RDCS - PE - RDCS: Pediatric Echocardiography (ARDMS)

The Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) certification in Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) is a specialized credential for sonographers focusing on cardiac ultrasound for pediatric patients. Administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), this certification validates a sonographer's expertise in performing and interpreting echocardiograms in infants, children and adolescents. PE certification is designed for professionals committed to providing accurate, high-quality diagnostic images to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired heart diseases in pediatric patients.

Eligibility

To sit for the RDMS-BR examination, first-time applicants must select a prerequisite meeting their education and clinical experience, which includes:

• Prerequisite 1: Complete a 2-year patient-care-related allied health education program and 12 months of full-time clinical ultrasound experience

• Prerequisite 2: Graduated from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) education program that conducts programmatic accreditation for diagnostic medical sonography.

• Prerequisite 3A: Bachelor’s degree in any major and 12 months of full-time clinical ultrasound experience

• Prerequisite 3B: Bachelor’s degree in sonography technology.

• Prerequisite 5: Hold active Sonography certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Completion Time: 3 hours

Cost: $275, includes a nonrefundable $100 processing fee

Exam Format

Earning the RDCS credential with PE specialty requires passing the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and the PS exam within 5 years. Both exams initially receive a Pass/Fail grade, but test takers also receive a scaled score, ranging from 300 to 700, with a score of 555 required to pass on all ARDMS exams.

The PE exam contains 145 multiple-choice questions, including hotspot questions. Applicants have 3 hours to complete the exam. The PS exam is only offered during select periods each year, with current details available on the ARDMS site.

Application Process

• Log into your online ARDMS account and choose “Apply Online.”

• Complete the online application form and submit payment.

• Choose a prerequisite under which to apply if you’re a first-time applicant.

• Gather supporting documentation and submit it with the application

• Upload documentation to your ARDMS account, click the “My Resources” tab, then “Upload Documents.”

• Receive an email containing an Examination Confirmation Letter.

• Contact Pearson VUE to schedule the BR exam during the 90-day eligibility period.

PE certification must be renewed annually by remaining in good standing and attesting that you’re in compliance with all ARDMS policies. Renewal includes accruing the required number of ARDMS-accepted credit hours every 3 years, with all hours completed by the end of the appropriate three-year Continuing Medical Education (CME) period.

Renewal Fees

Renewal fees must be paid online with a credit card. Renewal fees are due annually and include:

• $95 due by December 31st

• $95 + $150 Administrative Fee for late renewals submitted by February 28/29th

• $95 + $300 Reinstatement Fee for late renewals submitted by August 1st

PE certification holders must complete CME requirements in 3-year cycles. The minimum required number of ARDMS/APCA-accepted CMEs to maintain the PE certification is 30 if renewal is submitted by the December 31st deadline. For those who renew late after the February 28/29th deadline, CME credits increase to 40.

ARDMS offers an RDMS-PS Practice Test simulating the computer interface used in the actual test center. This practice test review has 30 sample questions, is 30 minutes long and costs $45. Applicants may register for the practice test from their online account. Other ARDMS resources include:

• Practice Test FAQs

• PE Exam Content Outline

• Advanced Item Type Question Preparation

• Video on How to Answer Hotspot Questions

The ARDMS also offers the following certifications:

• RDMS Abdomen (AB)

• RDMS Breast (BE)

• RDCS/RDMS Fetal Echocardiography (FE)

• RDMS Pediatric Sonography (PS)

• RDMS Musculoskeletal Sonography (RDMS-RMSKS)

• Registered Vascular Technologist - Vascular Technology (RVT - VT)

• RDMS Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)

• Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI)