FLIGHT PARAMEDIC (FP-C®) AND CRITICAL CARE PARAMEDIC (CCP-C®) EXAM FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of Specialty Certifications?
A: Specialty Certifications is a voluntary credentialing process designed to validate essential knowledge and judgment required for safe and competent practice. IBSC certifications provide designations to paramedic professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential to critical care paramedics.
Q: After I register for the Computer-based (CBT) Exam, how soon can I test?
A: Once you register online, allow 3-5 business days to receive your eligibility number. This number will be emailed to you with your scheduling information. The IBSC has no control over testing center availability.
Q: How do I upload a copy of my paramedic license once my eligibility has expired?
A: Upload a copy of your paramedic license in your IBSC account when you register for an exam.
Q: How do I know if there is a testing center near me?
A: There are over 800 testing centers located throughout the US with at least one testing center in every state, and nearly 100 international testing sites. Click here to view a list of testing centers.
Q: How much does it cost to take the exams?
A.
Paper/Pencil or IBSC-MED (Onsite)
- $285 (Affiliate Membership)
- $385 (non-members)
Computer-Based (CBT)
- $285 (Affiliate Membership)
- $385 (non-members)
Exam fees do not expire and are non-refundable.
Q: How much does it cost to recertify my CP-C?
A.
Paper/Pencil or IBSC-MED (Onsite)
- $285 (Affiliate Membership)
- $385 (non-members)
Computer-Based (CBT)
- $285 (Affiliate Membership)
- $385 (non-members)
Exam fees do not expire and are non-refundable.
Q: Where can I find the content outline for the FP-C and/or CCP-C exams?
A: A content outline is posted under EXAM PREPARATION on this website.
Q. Where can I find a complete list of FP-C and/or CCP-C review courses approved for recertifiction?
A. The complete list of FP-C/CCP-C approved review courses on this website. See IBSC Approved Review Courses.
Q. How do I get my course listed as an Approved Review Course?
A. Submission guidelines are posted on this website. See IBSC Approved Review Course Guidelines.
Q. Does the CCEMTP curriculum adequately prepare candidates for the FP-C and CCP-C exams?
A. The CCEMTP course is a great course for paramedics transitioning from a 911 system to a critical care environment. It is recommended that all candidates reference the FP-C and CCP-C content outline before testing.
Q: Does the IBSC offer a flight or critical care paramedic course to prepare me for the exam?
A: No. The IBSC offers valid testing, and therefore cannot conduct or endorse any exam preparation course.
Q: What are the requirements to sit for the FP-C and/or CCP-C Exam?
A: Candidates are required to provide proof of a valid, state or national paramedic license. However, the exams focus on the knowledge level of accomplished, experienced critical care paramedics. It is recommended that candidates have at least 3 year’s experience in a busy ALS system and maintain a significant knowledge of current ACLS, PALS, Neonatal Resuscitation, and ITLS/PHTLS standards. Click here for a complete list of EXAM REQUIREMENTS.
Q: How do I know what material is covered on the exams?
A: Download the Candidate Handbook and review the Content Outline, also known as the Blueprint. The Candidate Handbook is available on this website in the Related Links section.
Q: What textbooks should I use when preparing for the FP-C or CCP-C exams?
A: There are several textbooks available. All references are available Here.
Q: What is the difference between CCEMTP and CCP-C?
A: The CCEMTP course, created by UMBC, provides the basic educational foundation required for specialists transporting critical care patients. Students are issued a CCEMTP certificate of course completion. The FP-C and CCP-C are specialty certification examinations that provide a valid certifying credential for flight and critical care paramedics. The majority of air ambulance programs require FP-C.
Q: If I am certified as an FP-C, does this allow for reciprocity to CCP-C? Or CCP-C to FP-C?
A: No. The CCP-C and FP-C certifications represent different specialty certifications. The CCP-C Exam is geared toward the ground critical care environment. The FP-C Exam includes questions related to flight physiology and flight safety. For more details reference the content outline in the Candidate Handbook.
Q: According to your guidelines for CE Recertification, I need to take a 16-hour review course from an approved provider. Do you have a list of approved review courses?
A: Yes. The list is on our website under RECERTIFICATION. Click here for list.
Q: How soon before my certification expires do I need to recertify?
A: The IBSC recommends that you submit your recertification application at least 45 days and no more than four months prior to certification expiration date. A $125 processing fee will be applied if CE documentation is submitted less than 30 days prior to certification expiration date.
Q: When can I upload my CE documentation?
A: If recertifying thru CE, documentation can be uploaded throughout the four-year certification period.
Q: How do I recertify if my certification is expired?
A: You must retake the exam.
Q: What is the minimum passing score for FP-C?
A: The FP-C exam has 110 scored with 25 unscored pilot questions. The raw passing score is 73 correct answers.
Q: What is the minimum passing score for CCP-C?
A: The CCP-C exam has 110 scored with 25 unscored pilot questions. The raw passing score is 68 correct answers.
Q: Does the exam use current American Heart Association standards?
A: Yes. Candidates are expected to maintain a significant knowledge of current ACLS, PALS, NRP, and ITLS/PHTLS standards.
Q: What version of the CAMTS Standards are used for the exam?
A: The CAMTS questions are updated as new standards are released. Current exam questions draw on the 11th Edition Standards.
Q: How often is the exam updated?
A: The FP-C and CCP-C exams are constantly updated with questions and content ? with all exam forms meeting a standardized examination construction process.
Q: How soon after testing will I receive my results?
A: If you take the CBT, you will receive your results within one hour of completing the exam. Results for the paper/pencil exam version take 4-6 weeks.
Q: Will I know my exact score?
A: No. Upon passing the exam you will receive a passing score report. If you did not pass the exam, you will receive a score report indicating subject areas of relative strength and weakness. This score report is provided to assist you when preparing to retest.
Q: How long does it take to receive credentials after passing the exam?
A: Credentials are mailed from the IBSC office within three to six weeks of testing. You can expect to receive your pin and a patch from the IBSC office within three weeks. You will receive an email from the Award Group within four weeks of your test date with information to order your complimentary wallet card and certificate.? Please note, you can view/print an electronic copy of your certificate from your IBSC account (under My Documents).
Q: Is an electronic copy of my certificate available?
A: You can view/print an electronic copy of your certificate from your IBSC account (under My Documents).
Q: What if I don't meet the requirements to recertify by CE?A: To renew an expired credential, you will need to retest.
Q: Who is eligible to sit for the exam?
A: Anyone with a valid paramedic license is eligible. However, the certification process is focused on the knowledge level of accomplished, experienced paramedics currently associated with flight and/or critical care transport teams. Candidates are expected to maintain a significant knowledge of current ACLS, PALS, NRP, and ITLS/PHTLS standards.
Q: What if I need to cancel/reschedule my computer-based test date?
A: All cancellations must be handled through the Prometric website using your confirmation number and last name.
- If rescheduling more than 30 days before your originally scheduled examination appointment to avoid additional fees. Please reschedule directly via the Prometric Scheduling Portal.
- If rescheduling between 29 to 5 days before your scheduled exam date, reschedule via the Prometric Scheduling Portal. Additional fees apply.
- If rescheduling four (4) or less days prior to your appointment - you must first, cancel your appointment via the Prometric Scheduling Portal. Then contact the IBSC at +1.770.978.4400 to reschedule the exam. You must cancel with Prometric prior to contacting the IBSC. A $100 rescheduling or cancellation fee will apply.
For complete cancellation information, please see the Candidate Handbook.
Q: Can I switch the type of exam I registered for?
A: Yes. However, a $100 change fee will be applied.
Q: How do I register to take the FP-C or CCP-C Exam?
A: Online registration is available for paper/pencil, and computer-based exams.
Q: Do I need to register again in order to retest?
A: Yes. You may register online to retest for a date that is 30 days after your last testing date. Full registration fees apply.
Q: If I pass the exam, for how long will the certification be valid?
A: The FP-C and CCP-C certifications are valid for a four-year certification. Certification renewal options include testing or renewal through continuing education.
Q: If I fail the exam, how many times can I retest?
A: The candidate may attempt the same examination a total of three (3) times, using the thirty (30) calendar day rule. For additional information see our Retesting Policy:
Q: How many times can a person renew their certification via CEs?
A: There is no limit to the number of times, as long as the certification has not expired.