Are you an EKG Technician looking for the best certification exams? Or, are you considering a career in EKG Tech?
But, whether you are an EKG technician or an aspiring one, planning to get certified is the best way forward.
It’s a great choice, as the demand for EKG Techs is increasing, and getting certified will offer you an edge over others.
In this guide, you’ll find information about the various EKG Technician Certifications, including details about the most popular certification for EKG Techs.
Stay tuned to learn more!
Also see: What is an EKG Technician
BEST and Highly Recommended EKG Technician Certification
Becoming a Certified EKG Technician can have a significant impact on your career, but which certification do employers value the most?
The Certified EKG Technician or the CET Certification from the NHA is the Gold Standard. NHA is a highly regarded certifying institution in the healthcare field, and the CET certification is widely recognized as the industry standard for EKG Technicians.
Here’s an interesting fact ->
According to a survey, a significant majority (87%) of employers strongly recommend EKG technicians pursue certification. By obtaining the CET certification, you position yourself as part of the preferred group that employers tend to favor.
It’s important to note that passing the certification exam is a requirement to become a Certified EKG Technician.
See more: Facts About EKG Technicians
How To Obtain CET Certification?
To obtain certification as an EKG Tech, follow these steps:
- Obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Enroll in an EKG Technician Training Program.
- Successfully complete the training program.
- Gain hands-on experience by conducting at least 10 EKG tests on patients.
- Register on the NHA website and schedule your CET exam.
- Prepare thoroughly for the CET exam.
- Attend the exam and pass with success.
Here’s a detailed step-by-step process to get certified -> Certified EKG Technician.
What Is the CET Exam Structure?
- The CET exam evaluates your capabilities and knowledge as an EKG Technician.
- You have the option to schedule the exam either offline at an NHA-affiliated test center or online with a proctor mode.
- It is important to remember that electronic devices, calculators, and study guides are not permitted inside the test centers.
CET Exam
- Number of Questions in Exam: 100
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Overall Passing Score: 78%
NHA utilizes a scaled scoring system, where the scores range from 200 to 500. To pass the exam, you need to achieve a minimum score of 390 or 78%.
Results: Within 2 days from the date of the exam
How Much Does the CET Exam Cost?
The CET certification exam requires a fee of $125.
Additionally, the certification must be renewed every two years, with a separate fee of $179.
For more details, go through the NHA website.
How To Renew Your CET Certification?
Once you have obtained your CET Certification, it is important to renew it every two years to ensure its validity. Failure to renew on time can result in the certification becoming void.
To renew your CET Certification, you must fulfill two requirements:
- Earn 10 Continuing Education (CE) credits every two years to maintain your certification.
- Pay the renewal fee of $179 to complete the renewal process.
See more: EKG Technician Education Requirements.
List of Other EKG Technician Certifications
CET Certification is a must if you want to stand out from the rest and boost your career as an EKG Technician.
Here are a few other certifications you can choose from.
Certified EKG Technician (CEKG) by National Workforce Career Association (NWCA)
The CEKG certification, offered by NWCA, is gaining popularity among EKG Tech professionals. If you are considering obtaining a second certification, the NWCA certification is a worthwhile option.
Similar to the CET certification, obtaining the CEKG certification requires appearing for an exam.
Exam Structure Overview
- Number of Questions in Exam: 60
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Overall Passing Score: 70%
Exam Fees: $99.00
Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
The CCT Certification tests your ability in various areas, including EKG interpretation, stress testing, Holter monitoring, and ambulatory monitoring.
Exam Structure Overview
- Number of Questions in Exam: 110
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Overall Passing Score: 75% (This can vary.)
Exam Fees: $175
Results: Approximately 15 business days after taking an exam
Renewal:
The renewal process is as follows:
First Renewal
- A credential is active for 9 – 12 months.
- There are no CEU requirements for the first renewal, only renewal fees of $165.
Triennial Renewal
- Renewal after every three years at fees of $165.
- 36 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) every 3 years.
Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
After gaining experience as an EKG tech, you can pursue specialized certification like the RCES by CCI. This certification focuses on cardiac electrophysiology procedures; involving the diagnosis and treatment of irregular heart rhythms.
Proficiency in ablation procedures, electrophysiology studies, and device implantation is required to pass.
The RCES certification examination is administered by CCI through Pearson VUE, allowing candidates to test at local testing centers.
Exam Structure Overview
- Number of Questions in Exam: 150
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Overall Passing Score: 75% (This can vary.)
Exam Fees: $365
Results: Approximately 15 business days after taking an exam
Renewal: Same as CCT by CCI
Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) By The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
Another specialized certification available is the CRAT, which is designed for technicians specializing in analyzing cardiac rhythms.
Exam Structure Overview
- Number of Questions in Exam: 110
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Overall Passing Score: 75% (This can vary.)
Exam Fees: $175
Results: Approximately 15 business days after taking an exam
Renewal: Same as CCT by CCI
EKG Technician Certification (ETC) by AMCA (American Medical Certification Association)
The EKG Technician Certification (ETC) offered by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) was granted accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) on May 11, 2018. This accreditation signifies that the ETC program meets the rigorous standards set by the NCCA for certifying programs.
Exam Structure Overview:
- Number of questions in the exam: 100
- Allotted time: 2 hours
- Modality available: Online, Paper/Pencil
- Live Remote Proctoring Available: Yes
- Exam fee: $109.00 (Study material included) Effective 9/1/23: $119
Renewal:
- every 2 years
- 10 CEUs (Cost – $158. Outside credits are accepted at $11.00 per credit hour. Which means a cost of $110.)
- Fees – $15
- Time – 21 business days
Expired certifications
- Expired certifications can be reinstated within one year with a $25.00 fee.
- Certifications expired for over a year require re-testing.
Now you must have understood why we called Certified EKG Technician (CET) Certification from the NHA the Best and Recommended it so highly for your EKG Technician Certification. It has zero complications and is the Gold standard that many EKG Technicians trust. Go for it!
Also see: Pros and Cons of Being an EKG Technician
Interested in starting your EKG Tech Career? Check out our resources & guides:
- What does an EKG Technician do?
- How Long Is EKG Technician Training?
- EKG Technician Salary
- EKG Technician Job Description
- EKG Technician Resume
- EKG Technician Jobs
- EKG Phlebotomy Technician
