In case you consider becoming an electrocardiogram technician, you are suggested to first get acquainted with his/her duties and responsibilities.
This is someone who administers the electrocardiogram (EKG), that is, a procedure that is used to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity and to identify irregularities.
Just like all the other medical providers, EKG technicians are required to pass a nationally recognized certifying exam to be allowed to get employed.
The reason why this certification is important and requires is that it demonstrates that an EKG technician has reached the necessary competence and is able to provide the highest level of care possible.
Now, you may wonder which certification to choose, as there are numerous EKG Certification options available.
Individuals who plan to pursue a career as an EKG technician, before taking a certification exam, should get in touch with potential employers and learn more about the certification option that they require.
We know that you will need to invest the time and effort in obtaining credentials and meet the standards required by the facility where you will, once become a technician, seek employment.
It is our suggestion to verify expectations prior to completing a training course and sitting for an Getting a certificate is the best way in securing a higher salary along with a broader array of career advancement opportunities.
EKG Certification Organizations and Exams
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and it is created with the main goal to demonstrate that technicians are capable of setting up and administering EKGs and stress tests, preparing patients for Holter monitoring, editing and delivering results to healthcare professionals, scheduling appointments, and transcribing physician interpretations.
Upon successful completion of the NHA exam in the Certified EKG Technician (CET) credential, which consists of 110 questions that must be completed within 1 hour 50 minutes, you will become a more attractive and preferred candidate for employment, while at the same time, your skills and qualities will be verified and confirmed.
The cost of the exam is $105 and the minimum passing score is 390.
Not everyone can take this exam, and in order to be eligible candidates must:
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Successfully complete a training program or 12 months of work experience which must include at least 10 successful EKGs
- Written proof of training or experience
NHA Exam Resource Links
- Candidate Handbook
- EKG Certification Materials
- Test Plan
- Additional resources are available on the organization’s website.
Another kind of certification is available through the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) – the organization that has been one of the credentialing industry professionals since 1968 and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under the ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 Program.
The CCI offers a wide variety of EKG Certification exams for both generalists and specialists and. Individuals who are eager to get certified should complete the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) examination prior to pursuing the more specialized options.
The CCT exam is designed specifically for individuals who work in the areas of ECG, stress testing, and Holter monitoring and it consists of 130 multiple-choice questions.
The cost of the exam is $160 and it requires a minimum passing score of 650.
In order to be eligible to take this certification exam, candidates must:
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:
- Currently enrolled in a training program
- Currently employed or previously employed in the field
- Completed a graduate or undergraduate degree in science or physical health
- Volunteer service of at least 2 years in the field
- Supporting documentation of qualification fulfillment
CCI Exam Resource Links
