Allied Professionals Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) Exam

The IBHRE Test Writing Committee in collaboration with testing agency, Prometric, designed the CCDS certification examination. As of fall 2023, all exam development and administration will be facilitated by IBHRE's testing vendor, PSI.

Effective 2022, all newly certified individuals will participate in IBHRE-C3 to maintain certification. Individuals due to recertify 2021-2031 (CCDS, CEPS, CEPS-A, CEPS-P) have the option to recertify via a comprehensive exam or IBHRE-C3. 

Questions about IBHRE-C3? Contact IBHRE at C3@ibhre.org.

MORE ABOUT C3

About IBHRE Exams:

Please see the chart below for the number of items (questions) and exam breaks.

Exam Name Exam Duration Exam Breaks Exam Items
Cardiac Device Remote Monitoring Specialist (CDRMS) 210 minutes Sections = 2, one break total 5-minute break between sections 150
Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) 240 minutes Sections = 4, three breaks total, 5-minute break between sections 200
Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) 240 minutes Sections = 4, three breaks total, 5-minute break between sections 200
Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Adult (CEPS-A) 240 minutes Sections = 4, three breaks total, 5-minute break between sections 175
Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Pediatric (CEPS-P) 240 minutes Sections = 4, three breaks total, 5-minute break 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:

EXAM ELIGIBILITY POLICY

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 more information, please click here to access 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.

Achieving Global Excellence in Heart Rhythm Management