CSC: Format, Content Areas and Passing Score (2026)
October 10, 2026 · Damiano S. · reviewed by Hana N., Quality Reviewer · how we write
Preparing for the CSC? Take a free readiness test and see which topics to study first.
This is the short, sourced answer to the questions candidates ask most about the CSC (Adult) Cardiac Surgery Certification: how many questions, how long it takes, what is on it and what you need to pass. Every number below comes from AACN Certification Corporation's own pages, linked at the end, and was checked on October 10, 2026.
CSC at a glance
- Questions: 90 questions (75 scored, 15 unscored)
- Format: Multiple-choice
- Time: 2 hours
- Passing score: 55 of the 75 scored questions correct (cut score effective January 31, 2022; a raw number, not a percentage)
The passing score
55 of the 75 scored questions correct (cut score effective January 31, 2022; a raw number, not a percentage).
Scaled or raw, this is the official standard: plan to clear it with a margin, because exam forms differ in difficulty.
How to use this to plan your preparation
- Check your starting point by area. Take a mixed set of questions and look at your results per content area, not just the total. The real exam has 90 questions (75 scored, 15 unscored), so practise in blocks that match its pace.
- Work the weakest area first, in short sessions, and read every explanation, including the questions you got right.
- Finish with full timed practice that matches the official time (2 hours), so the length of the exam is not a surprise on test day.
AACN has announced a revised CSC exam from November 19, 2026: check the cut score again after that date.
Official sources
Verified on October 10, 2026 against the sources above. Exam bodies change formats and fees: if a detail matters for your registration, check the official page before you book.