Certification Candidate Handbook
for the Physician and Allied Professional
Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (Physician and Allied Professional)
Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (Allied Professional)
Certified Electrophysiology Specialist- Adult (Physician)
Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Pediatric (Physician)
,Congratulations for taking the first step toward earning one of four world-renowned certifications in heart
rhythm management. The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE®) has established
itself as a certifying body to promote the highest standards of cardiac rhythm management and to
recognize cardiac care professionals who have mastered this unique subspecialty. By choosing to
review this Handbook, you have taken the first step toward joining a select group of physicians and allied
professionals who have distinguished themselves by earning the IBHRE Certification.
IBHRE offers certifications based in specific areas of the heart rhythm management field. Each
certification can be obtained by qualifying for and completing a computer-based examination. These
certifications include:
▪ Certified Cardiac Device Specialist ( Physician and Allied Professional) CCDS
▪ Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (Allied Professional) CEPS
▪ Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Adult (Physician) CEPS-A
▪ Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Pediatric (Physician) CEPS-P
This Handbook summarizes key aspects of the IBHRE Certification program, and is intended to help
you understand why the program was developed, how it is governed, its policies and procedures and
the process toward earning and maintaining IBHRE Certification. Now that you are preparing to take the
examination, this Handbook will serve as a valuable reference to:
▪ Understand the IBHRE Certification process
▪ Gather the appropriate eligibility materials to submit your exam application
▪ Study and prepare for the IBHRE physician or allied professional examination
▪ Maintain IBHRE Certification after passing
IBHRE Certification is a globally recognized program defined by leading United States and international
experts in the field of heart rhythm management. The exams thoroughly test competencies necessary to
provide quality patient care in cardiac pacing and electrophysiology.
This Handbook cannot address every potential question, policy detail or program change. It will, however,
act as a supplement to the program information provided on the IBHRE website (www.IBHRE.org). You
may also contact IBHRE staff at 202-464-3414 with additional questions.
Good luck and best wishes on earning IBHRE Certification.
,>> Table of Contents
section i: ABOUT IBHRE ....................................................... 3 section v: EXAM PREPARATION ........................ 22
1. Mission of IBHRE 1. Exam Preparation Disclaimer
2. Organizational History 2. Exam Preparation and Study Tips
3. IBHRE/HRS Relationship Statement 3. Recommended Reading Lists
4. IBHRE Endorsed Study Tools
section ii: CERTIFICATION PROGRAM ................. 4
5. Computer-Based Testing Tutorials
1. What is IBHRE Certification
6. Online Information Resources
2. Why Become Certified
3. Examinations Offered section vi: EXAM DAY ........................................................ 24
4. Accreditation 1. What to Bring
section iii: EXAM INFORMATION ......................... 6 2. Testing Session
3. Break Time
1. Exam Development
4. Test Center Regulations
2. Exam Topics
5. Exit Survey
3. Exam Scoring
6. Exam Security
4. Score Reliability
7. Complaints
5. Rescoring
6. Exam Administration section vii: POST-EXAM ......................................... 28
7. Exam Language 1. Exam Results
8. Exam & Question Format 2. Successful Candidates
9. Exam Blueprint: CCDS 3. Certificates
10. Exam Blueprint: CEPS (Allied Professional) 4. Certification Pins
11. Exam Blueprint: Shared Core Sections for CEPS- 5. Retaking the Exam
A and CEPS-P (Physician)
6. Name Change Requests
12. Exam Blueprint: CEPS-A (Physician)
section viii: IBHRE CERTIFICATION .................... 30
13. Exam Blueprint: CEPS-P (Physician)
1. IBHRE Code of Ethics
section iv: CANDIDATE INFORMATION .............. 14 2. Confidentiality & Impartiality Statement
1. Certification Process 3. IBHRE Certification Designations.
2. Exam Dates & Registration Deadlines 4. Proper Use of Marks and Designations
3. Eligibility Requirements 5. Verification of Continuing Education & Recertification
4. Review and Appeals Policy 6. Verification Requests
5. Exam Application Process 7. Grievance Policy
6. Fees & Submission of Payment
section ix: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ............ 39
7. Cancellations & Refunds
1. Organizational Policies
8. Computer-Based Testing Centers
2. Limited Liability.
9. Scheduling Exam Appointments
3. Nondiscrimination.
10. Requesting Special Accommodations.
4. Contact Information
5. Exam Sample Questions
, Certification Candidate Handbook for the Physician and Allied Professional
3
section i: ABOUT IBHRE
1. IBHRE Mission Statement 3. IBHRE/HRS
The mission of The International Board of Heart
Relationship Statement
Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) is to increase the IBHRE recognizes the Heart Rhythm Society as an
heart rhythm professional’s knowledge in order to integral part of the cardiac arrhythmia community
improve the quality of care delivered to our and moreover as a positive contributor to the
patients. professional development goals of the IBHRE
exams.
An affiliate, independent body of the Heart
2. Organizational History
Rhythm Society, IBHRE is enriched by cardiac
IBHRE is a nonprofit credentialing organization arrhythmia health care professionals who strive
based in Washington, DC. It is a legally separate for excellence and optimal health care by passing
entity under the auspices of the Heart Rhythm this distinguished exam. Participation in the exam
Society (HRS) – the international leader in is consistent with the Heart Rhythm Society’s
science, education and advocacy for cardiac overall purpose to improve the care of patients by
arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the promoting research, education and optimal health
primary information resource on heart rhythm care policies and standards. Working together
disorders. to standardize the profession, IBHRE and HRS
Established in 1985 as NASPExAM, IBHRE is a provide the most current testing and professional
self-governing, credentialing organization of the development tools with advances in heart rhythm
Heart Rhythm Society that provides management to enhance knowledge and delivery
competency certification in the fields of health care to patients.
of cardiac rhythm device therapy and cardiac
electrophysiology for physicians and allied
professionals. The initial IBHRE examination
was created for physicians and surgeons. In
1989, a similar examination was developed
for allied professionals (e.g., nurses, physician
assistants and those employed in industry). In
1997, IBHRE added a third examination in the
specialty of cardiac electrophysiology for the allied
professional. In 2011, IBHRE introduced
examinations in adult and pediatric cardiac
electrophysiology.
for the Physician and Allied Professional
Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (Physician and Allied Professional)
Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (Allied Professional)
Certified Electrophysiology Specialist- Adult (Physician)
Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Pediatric (Physician)
,Congratulations for taking the first step toward earning one of four world-renowned certifications in heart
rhythm management. The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE®) has established
itself as a certifying body to promote the highest standards of cardiac rhythm management and to
recognize cardiac care professionals who have mastered this unique subspecialty. By choosing to
review this Handbook, you have taken the first step toward joining a select group of physicians and allied
professionals who have distinguished themselves by earning the IBHRE Certification.
IBHRE offers certifications based in specific areas of the heart rhythm management field. Each
certification can be obtained by qualifying for and completing a computer-based examination. These
certifications include:
▪ Certified Cardiac Device Specialist ( Physician and Allied Professional) CCDS
▪ Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (Allied Professional) CEPS
▪ Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Adult (Physician) CEPS-A
▪ Certified Electrophysiology Specialist - Pediatric (Physician) CEPS-P
This Handbook summarizes key aspects of the IBHRE Certification program, and is intended to help
you understand why the program was developed, how it is governed, its policies and procedures and
the process toward earning and maintaining IBHRE Certification. Now that you are preparing to take the
examination, this Handbook will serve as a valuable reference to:
▪ Understand the IBHRE Certification process
▪ Gather the appropriate eligibility materials to submit your exam application
▪ Study and prepare for the IBHRE physician or allied professional examination
▪ Maintain IBHRE Certification after passing
IBHRE Certification is a globally recognized program defined by leading United States and international
experts in the field of heart rhythm management. The exams thoroughly test competencies necessary to
provide quality patient care in cardiac pacing and electrophysiology.
This Handbook cannot address every potential question, policy detail or program change. It will, however,
act as a supplement to the program information provided on the IBHRE website (www.IBHRE.org). You
may also contact IBHRE staff at 202-464-3414 with additional questions.
Good luck and best wishes on earning IBHRE Certification.
,>> Table of Contents
section i: ABOUT IBHRE ....................................................... 3 section v: EXAM PREPARATION ........................ 22
1. Mission of IBHRE 1. Exam Preparation Disclaimer
2. Organizational History 2. Exam Preparation and Study Tips
3. IBHRE/HRS Relationship Statement 3. Recommended Reading Lists
4. IBHRE Endorsed Study Tools
section ii: CERTIFICATION PROGRAM ................. 4
5. Computer-Based Testing Tutorials
1. What is IBHRE Certification
6. Online Information Resources
2. Why Become Certified
3. Examinations Offered section vi: EXAM DAY ........................................................ 24
4. Accreditation 1. What to Bring
section iii: EXAM INFORMATION ......................... 6 2. Testing Session
3. Break Time
1. Exam Development
4. Test Center Regulations
2. Exam Topics
5. Exit Survey
3. Exam Scoring
6. Exam Security
4. Score Reliability
7. Complaints
5. Rescoring
6. Exam Administration section vii: POST-EXAM ......................................... 28
7. Exam Language 1. Exam Results
8. Exam & Question Format 2. Successful Candidates
9. Exam Blueprint: CCDS 3. Certificates
10. Exam Blueprint: CEPS (Allied Professional) 4. Certification Pins
11. Exam Blueprint: Shared Core Sections for CEPS- 5. Retaking the Exam
A and CEPS-P (Physician)
6. Name Change Requests
12. Exam Blueprint: CEPS-A (Physician)
section viii: IBHRE CERTIFICATION .................... 30
13. Exam Blueprint: CEPS-P (Physician)
1. IBHRE Code of Ethics
section iv: CANDIDATE INFORMATION .............. 14 2. Confidentiality & Impartiality Statement
1. Certification Process 3. IBHRE Certification Designations.
2. Exam Dates & Registration Deadlines 4. Proper Use of Marks and Designations
3. Eligibility Requirements 5. Verification of Continuing Education & Recertification
4. Review and Appeals Policy 6. Verification Requests
5. Exam Application Process 7. Grievance Policy
6. Fees & Submission of Payment
section ix: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ............ 39
7. Cancellations & Refunds
1. Organizational Policies
8. Computer-Based Testing Centers
2. Limited Liability.
9. Scheduling Exam Appointments
3. Nondiscrimination.
10. Requesting Special Accommodations.
4. Contact Information
5. Exam Sample Questions
, Certification Candidate Handbook for the Physician and Allied Professional
3
section i: ABOUT IBHRE
1. IBHRE Mission Statement 3. IBHRE/HRS
The mission of The International Board of Heart
Relationship Statement
Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) is to increase the IBHRE recognizes the Heart Rhythm Society as an
heart rhythm professional’s knowledge in order to integral part of the cardiac arrhythmia community
improve the quality of care delivered to our and moreover as a positive contributor to the
patients. professional development goals of the IBHRE
exams.
An affiliate, independent body of the Heart
2. Organizational History
Rhythm Society, IBHRE is enriched by cardiac
IBHRE is a nonprofit credentialing organization arrhythmia health care professionals who strive
based in Washington, DC. It is a legally separate for excellence and optimal health care by passing
entity under the auspices of the Heart Rhythm this distinguished exam. Participation in the exam
Society (HRS) – the international leader in is consistent with the Heart Rhythm Society’s
science, education and advocacy for cardiac overall purpose to improve the care of patients by
arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the promoting research, education and optimal health
primary information resource on heart rhythm care policies and standards. Working together
disorders. to standardize the profession, IBHRE and HRS
Established in 1985 as NASPExAM, IBHRE is a provide the most current testing and professional
self-governing, credentialing organization of the development tools with advances in heart rhythm
Heart Rhythm Society that provides management to enhance knowledge and delivery
competency certification in the fields of health care to patients.
of cardiac rhythm device therapy and cardiac
electrophysiology for physicians and allied
professionals. The initial IBHRE examination
was created for physicians and surgeons. In
1989, a similar examination was developed
for allied professionals (e.g., nurses, physician
assistants and those employed in industry). In
1997, IBHRE added a third examination in the
specialty of cardiac electrophysiology for the allied
professional. In 2011, IBHRE introduced
examinations in adult and pediatric cardiac
electrophysiology.
