This dynamic and engaging critical care course is ideal for healthcare professionals working in, or preparing to work in, a critical care environment. FCCS offers a thorough overview of basic critical care principles and helps healthcare workers who are not intensive care specialists care for very sick patients during the first 24 hours, or until they can get the right help or transfer them.

During this program, learners complete SCCM's online FCCS modules and then participate in an interactive skills session conducted live via Zoom. The content is case-based and emphasizes practical, bedside decision-making for managing unstable or high-risk patients.

Course Structure

• Online FCCS Modules (SCCM): Core lectures, interactive cases, and skills-focused content completed independently.
• Live Zoom Skills Session: A scenario-based skills station where participants apply FCCS principles in real time with faculty guidance.
• Post-Test: Online written exam administered by SCCM; a minimum score of 70% is required to pass.

Registration

Registration must be completed through our website to be added to our SCCM-FCCS roster and receive your certificate. Registering directly through SCCM or another provider will not place you on our roster, and we cannot issue certificates for those enrollments.

Course Access

• Within approximately 1–3 business days after registration via our website, SCCM will issue access to the FCCS online modules.
• You will receive an email from SCCM with instructions for accessing the course and eBook. This email often goes to junk/spam folders, so be sure to check those as well.
• If you register for a course scheduled in the following calendar year (for example, enrolling in 2026 for a 2027 course), SCCM typically releases access to the updated FCCS online modules during the first week of the new year.

Skills Stations (Zoom)

• The skills station is conducted entirely online via Zoom on scheduled dates.
• You will work through clinical scenarios as a group, guiding the instructor through appropriate assessment and management steps based on the FCCS content.
• A functional camera and microphone are required to receive credit for the Zoom session. Participants without working audio and video will be marked as a no-show.

Typical Time Commitment

• Online Didactic Modules: Approximately 6–12 hours (often completed over 1–2 days, depending on your learning style).
• Zoom Skills Session: Approximately 4–6 hours (varies with group size and interaction level).

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the FCCS course, you will be able to:

• Perform rapid critical assessments for acutely ill patients.
• Select and interpret essential diagnostic tests for unstable patients.
• Recognize clinical deterioration and implement timely interventions.
• Identify life-threatening conditions and initiate appropriate, evidence-based management.
• Determine when expert consultation or transfer to a higher level of care is required and prepare the patient effectively for transfer.

This Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS) Provider Course is designed for a wide range of healthcare professionals, including:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
• Physicians (MDs, DOs)
• Physician Assistants (PAs)
• Residents, interns, and fellows
• Medical students and advanced practice trainees

Both experienced clinicians and those new to critical care are welcome. Although the course primarily targets non-intensivists, intensivists may also participate to understand the fundamental principles and framework of FCCS.

To successfully complete the Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS) course, participants must:

1. Obtain and read the FCCS textbook (7th Edition). The textbook (eBook or print) is required for the course and is available for purchase during registration. While you can start the online modules without the book, it is strongly recommended for preparation and review.
2. Complete the online FCCS modules. These SCCM-hosted modules provide the foundational content needed for the Zoom skills session and the written exam.
3. Attend and actively participate in the live Zoom skills session. You will apply FCCS concepts to interactive scenarios. A working camera and microphone are required to receive credit. The Zoom link will appear in your online account (under "Active Resources") approximately 2–3 days before your course date.
4. Pass the online post-test with a score of 70% or higher. The exam is open-book, but it is challenging and requires genuine understanding of the material.

Certificate of Completion

Participants who meet all of the above criteria will receive an official FCCS course completion certificate issued by SCCM. Certificates are typically processed and emailed within 1–3 business days after completing the program.

This program is delivered in a 2-part format: SCCM online modules plus a live Zoom-based skills session.

This course is taught by FCCS Faculty.

Typical Tuition Range: $375–$495. Tuition will vary based upon dates/time — see the course schedule for the tuition for your course.

The Refund/Transfer policy is subject to the policy located on our home and registration pages.

The FCCS 7th Edition textbook (eBook or print) is required for this course. The eBook is accessed through your SCCM account after you begin the online course and complete the pre-course survey/pre-test.

Before attending the FCCS Zoom skills session, you should:

• Obtain and review the current FCCS course eTextbook (available only with course registration).
• Complete the required pre-course modules issued by SCCM after registration. Access is typically granted within 1–3 business days of registration, and the email often ends up in the junk/spam folder.
• Complete most of the online FCCS modules before your Zoom session. The skills station heavily depends on your understanding of the online content.
• Have your course textbook (eBook is fine) available during the Zoom session for reference.

Note: If you register late and feel underprepared for the Zoom session, it may be better to transfer to another course date (see FAQ on rescheduling).

SCCM awards continuing education credit to eligible professionals (including physicians, nurses, and physician assistants) upon completion of the online didactic FCCS course modules.

Additional nursing contact hours may be issued upon completion of the Zoom-based skills session, as outlined in the accreditation and disclaimers section below.

Criteria to Earn Contact Hours

• Attend the entire Zoom skills session.
• Complete all required SCCM online FCCS modules.
• Pass the FCCS post-test with a score of 70% or greater.

The approximate time commitment for this course is:

• Online Didactic Modules: 6–12 hours (often completed over 1–2 days, depending on your learning style).
• Zoom Skills Session: 4–6 hours (varies with group size, interaction level, and learner preparedness).

If you are new to critical care, we strongly recommend dedicating ample time to studying the online FCCS course content before the Zoom skills session. This is an intensive program that is best approached with solid preparation.

Is this an accredited course? Yes. The Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS) course is an internationally recognized program accredited and issued by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM).

How long does the course take to complete? The online modules generally require about 6–12 hours to complete, depending on your learning style. The Zoom skills session typically lasts 4–6 hours. Most learners complete the entire program over several days.

Will I receive a certificate when I complete the course? Yes. After you complete the online modules, attend and pass the Zoom skills station, and pass the post-test (70% or higher), SCCM will issue an official FCCS course completion certificate via email, usually within 1–3 business days.

Is there an exam for this course? Yes. There is a pre-test and a post-test. The post-test includes approximately 40–50 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 70% to pass. The exam is open-book but requires solid understanding of the material.

How long do I have to complete the online portion? You typically have access to the online FCCS course for one year after access is issued. However, you should complete the majority of the online content before your scheduled Zoom skills session. You are not required to complete the post-test before the Zoom session.

What is involved in the Zoom skills session? You will work through scenarios as a group, guiding the instructor through assessment and management decisions. The content is closely tied to the online modules. Completing most of the online course before the Zoom session is strongly recommended.

Can I reschedule my Zoom session if I am not prepared? A transfer of your Zoom session may be available on a first-come, first-served basis and depends on course availability. Transfers should occur within 90 days of your original course date. A transfer fee applies (typically $125 per transfer), and a maximum of two transfers is permitted. SCCM does not extend or transfer your online modules; in some cases, repeating online content may be necessary.

Are there any refunds for this course? No. Due to the significant costs involved in preparing for each course and our non-profit status, all registrations are final. No refunds, credits, extensions, participant substitutions, or transfers to another program are available.

What happens if I fail the written exam? If you do not achieve a passing score after your allowed attempts, SCCM requires you to re-enroll in a new course to retake the exam.

Where do I find the Zoom link for the skills session? Zoom links are provided in your account on our website (HealthCareTrainingAcademy.org) under "My Account" > "Active Resources." Links are usually posted 2–3 days before your course date. Zoom links are not emailed. If your course date is close and the link is still missing, please email support@HCTAUSA.org.

Do I need a camera and microphone for the Zoom session? Yes. A working camera and microphone are required to receive credit for the Zoom portion. Participants without functional audio and video will be marked as a no-show.

Can I use my phone to connect to Zoom? While it is technically possible, using a phone or small device makes it difficult to see shared images and content. For best results, we strongly recommend using a desktop, laptop, or large tablet.

How soon will I receive my certificate after finishing everything? Once you have completed the online modules, attended the Zoom skills session, and passed the exam, your course director will update your records, and SCCM will email your certificate. This typically takes 1–3 business days.

Is this course appropriate for brand-new clinicians or those without ICU experience? Yes. New nurses, physicians, and advanced practice providers can take this course, but it is intensive. You will need dedicated study time. FCCS is an excellent way to build foundational critical care knowledge, even if you are not currently working in an ICU.

How do I receive my contact hours? Contact hours are issued directly by SCCM upon completion of the online FCCS course through their platform. Additional CNE for the Zoom skills session may be issued as described in the accrediting body section.

Do I need the textbook to start the pre-course modules? You can begin the online modules without the textbook, but the FCCS eBook becomes available in your SCCM account after you have completed the pre-course survey or pre-test. The textbook is strongly recommended for studying and for the exam.

I already purchased the FCCS online course directly from SCCM. Can I use that? No. You must complete the instructor-led online course issued specifically for this program as part of your registration through our website. SCCM does not link previously purchased standalone courses to this instructor-led course.

Do you issue CME or CNE? Upon completion of the online FCCS course through SCCM, you will receive CME (for physicians) or CNE (for nurses) from SCCM. After completing the Zoom skills station, you may receive an additional CNE certificate as outlined in our nursing continuing education approvals.

What platform is used for the virtual course? The virtual skills session is conducted via Zoom. Please download Zoom on your computer and test your audio and video in advance: https://zoom.us/test. Some facilities block Zoom; if so, plan to use a personal device and home or personal network. Our office cannot provide technical support for Zoom.

I have a question that is not listed here. Who can I contact? For the fastest response, please email support@HCTAUSA.org.

• This course includes an official FCCS completion certificate issued by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM). SCCM typically processes and emails certificates within 1–3 business days of your completing the program.
• The skills station is conducted entirely online via Zoom.
• SCCM provides online access to the FCCS learning modules within 1–3 business days after you register through our website.
• For technical difficulties with SCCM's website or the online modules, please contact SCCM directly at (847) 827-6888.
• If you are new to critical care, we strongly recommend completing most of the online FCCS course modules before attending the Zoom skills session.
• You are not required to take the written exam before your Zoom session; however, you must complete and pass the exam to receive your FCCS certificate.
• The online didactic modules typically require 6–12 hours to complete, usually over 1–2 days, depending on learning style.
• If you register for a course scheduled in the following year (for example, enrolling in 2026 for a 2027 offering), SCCM will release access to the FCCS online modules during the first week of the new year, after annual course updates are published.

Accreditation and Approvals

Nursing Contact Hours

Nursing continuing education is accepted in all 50 states.

Program Information

• Conflicts of interest: The planning committee, presenters, faculty, authors, and content reviewers have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
• Presentation standards: All speakers are expected to give balanced, unbiased presentations. All content is reviewed, and any identified bias is addressed.
• Program support: This program has no commercial support, joint providership, or sponsorship.

Important Information

• Endorsement: Accreditation does not imply endorsement by The Health Care Training Academy (D/B/A CardiacEd), NJSNA, or ANCC of any commercial products shown during this program, if any.
• ANCC policy: ANCC does not permit contact hours for BLS provider courses, except BLS Instructor courses.
• College credit: This activity does not offer college credit unless explicitly stated.

Criteria to Earn Contact Hours

• You must attend the entire session to receive nursing continuing education credit.
• Partial contact hours are not awarded. You must complete all program requirements to earn credit.