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Healthcare / Professional Credential

How to Verify a Perfusionist Certification

Clinical perfusionists operate extracorporeal circuits (heart-lung bypass machines) during cardiac surgery and other procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass or mechanical circulatory support. Certification is issued by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). Most states that license perfusionists require ABCP certification as a prerequisite.

· 7 min read

Quick answer

Verify perfusionist certification through the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP). Contact ABCP directly at abcp.org or by phone to confirm CCP (Certified Clinical Perfusionist) credential status, initial certification date, and current standing. ABCP does not maintain a widely accessible public online lookup; verification is conducted through the board directly.

ABCP credentials

The American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) is the sole nationally recognized credentialing body for clinical perfusionists in the United States. ABCP issues two credentials:

Credential Full Name Requirements
CCP Certified Clinical Perfusionist Graduation from CAAHEP-accredited perfusion program + completion of clinical experience requirements + passing the ABCP examination
LP Licensed Perfusionist State-issued license (where applicable); in most licensed states, LP requires CCP as a prerequisite. Not issued by ABCP.

The CCP designation always refers to ABCP certification. The LP title is a state license designation — the letters LP indicate state licensure, not a separate ABCP credential.

ABCP verification process

ABCP does not operate a publicly searchable online registry in the same manner as ASCP or ARRT. Credential verification is conducted through direct contact with ABCP.

How to verify a CCP credential

  1. Go to abcp.org → Contact page or Certification Verification section
  2. Submit a written or email verification request with the candidate's full legal name, date of birth (may be required), and approximate certification year
  3. ABCP will confirm CCP status, initial certification date, and current standing (Active / Lapsed / Revoked)

CCP certification requires continuing education for renewal and periodic recertification examinations. A lapsed CCP means the perfusionist has not met renewal requirements; they cannot legally represent themselves as CCP in most licensed states.

AmSECT membership

AmSECT (American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology) is the professional membership organization for perfusionists and other extracorporeal technology professionals. AmSECT membership is voluntary and separate from ABCP certification.

AmSECT membership can be verified at amsect.org but does not confirm ABCP certification status. A perfusionist may be an AmSECT member without holding a current CCP, or may hold a CCP without being an AmSECT member. Always verify the ABCP credential directly.

CAAHEP-accredited perfusion programs

Clinical perfusion programs are accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs). Graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited perfusion program is required for ABCP examination eligibility.

Verify perfusion program accreditation at caahep.org → “Accredited Programs” → “Cardiovascular Perfusion Technology.” The Perfusion Program Directors Council (PPDC) under AmSECT also maintains a list of accredited programs.

State licensure

Perfusionist licensure exists in approximately half of U.S. states. In licensed states, perfusionists must hold a state license in addition to the ABCP CCP credential. Selected state licensing bodies:

  • Texas: Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — Perfusionist Licensing; dshs.texas.gov
  • California: Not currently licensed at state level; CCP is the operative credential
  • Georgia: Georgia Composite Medical Board — Perfusionist license; medicalboard.georgia.gov
  • Florida: FL AHCA — Medical Perfusionist licensure; ahca.myflorida.com
  • Pennsylvania: PA State Board of Medicine includes perfusionist licensure
  • New York: Licensed Perfusionist (LP) under NYSED — op.nysed.gov

In states with licensure, verify both the ABCP CCP credential and the state license through the applicable state health professions licensing portal.

Verification checklist

  • 1. Contact ABCP at abcp.org to verify CCP credential status, initial certification date, and current standing
  • 2. Confirm CCP credential is current (Active, not Lapsed or Revoked) and that recertification requirements have been met
  • 3. Verify graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited perfusion program at caahep.org if program verification is needed
  • 4. Check whether the state of practice licenses perfusionists; if so, verify the state LP license through the state licensing portal
  • 5. Do not treat AmSECT membership alone as evidence of ABCP certification — verify the CCP directly

Verify perfusion program accreditation

Clinical perfusion programs are offered at universities and medical centers, typically at the master's degree level. Use VerifyED to confirm that the institution granting the candidate's degree is properly regionally accredited.

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