CAPE Exam Information and Outline
Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination
Syllabus Update Checked on: November 10, 2026
CAPE Exam Syllabus & Study Guide
Before you start practicing with our exam simulator, it is essential to understand the
official CAPE exam objectives. This course outline serves as your roadmap.
The information below reflects the 2026 syllabus defined by
ABCP.
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
- Exam Format
- Part II of ABCP certification; multiple-choice clinical scenarios, each with a series of questions
- 200–230 questions depending on scenarios; duration: 4 hours
- Emphasizes application of knowledge in clinical perfusion practice
- Anatomy & Physiology (applied)
- Cardiac, pulmonary, renal and hematologic physiology during bypass
- Pharmacology
- Anticoagulation and heparin reversal (protamine)
- Cardioplegia, vasoactive agents, anesthetics and blood products
- Pathology
- Congenital and acquired cardiac disease; valvular and coronary disease
- Laboratory Analysis
- Blood gases and acid-base management (alpha-stat vs. pH-stat)
- Coagulation testing: ACT, heparin levels, TEG/ROTEM
- Quality Assurance
- Checklists, protocols and documentation
- Devices & Equipment
- Oxygenators, pumps (roller/centrifugal), cannulae, circuits, heater-coolers
- Clinical Management
- Initiation, maintenance and weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass
- Myocardial protection and cardioplegia delivery
- Hemodilution, temperature management and blood conservation
- Special Patient Groups
- Pediatric and neonatal perfusion; obstetric and Jehovahs Witness patients
- Special Procedures / Special Techniques
- ECMO and mechanical circulatory support (VAD, IABP)
- Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and cerebral perfusion
- Autotransfusion and isolated limb perfusion
- Catastrophic Events & Device Failure
- Air embolism, oxygenator failure, power failure, aortic dissection
- Monitoring
- Pressure, flow, temperature and neurologic monitoring