Anyone who reports congenital heart scans will tell you it’s a different game from routine cardiac imaging. The anatomy is never quite the same twice, the surgical history changes what you’re looking at, and a small misread can throw off the whole report. That’s exactly why a dedicated certification exists for it.
If you’ve been thinking about the EACVI Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance CHD Online (CMR-CHD) certification exam, here’s a plain-English rundown of how it works, who it’s for, and how to get ready.
What this certification actually is
It’s offered by the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, or EACVI, which is part of the European Society of Cardiology. The idea is to recognise people who work with cardiovascular magnetic resonance in congenital and paediatric heart disease and can show their knowledge meets a European standard.
It’s worth being clear about one thing, though. EACVI says this isn’t a compulsory or regulatory licence. Who’s allowed to report and sign off on studies still depends on the laws in your own country. So think of it as proof of your knowledge, not a legal permit.
How the exam runs
The exam is written in English and has 100 multiple-choice questions. You get three hours, and there’s no break. Every question comes with five options and only one best answer, which means you’re often choosing between two answers that both sound reasonable, and picking the stronger one.
You take it online, on your own computer, with a live proctor watching through an online proctoring platform. So you can sit it from pretty much anywhere, but you do need a quiet room and a stable connection. Phones and tablets won’t do.
EACVI usually holds it once a year, which makes timing important. At the time of writing, the 2026 sitting is listed for late October. Registration normally opens around three months before the exam and closes 15 days ahead, and seats go on a first-come, first-served basis, so they can run out before the deadline. Check the ESC website for the current date before you plan anything.
Who can take it
The written exam is open to qualified physicians involved in CMR for congenital and paediatric heart disease. In practice, that usually means cardiologists and radiologists who already work with these studies.
A couple of practical points. Before paying, you’ll fill in a short questionnaire about your training and your supervisor, so have those details ready. Fees are paid in euros, EACVI members get a discount, and companies can’t register people on their behalf, so it has to be you who signs up.
What to study
The questions come from the full EACVI CMR-CHD syllabus, so start there instead of building your own reading list from scratch. Most people end up focusing on the basics of CMR and its sequences, like cine imaging, flow quantification, and late gadolinium enhancement. After that comes congenital anatomy, and that’s really the heart of it. You’ll want to be comfortable describing complex lesions in a clear, systematic way, and recognising the usual suspects such as tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, coarctation, shunts, and single ventricle physiology. Just as important is knowing what things look like after surgical repair, and how to interpret measurements of function, volume, and flow in a way that actually matters for the patient.
How I’d prepare
First, go through the syllabus and be honest about where you’re weakest. It’s easy to keep revisiting the topics you enjoy, but the marks usually hide in the ones you avoid.
Then spend as much time as you can on real cases. CHD imaging is very pattern-based, and looking at a lot of studies, ideally talking through each one out loud, teaches you more than reading alone. If you have a supervisor or colleague who reports these scans regularly, ask them to quiz you.
Practice questions help too, mostly for getting used to the single-best-answer style. When you get one wrong, take a minute to work out why the right answer was better. The difference is often subtle.
At least once, try a full three-hour block with no break, so you know how your focus holds up. And a day or two before the exam, test your computer, your internet, and the proctoring requirements so nothing catches you off guard.
Where people slip up
The most common problem is leaving registration too late and missing a seat. Others underestimate congenital anatomy, which is the core of this exam. And some forget that three hours without a pause is as much about pacing as knowledge.
Quick FAQs
How many questions are on the CMR-CHD exam?
100 multiple-choice questions, each with five options and one best answer.
How long does it take?
Three hours, with no break.
Is it taken online?
Yes, on your own computer with live online proctoring.
How often is it held?
Usually once a year.
Do I need this certification to practise?
No. It isn’t a compulsory or regulatory certificate, and national rules decide who can report studies.
Who can register?
Qualified physicians involved in CMR in congenital and paediatric heart disease.
Last thoughts
This exam rewards people who understand congenital anatomy well and can apply it calmly under time pressure. Start early, use the syllabus as your map, and look at as many real cases as you can. When you’re ready to turn the plan into action, you can start your CMR-CHD exam preparation and build from there.