Frequently Asked Questions

ABTC

Who is the American Board for Transplant Certification?

The American Board for Transplant Certification (ABTC) is the nation's only accredited certifying body for organ donation and transplant professionals. ABTC establishes education and competency standards while promoting continued professional growth. Whether you are a transplant nurse, coordinator, procurement coordinator or preservationist – or oversee a team that includes these specialized professionals – ABTC shares your goals for continuous quality improvements in organ donation and transplantation. Learn more about ABTC.

What types of transplant certifications does ABTC offer?

Our transplant certification programs include:

  • Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator (CCTC)
  • Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN)
  • Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC)
  • Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP)

For in-depth information on our certifications and examinations, content outlines, applications, and more, download the ABTC Candidate Handbook.

What are the benefits of becoming certified through ABTC?

ABTC certification signals to employers, colleagues and patients that your skills are highly specialized – that you embody exceptional expertise in your area of specialty. Becoming certified also boosts confidence and competence, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and improve patient outcomes. And, for these reasons and many more, with ABTC certification you will be more qualified for jobs with higher salaries at higher quality institutions. Learn more about the benefits of ABTC certification.

How do I become certified?

ABTC certification is granted to qualified candidates who complete and pass the certification examination. Once you are successfully complete the exam, you may use the appropriate credentials after your name: CCTC for Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator, CCTN for Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse, CPTC for Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator, or CTP for Certified Transplant Preservationist.

How long will my ABTC certification be valid, and how can I maintain my certification over time?

Each certification is valid for three years, and you can maintain certification through continuing education activities or by successfully retaking the examination. The number of Continuing Education Points for Transplant Certification (CEPTCs) required for recertification through continuing education is 60. Learn more about recertification.

What are the qualifications to take the certification examination?

Candidates must complete the following requirements before mailing in the examination application:

  • Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC): 12 months of work experience as a vascular organ procurement coordinator.
  • Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator (CCTC): 12 months of clinical vascular organ work experience.
  • Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN): 24 months of work experience as a registered nurse, including 12 months of direct involvement in the care of the solid organ transplant patient.
  • Certified Transplant Preservationist (CTP): 12 consecutive months of work experience in organ preservation (though organ preservation does not have to be the full time work responsibility).

How do I apply for the ABTC certification examination?

To apply for exam, please visit the ABTC Examination page.   

Where do I take the certification examination?

PSI Exams Online, is the professional testing agency contracted by ABTC to assist in the development, administration, scoring and analysis of the ABTC exams. All ABTC transplant certification candidates have access to PSI's nationwide network of nearly 200 secure testing locations. AMP has testing sites in the top 175 metropolitan service areas, as well as many rural areas, within a short drive. Learn more about our certification examinations.

Does ABTC offer any tools to help me assess my readiness for the certification exam?

As part of our commitment to helping candidates and certified professionals succeed, ABTC proudly offers online self-assessment exams (SAEs) for the CCTC, CCTN, CPTC, and CTP certification examinations. To provide a realistic exam experience and self-assessment, SAEs follow the same examination specifications as the actual certification exams, with the same distribution of questions at each cognitive level (recall, application or analysis). Learn more about our Self-Assessment Exams.

I am dual-certified. How do I recertify both ABTC credentials?

Log into Certemy, ABTC’s certification management program.   If you are not receiving emails from Certemy, please reach out to info@abtc.net.  Your CEPTCs will need to be entered into both of your certifications.   Payment for dual recertification will be required in two separate transactions. The fee for each transaction will be $247.50, a total of $495. Please pay the $247.50 on each credential you are recertifying.

Does ABTC offer continuing education programs?

ABTC actively supports your need for convenient, cost-effective access to continuing education credits for recertification. We connect you with the resources you need to maintain your certification and stay up-to-date on the latest methodologies and technologies in organ donation and transplantation. Learn more about continuing education opportunities for certified transplant professionals.

What is an ABTC Approved Provider of CEPTCs, and how can my organization become one?

The education and training you currently offer your staff can qualify for CEPTCs toward recertification if your organization becomes an "approved"  provider of continuing education. This is an opportunity to maintain your staff's certification at a fraction of the cost of sending staff off-site (and often out of town) to external symposia.

Read the ABTC Candidate Handbook​​​​​