Allied Professionals Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) Exam
The IBHRE Test Writing Committee, in collaboration with the testing agency, designed the CCDS certification examination.
All new certifications are valid for four (4) years after which certified Specialists must enroll in the IBHRE continuous competency program.
About IBHRE Exams:
Please see the chart below for the number of items (questions) and exam breaks.
| Exam Name | Exam Duration | Exam Sections & Breaks | Exam Items |
| Cardiac Device Remote Monitoring Specialist (CDRMS) | 210 minutes | 2 exam sections; 1 break (5 minutes between sections) | 150 |
| Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) | 240 minutes | 4 exam sections; 3 breaks (6 minutes between sections) | 200 |
| Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) | 240 minutes | 4 exam sections; 3 breaks (6 minutes between sections) | 200 |
| Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Adult (CEPS-A) | 240 minutes | 4 exam sections; 3 breaks, (5 minutes between sections) | 175 |
| Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Pediatric (CEPS-P) | 240 minutes | 4 exam sections; 3 breaks, (5 minutes between sections) | 175 |
IMPORTANT NOTE: Following completion of each section you may not return to a previous section. There is a hard time-limit allocated to each section.
About the Exam Content:
This examination assesses essential clinical knowledge relevant to supporting the implanting of pacemakers and ICDs and patient follow up.
Candidates are expected to have broad knowledge in three general areas:
- Basic science
- Applied science and technology
- Technology, clinical practice, diagnosis, interpretation and management of tachyarrhythmias, and bradyarrhythmias
For the exam content outline and general information, review IBHRE's Candidate Handbook.
Target Audience:
Allied professionals involved in cardiac pacing device management, procedures, and follow ups in the clinical or industry setting may be eligible for the exam. Allied professionals include:
- Nurses
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- EP/lab technicians
- Technicians
- Technologists
- Engineers
- Scientists
- Therapists
- Educators
- Research associates
- Clinical specialists
- Sales representatives
Disclaimer:
The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners does not condone discrimination with regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in enrollment or employment, nor in the educational programs it operates. The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners seeks to make all programs and services, including electronic and information technology, accessible to people with disabilities. In this spirit, and in accordance with the provisions of Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Board provides healthcare professionals with reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to the programs and activities of the Board.