SCCT offers a process for the verification of training in cardiovascular CT based on both the SCCT training guideline (2020) and the COCATS 4 Task Force 7 Training Statement (2015). The verification process has also been designed to align with CBCCT eligibility as of January 1, 2021. An outline of these requirements is listed below for those physicians who have already completed residency/fellowship training. Verification is valid for 36 months following acceptance, following which there is a renewal process.

REVIEW THE CRITERIA

The Verification process

• Applications are submitted online only via the SCCT form (paper applications are not accepted). You must sign into your SCCT Online Profile to submit as a member and receive the member discount.
• Candidates complete the online application form, detailing their experience and training sites for the components required.
• Candidates will be asked to document that they have met the requirements - including specifically 65 directly performed cases for Level 2 or 150 directly performed cases for Level 3. Case logbooks and breakdowns will be subject to audit; if audited, an applicant must be able to provide an anonymized logbook or other documentation which includes case specifics including indication and diagnosis.
• Candidates cannot claim to have read more than 30 cases per day.
• Candidates will be asked to upload evidence of CME requirements.
• For Level 3
  • Candidates will be asked to upload evidence of peer recognition.
  • Candidates will be asked to upload evidence of advanced training in at least one additional cardiac imaging modality, e.g. board certification, verification from recognized imaging society or signed attestation from imaging lab director.
    
• The application will include names and contact information (address, phone number and email address) of the program(s) for direct verification of on-site training.
• Application requires payment in full at submission:
  • For Level 2: SCCT members $295, Community member and non-members: $495
  • For Level 3: SCCT members $395, Community member and non-members: $595
• Applications are reviewed by members of the SCCT Verification Committee. Requests for exceptions are reviewed by several committee members and may delay approval.
• SCCT endeavors to provide letters of verification within 4 weeks.

For more information on SCCT's Verification Program, contact info@scct.org. 

SCCT Verification of Experience Program Requirements Summary Table

^‡ Guidance only at this time

*N/A: not applicable

• Unless specified, all requirements are minimum requirements to meet the standard.
• Requirements must be fulfilled within the 36 months preceding application.
• Board certification or eligibility required in Radiology, Cardiology, or Nuclear Medicine.
• Valid medical license required (U.S. or non-U.S. equivalent)
• Training weeks may be non-consecutive.
• Non-contrast exams may come from a patient who also underwent a contrast exam counted toward requirements. 

To begin your application, select the appropriate program below. Please review the full requirements prior to beginning the application process. 

INITAL APPLICATION: Cardiovascular CT experience for Level 2 (Independent Practitioner)

Requirements

1. Board certification or eligibility (ACGME Radiology, Cardiology, Nuclear Medicine) and a valid medical license (U.S. or non-U.S. equivalent)
2. 250 mentored CCT cases within a 36-month timeframe*
3. Completion of 20 hours of lectures and/or CME credits related to CCT within a 36-month timeframe
4. Guidance at this time: Eight weeks of training in cardiovascular CT (these do not need to be consecutive)

*250 mentored cases – additional details

• Non-contrast and contrast-enhanced studies may be evaluated in the same patients, but a minimum of 200 unique contrast studies are required.
• For at least 65 contrast cases, the candidate must be physically present and involved in patient preparation, data acquisition, image reconstruction and interpretation of the case. If exceptional circumstances inhibit physical presence, trainees may be present via video conferencing options. Simulation environments may also offer opportunities to supplement the recommended number of live cases. Nonetheless, in either of these alternative scenarios, the requirements for direct engagement in patient preparation, data acquisition, image reconstruction and interpretation remain.
• 150 contrast cases must involve interactive manipulation of reconstructed datasets using a 3-D imaging workstation (this can include established teaching files and previously acquired cases). Cases from online courses or virtual workshops may also qualify, but only if they provide candidates with virtual workstation interaction for each case counted and remain mentored.
• A maximum of 50 cases can be counted from review of educational CDs, online courses and educational presentations (i.e. not involving direct manipulation of reconstructed datasets)
• Interactive manipulation of the reconstructed data sets should include all components of cardiac as well as non-cardiac structures.
• For all cases, there must be an opportunity for interaction between the applicant and trainer (Level 2 or 3 trained practitioner). 
  

Application fee

• Members: $295
• Community member and non-members: $495

Apply for Level 2 verification

RENEWAL APPLICATION: Cardiovascular CT experience for Level 2 (Independent Practitioner)

Requirements

The following must have been completed within the past 36 months, 

• 250 cases; of which at least 65 cases must be live (category A) and 50 can be taped or online (category B-1).
• 20 hours of Category 1 CME of CCT. Continuing education must be either workshops, live lectures or an online activity with CME.

Application fee

• Members: $150
• Community member and non-members: $350

Renew your Level 2 verification

INITAL APPLICATION: Cardiovascular CT experience for Level 3 (Advanced Practitioner)

Requirements

1. Board certification or eligibility (ACGME Radiology, Cardiology, Nuclear Medicine) and a valid medical license (U.S. or non-U.S. equivalent).
2. 450 mentored CCT cases within a 48-month timeframe*
3. Completion of 40 hours of lectures and/or CME credits related to CCT in preceding 36 months
4. Guidance at this time: 24 weeks of training in cardiovascular CT (these do not need to be consecutive).
5. Peer recognition (to include at least one of the following):
   1. Faculty lecturer for 2 or more CME-accredited courses on CCT
   2. Fellowship/residency teaching activities
   3. Three or more peer reviewed publications in CCT
6. Evidence of advanced training (Level 2 or Level 3) in at least one additional cardiac imaging modality

*450 mentored cases – additional details

• Non-contrast and contrast-enhanced studies may be evaluated in the same patients, but a minimum of 300 contrast studies and a minimum of 100 non-contrast studies are required.
• For at least 150 contrast cases, the candidate must be physically present and involved in patient preparation, data acquisition, image reconstruction and interpretation of the case.
• All cases must involve interactive manipulation of reconstructed datasets using a 3-D imaging workstation (this can include established teaching files and previously acquired cases). Cases from online courses or virtual workshops may also qualify, but only if they provide candidates with virtual workstation interaction for each case counted and remain mentored.
• Interactive manipulation of the reconstructed data sets should include all components of cardiac as well as non-cardiac structures.
• For all cases, there must be an opportunity for interaction between the applicant and trainer (Level 3 trained practitioner)

 Application fee

• Members: $395
• Community member and non-members: $595

Apply for Level 3 verification

RENEWAL APPLICATION: Cardiovascular CT experience for Level 3 (Advanced Practitioner)

Requirements

The following must have been completed within the past 36 months, 

• 450 cases; of which at least 150 cases must be live (category A).
• 40 hours of Category 1 CME of CCT. Continuing education must be either workshops, live lectures or an online activity with CME.

Application fee

• Members: $250
• Community member and non-members: $450

Renew your Level 3 verification