Allied Professionals Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) Exam
The IBHRE Test Writing Committee in collaboration with testing agency, Prometric, designed the CCDS certification examination. Beginning this fall (2023), all exam development and administration will be facilitated by IBHRE's new 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.
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:
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.