If you want to get a job as a professional sonographer, getting certified is an important step. Most employers and even some state health departments require it.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of preparing for the different certification exams in the field of sonography. Earning certification not only helps you meet the standards set by these organizations, but it also certifies your skills and expertise to potential employers. Whether you are enrolled in or considering diagnostic medical sonography programs, this blog will help you navigate the certification process with confidence.
1. American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is the leading research and certification organization in ultrasound. Their mission is to empower sonographers to provide exceptional patient care by providing rigorous research and encouraging continuing education. ARDMS is part of the Intelios™ family, which includes a range of councils and organizations dedicated to ensuring high standards in healthcare.
Credentials & specialization
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS): This certification is for general diagnostic medical sonography, which includes specialties such as the abdomen, breast, obstetrics, and gynecology.
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS): This is for professionals specializing in cardiac sonography, focusing on the heart and its function.
Registered Vascular Technologist (RTV): Those who work in vascular ultrasound, which focuses on blood vessels and circulation, are eligible for this certification.
Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer (RMSKS): This is for sonographers who intend to specialize in imaging the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Midwife: ARDMS also offers specialized certification in sonography for midwives. This certification requires knowledge of the female reproductive system and fetal development throughout the 9 months. Testing is conducted through computers and practicals.
Eligibility
To qualify for ARDMS certification, applicants must meet specific educational and clinical prerequisites. These vary depending on the certificate but generally include the following
● An associate or bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography programs
● Relevant ultrasound clinical experience.
● Completing a sonography-related physics course.
Examination
Once the eligibility requirements are met, candidates must pass two exams:
Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam: This physics exam is required for all ARDMS certifications.
Specialty exams: These exams focus on specific areas of sonography, such as abdomen, adult echocardiography, or vascular technology.
Renewal
To renew an ARDMS certification you are required:
● To maintain the certification's validity, an annual fee must be paid for it.
● A yearly declaration of compliance with the ARDMS regulations.
● Attending continuing medical education (CME) every three years will help you stay current on sonography advancements.
2. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
The ARRT is another leading credentialing organization. ARRT certificate is designed to assess the knowledge and skills required for day-to-day work as an entry-level sonographer. It’s conducted on a computer, starting with some tutorials to help test takers get comfortable with the process. The test is challenging but fair and has been developed in collaboration with industry experts.
Specializations
Sonography exam: There are 400 questions total, split into two sections: the physical principles of ultrasound and sonographic procedures and patient care. Seven and a half hours are needed for the exam, plus a 30-minute break.
Breast sonography exam: It lasts four hours and has 215 questions.
Vascular sonography exam: It lasts four hours and has 200 questions
Passing score
After completing the exam, candidates will receive a preliminary score at the test center. The final scores, along with an official score report, certification, and registration results, will be mailed within four weeks. A passing score on the ARRT exam is 75 out of 99. This isn’t a percentage; the number of correct answers necessary to obtain a scaled score of 75 will always vary. On some exam versions, you might need to correctly answer 131 of 200 questions to receive a scaled score of 75. On more “difficult” exam versions, you might need only to answer 130 of 200 questions correctly to receive a 75 scaled score. If a candidate does not pass on the first attempt, they will have two more opportunities to take the exam within a three-year period.
Eligibility
Candidates who wish to pursue ARRT certification must fulfill the following prerequisites:
● A minimum of an associate's degree in any discipline.
● Completing an educational program in the particular field of radiological science, such as sonography, which has been approved by the ARRT.
● It is also essential to satisfy an ethics requirement.
Candidates have only three years after completing the Radiologic Science Program to apply for certification and registration with the ARRT. There are some exceptions to those in the US. military training in the region and advanced methods of recruitment for pre-trained personnel.
Renewal
ARRT certification renewal is an annual process, completed quickly and easily online, just requiring you to:
● Pay a renewal fee.
● Complete continuing education (CE) requirements every two years. CE credits can be earned in a variety of ways, including online courses, in-person courses, professional association meetings, and classroom courses.
3. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) has been credentialing medical professionals for more than 50 years. It offers certification in a variety of areas related to sonography, helping professionals demonstrate their expertise in cardiovascular health.
Credentials & specialization
Advanced Cardiac Sonography (ACS): For professionals who want to work in echocardiography labs, the ACS certification is required.
Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS): This certification focuses on pediatric and adult congenital cardiac ultrasound.
Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS): Cardiac ultrasound is the main focus of this certification.
Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS): For professionals working in the area of vascular ultrasound.
Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS): This certification focuses on ultrasound in venous and phlebology.
Eligibility
To be eligible you must satisfy any of the following conditions:
● Have a high school diploma or GED.
● Be a graduate of an accredited cardiac ultrasound/echocardiography program, hold an active echocardiography registry credential, and have seven years of experience in cardiac ultrasound.
● Be a graduate of a health science program (diploma, associate, or bachelor's degree), hold an active echocardiography registry credential, and have eight years of experience in cardiac ultrasound.
● Hold an active echocardiography registry credential and have ten years of clinical experience in cardiac ultrasound.
Renewal
You need to renew your CCI certification every three years in order to keep it active. The procedure for renewal consists of:
● Payment of the renewal fee.
● Attesting to the code of ethics of CCI.
● Finishing the units required for continuing education.
Why Does Maintaining Your Certification Matter?
Getting a certificate is just the beginning. To stay ahead of others, it's important to focus on continuous learning and maintain your certification. As the healthcare industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging every passing day, by keeping your certification up to date, you can make sure that your education helps you stand on top of the competition.
Most certification bodies require sonographers to renew their certification on a yearly basis. This may include completing a continuing education course or even retaking a certification exam. Staying up to date not only helps you maintain your knowledge but also builds trust with patients and colleagues.
It is particularly crucial to maintain your certification if you plan to work abroad. Having your credentials up to date will make it easier for you to pursue opportunities abroad, as many countries seek out certified professionals.
Last words
Whether you are just beginning your career in diagnostic medical sonography or have already established yourself as a sonography professional, our AS and BS degree programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography are designed to help you achieve your career goals.
Our AS degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a 20-24 month comprehensive program that equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in ultrasound. Our 40-week bachelor’s degree completion program is tailored for professional sonographers who want to enhance their expertise and open doors to additional career opportunities, such as teaching and administration.
Both programs combine classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, designed to cultivate a skilled and compassionate workforce ready to make a difference in healthcare
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