NCET (NCCT) - National Certified ECG Technician

The National Certified ECG Technician (NCET) certification is provided by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). The NCET is a professional credential for healthcare professionals who specialize in performing electrocardiograms (ECGs). This certification demonstrates proficiency in ECG administration, interpretation, and understanding cardiac anatomy and physiology.

Completion Time: 3 hours

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• Completion of an ECG or Cardiovascular Technician program accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or an equivalent educational pathway.

• Alternatively, a specified amount of work experience in ECG technology, as defined by the certifying organization.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Cost: $119

Exam Format

The NCET exam typically consists of 125 multiple-choice questions (plus 25 unscored pretest questions) covering areas such as ECG techniques, interpretation, patient preparation, and equipment operation.

The exam assesses theoretical knowledge as well as practical understanding in ECG technology.

Certification Process

Apply for the NCET through a certifying organization like the NCCT.

Pass the NCET certification examination with a scaled score of 70.

NCET certification requires yearly renewal. The credential remains valid for five years from the certification issue date. If you do not complete the annual requirements for five consecutive years, the certification becomes invalid.

Renewal Fee:

• $89 to recertify a single NCCT certification

• $118 when recertifying 2 or more certifications at the same time

Renewal typically involves completing continuing education credits in ECG or related healthcare topics and paying a recertification fee.

Annual CE/CEU requirement:

• NCET requires 12 contact hours (CH)

• If NCET is held with TS-C credential, the annual CH defaults to 14

• If NCET is held with any other NCCT credential that is not TS-C, the requirement remains 12 CH

Continuing education for NCETs may include advanced ECG interpretation, updates in cardiovascular technology, patient care techniques, and professional ethics.

• Candidate Handbook

• Exam Review Materials

• Test Plan

Career Opportunities

• National Certified ECG Technicians work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, cardiology offices, and diagnostic labs.

• Responsibilities include performing ECGs, preparing patients for testing, maintaining ECG equipment, and assisting physicians with interpretation and diagnosis.

For specific information regarding National Certified ECG Technician certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, approved educational programs, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with certifying organizations such as the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). These organizations provide comprehensive resources and standards for ECG technicians seeking certification.

The NCCT also offers the following certifications:

• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

• National Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)

• National Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT)

• National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT)

• National Certified Insurance & Coding Specialist (NCICS)

• Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C)

• Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

Other related certifications include:

• National Telemetry Certification (NTA)

• NHA Certified EKG Technician (CET)