About Associate of the American College of Cardiology In 2008, the Cardiovascular Team Council’s CCA Designation Working Group petitioned the Credentialing and Membership Committee and the Board of Trustees of the ACC, to review a proposal to establish Associate of the American College of Cardiology (A.A.C.C.) as a designation for CCA members. The designation will recognize those CCAs who, through advanced education, training and professional development, have dedicated themselves to providing the highest-level of cardiovascular care. With a focus on recognized national board certifications and member interests in advanced learning, skill building, and professional recognition, the CCA Designation Working Group compiled a list of boards whose certifications would be required for the A.A.C.C. designation. As a process, CCA applicants must meet basic criteria for the designation. ACC staff would verify the certification with the respective boards and proceed to mark the record with an AACC if board certified or regular CCA membership if not. This process is the same as for physician members in providing Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (F.A.C.C.) or member status. Criteria for Associate of the American College of Cardiology The designation criteria for Associate of the American College of Cardiology (A.A.C.C.) are as follows:     A State Licensure     B Nationally recognized board certification     C Majority of professional activities must be devoted to the field of cardiovascular disease.     D Three (3) Letters of Recommendation. Letters must be from F.A.C.C. members that are well acquainted with the applicants current professional activities. Relatives may not sponsor applicants.     E Employed in a practice that is primarily cardiovascular focused – at least 75%.     F   Commitment to CV practice for 5 years or more.     G  CCA member for 2 years prior to applying for designation.     H   At least 12 hours of CV related CE/CME credit hours annually.     I    Member of the ACC’s Cardiovascular Team Section.