So as to become a licensed EKG technician, it is important that you take and pass an EKG or ECG certification exam.
These are tests on which you need to provide the knowledge and skills of your use of the electrocardiogram, a machine that collects data about the heart’s activity.
The machine is usually administered by a cardiographic technician.
Page Navigation
EKG Certification Exam Options
If you are interested in taking the EKG certification exam, you would be glad to know that various organizations offer certifications for EKG operation.
Cardiographic technicians are not the only healthcare professionals who use EKGs, even though they are certainly the specialists who most often administer the EKG tests.
Other professionals who may use EKGs include nurses and doctors, so these are people who already have healthcare training and education, which usually involves teaching in the use of an EKG machine.
In the USA, there are no regulations requiring a person who uses an EKG machine to be certified.
Still, many employers tend to ask for certification, as a requirement for cardiographic technicians.
By gaining certification, you will become a more attractive and preferred candidate.
You may seek EKG certification from various organizations, including the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Important Facts About EKG Certification
Prerequisites – High school diploma or GED, verified experience or completion of approved ECG course
Online Availability – Fully available
Continuing Education – NCCT certification renewal requires 14 credit hours a year; NHA certification renewal requires 10 credit hours every two years
Possible Careers – Cardiographic technician, cardiovascular technologist
NCCT Certification
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) offers the National Certified ECG Technician (NCET) designation.
Being that this is an independent organization that offers various certifications for professionals within the medical field, you can decide to take the NCET exam, as well.
The NCET exam is designed so as to test the applicant’s knowledge of the ECG (EKG), its proper operation, and test result analysis.
However, not everyone is eligible to take the test, as you have to qualify for it.
You may be currently enrolled, have graduated from an approved ECG program within the past five years, or have at least one year of verifiable full-time work experience as an ECG technician within the past 5 years so as to be considered an appropriate candidate for the test.
Passing of the exam, is not the end of your education, to maintain your certification, you must pay a renewal fee and show proof of continuing education yearly.
NHA Certification
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers you the chance to earn the Certified EKG Technician (CET) designation.
The certification exam from the NHA is not available to every person.
To be eligible to take the CET exam, you must earn a high school diploma or equivalent and have documented proof of the performance of 10 EKG tests through a training program or work experience.
The exam consists of 100 questions and covers topics including the cardiovascular system, medical terminology, EKG interpretation, EKG equipment, patient rights, and professionalism.
The certification has to be renewed by showing proof of at least 10 continuing education credits every two years.
