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 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.

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.

Why does IBHRE want to expand internationally?

As a global leader in cardiac rhythm device therapy and electrophysiology certification, IBHRE is pursuing international partnerships with a vision toward standardizing the practice of cardiac rhythm management worldwide, maintaining a diverse and high level of expertise among cardiac care professionals internationally, and advancing the heart rhythm profession by meeting the specific credentialing needs of other healthcare systems.

Why does IBHRE value international partnerships?

Global standardization of knowledge is critical for the advancement of the heart rhythm profession. Given the specialized knowledge necessary to provide an acceptable level of care for the arrhythmia patient, it is essential that some measure of competence be expected of the healthcare professional. This has been the intent of IBHRE for over 25 years. Only through partnerships with other organizations internationally can IBHRE realize its vision for a global standard of excellence in the field.

How is IBHRE seeking to standardize knowledge for international physicians?

The new Physician EP exam is designed specifically to help standardize knowledge for international and pediatric physicians who are qualified by their training or experience to take such an exam, but are not board eligible for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) exam in electrophysiology. ABIM requires that the physician must be U.S. Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Medicine. Many physicians in the U.S. have received a portion or all of their training outside the U.S. and are therefore not eligible for the ABIM exam. Additionally, many physicians in countries such as Canada, Australia, China, India, Japan, and the Middle East would like to be Board Certified in EP, but do not meet the U.S. requirements. Pediatric electrophysiologists in the U.S. have no route to EP board certification beyond the Pediatric Cardiology Sub-Board examination of the American Board of Pediatrics. IBHRE developed the Physician EP exam specifically to fill this gap of knowledge in EP certification.

What makes IBHRE a qualified international partner?

IBHRE provides an international standard for validation of competency for the physician and allied healthcare professional through a diverse body of international subject matter experts, the delivery of examinations worldwide by computer-based testing, and through representation of its international certificant-base. Over the last 15 years, IBHRE has seen the number and diversity of its international certificants increase exponentially, with certification recipients from more than 45 countries (see statistical data here). IBHRE is well positioned to assist countries with the development of pacing and EP certification programs to standardize optimal healthcare practices, safeguard patient care and certify knowledge. IBHRE already has a track-record of cooperative partnerships with international organizations, most notably the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society.

Why was a specialized Japanese exam created for Allied Professionals that differs from the traditional IBHRE exam?

The traditional IBHRE exam is tailored to the needs of the American healthcare system and addresses Western cardiac rhythm management standards. IBHRE representatives worked closely with their Japanese counterparts in order to develop an examination that met the requirements mandated by the Japanese Ministry of Health which stipulated that all professionals in the medical device industry who have direct contact with cardiac patients must be nationally certified. Since there was no certification mechanism in place, IBHRE stepped in to help create a specifically tailored examination to meet these requirements. The IBHRE exam that was created was then translated into Japanese, customized and administered to Japanese allied professionals by computer-based testing. This exam is intended to ensure a standard knowledge base for those involved in assisting physicians and other healthcare professionals in the implant and management of pacemakers and ICDs. The questions on this exam are extracted from the same pool of questions used in the English version of the exam except for those that do not apply to Japanese healthcare practices.

How does IBHRE navigate differences in the needs of various healthcare systems in pursuit of a global standard of knowledge?

As demonstrated in its partnership with its Japanese counterparts, IBHRE understands that different healthcare systems have different standards, certification requirements, and needs. Therefore, IBHRE is committed to tailoring examinations to national healthcare systems’ needs while maintaining an international standard of excellence among cardiac rhythm management professionals. International applicants can elect to take any of IBHRE’s given exams or have their organizations partner with IBHRE to tailor and deliver the exam in their preferred language. Additionally, given international variations in training and educational requirements, IBHRE evaluates qualification criteria for its exams on a country-by-country basis to make sure that those who have the training and expertise can also have the certification.

What is the pass/fail ratio?

This will be determined by the competency of those taking the exam. It is theoretically possible for everyone to pass the exam if they achieve the targeted level of competency. The level of competency will be close in range to those taking the English examination.

How can I learn more about the advantages of international partnerships and opportunities with IBHRE?

Please contact Sheri Sesay-Tuffour, Executive Director of IBHRE, who would be happy to explore the option further.

Where can I find general information about the exam?

You can visit our Frequently Asked Questions page by clicking here.

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