Revise across the ESC core curriculum using guidelines, major clinical trials and clinical teaching. Registered candidates receive access to the official EECC preparation course. Subspecialty imaging, interventional and rhythm certifications are distinct credentials with their own requirements.
ESC / UEMS Cardiology Section / participating national cardiac societies
European Exam in Core Cardiology
A broad core-cardiology knowledge assessment. RCPI’s 2026/27 requirements ask trainees to attempt at least one examination from ESC, imaging, interventional or rhythm options; its table and assessment appendix specifically expect ESC in Year 3 or 4. Agree the route with your trainer.
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Components
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Dates listed
Examining body: ESC / UEMS Cardiology Section / participating national cardiac societies
Who can sit it
Eligibility and registration are determined by the participating national cardiac society. Individuals cannot register directly with ESC; ask the Irish programme or national society about nomination.
When NCHDs sit it
The RCPI expected-experience table and assessment appendix specify Year 3 or 4 for the ESC examination. The detailed requirements also list alternative examinations; agree the applicable route with your trainer. The published EECC 2026 was on 16 June; check the Irish society for the next cycle.
Exam format
EECCOnce a year/yr
120 English-language single-best-answer questions; remotely proctored online, without a break. · 3 hours
Dates
No upcoming dates are listed in this guide. Check the examining body’s current schedule before applying. Earlier dates are retained below for reference.
- 16 Jun 2026SittingEECC 2026 (historical sitting) (EECC)
Training links
HST Cardiology
Expected during training. The detailed requirements allow an attempt at one of several cardiology examinations; the assessment appendix expects ESC in Year 3 or 4. Agree the applicable examination with your trainer.
Preparation resources
College guidance, question banks, books and courses, grouped by format. Descriptions identify their coverage; provider pages give current prices and access terms.
College guidance
Format, national-society registration process and candidate course.
Separate EACVI imaging, EAPCI and EHRA certifications; choose according to subspecialty training.
Official BSE accreditation route; check the modality and training requirements.
ASE identifies NBE as the US adult echocardiography certifying authority; distinguish exam/testamur status from full certification.
Check the provider for current prices and access terms. No affiliate links.
Preparing
Facts last verified 2026-10-25.