EHRA Online Cardiac Pacing and ICD (CP) Certification Exam

What Is the EHRA Cardiac Pacing and ICDs Certification?

The EHRA certification in cardiac pacing and ICDs (now listed by EHRA as its CIED certification) recognises physicians who can implant and follow up cardiac implantable electronic devices to a European standard: pacemakers, ICDs and CRT systems. It’s run by the European Heart Rhythm Association, part of the ESC.

Like the EP certification, it has two parts: a written exam, then a logbook proving hands-on experience. Complete both and you’re certified for ten years.

Exam at a Glance

Logbook Requirements

Once you pass, you have two years to submit a logbook of 300 procedures from a 36-month window: 25 ICD implants, 30 CRT implants, 45 other implants, 50 CRT follow-ups, 50 device follow-ups and 100 ICD follow-ups. You’ll also need endorsement and supervisor letters. No patient data, and each patient only once.

What Does the Exam Cover?

• Indications for pacing, ICD and CRT therapy according to ESC guidelines
• Implantation technique, lead positioning and complications
• Pacing modes, timing cycles and programming
• Device interrogation and troubleshooting (sensing, capture and lead issues)
• ICD therapy: detection zones, ATP and shocks, inappropriate therapy
• CRT optimisation, remote monitoring and device infection management

How to Prepare

1. Practise reading device ECGs and EGMs every day. Timing-cycle questions trip up many candidates.
2. Know the ESC pacing and CRT guidelines thoroughly.
3. Work through manufacturer-agnostic programming principles rather than one company’s software.
4. Use EHRA’s preparatory courses and sample questions.
5. Do timed 65-question blocks to build stamina.

A 12-Week Study Plan

Weeks 1–3: Indications and implantation. Weeks 4–6: Pacing modes and timing cycles. Weeks 7–9: ICD and CRT programming and troubleshooting. Weeks 10–12: Guidelines, complications and full timed practice.

Common Mistakes

• Memorising guideline tables but not practising tracing interpretation
• Underestimating follow-up and troubleshooting questions
• Missing the two-year logbook deadline

Is It Worth It?

For device specialists working in or with European centres, EHRA certification is a widely recognised mark of competence and can support credentialing and career progression.

Exam Day and the Logbook Step

The EHRA cardiac pacing (CIED) exam is held online with remote proctoring. Registration opens about three months before each exam date, and candidates can start at any time within a daytime window (Central European Time), depending on slot availability. ESC also runs versions in other languages, so check which sitting you’re booking.

Passing the written exam is level 1. It unlocks access to the logbook platform, where you record your practical experience for level 2. EHRA’s logbook forms list procedures you performed as first operator, including ICD implantations, plus device follow-ups. Logbooks are checked by the ESC certification office before grading, and incomplete ones are sent back, which delays your certificate. Keep patient initials, dates and device types organised from the start.

Questions span the whole field of cardiac pacing and follow the EHRA Core Curriculum, so use it as your study checklist. EHRA reports average success rates of around 65% for the device exam over its history, so plan serious preparation.

Related Cardiology Practice Exams

• EHRA Invasive Cardiac Electrophysiology (EP)
• EAPCI Interventional Cardiology

What’s in the CertsArea Practice Pack?

• 300 clinical-style practice questions with explanations
• PDF plus practice test software for Windows, Mac and mobile
• Free updates for 180 days and instant download

Also preparing for ablation work? See our EHRA Invasive Cardiac Electrophysiology practice exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the exam?

130, in two parts of 65, with 120 used for scoring.

How many logbook procedures are needed?

300, across implants and follow-ups.

How long is the certification valid?

Ten years.

Is there negative marking?

No.

Can I take the exam in French?

Yes, a French version is offered alongside English.

What if I only pass the exam?

You must submit the logbook within two years to become certified. Exam-only holders must retake the exam to recertify.

When does registration open for the EHRA pacing exam?

About three months before each exam date, according to ESC.

Do I need a logbook to be fully certified?

Yes. Passing the exam gives you access to the logbook platform, and full certification needs both the exam and an approved logbook.