CPSGT (BRPT) - Certified Polysomnographic Technician

The Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) credential, offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT), is an entry-level certification for individuals specializing in polysomnography who are new to the field. Polysomnography involves the study and monitoring of sleep patterns and disorders. This certification demonstrates foundational knowledge and skills in conducting and interpreting sleep studies.

Eligibility

The CPSGT exam is for individuals new to polysomnography with limited clinical experience or who aren’t ready to tackle the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) exam. Applicants have three eligibility pathways:

• Pathway 1: At least 3 months of clinical experience in polysomnography plus completion of a Sleep Technology Approved Resource (STAR) Self-Study program.

• Pathway 2: Within 2 months of graduation from or have graduated from a polysomnography technology education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

• Pathway 3: Completion of STAR-designated Focused education or a mix of Self-Study and Focused 2 education.

Applicants must also possess current CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare workers

Completion Time: 2 hours

Cost:

• $300 exam fee, includes a nonrefundable $50 processing fee

• $50 reprocessing fee for incomplete applications

• $100 no-show fee for missing exam without canceling

Exam Format

The CPSGT exam features 75 multiple-choice questions, with 60 contributing to the score and 15 unscored pretest questions. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam, with the topic areas and their weight including:

• Sleep Study Preparation and Performance (45%)

• Sleep Physiology Recognition and Summary (30%)

• Therapeutic Treatment and Intervention (25%)

Key Knowledge Areas:

• Sleep apnea, including diagnostic criteria and practice parameters

• Testing procedures for sleep apnea in adults and children

• Scoring rules and EEG waveform analysis

• Sleep, respiratory, and cardiac physiology

• Troubleshooting and interventions and treatment/CPAP therapy

• Identifying the need for bilevel therapy and supplemental oxygen

Once approved to take the CPSGT, candidates may take it up two times (full exam fee required on each attempt) on-demand based on the local testing center’s availability.

Raw scores from the CPSGT exam are converted to a scaled score between 200 and 500, with a minimum of 350 required as a passing score.

Application Process

Complete the CPSGT exam application

Submit proof of completion of STAR education or graduation from the CAAHEP or CoARC polysomnography program

Submit documentation of current CPR/BLS certification for healthcare workers

Receive approval to test notice via email within 10 business days of the BRPT office receiving a complete application packet

Schedule a testing appointment with Pearson VUE

CPSGT certification is good for 3 years and isn’t renewable. Within this 3-year window, CPSGTs are expected to earn the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) credential.

Although the CPSGT credential isn’t renewable, those holding this certification must complete 10 sleep-related continuing education (CE) credits in each of the 3 years they hold it. CPSGTs must submit their CE credits annually using BRPT’s online certificant portal. CPSGTs who don’t obtain and enter the required CE credits each year have their certification suspended and there isn’t any way to reinstate it.

• CPSGT Handbook

• CPSGT Exam Blueprint

• CPSGT Exam Prep

CPSGTs are expected to earn the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) credential within the 3 years they hold their entry-level certification.