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CME Audit FAQs |
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1. What is the ARDMS five-year policy?
2. I submitted my online application a week ago and would like to know when I can take the
examination?
3. I received my examination confirmation letter. I noticed that I applied for the wrong examination.
4. I just failed the examination, can I apply right away to sit for it again?
5. Can you tell me which prerequisite or requirement to choose?
6. Can I send copies of certificates, letters and/or licenses, and CME credits as documentation for my
application?
7. I am an RDMS Registrant with an OB/GYN specialty, and I would like to sit for the AB
examination. Do I need to pick a prerequisite and send documentation?
8. I just sat for and passed the principles and instrumentation examination and the corresponding specialty. When will I
receive my certificate?
9. My name has changed due to marriage/divorce. How can I change my name with
ARDMS?
10.Are there online Web sites that offer CMEs?
11.How do I get my foreign degree evaluated? |
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1. Where can I obtain the clinical verification (CV) forms?
2. How many CV forms are there?
3. Is the CV form required for the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination?
4. Can I send a copy of the CV form?
5. Does it matter if I send in the correct CV form?
6. How long is the CV form valid?
7. Who can sign the CV forms?
8. If I am unsuccessful in passing an examination and am reapplying, do I have to submit
another CV form?
9. If I am applying for certification in a new specialty area, do I have to submit a CV form?
10.In an educational setting, should the program director complete and sign the CV form if
he or she is certified in the students applied-for specialty area(s), or should the clinical
site be required to sign?
11. Are there separate requirements for breast-specialty applicants?
12. What if I fail to include the CV form(s) with my application materials?
13. What if I cannot obtain the required signature from an ARDMS-registered sonographer
certified in the applied-for specialty for the standard clinical verification form? |
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1. I do not have a password for “Registrant Secured Services.” How do I obtain a
password?
2. I have been on the Registrant Secured Services and forgotten my self-selected
password?
3. I tried to register to use "Registrant Secured Services" and received a message stating
“According to our records, the Registry Number or birth date you entered does not
match any Active Member in our database.” I know I am an Active Registrant, why
did I receive this message?
4. Why did I receive a message stating, “My session has terminated?”
5. My name has changed, however I cannot change it on “Registrant Secured Services.”
6. What if I do not have an e-mail address? |
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1. Why was the PVI examination created?
2. What are the differences between the PVI examination and the RVT examination?
3. What credential will physicians who pass the PVI examination receive?
4. Should physicians who already hold the RVT credential take the PVI examination?
5. Who is responsible for the content of the PVI examination?
6. How were the questions of the PVI examinations written?
7. If I already hold another ARDMS credential(s) (RDCS, RDMS, RVT), what is my annual
renewal fee?
8. If I am registered in RPVI and hold an additional ARDMS credential(s) (RDMS, RDCS
and/or RVT), what CME credits must I earn in each three-year cycle?
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1. How does the three-year CME period work?
Registrants need to earn a minimum of 30 CMEs within each three-year time period. The three-year CME period is based on the calendar year (January 1 though December 31).
Here is an example of how the three-year CME period works, starting with the January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2011 three-year period.
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Starts on |
Consists of |
Ends on |
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Three –Year
CME Period
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January 1, 2009 |
2009, 2010, 2011 |
December 31, 2011
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Next Three –Year
CME Period
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January 1, 2012 |
2012, 2013, 2014 |
December 31, 2014 |
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Next Three –Year
CME Period
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January 1, 2015 |
2015, 2016, 2017 |
December 31, 2017
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2. How does the three-year CME period work for new Registrants?
Your three-year CME period begins the day you receive your first credential and become an ARDMS Registrant. Since the three-year CME period is based on the calendar year (January 1 through December 31), you CME period may include any time that remains in the year you become credentialed plus the next three years.
For example, if you became credentialed on August 15, 2008, your three-year CME period would be from August 15, 2008 through December 31, 2011. Your next three-year period from then on, would start with the regular calendar year and will run from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014. And so on...
3. How do I find out my three-year CME period?
You can find out your three-year CME period by logging in to “Registrant Secured Services.” From now on, your record will always note your three-year CME period. That way, you will always have quick and easy access to this important information.
4. How was my three-year CME period calculated?
Each Registrant’s three-year CME period was calculated based on the original certification date.
5. What is ARDMS CME Audit Policy?
Effective January 1, 2006, ARDMS has converted to a CME audit system to verify compliance with CME requirements. ARDMS will conduct an annual audit of a percentage of randomly selected Registrants whose three-year CME period ended in the previous year.
This means that, unless you are notified that you have been audited, you will no longer be required to send in your CMEs to ARDMS. However, you must keep and maintain your CME documentation for a minimum of four years in the event that you are audited.
6. If I am no longer required to submit my CME certificates, how will ARDMS know my CME requirements have been met for a particular CME period?
You will attest to compliance by remitting your annual renewal fee. When you pay your annual renewal fee, you will be verifying that you have met the 30 CME credits requirement for the designated three-year CME period. You are required to maintain your CME certificates for at least four years.
In order to simplify the CME Audit process for Registrants, the ARDMS and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) have reestablished a program for CME credits to be reported to ARDMS through the SDMS CME Tracker. ARDMS Registrants, who are also current members of the SDMS, will now have SDMS CME credits automatically transferred to their personal ARDMS transcript. If a Registrant finds that applicable SDMS CME credits are not listed on their ARDMS transcript, they must provide copies of the CME certificates and follow the required audit procedures.
7. How will I know if I have been audited?
If you are randomly selected for CME Audit, you will be notified by an official letter (via return/receipt service) in the first quarter of the year. The letter will be sent to your address on file. It is your responsibility to keep your address up to date. Log in to “Registrant Secured Services” to ensure your address is correct.
You can also find out your audit status by logging in to “Registrant Secured Services” and checking the CME Audit section. It will note if you have been audited. We strongly recommend that you check to verify your audit status. It is your responsibility to be aware of your audit status.
8. How will I know if I was successful or unsuccessful in complying with the CME audit?
You will be notified of your CME Audit results by mail.
9. Who is responsible for keeping my CMEs?
As an Active Registrant, it is your sole responsibility to keep and maintain your CME certificates for at least four years.
10. If audited, what documentation will I need to provide to ARDMS?
Your official CME Audit selection notification letter will provide directions on how to submit your CME documentation.
11. What happens if I lose my CME documentation?
If you lose your CME documentation, it is your responsibility to obtain the missing certificates from the company or organization that issued them to you in order to provide ARDMS with the appropriate documentation. ARDMS will not contact CME providers to obtain your CME documentation.
12. What happens if I fail my audit?
If you fail your audit, ARDMS will send you a certified letter notifying you that you have failed. The letter will outline specific procedures for reinstatement and provide a final reinstatement submission deadline. If your reinstatement submission is not received by the final deadline, you will be required to return your ARDMS ID card and certificate, which are the property of ARDMS. Also your name will be placed on the “Persons No Longer Certified” online list.
13. What should I do if I already know that I am going to fail the CME Audit?
If you discover that you will fail the CME Audit prior to submitting your documentation to the ARDMS, you may submit proof of 40 ARDMS-accepted CMEs and the $150 Administrative Fee for receipt prior to the April 30 deadline to avoid a lapse in your Active Registry status.
14. Does ARDMS receive electronic CME reports from other organizations?
It is your responsibility to obtain and keep copies of their CME documentation. If audited, you will be required to submit copies of your CME certificates. ARDMS will not contact CME providers to obtain your CMEs.
However, the ARDMS and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) have reestablished a program for CME credits to be reported to ARDMS through the SDMS CME Tracker. ARDMS Registrants, who are also current members of the SDMS, will now have SDMS CME credits automatically transferred to their personal ARDMS transcript. If a Registrant finds that applicable SDMS CME credits are not listed on their ARDMS transcript, they must provide copies of the CME certificates and follow the required audit procedures.
15. What happens to the documentation sent to ARDMS for the audit?
Annual CME Audit files will be stored in a secured area of the ARDMS business office.
16. If audited, how long do I have to submit the documents?
If you are selected for CME Audit, you will have a specific date by which your CME certificates must be received in the ARDMS office. It will be indicated on your official CME Audit notification letter.
17. What happens if I send in my CME documentation, but have not been audited?
The CME documentation will not be recorded and will be discarded.
18. Can I be audited more than once?
Yes, you can be audited more than once. It is a random system therefore you have the same chance of being audited every three-year CME period.
19. I have been audited two times in a row and all of my co-workers have also been audited. Why is ARDMS selecting Registrants from my hospital for audits?
The ARDMS CME Audit is a random-selection process.
20. If I fail the CME Audit, can I have my $60 USD renewal fee and/or the $150 USD Reinstatement fee refunded?
All renewal and reinstatement fees are nonrefundable.
21. I failed to meet my CME requirement and/or pay my annual renewal fee (ARDMS two requirements for maintaining Active status) by the December 31 deadline. As a result, I paid the $150 USD reinstatement fee and submitted the necessary materials to be reinstated. Can I still be audited?
You can still be audited. The audit is random and selects a given percentage of all Registrants whose three-year CME period ended in the previous year, regardless of whether or not you paid the $150 USD reinstatement fee.
22. Will the CME Audit system affect new Registrants?
As a new Registrant, you will be included in the CME Audit once your first three-year CME period ends. At that time, there is a possibility you will be audited, since the CME Audit system is random.
23. What CME credits will ARDMS accept?
Click here to view a listing of ARDMS-accepted CMEs.
24. What CME credits will ARDMS not accept?
Click here to find out which CMEs ARDMS will not accept.
25. Are there online Web sites that offer CMEs?
ARDMS offers a list of continuing medical education providers.
26. ARDMS offers a list of continuing medical education providers.
If you have questions about the ARDMS audit process or the fact that you have been audited, submit your questions via e-mail to cmeaudit@ardms.org. Or you can call the Registrant Services department at (800) 541-9754.
1. What is the ARDMS five-year policy?
Candidates must pass a principles and instrumentation examination and the corresponding specialty examination within five years, regardless of the sequence in which the examinations were taken. Candidates who do not complete their credential within the five-year time frame must retake the examination previously passed. This does not apply to Registrants seeking additional specialties under a credential already earned.
2. I mailed my application four weeks ago and would like to know when I can take the exam?
First-time applicants: It takes two to three weeks to process your application from the time ARDMS receives your supporting documentation.
Re-applicants: It takes five to ten days to process your application from the time ARDMS receives it and/or your supporting documentation.
If the above noted time has passed and you still have not received correspondence from ARDMS, call the ARDMS office at (800) 541-9754.
Receipt of your examination confirmation letter allows you to schedule your examination(s).
3. I received my exam verification letter. I noticed that I applied for the wrong exam.
If you submit an ARDMS application with the wrong examination selected, you can fill out the Examination Switch Form and pay a $60 USD processing fee to have the examination switched. Once payment has been received, ARDMS staff will reprocess the application internally and switch the examination for you.
Please note: Applicants may pursue the Fetal Echocardiography (FE) specialty under either the RDMS or RDCS credential. If you pass the FE with RDMS or pass the FE with RDCS , you will not be able to switch the FE Specialty to the other Credential.
Click here to obtain the Examination Switch Form.
4. I just failed the exam, can you send me a new application?
If you are unsuccessful at passing an examination, there is a 60-day waiting period before you can retake that examination. You can send in the application earlier than the 60-days. Your payment will be processed immediately. However, you will not be able to schedule your exam until the 60-day waiting period is over.
5. Can you tell me which prerequisite to choose?
ARDMS policy does not allow us to tell you which prerequisite or requirement to choose, however, ARDMS does offer a new program (Prerequisite and Requirement Eligibility Program (PREP)) that provides a recommended prerequisite or requirement based on the answers chosen for first time applicants. ARDMS does not determine eligibility over the phone, by fax or by e-mail. Please view the prerequisite chart and SPI Examination Requirement chart for further information. You should start by determining which education level you meet. Then, make sure you meet the additional clinical ultrasound/vascular experience. Supply all the required documentation, and complete your online application.
6. Can I send copies of licenses, letter(s) and CME credits as documentation for my application?
ARDMS will accept copies of certificates and licenses . All transcripts must be original official transcripts unless you are applying for the SPI examination under the SPI Examination Requirement. The letter(s) documenting experience must be an official letter with the address and telephone number indicated. The letter(s) needs to include: dates of experience, whether you worked full or part time (number of part-time hours must be included), and duties performed. The letter(s) must be signed by a supervising sonographer/technologist and/or physician. Follow the example(s) that appear in the ARDMS Information and Examination Application Booklet.
In addition to the above stated documents, all applicants applying for any ARDMS specialty examinations (i.e. AB, OB, BR, etc) are required to submit an original ARDMS Clinical Verification (CV) form for each specialty examination. Copies and faxes of the CV form are not acceptable as the initials and signature must be original.
7. I am an RDMS Registrant with an OB/GYN specialty, and I would like to sit for the AB examination. Do I need to pick a prerequisite and send documentation?
You do not need to pick a prerequisite as you are considered a re-applicant. It is strongly recommended that Registrants who are applying to acquire a new specialty area be exposed to a minimum of six months of full-time clinical experience (equivalent to approximately 400 cases). Note that applications for any specialty examinations will have to be accompanied by an original ARDMS Clinical Verification (CV) form.
8. I just sat for and passed the principals and instrumentation examination and the corresponding specialty. When will I receive my certificate?
Your welcome package, which will include your certificate, temporary ID card and other pertinent information, will be mailed within four to six weeks of our receiving your passing scores from the test center. You will be awarded 15 CME credits for earning the credential, which will be applied in the current year.
9. My name has changed due to marriage/divorce. How can I change my name with ARDMS?
You will need to fax or mail in legal documentation of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or driver license. Please make sure you write your ARDMS Number and also attention your documents to Registrant Services when you send them in. You can fax this information to (301) 738-0312 or (301)738-0313 or mail to: 51 Monroe Street, Plaza East One, Rockville, MD 20850-2400.
10. Are there online Web sites that offer CMEs?
ARDMS offers a list of continuing medical education providers.
11. How do I get my Foreign degree evaluated?
If submitting a foreign degree, an original course-by-course foreign transcript evaluation must accompany the application and indicate the aforementioned education requirement. This process may take up to eight (8) weeks. You can view a list of agencies that perform these evaluations in the back of the ARDMS application booklet or click here to view on the ARDMS website.
Clinical Verification FAQs
1. Where can I obtain the clinical verification (CV) forms?
The CV forms are available on the ARDMS Web site at www.ardms.org.
2. How many CV forms are there?
There are currently four separate CV forms: (1) breast-specialty examination, (2) fetal echocardiography examination, (3) International applicants and (4) all other specialty examinations (i.e. AB, OB/GYN, NE, VT, AE, PE).
3. Is the CV form required for the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation examination?
No. The CV forms are only for the clinical specialty examinations.
4. Can I send a copy of the CV form?
No. The CV forms must contain original initials and signatures. Copies will not be accepted.
5. Does it matter if I send in the correct CV form??
Yes. ARDMS will only accept the appropriate CV form for each application. Each form has different requirements, so it is imperative that the applicant complete and submit the appropriate CV form. If application materials are submitted without the appropriate CV form(s), they will be returned to the applicant and he or she will be charged the $60 USD ($75 CND) nonrefundable administrative fee per examination for processing.
6. How long is the CV form valid?
The CV form is valid for one year following the date of signature.
7. Who can sign the CV forms?
(1) The standard CV form must be completed, dated and signed by an ARDMS-registered sonographer or vascular technologist in the applied-for specialty area.
(2) The Fetal Echo specialty CV form must be completed and signed by an ARDMS Fetal Echocardiography registered sonographer or primary Fetal Echo interpreting physician.
(3) The breast-specialty CV form must be completed and signed by an ARDMS-breast-registered sonographer or primary breast-ultrasound interpreting physician.
(4) The International CV Form must be completed and signed by an ARDMS-registered sonographer or vascular technologist in the applied-for specialty area or by a primary interpreting physician in the specialty requested. An International applicant must reside at and possess an International mailing address.
8. If I am unsuccessful in passing an examination and am reapplying, do I have to submit another CV form?
The CV form that was originally submitted is only valid for one year following the date of signature. If you are planning on retaking an examination that you previously did not pass, and the date on the CV form is no longer valid, you must submit another CV form.
9. If I am applying for certification in a new specialty area, do I have to submit a CV form?
Yes. You will only need to submit a completed CV form in the applied-for specialty area.
10. In an educational setting, should the program director complete and sign the CV form if he/she is certified in the students applied-for specialty area(s), or should the clinical site be required to sign?
The responsibility of clinical verification is determined by the program. ARDMS expects the CV form(s) to be complete and properly executed. First-time Applicants must provide documentation of successful program completion. For example: ARDMS will not approve applications if documentation of only 12 months of an 18-month program is submitted.
However, Prerequisite 3B states that sonography or vascular technology degree candidates may take examinations one year prior to the completion of degree, provided they have successfully completed 12 months of full-time clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.
11. Are there separate requirements for breast-specialty applicants?
Yes. Breast-credential applicants must be directly involved in 800 cases (at least 400 of which must involve hands-on scanning) and must have a minimum of six months of full-time, breast-ultrasound clinical experience (which is designated as 35 hours per week at least 24 weeks per year) in a breast-ultrasound setting. This requirement only applies to breast-credential applicants who are also first-time applicants. Please note, if you have been approved to for another ARDMS examination, other than the SPI examination under the SPI Examination Requirement or the PVI examination, you are considered a re-applicant.
Also exclusive to the breast-specialty clinical verification form is the Clinical Experience Documentation Form. Breast-specialty applicants, who are also first time applicants, must use this form to record the performance of each repetition of the breast sonography procedure in the order in which they were performed. Applicants must maintain the Clinical Experience Documentation Form for at least 36 months after the application is submitted. ARDMS conducts random audits of applications. Applicants who are audited will be required to submit the Clinical Experience Documentation Form to ARDMS
12. What if I fail to include the CV form(s) with my application materials?
If application materials are submitted without the appropriate CV form(s), they will be returned to the applicant and he/she will be charged the $60 USD nonrefundable processing fee per examination.
13. What if I cannot obtain the required signature from an ARDMS-registered sonographer certified in the applied-for specialty for the standard clinical verification form?
In rare instances when an applicant may be unable to obtain the required signature from an ARDMS-registered sonographer certified in the applied-for specialty for the standard clinical verification form, an interpreting physician, who has directly observed the applicant perform the applied-for studies and has interpreted the applicant’s scans, may act as a qualified signatory on the standard CV form according to the following procedures:
The applicant must send a written appeal to ARDMS providing full detail as to why he or she has been unable to obtain the signature of a qualified sonographer or vascular technologist on the standard clinical verification form.
ARDMS will consider the following reasons as appropriate arguments for appeals:
• Local facilities do not have appropriate ARDMS-registered sonographers and other institutions may be too far away from the applicant for a reasonable commute.
• The number of qualified sponsoring sonographers in the applicant’s region is relatively low.
All written CV signature appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Appeals will be considered based on full documentation of the reason why and undue hardship resulting from the inability to obtain an ARDMS-registered sonographer sponsoring signature on the standard CV form in the specialty area being applied for.
If an applicant is awarded an “exception signature appeal,” a unique Exception CV Form will be sent to the applicant so that an appropriate interpreting physician can sign the form.
You may recall that interpreting physicians may also sign CV forms for the breast specialty or the fetal echocardiography specialty, and for those who are applying from outside North America (and thus using the International CV form).
Applicants interested in requesting an appeal should send their letter to: ARDMS, ATTN: CV Form Exceptions, 51 Monroe Street, Plaza East One, Rockville, MD 20850.
Registrant Secured Services FAQs
1. I do not have a password for “Registrant Secured Services.” How do I obtain a password?
You must register online before you can use “Registrant Secured Services.” To register:
1) Go to "Registrant Secured Services".
2) Click on " New User Registration."
3) Key in the "NEW USER REGISTRATION" information requested (i.e., provide your ARDMS Number and birth date, so we may locate you in our Registry).
4) After completing the "NEW USER REGISTRATION," you will be required to select a case-sensitive password of a least 5 characters or digits (you may use only letters, numbers; no spaces). In order to utilize the "Registrant Secured Services" section of the ARDMS Web site, you need to select an online password. Select a password that is easy for you to recall, but difficult for others to guess.
2. I have been on the Registrant Secured Services and forgotten my self-selected password?
For security reasons, ARDMS does not provide passwords over the telephone.
If you forgot your password, please follow the procedure below in order to create a new password.
1) Go to "Registrant Secured Services".
2) Click on "Forgot Your Password".
You will be required to provide your ARDMS number, last name, and birth date. This protects your privacy and ensures that the individual viewing the transcript is indeed the authorized Registrant. Once your identity is verified, you will be allowed to change your password.
Please e-mail webmaster@ardms.org if you have any questions.
3. I tried to register to use "Registrant Secured Services" and received a message stating “According to our records, the ARDMS Number or birth date you entered does not match any Active Member in our database.” I know I am an Active Registrant, why did I receive this message?
Please verify that your ARDMS Number is correct. If you do not know your ARDMS Number, please call Registrant Services at (800) 541-9754 to obtain it.
The birth date stored in our database could be incorrect. Please e-mail your full name, ARDMS Number and birth date to webmaster@ardms.org in order for us to correct your information.
4. Why did I receive a message stating, “My session has terminated?”
If there is no activity on the "Registrant Secured Services" screen for more than 20 minutes, you will be automatically exited. Simply log back in.
Another reason you may have received this message is if the security settings on your browser are too restrictive. You must allow for cookies, particularly session-level cookies in your Internet settings. All browsers offer the ability to change such settings. You will not be able to use the site unless your browser restrictions are relaxed.
5. My name has changed, however I cannot change it on “Registrant Secured Services.”
You cannot change your name on "Registrant Secured Services." You will need to fax or mail in proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or drivers license, to ARDMS. Please make sure you write your ARDMS Number on all documentation. You can fax this information to ATTN: Name Change at (301) 738-0313, or mail to: ARDMS, ATTN: Registrant Services, Name Change, 51 Monroe Street, Plaza East One, Rockville, MD 20850-2400.
6. What if I do not have an e-mail address?
If you do not have an e-mail address, we suggest signing up with a free e-mail provider, such as http://www.hotmail.com/.
1. Why was the PVI examination created?
The PVI examination was developed to offer a specific credential in vascular laboratory interpretation that is more appropriate for physicians than the Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) credential, which physicians have earned in the past. Many physicians who work in vascular laboratories have obtained the RVT credential, in order to demonstrate their general expertise in this field. However, the RVT examination does not evaluate what physicians actually do in the vascular laboratory. Therefore, the focus of the PVI examination will be on interpretation of vascular laboratory test results, rather than on performing the examinations. The PVI examination – and the RPVI credential – will provide a vehicle for documenting expertise in vascular laboratory interpretation for physicians of all specialties who work in the vascular laboratory.
2. What are the differences between the PVI examination and the RVT examination?
The RVT credential requires candidates to pass two separate examinations: the Vascular Principles/Instrumentation examination and the Vascular Technology examination. The content of the examinations leading to the RVT credential pertains to the tasks that vascular technologists/sonographers perform in the course of their vascular laboratory work. In contrast, the PVI examination will emphasize the interpretation of vascular laboratory tests, which is what most physicians who work in the vascular laboratory actually do. The RPVI credential will be obtained by passing a single multiple-choice question examination, which includes questions on physics and instrumentation as they pertain to interpretation of vascular laboratory tests. The various content areas, and the relative proportion of questions in each content area, are reflected in the content outline for the PVI examination, which is available under on the “Examination Information” section of the ARDMS Web site (www.ardms.org/examinations/pvi.htm).
3. What credential will physicians who pass the PVI examination receive?
Physicians who pass the PVI examination will receive a new ARDMS credential, which has been designated as Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI).
4. Should physicians who already hold the RVT credential take the PVI examination?
Physicians who have already obtained the RVT credential and have Active status with ARDMS can qualify to take the PVI examination by submitting documentation of a valid license to practice medicine. They are not required to submit documentation of their experience and training, since they have already done this to qualify to take the examinations for the RVT credential. Therefore, there is a streamlined pathway for current physician-RVTs. Physicians who have obtained the RVT credential are welcome to keep their RVT credential current. However, they should consider obtaining the new RPVI credential, in order to document their specific expertise in interpretation of vascular laboratory studies.
5. Who is responsible for the content of the PVI examination?
All ARDMS examinations are created and administered by an Exam Development Task Force (EDTF) consisting of physicians and sonographers. These individuals serve as subject-matter experts. The EDTF responsible for the PVI examination currently consists of six individuals. These include two vascular medicine specialists, two vascular surgeons, one radiologist and one vascular technologist/sonographer.
6. How were the questions of the PVI examinations written?
The content areas covered on the PVI examination were determined through a task analysis survey that was sent to physicians, in multiple disciplines, who are currently practicing in vascular laboratories. The responses to this survey identified those tasks that are performed by physicians who interpret vascular laboratory studies, and this provided the basis for the PVI examination content outline. Consequently, the content of the PVI examination reflects current vascular laboratory practice. The questions (or items) in the PVI examination are the product of item-writing sessions, which included the PVI examination EDTF members, as well as other subject-matter experts who were specifically invited to participate. All items in the examination have been extensively reviewed and assessed with regard to content area and level of difficulty.
7. If I hold another ARDMS credential(s) (RDCS, RDMS, RVT) in addition to the RPVI credential, what is my annual renewal fee?
Registrants who hold an additional credential should only pay the renewal fee of $90 USD. Multiple credential holders do not need to pay more than one fee.
8. If I am registered in RPVI and hold an additional ARDMS credential(s) (RDMS, RDCS and/or RVT), what CME credits must I earn in each three-year cycle?
You must earn a minimum of 30 ARDMS-accepted vascular CMEs in order to maintain your RPVI credential, which in turn, will meet the requirements to maintain your other credentials(s).
51 Monroe Street, Plaza East One, Rockville, Maryland 20850-2400