Why
was IBHRE (formerly NASPExAM) created?
At the time NASPExAM was created (mid
1980s), there existed no means of assessing the competency of physicians and
allied professionals in the rapidly growing field of cardiac pacing. There was
no board certification for electrophysiology and existing pathways towards other
board certifications did not clearly define the electrophysiological expertise
associated with devices. As the transformation in pacemaker technology evolved,
this fueled the development of an exam that would exclusively measure the core
competency, skills and credibility of physicians involved in cardiac pacing and
cardioversion defibrillation.
What is
IBHRE?
Established in
1985, the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners is a self-governing,
affiliate organization of the Heart Rhythm Society that provides competency
certification in the fields of cardiac rhythm device therapy and cardiac
electrophysiology. IBHRE offers three certifications; one for physicians and two
for allied professionals designed to demonstrate mastery of knowledge in the
field of cardiac rhythm management. IBHRE certification is achieved by
successful completion of a written exam. The scopes of IBHRE certifications
cover a broad knowledge base in the sub-specialties of cardiac pacing and
electrophysiology. Successful completion of an IBHRE examination certifies that
a practitioner is professionally competent in their respective subspecialty.
What is IBHRE certification?
IBHRE certification is accorded to those physicians and allied professionals
who have successfully passed the rigorous IBHRE Exam. Recipients of IBHRE
certification are professionally competent, demonstrate advanced skills in
clinical practices, are highly respected by peers and other medical
professionals and represent a standard of excellence in the arrhythmia
community.
Who can take the IBHRE
examinations?
The IBHRE exams
are designed for physicians (e.g., cardiology, pediatrics, internal medicine,
cardiovascular diseases, general surgery, thoracic surgery, emergency medicine,
and anesthesiology) and allied professionals (e.g., nurses, physician
assistants, EP/lab techs, technologists, engineers) employed in the field of
cardiac pacing and/or electrophysiology. In order to qualify for the exam, one
must demonstrate that they are a licensed physician or currently employed (or
recently employed within the past 2 years) and working in the fields of cardiac
pacing and/or electrophysiology.
Why should I take this exam?
If you are a
heart rhythm healthcare professional in the clinical or industry setting
responsible for the management of patients with cardiac rhythm disorders, you
should take the IBHRE exam. IBHRE exam candidates are positioned to articulate
the scientific foundation, clinical skills and technical knowledge required to
provide and facilitate the provision of safe quality patient care. The exam
addresses knowledge requirements critical for physicians and allied
professionals tasked with specific technology-based interventions and therapies
to patients undergoing invasive and noninvasive diagnostic, therapeutic and
surgical procedures in cardiac pacing, defibrillation and electrophysiology.
IBHRE is uniquely positioned to test and measure the practical knowledge and
vital competencies you should possess for your specialty.
Is there a specific amount of experience required before one can apply for the
exam?
Yes. IBHRE requires
specific education, training or experience to take the exams. Upon application,
all candidates are required to provide current and accurate statistical data
regarding their past training and present involvement in the field.
Click
here to view the list of Exam Eligibility Policies.
What certification exams are
offered?
Certification
Examination for Competency in Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy for the Physician
- this exam is specifically designed for physicians involved in the field of
cardiac pacing. Candidates for this certification are typically cardiologists
who specialize in device therapy and implant pacemakers and ICDs. While a
majority of physicians who pursue this certification are non-EPs (not Board
Certified Electrophysiologists), many EPs and EP fellows-in-training also pursue
this certification to enhance their credentials and validate their competency in
device therapy.
Click here for an
overview of the exam blueprint.
Certification
Examination for Competency in Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy for the Allied
Professional - this exam consists of the same competency areas as the
physician’s exam, but is applied to the role of allied professionals. The exam
is geared towards allied professionals who work with devices, predominantly in a
follow-up setting, but also in the implant setting. Questions relate to
troubleshooting, identification of electrograms and malfunctions of the devices.
This examination broadly covers the competencies of cardiac pacing and is not
tailored toward any one job responsibility in the field. Nurses, physician
assistants, lab technicians, technologists, engineers and scientists involved in
cardiac pacing device management, procedures and follow-ups in the clinical or
industry setting pursue this certification.
Click here for
an overview of the exam blueprint.
Certification
Examination for Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology for the Allied
Professional - this examination is specifically designed to capture the core
competencies of electrophysiology as applied to the role of allied professionals
in the clinical setting. Nurses, physician assistants, lab technicians,
technologists, engineers and scientists who work with cardiac arrhythmias,
ablation and electrophysiologic studies pursue this certification.
Click here for an overview of
the exam blueprint.
Coming Soon! New
Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology for
Physician - this examination captures the core competencies of
electrophysiology as applied to the role of physicians in the clinical setting.
Candidates for this certification are typically Physician EPs with active
involvement in the clinical management and care of adult or pediatric patients.
Click here
for an overview of the exam blueprint.
What
are the designations for those who passed the IBHRE exams?
The IBHRE
certification designations are:
-
Certified Cardiac
Device Specialist (CCDS)
–
Physician
-
Certified Cardiac
Device Specialist (CCDS)
–
Allied Professional
-
Certified
Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) – Physician
-
Certified
Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS)
– Allied Professional
For more information
about appropriate use of these designations, consult
the IBHRE
Certification Candidate Bulletin for the Physician and Allied Professional.
When and where are the exams
administered?
Each IBHRE
certification examination is offered annually during a one-day testing window.
All IBHRE exams are offered through computer-based testing at Prometric Test
Centers throughout North America and internationally. For a full schedule of
exams, please see the exam calendar. For a list of
test center locations, visit
www.prometric.com/IBHRE.
How long is
the exam?
The Certified
Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) – Physician; Certified Cardiac Device
Specialist (CCDS) – Allied Professional; and Certified Electrophysiology
Specialist (CEPS) – Allied Professional exams consists of 200 multiple-choice
questions, which are administered over the course of five hours. The exam is
broken down into five sections consisting of 40 questions each. Candidates are
given 54 minutes to complete each section. During the exam session, candidates
are given 15 minutes for an optional tutorial and a total of 15 minutes of
optional break time.
The Certified
Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) – Physician exam structure and length will
be announced in late 2011.
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How do I
apply for the IBHRE exam?
All interested
applicants must submit a completed application, provide documentation of
eligibility and pay the applicable exam fees by the registration deadline in
order to be approved to take the exam. To apply for the exam, visit the application page
to review the eligibility requirements and download the application.
The deadline for
application submission will vary depending on the exam date. IBHRE must receive
your application by the application deadline. NO EXCEPTIONS will be granted for
applications submitted after the registration deadline.
How can I confirm my exam
registration?
Once your
application has been approved, you will receive a formal confirmation and
receipt via e-mail. The confirmation letter only confirms the approval of your
application and your eligibility to take the exam. It does not confirm that you
have scheduled an exam appointment.
How much does it cost to take
the exam?
Exam fees vary
depending on which exam a candidate is planning to take. Each exam offers a
discounted rate for applicants who apply by the early registration deadline. A
discount is also offered to current members of the Heart Rhythm Society.
Click here to see the complete fee schedule
and relevant policies.
The exam fees
charged by IBHRE cover a candidate’s application fee, five hour examination
appointment at a Prometric Test Center, the exam assessment, delivery of the
final score report, the candidate’s certification pin and certificate (if
applicable), and other administrative and overhead costs related to
administering the exam.
All exam
candidates are responsible for covering the cost of their own study materials
and the cost of travel to a Prometric Test Center. Some special requests such as
replacement of a certification pin or certificate or a request to re-score an
exam may be subject to an additional fee.
Do I need to be a member of the Heart Rhythm Society in order to qualify for the
exam?
No. Membership
with the Heart Rhythm Society is not required to take the exam. Current members
of the Heart Rhythm Society do qualify for a special discount on exam fees but
no additional preferential treatment is given.
If I become a member of the Heart Rhythm Society after I have paid my exam fees,
can I receive a refund for the discounted rate?
No. HRS
membership must be current on the date of application in order to be eligible to
receive a discount. Non-members interested in receiving this discount must
submit their membership application and dues, and be approved, prior to
submitting their exam application.
I have a disability and may need a special accommodation to take the exam, what
should I do?
IBHRE is able to
accommodate candidates who qualify for special accommodations under the
Americans with Disabilities Act. You must submit the IBHRE Special Testing
Accommodations/Disability Request Form with your exam application in order to
receive an accommodation. For more information about how to submit ADA requests,
consult the IBHRE
Certification Candidate Bulletin for the Physician and Allied Professional.
What should I do if I
need to cancel my exam?
In the event that
you need to cancel your exam registration, you will need to submit a written
request to IBHRE providing the following information:
-
Your name
-
Date and title of
the exam you are registered for
-
Reason for
withdrawing from the exam
Cancellation
requests may be submitted to IBHRE by either mail or e-mail. IBHRE will only
honor requests submitted by exam candidates and will not recognize cancellation
requests submitted by third parties. Refunds are issued directly to the party
that submitted initial payment. Be sure to review the
Cancellation and Refund Policy prior to applying for the exam.
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How do I schedule an appointment to take the exam?
4 – 6 weeks after the exam registration closes, IBHRE will mail
official Prometric scheduling permits to all candidates who have been
approved to take the exam. Follow the instructions on your permit to
schedule your exam appointment as soon as you receive your permit. You
may call the Prometric telephone number that is listed on your permit
or go online at www.prometric.com/IBHRE to schedule your exam
appointment at a Prometric Test Center near you.
How do I locate a Prometric Test Center in my area?
The best way to locate a Prometric Test Center is to go to
www.prometric.com/IBHRE where you can search for test centers by
state/province or country.
What should I do if there is not a Prometric Test Center in my area or
country?
In some cases, candidates will not have immediate access to a
Prometric Test Center. In those situations, some travel may be
necessary on the part of the candidate. Be sure to locate your test
center before you apply for the exam so you are aware of the travel
demands of your preferred test center. Be sure to select a second and
third choice test center in case your first choice is unavailable on
exam day.
What can I do if I am told that there are no seats available at the
Prometric Test Center of my choice?
Exam appointments are given out by Prometric on a
first-come-first-serve basis so be sure to schedule your appointment
at least thirty (30) days prior to the exam to ensure that you can
test at your preferred test center. If you are unable to schedule an
appointment at any of the test centers in your area, contact the IBHRE
Administrative Office immediately for further assistance.
Is there a particular start time when I should schedule my exam
appointment?
No. Upon scheduling your appointment with Prometric, you may be
presented with the option of selecting your start time in which case
you are free to choose whichever start time is most convenient for
you. In some cases, your choice of start times may be limited and it
may be necessary to accept whichever time is available.
When is the last day that I may schedule my exam appointment?
The final cut-off date to schedule an exam appointment is
two business
days prior to the exam date. Candidates who attempt to schedule within
two days of the exam will not be permitted to schedule an appointment.
IBHRE strongly recommends that you schedule your exam appointment at
least thirty (30) days prior to the exam. After 30 days prior to the
exam, IBHRE cannot guarantee that an exam appointment will be
available at your preferred testing location(s). You may seek
assistance from IBHRE when scheduling an appointment until three weeks
prior to the exam. If you do not schedule your appointment within
three weeks of the exam, IBHRE cannot guarantee assistance with
securing a location and cancellation penalties will be enforced.
If I have to cancel my registration within two weeks prior to the exam
because I am unable to schedule my appointment, can I receive a refund
of my exam fees?
No. If you need to cancel your exam appointment less than two weeks
prior to the exam, regardless of reason, you will not receive any
refund pursuant to the timeline stipulated in the IBHRE
Cancellation
and Refund Policy. IBHRE will strive to provide reasonable assistance
to any candidate experiencing difficulty with the scheduling process
as long as the candidate provides notice of the situation at least two
weeks prior to the exam.
What should I do with my scheduling permit after I have scheduled my
appointment?
Keep your permit in a safe place where it will not be lost. You will
need to bring your permit with you to the Prometric Test Center to
gain admittance to the exam.
Upon receiving your permit, you should also check it carefully to
make
sure that the first and last names on your permit match exactly the
first and last names on your Government Issued ID that you will use
to gain admittance to the Prometric Test Center on exam day. If the
names do not match, you will not gain acceptance to the Test Center on
exam day. Exception is made for the appearance of middle names and
middle initials.
What can I do if the names on my permit and ID do not match?
Contact IBHRE immediately to request a new permit. The fastest way to
request a new permit is to send an e-mail to
IBHRE@hrsonline.org
providing the name that appears on your permit and the name that
appears on your ID. You should receive a new permit within 1-2 weeks
of submitting your request. Once you receive your new permit, you
should keep it in a safe place so it will not be lost. Be sure to
destroy the original permit upon receipt of the new one.
Do I need to wait until I receive my new permit with the corrected
name before I can schedule my exam appointment?
No. You may still use the scheduling number and the name that appears
on your original permit to schedule your appointment. Upon issuance of
a new permit, the only information that will change is your name. Your
scheduling number and CIN number will remain the same. Prometric will
update your name automatically in its system regardless of whether you
have scheduled your appointment or not. IBHRE strongly recommends that
you schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your permit
regardless of any discrepancies in your name.
Should I request a new permit if the address on my permit does not
match the address on my ID?
No. Prometric will not turn candidates away if there is a discrepancy
between the addresses, only the names. If the address on your permit
is no longer current, you should notify IBHRE as soon as possible to
ensure that you continue to receive IBHRE correspondence at the
correct mailing address.
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How
much time should I spend preparing for the exam?
The length of
time depends on your budget, schedule, and the urgency you personally feel about
passing the exam. Candidates often draw from their previous education and
professional experience, IBHRE
recommended readings, and the
exam content outline to
develop their own study plan to prepare for the exam.
Is there a prep course for the
exam?
The Heart Rhythm Society
offers an online exam prep
course for the Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy Exams for the Physician and
Allied Professional. This online preparation tool provides a bridge between
previous classroom and text-based training, and the upcoming exam. The
prep-course is comprised of actual questions from previous exams, delivered in
two modules: a “practice” module, and a “timed” module. These modes provide the
participants with a “feel” for the actual test, allowing them to assess their
level of preparation, and give them a refresher on key elements of the exam.
There is currently no exam prep-course offered by the Heart Rhythm Society for
the Cardiac Electrophysiology Exam but plans to develop one are underway.
Availability of this exam prep course is not anticipated until late 2010.
Are any courses required to take
the exam?
There are no
course requirements for taking the exam. You are free to attend the courses that
best meet your own schedule, travel budget and learning development needs.
Is there a way that I can become familiar with the computer-based testing
software?
Yes. A free copy
of the IBHRE Computer-Based Testing
Tutorial is available on the IBHRE website for immediate download. This
tutorial is designed to orientate candidates to the computer-based testing
software and explain key navigation functions. This tutorial will also be
available to all candidates during the first 15 minutes of their exam. IBHRE
strongly recommends that you take time to review this tutorial before
exam day.
Does IBHRE provide
sample questions from the exams?
Yes. You can
review five sample questions from each exam by downloading the
IBHRE Computer-Based Testing
Tutorial and selecting “Sample Questions” upon launching the program.
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When should I arrive at my test center on exam day?
You should plan to arrive at your testing center 30 minutes prior to
your start time to allow adequate time to be signed in by the Testing
Center Administrator. If you are late for your appointment, you may not
be permitted to test. If you are more than 30 minutes late for your
appointment, you will not be permitted to test.
What should I bring with me to the test center?
Remember to bring your Scheduling Permit and an unexpired Government
Issued Photo ID. (Check your permit to ensure that the first and last
names on your scheduling permit and the first and last names on your
ID are the same. If the names do not match, you will not be permitted
to test. If you find that your names do not match, you must contact IBHRE at least two weeks prior to the exam to obtain a new permit.)
You may bring personal items such as cell phones, purses and food to
the testing center but you may not carry those items into the testing
room. The Test Center Administrator will provide you with a locker to
store your personal belongings while you are testing. For a complete
list of the Prometric Test Center Rules and Regulations, be sure to
consult the IBHRE Certification Candidate Bulletin for the Physician
and Allied Professional.
May I bring scratch paper with me into the testing room?
No. Any outside paper or writing instrument is strictly forbidden in
the testing room. You may request a laminated sheet and dry erase
marker from the Test Center Administrator. If you have to leave the
testing room for any reason, you must return the laminated sheet to
the Test Center Administrator before exiting.
Will I need to bring my own calculator and caliper to the exam?
No. The testing software is equipped with electronic calculators and
calipers which you may use throughout the exam. You can practice using
these functions by downloading the
IBHRE Computer-Based Testing
Tutorial prior to the exam.
May I bring earplugs with me to the testing center to block out
typing noises?
Yes. You
may bring soft earplugs to use during the exam. The Test Center
Administrator must inspect earplugs before you enter the testing room.
May I bring a magnifying glass with me to see exam questions better?
Candidates
should seek prior approval from IBHRE to use a magnifying glass during
the exam. The Test Center Administrator will permit candidates with
prior approval to bring their own magnifying glass into the testing
room upon inspection.
When will my exam session officially begin?
As soon as the Test Center Administrator signs you into your computer
using the Candidate Identification Number (CIN) located at the bottom
of your permit, your exam will officially begin.
How is the exam structured?
After an
optional 15-minute tutorial, your exam will begin. The exam consists
of 200 questions. You will be presented these questions in five blocks
of 40. You will have 54 minutes to complete each block. At the end of
each block, you will be given the option of continuing to the next
block or taking a scheduled break. You will have a total of 15 minutes
of scheduled break time for the entire exam.
How will I know how much time I have left during my exam?
The testing software is equipped with two timers located in the top
left-hand corner of the computer screen. The “Day Remaining” timer
tracks the amount of time you have left in your exam session. The
“Block Remaining” timer tracks the amount of time you have left in
your current exam block.
The “Block Remaining” timer is always set for 54 minutes at the
beginning of each block, regardless of how much time is available on
the “Day Remaining” timer. The “Day Remaining” timer will continue to
run, even during scheduled breaks. If you take more than your allotted
break time, the “Day Remaining” timer may run out and close down your
exam before you have a chance to complete the final test block. Be
sure to pace yourself carefully to ensure that you have adequate time
to complete all of the questions.
How is break time administered?
At the completion of each exam section, you will be prompted to
take either a scheduled break or move on to the next test block. If you
choose to take a break, you will be responsible for keeping track of
your own break time. You will have a total of 15 minutes of break time
for the entire exam. If you finish your tutorial early, the remaining
time may be applied to scheduled breaks as well. IBHRE strongly
recommends that you use care not to exceed the 15 minutes allotted
break time to ensure that you have adequate time available to complete
the exam.
May I take a break during a test block?
Yes. A break taken while a test block is still open is called an
‘unauthorized break’. While you are allowed to take unauthorized break
time, it is not recommended. Be aware that if you use unauthorized
break time, the break time will be deducted directly from your testing
time and you will run a risk of not being able to answer all of the
questions in the block before time runs out.
What will happen when I have completed the exam?
Once you have answered all of the questions, you will have the option
of taking an exit survey. This survey provides IBHRE with valuable
feedback that helps us further develop and improve our examination
process. After you have finished the survey, you will receive a
printout from the test center indicating that you completed the exam.
Once you receive your printout you may leave the test center. Before
exiting the testing room, be sure to return any laminated paper or dry
erase markers you may have been given to the Test Center
Administrator.
If I have a question about the exam, will the Test Center
Administrator be able to help me?
Maybe. Test Center Administrators are employed by Prometric to
check-in candidates, sign them into their exams, monitor the exam room
for irregularities and cheating behavior, address technical issues,
and submit problem reports if necessary. Prometric employees are not
equipped with substantive information about the IBHRE exam or the
IBHRE certification process and may not be able to answer every
question you may have on exam day. If there is a question that a Test
Center Administrator cannot answer, please contact the IBHRE Exam
Coordinator at 202-464-3414 or 202-464-3400.
What should I do if I experience technical difficulties during my
exam?
Be sure to
report any technical or environmental issues that you experience to
your Test Center Administrator. They will be responsible for filing a
problem report on your behalf. Problem reports are submitted to those
responsible for scoring the exams for consideration. In addition, IBHRE reviews all problem reports to identify any
recurring issues that may need to be addressed.
Who should I call if I have complaints about my exam experience?
If you have any questions, concerns or complaints regarding your exam
experience you must contact IBHRE by phone or e-mail within one week
(7 days) of the exam to be given due consideration. IBHRE will
investigate any complaints received and will provide a prompt
response.
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How
long do I have to wait to receive my exam score?
Scores are usually available within
8-10 weeks of the exam. Once the scores have been submitted to IBHRE by the
psychometrician, the names of those who passed the exam will be posted to the
web site and candidates will be notified accordingly. Your results package
containing your pass-fail result and score report will be mailed to you shortly
thereafter.
What score is required to pass?
Because the overall difficulty of the
test varies slightly from year to year, total scores are equated so that a score
of "500" on one exam represents the same level of proficiency as a score of
"500" on a previous test form. The number of correct answers required to pass is
not reported because it varies slightly from administration to administration,
year to year (from form to form).
What
is the pass/fail rate?
Content experts
review a variety of statistical analyses before setting a pass/fail standard.
The equating procedure allows IBHRE to require the same level of proficiency
across years and this means that the pass/failure rates vary somewhat across
administrations. The average pass rate for the physician exam is 71%. The
average pass rate for the allied professional/pacing exam is 80% and for the
allied professional/EP exam is 78%.
What happens if I pass the exam?
Upon passing the
exam, you will be considered IBHRE certified in the field pertaining to your
exam for a total of ten years. You will receive a certificate confirming this
accomplishment and your name will be added to the IBHRE website.
Once you achieve
IBHRE certification, you may experience one of many benefits such as:
-
Recognition from
your peers as a highly qualified physician or allied professional within the
heart rhythm management field
-
Qualification for
advancement in your current position
-
Competitive
advantage for jobs that may require IBHRE certification
-
Validation that
you have acquired knowledge essential to the practice of heart rhythm
management.
What will happen if I do not pass
the exam?
If you do not
pass the exam, you will receive a score report that provides key-word feedback
pertaining to the areas of the exam where you did not perform well. This report
is intended to help candidates identify areas that may require additional study.
Candidates who do not pass the exam are greatly encouraged to take the exam
again. There is no limit on the number of times a candidate may re-take an
examination.
What can I do if I
am not satisfied with my score?
Candidates who
are not satisfied with their exam result may request to have their exam
re-scored for a $50 fee. Requests for a re-score must be submitted in writing
and accompanied by payment. Re-score requests may take as many as thirty (30)
days to furnish a response. The result of an exam re-score is considered final
and may not be appealed for a second time.
Are CME
credits offered after IBHRE certification is achieved?
Continuing
Medical Education credits are not offered for passing the exam.
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General
Information about IBHRE