Steps to Certification
Heart rhythm management practitioners pursuing IBHRE certification undergo a comprehensive review and examination process that measures their skills and knowledge in the field of heart rhythm management. Candidates complete the following process to earn an IBHRE credential:
Step 1: Choose Your Certification
The first step in the IBHRE certification process is to identify the certification specialty that you'd like to pursue. IBHRE offers certifications in five specialty areas:
- Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS)
- Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS)
- Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Adult (CEPS-A)
- Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Pediatric (CEPS-P)
- Cardiac Device Remote Monitoring Specialist (CDRMS)
- Certified Cardiac Device Specialist - Japan Device Representative (CCDS-JDR) - Note: IBHRE does not manage the CCDS-JDR application/registration process. Click here for more information.
Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for IBHRE certification and are contingent upon the certification that you are pursuing. Please click on the link below to access eligibility policies:
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Candidates start their certification journey by completing an online application. Applications are accepted during pre-determined registration window only. Late applications are not accepted; there are no exceptions. Check IBHRE's Exam Calendar for more information.
Required Supporting Documentation
Application submissions must be accompanied by the full application fee and required documentation that confirms applicant's eligibility. Required documentation for each certification is listed on the eligibility policy pages linked above.
Step 4: Schedule Your Exam Appointment
Approximately six (6) weeks after registration closes, applicants receive an email notification with instructions on how to schedule their exam appointment at the nearest available PSI testing site.
The computer-based multiple-choice exam is delivered at PSI testing centers across the world.
Step 5: Sit for the IBHRE Exam
- Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes before your exam appointment. Candidates who are late will not be permitted to sit for the exam.
- Bring the following with you:
- A valid, unexpired government-issued ID, such as:
- Passport
- State-Issued ID
- Driver's License
- Military ID
- Citizenship Card
- A valid, unexpired government-issued ID, such as:
Step 6: Wait for Your Exam Results
Candidates will receive emailed instructions for retrieving score reports approximately 12 weeks after the testing period ends to allow for post-examination analysis conducted by IBHRE's testing vendor and subject matter experts.
IBHRE will not mail or email results. It is highly recommended that candidates download and save a copy of their score report. Successful examinees will receive emailed instructions for retrieving their certificates approximately 30 days after scores are released.