CSC Examination

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Has anyone recently taken their CSC exam that is offered through the AACN? I am scheduled to take it in less than two weeks and was curious what everyones thoughts were. I currently have my CCRN as well as my CMC. So far I thought the CMC was the most difficult and have heard that from others. If any of you have taken this exam recently what study resources did you use? I am currently using two different ones. 1) The online review offered through the AACN. 2) Nicole Kupchik Ace the CSC book. I have mainly been focusing on the CSC book. It comes with two practice exams in the back, both of which I have taken. The questions seem very difficult. On both practice exams I scored a 72/90. I don't know discouraged by that or not. If anyone has suggestions or thought I would love to hear them.

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Specializes in Operating nurse /CTICU Nurse.

Did you end up taking it ? How did you study for the CSC or CMC? 

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I did end up taking the exam. I passed the CCRN, CMC, and CSC on the first attempt. For the CMC and CSC all I used was Nicole Kupchik's Ace the CMC/CSC material. I also used the AACN CMC practice examination. I personally thought the CMC examination was more difficult then the CSC but looking at the scores I achieved on both, I scored much higher on the CMC then I did the CSC.

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Specializes in CCRN-CSC-CMC.
On ‎9‎/‎9‎/‎2020 at 3:10 PM, Medic2RN-CCRN-CMC said:

I did end up taking the exam. I passed the CCRN, CMC, and CSC on the first attempt. For the CMC and CSC all I used was Nicole Kupchik's Ace the CMC/CSC material. I also used the AACN CMC practice examination. I personally thought the CMC examination was more difficult then the CSC but looking at the scores I achieved on both, I scored much higher on the CMC then I did the CSC.

Hi, Medic2RN!

Nicole Kupchik has an online CMC review + book, and she used to have an online CSC review + book.  At this point, I can only find the CSC book (but no online CSC review).  I was wondering if you still had access to the CSC online review materials? I have my CCRN-CMC, and I'd like to get started on my last cert!

 

Sincerely,

Nurse.Joy

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Hey Nurse Joy,

I only used the Ace the CSC book to take and pass the CSC examination. I thought it was a difficult examination. The main reason I thought it was difficult was because first off, I don’t work strictly in a CVICU. Second of all, I tried to rely more on past experience to answer some of the questions. The passing number is a 52, I scored a 59. I was expecting a higher score so was slightly disappointed. But I guess a pass is a pass. When I did my CMC exam I ended up receiving a 65/75 but thought that exam was even more difficult. But back to the CSC book, I felt it was sufficient enough to get you through the exam. I also purchased the AACN online CSC review and purchased their practice exam.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

So for the CMC , you recommend using Nicole Kupchik’s book and for the CSC her book as well . Are those two resources enough to pass .

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I recently passed the CSC with 66/75.  I studied for maybe a week (I work in a CVICU, and passed the CCRN a month before).  I thought the CSC was harder than the CCRN.  I used the Ace the CSC book and did the AACN practice questions.  I had started to go through the Cardiac Surgery Essentials for Critical Care Nursing book, but wasn't really in a mood to read all of that, so stopped.  The Ace the CSC book has the basic content review you need plus questions.  

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Specializes in Operating Room.
3 minutes ago, CVVH said:

I recently passed the CSC with 66/75.  I studied for maybe a week (I work in a CVICU, and passed the CCRN a month before).  I thought the CSC was harder than the CCRN.  I used the Ace the CSC book and did the AACN practice questions.  I had started to go through the Cardiac Surgery Essentials for Critical Care Nursing book, but wasn't really in a mood to read all of that, so stopped.  The Ace the CSC book has the basic content review you need plus questions.  

I’ve been in the cticu for a few months and I just can’t get myself to read the essentials of cardiac surgery book. For me it’s more seeing the surgeries and watching videos . I’m more of watch it , have it explained and then do it over and over until it sticks . 

You sound like your very book smart and we’re easily able to pass these exams . Thank you for taking the time to respond to me ?.

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