CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS - Sleep Disorders Specialist
- $300
- Renews every 5 year
COURSE FORMAT
About
The sleep disorder specialist (SDS) scores and performs polysomnography (sleep studies) to assist with diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.
The SDS examination tests on knowledge related to facilitating testing, summarizing results, and assisting with the implementation of treatment plans.
How to Qualify for the Sleep Disorders Specialist Exam
To qualify for the examination, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
Be either a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and have completed a CoARC (Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) program that includes a sleep add-on track
Have 6 months of experience as a CRT before applying for the SDS exam
Have 3 months of experience as an RRT before applying for the SDS exam
Applying for the Examination
Applications can be completed online through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NRBC) or through a paper application. Applications are accepted at any time without deadlines. Applications completed online will receive an immediate response to allow scheduling of the exam. Paper applications may take 10 business days to process. Once accepted, the exam must be scheduled within 90 days.
Cost
The initial examination fee is $300. There is a one-time $40 discount for American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) members.
Re-examination fee is $250.
For international candidates only, there is a $150 assessment center fee.
Course Format
Exam Format
Exams are computer-based and offered through PSI testing centers. Live Remote Proctoring is also available.
Renewal
Credential Maintenance Program
The SDS credential is awarded for a 5-year period. There are three options to maintain the certification:
Earn an additional NBRC credential
Complete quarterly assessments and/or submit CEs. Performance on the assessment will determine whether or not CEs are required (up to 30 CEs)
Pass the examination again
Assessments are multiple-choice timed questions with an open-book policy. The SDS assessment contains 5 questions for each quarter and can be completed online from any device.
The fee for the Credentialing Maintenance Program (CMP) is $125 to cover the 5 year period, collected in $25 increments each year. If choosing to retake the SDS exam or another NBRC credentialing exam, only the fee for the exam will apply. The fee for retaking the SDS exam is $250.
Other Resources
The NBRC offers the following resources for exam candidates:
The NBRC offers the following resources for renewal:
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Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the SDS exam?
There are 180 multiple-choice questions, 20 of which are pretest items.
Where do SDSs work?
Most sleep disorder specialists are employed in inpatient hospitals and free-standing sleep centers.
What’s the difference between CRT and RRT?
Both are respiratory therapists and can perform the same functions through a CRT is an entry-level certification while an RRT is a more advanced certification.
What are some certifications I can pursue after obtaining CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS certification?
You can pursue Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), among others.
Can I earn a Sleep Disorders Specialist (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS) online?
Yes you can earn a Sleep Disorders Specialist (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS) online.