Page 1 of 137
CCI Cardiac Sonography Certification Exam Actual
Test Questions and Correct Answers With
Rationales LATEST THIS YEAR
CCI Cardiac Sonography Certification Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offers multiple cardiac sonography certifications,
with the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) being the primary credential for adult
echocardiography . The RCS exam is a computer-based test administered at Pearson Professional
Centers year-round . The exam contains 170 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, 20 unscored) with
a 3-hour time limit . Questions include traditional multiple-choice (one correct answer), "select all that
apply" (two or three correct answers), hot spot (clicking on an image area), and drag-and-drop formats .
Key content areas include: Echocardiographic imaging techniques (2D, M-mode, Doppler, TEE, contrast,
stress echo), cardiac anatomy and physiology, valvular heart disease (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonic),
cardiomyopathies (dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive), coronary artery disease and ischemic heart
disease, pericardial disease, cardiac masses and tumors, congenital heart defects, diastolic function
assessment, hemodynamic calculations (pressure gradients, valve area, shunt quantification), Doppler
physics and instrumentation, ultrasound bioeffects, and image optimization/artifact recognition .
Exam Fee: $365 USD (includes $100 non-refundable filing fee)
Pass Rate (first-time test takers): 71.43%
Renewal: First renewal within 9-12 months (no CEUs, $165 fee); subsequent renewals every 3 years (36
CEUs, $165 fee)
Official Resources: CCI website (cci-online.org) provides exam content outlines, knowledge lists, task
lists, and a $55 self-assessment exam
Question 1
An ultrasound beam creates small, gas-filled bodies that vibrate. What is this phenomenon called?
A) Attenuation
B) Cavitation
C) Refraction
D) Scattering
, Page 2 of 137
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Cavitation is the creation or vibration of small gas-filled bodies by the ultrasound
beam, occurring primarily with higher-intensity exposures .
Question 2
Which intensity measurement has the lowest value when comparing all six intensity parameters?
A) SPTP
B) SPTA
C) SAPA
D) SATA
Correct Answer: D
Summary Rationale: SATA (Spatial Average, Temporal Average) represents the average intensity over
both space and time, yielding the lowest value among the six intensity parameters .
, Page 3 of 137
Question 3
In the parasternal long-axis view (PLAX), which tricuspid valve leaflets are visualized?
A) Anterior and posterior
B) Anterior and septal
C) Septal and posterior
D) Anterior and medial/septal posterior
Correct Answer: D
Summary Rationale: In the PLAX view, the anterior leaflet and the medial/septal posterior leaflet of the
tricuspid valve are visualized .
Question 4
What is the formula for calculating ejection fraction (EF)?
A) EF% = (EDV/ESV) × 100%
B) EF% = (SV/EDV) × 100%
, Page 4 of 137
C) EF% = (ESV/EDV) × 100%
D) EF% = (CO/HR) × 100%
Correct Answer: B
*Summary Rationale: Ejection fraction is calculated as stroke volume divided by end-diastolic volume,
multiplied by 100% .*
Question 5
What is the normal pressure range for the right ventricle?
A) 120/80 mmHg
B) 25/5 mmHg
C) 25/10 mmHg
D) 10/2 mmHg
Correct Answer: B
*Summary Rationale: Normal right ventricular pressure is approximately 25/5 mmHg .*
CCI Cardiac Sonography Certification Exam Actual
Test Questions and Correct Answers With
Rationales LATEST THIS YEAR
CCI Cardiac Sonography Certification Exam
Exam Coverage Summary
The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offers multiple cardiac sonography certifications,
with the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) being the primary credential for adult
echocardiography . The RCS exam is a computer-based test administered at Pearson Professional
Centers year-round . The exam contains 170 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, 20 unscored) with
a 3-hour time limit . Questions include traditional multiple-choice (one correct answer), "select all that
apply" (two or three correct answers), hot spot (clicking on an image area), and drag-and-drop formats .
Key content areas include: Echocardiographic imaging techniques (2D, M-mode, Doppler, TEE, contrast,
stress echo), cardiac anatomy and physiology, valvular heart disease (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, pulmonic),
cardiomyopathies (dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive), coronary artery disease and ischemic heart
disease, pericardial disease, cardiac masses and tumors, congenital heart defects, diastolic function
assessment, hemodynamic calculations (pressure gradients, valve area, shunt quantification), Doppler
physics and instrumentation, ultrasound bioeffects, and image optimization/artifact recognition .
Exam Fee: $365 USD (includes $100 non-refundable filing fee)
Pass Rate (first-time test takers): 71.43%
Renewal: First renewal within 9-12 months (no CEUs, $165 fee); subsequent renewals every 3 years (36
CEUs, $165 fee)
Official Resources: CCI website (cci-online.org) provides exam content outlines, knowledge lists, task
lists, and a $55 self-assessment exam
Question 1
An ultrasound beam creates small, gas-filled bodies that vibrate. What is this phenomenon called?
A) Attenuation
B) Cavitation
C) Refraction
D) Scattering
, Page 2 of 137
Correct Answer: B
Summary Rationale: Cavitation is the creation or vibration of small gas-filled bodies by the ultrasound
beam, occurring primarily with higher-intensity exposures .
Question 2
Which intensity measurement has the lowest value when comparing all six intensity parameters?
A) SPTP
B) SPTA
C) SAPA
D) SATA
Correct Answer: D
Summary Rationale: SATA (Spatial Average, Temporal Average) represents the average intensity over
both space and time, yielding the lowest value among the six intensity parameters .
, Page 3 of 137
Question 3
In the parasternal long-axis view (PLAX), which tricuspid valve leaflets are visualized?
A) Anterior and posterior
B) Anterior and septal
C) Septal and posterior
D) Anterior and medial/septal posterior
Correct Answer: D
Summary Rationale: In the PLAX view, the anterior leaflet and the medial/septal posterior leaflet of the
tricuspid valve are visualized .
Question 4
What is the formula for calculating ejection fraction (EF)?
A) EF% = (EDV/ESV) × 100%
B) EF% = (SV/EDV) × 100%
, Page 4 of 137
C) EF% = (ESV/EDV) × 100%
D) EF% = (CO/HR) × 100%
Correct Answer: B
*Summary Rationale: Ejection fraction is calculated as stroke volume divided by end-diastolic volume,
multiplied by 100% .*
Question 5
What is the normal pressure range for the right ventricle?
A) 120/80 mmHg
B) 25/5 mmHg
C) 25/10 mmHg
D) 10/2 mmHg
Correct Answer: B
*Summary Rationale: Normal right ventricular pressure is approximately 25/5 mmHg .*
