CRES (AAMI) - Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist

The Certified Radiology Equipment Specialists (CRES) credential is offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). CRESs serve a vital role in the clinical setting. As professionals who test and troubleshoot medical devices, individuals must have knowledge of and experience working with a variety of different devices, software, and technologies. The CRES certification process helps to ensure that individuals demonstrate competence and can even help you boost your professional resume. 

The CRES certification allows individuals to demonstrate competence and ensures minimum safety standards across the workforce. Those who work as a CRES should have knowledge and experience relating to a variety of imaging devices, computers, and other healthcare technologies. To obtain a CRES certification, individuals must meet eligibility requirements and pass the certification exam. 

Cost

Obtaining CRES certification through AAMI requires test-takers to pay an exam fee of $350 for AAMI members and $400 for non-members. Includes $100 non-refundable fee.

Re-take fee is $275 for members and $325 for non-members. There is an extra $100 fee for international candidates.

Fee for rescheduling the exam more than five business days before exam date is $50. Rescheduling less than five business days before the exam date, exam fees are forfeited.

The AAMI testing windows for 2022 are May 1 – 15, 2023 and November 1 – 15, 2022. These are the only times that the test is offered for the year.

The CRES certification exam is made up of 165 multiple-choice questions and is given during a three hour time block. This is a closed book exam in which cell phones and other electronics are not permitted in the testing room. You will be given a simple calculator to use during the exam. 

The exam content can be broken down as follows:

• Anatomy & Physiology - 10%

• Public Safety in the Healthcare Facility - 10%

• Fundamentals of Electricity & Electronics - 10%

• Healthcare Technology and Function - 25%

• Healthcare Technology Problem Solving - 25%

• Healthcare Information Technology - 20%

To be considered eligible to sit for the CRES certification exam, individuals must have a minimum education of an associate’s degree with BMET work experience. There are four main educational routes to meeting the criteria to sit for the CRES certification exam:

1. Associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology + two years of BMET work experience (full time)

2. U.S. military biomedical equipment technology program + two years of BMET work experience (full time)

3. Associate’s degree in electronics technology + three years of BMET work experience (full time)

4. Four years of BMET work experience (full time)

Application Process

Once you’ve determined that you meet the minimum eligibility requirements to sit for the CRES certification exam, you can begin the application process. Apply online and submit your payment. Your application will be reviewed and processed to ensure eligibility. 

If deemed eligible, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for registering for the exam. This computer-based exam must be taken at an exam site during one of the two testing windows for the year. If you are not deemed eligible, you will receive information on when you’ll be considered eligible and what components of your application were incomplete.

To maintain CRES Certification through AAMI, certificants must complete 30 continuing education credits (CEUs) during the three year certification cycle. There are six different CEU categories:

1. Earning an additional certification that is HTM-related

2. Roles in leadership

3. Educational content development

4. Professional development

5. College/university courses

6. Work experience

Keep track of your CEUs as you complete them by documenting them in your online AAMI account. Once all 30 of your CEUs have been documented, you can submit them for approval along with the renewal fee. 

Renewal Fees: $100 for members and $150 for non-members. If renewing more than one certification, there is a $50 additional fee per certification. If renewing after December 31st, the reactivation fee is $100.

Review the AAMI Certification Handbook for a further breakdown of information regarding the CRES certification, including exam content, eligibility requirements, and renewal information. CRES training and certification can be obtained through a couple of different organizations, including AAMI, RSTI, and RETA. It is always recommended that individuals review study resources prior to sitting for the exam. AAMI offers training material and courses through its website. 

CRES certification can open the door to new employment opportunities for those who already work as a Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET). The machinery that is used in the hospital and clinical setting plays an incredibly important role, making it vital that there are team members who specialize in using this equipment. CRES certificants are competent in troubleshooting, testing, and calibrating healthcare machinery and devices. 

The AAMI also offers the following:

• Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET)

• Certified Industrial Sterilization Specialist (CISS)

• Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology (CABT)

• Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM)