Currently, there isn’t a licensing exam in the US that is recognized by all 50 states like the NCLEX for nurses. However, there are organizations that give out certification exams throughout the year, either on-demand or windowed time periods, which are recognized throughout the country. The most prominent organization that gives out this exam is the ARDMS – The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. In the ARDMS certifies both general sonographers and sonographers with specializations.
What is ARRT?
The American Registry for Radiologic Techologists (ARRT) works hand in hand with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) to accredit sonography programs offered by educational institutions. While there are hundreds of schools and organizations that offer sonography education in the US, only 200 are accredited by the CAAHEP or recognized by the ARRT.
The ARDMS does not require students to graduate from accredited or recognized schools but the prerequisites for the certification exam are accomplished much easier and faster if the sonographer graduated from an accredited program. Sonographers who completed accredited programs also have higher success rates for passing the exam that those who do not. Accredited and recognized schools offer better training compared to non-accredited programs because they have passed the standards set by the CAAHEP, ARDMS, and ARRT for sonography curricula.
The ARDMS does not require students to graduate from accredited or recognized schools but the prerequisites for the certification exam are accomplished much easier and faster if the sonographer graduated from an accredited program. Sonographers who completed accredited programs also have higher success rates for passing the exam that those who do not. Accredited and recognized schools offer better training compared to non-accredited programs because they have passed the standards set by the CAAHEP, ARDMS, and ARRT for sonography curricula.
What is SPI?
Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) is one of the examinations offered by the ARMDS. Sonographers are required to pass the SPI exam and a specialization exam (within five years of each other) in order to receive an ARDMS credential. This is one of the basic examinations sonographers need to pass before they can take other examinations from the ARDMS. The exam is completed over 2 hours for 110 questions.
However, sonographers who are active registrants of the ARDMS do not need to retake the SPI exam to keep other credentials current or valid. The SPI exam is only taken if a sonographer wants to earn another credential for another specialization. The test covers basic principles and instrumentation of sonography, information that all sonographers – no matter what specialty – should know extensively.
In order to apply for SPI examinations, a sonographer needs to submit a transcript that reflects successful completion of a sonography program with an average of C or greater or a CME certificate that for a minimum of 12 ARDMS-accepted ultrasound CME credits. CME certificates should be earned within two years of the application to take the SPI exam. For SPI examination re-applicants, the prerequisites should meet re-application prerequisites.
However, sonographers who are active registrants of the ARDMS do not need to retake the SPI exam to keep other credentials current or valid. The SPI exam is only taken if a sonographer wants to earn another credential for another specialization. The test covers basic principles and instrumentation of sonography, information that all sonographers – no matter what specialty – should know extensively.
In order to apply for SPI examinations, a sonographer needs to submit a transcript that reflects successful completion of a sonography program with an average of C or greater or a CME certificate that for a minimum of 12 ARDMS-accepted ultrasound CME credits. CME certificates should be earned within two years of the application to take the SPI exam. For SPI examination re-applicants, the prerequisites should meet re-application prerequisites.