RPhs (CCI) - Registered Phlebology Sonographer

The Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS) certification is provided by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). This credential is for professionals working in the area of venous ultrasound (phlebology). 

This certification is recommended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and venous vascular ultrasound technologists who are interested in undergoing further training to become a registered vascular technician or specialist. The RPhS designates that the Registered Phlebology Sonographer training plus additional training and CME credits. RPhS holders are experts in caring for patients with vein issues like varicose veins and venous insufficiency. 

Costs

Exam fee: $365, includes a $100 non-refundable fee. The pre-application fee is $50.

The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions that must be taken in three hours.

Eligibility

Many types of eligibility are delineated on the CCI webpage for non-degree holders all the way up to physicians.

In general, the eligibility requirements are:

• An associate, baccalaureate, or other advanced degree in a health science or allied health area.  

• Some applicants need 36 CEUs in the last four years (from the date of application) documented in venous disease, ultrasound diagnosis, or vascular anatomy. 

• Some applicants need varying levels of diagnostic ultrasound experience in venous disease indicated by performing or directly supervising a certain number of venous studies (it varies) within the two years prior to application. A notarized letter from a supervisor indicating the number of studies performed will be needed.

• Some applicants must already hold certification through the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine or hold an active RVS, RVT, or RPVI credential. 

• Copy of medical license, registered nurse, etc. 

Once eligibility requirements are met, applying for the RPhS exam requires a criminal background check and completing an application for the exam online.

Recertification or renewal of the RPhS credential happens in two ways:

The first renewal cycle: 

New registrants are required to pay their first renewal before the first day of the same quarter when the credential was earned the following year.  After the first renewal, the credential is renewed every three years.  There are no CEU requirements for the first renewal, only a renewal fee (currently $165), and a signature of compliance with the code of ethics is required.

Second Renewal:

Maintenance of an active credential requires the submission of renewal fees, signature of compliance with the CCI Code of Ethics, and completion of CEUs every three years. The total number of CEUs required depends upon the level of the registrant (education level, etc.). Most of these CEUs must be cardiovascular related.  

The CCI offers resources for exam candidates to prepare for the certification exam, including a candidate handbook, exam overview and a self-assessment practice exam for $55.

The CCI also offers the following:

• Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS)

• Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)

• Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS)

• Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS)

• Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT)

• Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES)

• Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)

• Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT)