm Hg and cardiac output 4.0 L/min. What is the calculated systemic vascular resistance?
CSC format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based exam.
Facts last verified Oct 5, 2026. Source: www.aacn.org/~/media/aacn-website/certification/get-certified/csc-test-plan.pdf. Always confirm details with AACN before your exam.
When can you take the CSC?
Plan backwards from your exam date
What the CSC covers
Every PrepBanq CSC test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
ProceduresCoronary bypass on and off pump, valve surgery, minimally invasive and percutaneous structural heart procedures, maze and aortic repairs. | 9% | ~7 | 2 questions → |
ComplicationsCardiovascular, respiratory, hematologic, neurologic, GI, renal, multisystem and psychosocial complications in the first 48 postoperative hours. | 37% | ~28 | 9 questions → |
Therapeutic InterventionsPacing, IABP and other mechanical support, resuscitation and resternotomy, cardiac surgery drugs, chest tubes, ventilation, blood products and standards of care. | 43% | ~32 | 11 questions → |
Monitoring and DiagnosticsHemodynamic monitoring, echocardiography, ECG, laboratory tests, ABG and mixed venous gas, pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2 and radiography. | 11% | ~8 | 3 questions → |
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CSC FAQ
How many questions are on the CSC?
The CSC has 90 questions (75 of them scored) and you have 2 hours to finish. Question types: Multiple choice.
How long is the CSC exam?
Testing time for the CSC is 2 hours.
What is on the CSC?
The CSC covers Procedures (about 9%), Complications (about 37%), Therapeutic Interventions (about 43%), Monitoring and Diagnostics (about 11%).
Who administers the CSC?
The AACN Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC) Exam is administered by AACN. Delivery: Computer-based exam.
Is there a free CSC practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 3 free CSC practice tests with 25 exam-style questions in the real CSC formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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