Interventional Cardiology

Aim of the certification

The goal of the EAPCI is to assure optimal quality in interventional cardiology by assessing the competence in knowledge, skills and attitudes of physicians. As such, the EAPCI aims at developing a standardised certificate for interventional cardiologists practicing in the European Union and ESC member countries so as to ensure comparable requirements for EAPCI and ESC certified specialists.

The system will be designed to certify both practical experience and knowledge in interventional cardiology medicine and will be divided in two parts:

• Part A: theoretical knowledge based on revised EAPCI Core curriculum (planned to be published early 2018), the PCR-EAPCI Textbook, ESC Guidelines, ESCeL (eLearning platform).
  This part consists in 100 multiple choice questions (MCQs) based upon a clinical stem, and with 5 options, and only single best answer. If the candiate fails to the exam, she/he will have to wait 11 months before taking up another exam.
• Part B: practial skills assessment (using the skills section of the ESCeL platform). This part involves demonstration of the skills and professionalism required in interventional cardiology, under the guidance of recognised trainers and supervisors. It will consist in a logbook of procedures.

Eligibility

• EAPCI Member. If you are not a member, join now for free
• Doctors with national board certification in cardiology or doctors during cardiology specialist training (fellows) as confirmed by their training director (letter of confirmation).

Practical information

• Two sessions are planned per year: one during EuroPCR (in May) and one during ESC Congress (in August).
• EAPCI Certification exams will be set up on iPads.
• Candidates will receive exam results within 8 weeks of taking the exam.
• Upon successful completion of both the theoretical and practical exam, candidates will receive an EAPCI certificate valid for 10 years. After 10 years, a re-certification exam could be considered.

Fees

Registrations are not open yet. This information will be communicated soon.

How to prepare for the examination?

The EAPCI proposes to the candidates to use the following reading list or to take part to specialized courses:

• PCR-EAPCI Textbook
• EAPCI Core Curriculum - currently under review, will be available again shortly
• EAPCI Fellows Course
• ESCeL platform on percutaneous interventions