CCP-C
IBSC Critical Care Paramedic Certification (CCP-C)
The CCP-C exam is administered by IBSC and certifies paramedics in critical care interfacility transport. It covers critical care assessment and monitoring, ventilator management, advanced pharmacology, hemodynamic monitoring, neurological emergencies, trauma, OB/neonatal care, pediatric critical care, toxicology, and transport operations.
Study Materials in C3RT
CCP-C Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | IBSC Critical Care Paramedic Certification (CCP-C) |
| Governing Body | IBSC |
| Number of Questions | 150 |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (scaled) |
| Exam Fee | $225 USD |
| Category | EMS & Fire |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | IBSC official website ↗ |
CCP-C Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Practice Qs |
|---|---|
| Critical Care Foundations | 1,364 |
| Cardiology and Devices | 1,364 |
| Pulmonology and Ventilator Management | 1,364 |
| Neurology | 1,364 |
| Trauma and Burns | 1,364 |
| OB/Neonatal | 1,364 |
| Pediatrics | 1,364 |
| Toxicology | 1,363 |
| Endocrine/Renal | 1,363 |
| Sepsis and Hemodynamics | 1,363 |
| Transport Operations | 1,363 |
Practice question counts reflect the EMS & Fire Exam Prep app content bank. Domain areas are sourced from the IBSC content outline.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Critical care assessment
- ✓ Ventilator management and waveforms
- ✓ Hemodynamic monitoring
- ✓ Advanced pharmacology and vasopressors
- ✓ Neurological emergencies
- ✓ Critical care transport operations
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CCP-C
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CCP-C is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CCP-C format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
Sample CCP-C Practice Questions
Q1.What occurs when air leaks into the space between the pleural surfaces from an opening in the chest or the surface of the lung?
- A pneumothoraxCorrect
- Impedance is the resistance to current within a pacing system.
- Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) occurs when all pulmonary veins drain into the systemic venous system.
- Vasopressin functions as an antidiuretic hormone.
A pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space due to a breach in the chest wall or lung surface.
Q2.In the context of airway management for a patient with suspected spinal injury, which maneuver is recommended if both jaw thrust and airway adjunct insertion are ineffective in opening the airway?
- Perform a head tilt–chin lift maneuver.Correct
- Impulses pass from the AV junction into the bundle of His.
- Frequent breast emptying with an electric pump is recommended when breastfeeding is delayed or suspended.
- Resuscitation procedures should be performed with temperature-controlling interventions in place.
According to the 2020 American Heart Association guidelines, a head tilt–chin lift maneuver is allowed even if spinal injury is suspected when other airway management techniques fail.
Q3.What is the recommended ventilation rate for infants and children with a pulse but inadequate respiratory effort according to Pediatric Basic and Advanced Life Support guidelines?
- 1 breath every 2 to 3 secondsCorrect
- 40 to 60 breaths per minute
- 10 breaths per minute
- 8 to 12 ug/kg per minute
1 breath every 2 to 3 seconds aligns with guidelines for ventilating infants and children who have a pulse but inadequate respiratory effort.
CCP-C Frequently Asked Questions
What does CCP-C stand for?
CCP-C stands for IBSC Critical Care Paramedic Certification (CCP-C). It is administered by IBSC.
Who administers the CCP-C?
The IBSC Critical Care Paramedic Certification (CCP-C) (CCP-C) is administered by IBSC. For official information, visit the IBSC website.
How many questions is the CCP-C?
The CCP-C consists of 150 questions. Candidates are given 2.5 hours to complete the exam.
How many practice questions does C3RT have for the CCP-C?
The C3RT app includes 15,000 practice questions for the CCP-C, along with 1,500 flashcards, 120 concept reels, and 300 concept cards.
What is the passing score for the CCP-C?
The passing score for the CCP-C is 70% (scaled), as set by IBSC. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CCP-C exam cost?
The CCP-C exam fee is $225 USD. This fee is set by IBSC and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
What is the IBSC CCP-C certification?
The Critical Care Paramedic Certification (CCP-C) validates advanced competency in ground and air interfacility critical care transport. CCP-C holders manage ventilated patients, administer critical care medications, interpret hemodynamic data, and transport ICU-level patients between facilities.
Who is eligible for the CCP-C?
Candidates must hold a current Paramedic certification and have at least 2 years of EMS experience. Critical care transport experience — working in an IFT program, HEMS, or critical care ground transport service — is strongly recommended.
How does the CCP-C differ from the FP-C?
Both IBSC certifications cover critical care transport, but the CCP-C focuses on ground and non-aviation interfacility transport while the FP-C emphasizes the aviation environment. Core critical care content — ventilators, hemodynamics, pharmacology — is shared. Many transport paramedics earn both.
What clinical areas are most important for the CCP-C exam?
Ventilator management (including waveform interpretation and lung-protective strategies) and hemodynamic monitoring (arterial lines, CVP, PCWP) are the most common weak areas. Advanced pharmacology — particularly vasopressors, antidysrhythmics, and sedation/analgesia — is heavily tested.
How long is CCP-C certification valid?
CCP-C certification is valid for 4 years. Recertification requires 40 CE hours in IBSC-defined content areas or retaking the written exam.
How hard is the IBSC CCP-C exam?
The Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C) is widely regarded as one of the most challenging paramedicine specialty certifications. It covers hemodynamic monitoring, ventilator management, advanced pharmacology, and critical care pathophysiology well beyond standard paramedic scope. Most candidates with significant CCT experience and a structured study plan pass on the first attempt, but the exam demands deep clinical understanding rather than memorization.
What are the eligibility requirements for the CCP-C?
Candidates must hold current paramedic certification or licensure and have at least two years of ALS experience. IBSC also requires documentation of field experience and completion of a critical care training program or equivalent continuing education. Exact requirements should be confirmed on the current IBSC candidate handbook, as they are periodically updated.
How long should I study for the CCP-C?
Candidates typically study for 8–16 weeks, depending on baseline critical care experience. High-yield topics include invasive hemodynamic monitoring, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor management, IABP, ECMO basics, and multi-system critical care. Resources like the Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course (TPATC) and CCTP textbooks are commonly used.
What does the CCP-C qualify me to do?
CCP-C demonstrates competency in critical care transport and is the standard credential for interfacility CCT paramedic positions. It qualifies paramedics to manage ventilated patients, interpret hemodynamic data, and care for patients on vasoactive infusions and IABP during transport. Many CCT agencies require or strongly prefer CCP-C for employment.
How does the CCP-C compare to the FP-C?
Both CCP-C and FP-C are IBSC specialty certifications for advanced paramedics, but they differ in emphasis: CCP-C focuses on ground critical care transport with heavy emphasis on hemodynamics and ICU patient management, while FP-C emphasizes flight physiology, rotor-wing operations, and the unique stressors of aeromedical environments. Many flight paramedics hold both credentials.
How long is the CCP-C valid, and how do I renew?
CCP-C certification is valid for four years. Renewal requires ongoing paramedic certification/licensure, current ACLS and PALS, and completion of a minimum of 48 hours of continuing education across IBSC-defined topic areas. Renewal documentation is submitted through the IBSC online portal.
Does the CCP-C increase my salary?
Yes — CCT paramedic positions with CCP-C typically pay more than standard ALS transport positions, with compensation often reflecting the higher complexity of patients and the skill set required. Flight and critical care transport roles with CCP-C credentialing can earn significantly above ground ALS median salaries.
What happens if I fail the CCP-C?
IBSC allows retesting after a waiting period; candidates receive a score report indicating domain-level performance to guide remediation. Most candidates who fail should specifically target the hemodynamic monitoring and mechanical ventilation domains, as these are consistently the most challenging sections.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the IBSC Critical Care Paramedic Certification (CCP-C) (CCP-C), a EMS & Fire certification, administered by IBSC. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by IBSC. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the IBSC official website ↗ .