RCES (CCI) - Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist

The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) board awards the Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) credential.

The RCES examination recognizes healthcare professionals specializing in cardiology and electrophysiology. Certified RCESs perform diagnostic and therapeutic studies of the heart. They assist doctors in the electrophysiology lab by performing preprocedural, intraprocedural, and postprocedural activities. Tasks that cardiac electrophysiology specialists perform include:

• Obtain, analyze, and interpret ECG/EGM measurements

• Assist with implantation of cardiac devices (such as pacemakers and defibrillators)

• Obtain, analyze, and interpret radiographic and non-radiographic images (such as MRI, Ultrasound, and 3D mapping)

• Teach patients about cardiac procedures

• Identify and manage complications during cardiac procedures

Electrophysiology technicians, respiratory therapists, nurses, and others working in cardiac units are uniquely prepared to seek this certification.

Test Format

The RCES certification exam is a three-hour timed, computerized exam with 170 multiple-choice questions. Only 150 items are scored, and 20 are used as pretest items to gather statistical data for future use.

The test format includes non-traditional multiple-choice questions such as select multiple answers, hot spot, and drag-and-drop items.

CCI administers the RCES certification examination through a third-party vendor called Pearson VUE. Candidates can test in person at a local testing center. The RCES exam fee is $365.

The test is updated every five years to keep the content relevant to current practices.

To become a board-certified RCES, candidates must meet education and experience requirements, then pass a certification exam. Here are steps that one might follow to obtain the RCES certification.

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent certificate.

2. Attend a certification program or go to college for a two or 4-year degree in a healthcare field such as nursing or therapy.

3. Become licensed and begin working to gain professional experience.

4. Work in a cardiology setting to gain experience in electrophysiology.

5. Apply for the RCES exam.

6. Study and pass the exam to earn the RCES credential.

Applicants for the RCES certification exam must provide proof that they have met one of the following requirements:

• Two years of full-time work experience in diagnostic and interventional cardiac electrophysiology

• Graduate in a health science program (ultrasound, respiratory therapy, nursing, or paramedic/EMT) plus one year of full-time work experience in electrophysiology

• Graduate from a non-accredited program plus 800 clinical hours in electrophysiology

• Graduate from an accredited program in electrophysiology

The board expects applicants to have participated in at least 200 cardiac studies and 300 device implants in their work or clinical experience. They also anticipate applicants will have experience with advanced mapping.

New credentials are active for 9-12 months after passing the RCES exam. After the first renewal, credentials are renewed every three years.

The fee to renew the RCES certification is $165.

There is no continuing education unit (CEU) requirements for the first renewal. The credential holder must sign a verification of Code of Ethics compliance and pay the renewal fee.

Renewal requirements for the subsequent triennial renewals include:

• 36 CEUs, including 30 related to the field of cardiology

• Renewal fee

• Code of Ethics compliance

If the credential holder fails to meet CEU requirements, they may retake the exam to recertify.

Upon successful renewal, the board provides a triennial certificate wallet card.

Next Steps

The next step for board-certified RCES professionals looking to further their experience and expertise might consider certification through the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE).

• Exam Overview

• Sample verification letters for employment, students and clinical

• Self-Assessment Practice Exam (Cost: $55)

• Information on testing with Pearson VUE

The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) also offers the following:

• Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS)

• Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT)

• Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS)

• Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)

• Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)

• Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhs)

• Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS)

Other related certifications from the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) include:

• Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) certification validates the knowledge and skills of professionals working with cardiac arrhythmias, ablation, and electrophysiological studies.

• Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) validates the knowledge and skills of allied professionals working with cardiac pacer management in clinical and industry settings.

• Cardiac Device Remote Monitoring Specialist (CDRMS) validates the knowledge and skills of professionals using Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) to care for patients with cardiac disorders, including cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs).