ARDMS

The Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) credential, developed in response to requests from physicians in the vascular surgery and in vascular medicine communities, documents the highest standard in vascular ultrasound interpretation. To be eligible for a RPVI credential, you must first meet specific educational and professional experience requirements. You must then pass the Physicians' Vascular Interpretation (PVI) examination, which is four hours long and contains 200 multiple-choice questions.  

Important Announcement Regarding Discontinuation of On-Demand Testing: 

May 31, 2013 will be the last day to apply for on demand testing of the PVI examination. Individuals who apply prior to the May 31 deadline will be able to schedule their examination at anytime during their eligibility period. If you have already applied for and received your eligibility to sit for the PVI examination, you may schedule your examination at any time during your eligibility period. 

Beginning November 2013, the RPVI credentialing examination will be administered during select times of the year. Applications for the first administration (November 14-December 16, 2013) will be accepted August 14, 2013-October 14-2013. Click here or visit ARDMS.org/RPVIschedule for the most updated list of administration and application dates. Click here to view the press release.

SIGN UP NOW! Receive the latest updates about the RPVI credentialing examination and alerts of upcoming application and administration dates.

Click on the links below to obtain more information to help you apply, schedule and prepare to take the PVI examination.

APPLY

• Request the RPVI How to Apply Guide
• View the RPVI How to Apply Guide
• Review the Application Virtual Table of Contents
• View the prerequisites for the PVI examination
• Apply for the PVI examination
• View PVI Sample Letters
• View the PVI Application Checklist - You can also view the status of your application through the secure MY ARDMS website.

SCHEDULE

• View the RPVI Schedule Page
• Schedule the PVI Examination

PREPARE

• Review the PVI Content Outline
• Take the PVI Practice Examination
• Learn About Advanced Item Type Questions
   

Hotspot Questions on the PVI Examination

In December 2012, the PVI examination began featuring hotspot questions, in addition to the existing multiple choice questions.  Hotspot item (question) types display an image and question and require the examinee to indicate the correct answer by using the cursor to mark directly on the image. Hotspot questions measure the examinee's knowledge, skills and abilities in a format that closely relates to clinical practice. Visit the Advanced Item Types landing page to read more about these types of questions and watch a tutorial on how to answer a hotspot question.

How the RPVI and RVT Credentials Differ:

The RPVI credential, offered exclusively to physicians, validates the clinical expertise fundamental to vascular sonography interpretation, and recognizes the skills and knowledge required for making consistent and reliable diagnoses in vascular disease. The RPVI credential meets the physician training and experience criteria for the IAC/ ICAVL accreditation process. The Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) credential assesses the competency needed to perform a vascular sonography scan.