CCDS (IBHRE) - Certified Cardiac Device Specialist

The Allied Professionals Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) certification validates the knowledge and skills of allied professionals working with cardiac pacer management in clinical and industry settings. The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) offers the CCDS exam, accredited by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the Allied Professionals CCDS exam, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Completed a cardiac pacing or electrophysiology training program with at least 6 months of didactic training and 6 months of hands-on training 

• Completed the Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) exam, Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam, or an equivalent exam, and at least 12 months of clinical patient experience in cardiac pacing or electrophysiology

• 2 years of experience or 100 cases in the technical setting or in the cardiac pacing or electrophysiology setting in the clinical or industry setting

Applicants must also provide:

• A letter of recommendation from an immediate supervisor, physician supervisor, or colleague on official letterhead confirming the applicant’s:

  • Current position and field of cardiac rhythm management

  • Current or past involvement in Cardiac Pacing, Electrophysiology, or Cardioversion Defibrillation

  • Years of experience

  • Exposure to cardiac rhythm management

• Certificate of completion for training programs or certifications

Completion Time: Candidates have 4 hours to complete the CCDS exam

Cost:

• First-time Candidates, Early, Member: $1230

• First-time Candidates, Early, Non-member: $1410

• First-time Candidates, Standard, Member: $1340

• First-time Candidates, Standard, Non-member: $1510

• Retake, Early, Member: $1085

• Retake, Early, Non-member: $1310

• Retake, Standard, Member: $1210

• Retake, Standard, Non-member: $1350

Exam Format

The Allied Professionals CCDS exam includes 200 multiple-choice questions and candidates have 4 hours to complete it. Exam topics include:

• Fundamentals of Electrophysiology and Electronics (5%)

• Applied Science and Technology (30%)

• Electrocardiography (4%)

• Clinical Assessment (3.5%)

• Perioperative Practice/Clinical Practice (22.5%)

• Safety (3%)

• Patient and Device Follow-Up Management (28%)

• Radiology (4%)

Test Dates

The IBHRE offers the Allied Professionals CCDS exam several times a year. IBHRE changes the dates from year to year and lists them on the CCDS page.

Application Process

Applicants can apply on the IBHRE website during the scheduled registration period. Paper applications are available upon request.

Applicants can pay by check, American Express, Visa, or MasterCard. They should make checks payable to the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners or IBHRE.

Once IBHRE accepts a candidate’s application, they receive a confirmation notice within 4 weeks. Between 4 and 6 weeks after registration closes, candidates receive information about scheduling the CCDS exam.

CCDS credentials are valid for 10 years. After 10 years, CCDS credential holders must retake the examination to continue certification. To be eligible for renewal, applicants must:

• Complete the exam by the end of the 10th year

• Confirm active involvement in the field of cardiac rhythm management

• Pay renewal fee

Renewal Fees

• Renewal, Early, Member: $1085

• Renewal, Early, Non-member: $1310

• Renewal, Standard, Member: $1210

• Renewal, Standard, Non-member: $1350

After 5 years, CCDSs must complete 45 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in at least three different exam content outline areas. The processing fee is $79.

CEUs must be completed and submitted by December 1st of the 5th year of certification. Applicable CEU activities can be in any combination of the following categories:

• Continuing Medical Education (CME) or Continuing Education (CE)

• IBHRE Committee Service

• Lecture/Presentation

• Publications

• College or University Credit

• Industry Training

• Industry Sponsored Education Presentation

For full information, refer to the Verification of CEU policy.

• Computer-Based Testing Tutorials

• Certification Handbook

• Exam Content Outline

• CCDS Reading List

• IBHRE’s Cardiac Device Course - 18 modules based on the CCDS examination for $399

Other certifications related to electrophysiology include:

• Allied Professional Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS)

• Allied Professionals Cardiac Device Remote Monitoring Specialist (CDRMS)

• Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES)

• Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT)

• Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT)