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CERTIFICATION
WHAT IS IBHRE CERTIFICATION?

Based in Washington, DC, the organization is an independent entity under the auspices of the Heart Rhythm Society.

Established in 1985 as NASPExAM, the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) is a self-governing, credentialing organization of the Heart Rhythm Society that provides competency certification in the fields 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. Coming soon, IBHRE will introduce a fourth examination in cardiac electrophysiology for the physician.

In 2007, IBHRE made the strategic decision to reposition its time-honored competency recognition examinations as certification examinations. Now IBHRE continues its rich tradition of upholding the highest standards of excellence in heart rhythm management by offering its renowned examinations as means of achieving professional certification on a global scale.

IBHRE offers three unique certification examinations designed to demonstrate a mastery of knowledge in cardiac rhythm management:

  • Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy for the Physician

  • Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy for the Allied Professional

  • Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology for the Allied Professional

  • Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology for the Physician

The scope of IBHRE Certification covers a broad knowledge base in the sub-specialties of cardiac pacing and electrophysiology and is defined by each certifications respective exam content outline. Successful completion of an IBHRE examination certifies that a practitioner is professionally competent in their respective sub-specialty. Achieving and maintaining IBHRE Certification validates a practitioner’s clinical and technical knowledge in essential areas of practice, their ability to interpret and understand interventions and therapies administered to patients and critical competencies essential for safe, optimal care in the management of arrhythmias.

The IBHRE certification program reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering professional excellence and upholding the highest standards of care in the field of heart rhythm management. Heart rhythm professionals who achieve our certifications demonstrate their expertise by meeting requirements that are supported by high quality standards in certification testing. The quality and validity of our certification standard are supported by our certification policy and requirements for maintaining and renewing certification. IBHRE is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI accreditation signifies to our certificants, exam candidates and the medical community that the IBHRE certification program adheres to the highest standards in credentialing.

For more information about how to become IBHRE Certified, visit the Exam Information section of this website and review the IBHRE Certification Candidate Bulletin for the Physician and Allied Professional.

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WHY IBHRE CERTIFICATION?

The increased recognition of IBHRE Certification as an integral part of heart rhythm education and training requirements is evidence of the critical role that IBHRE has taken in the advancement of heart rhythm management. Over the years IBHRE certification has been adopted by international healthcare ministries as the standard of competency for healthcare professionals. IBHRE surveys show that organizations recognize a higher level of performance from and prefer to hire IBHRE certificants. A majority of industry and clinical employers now require the certification for hire and career advancement. Employers suggest that IBHRE Certification is often associated with seniority, leadership roles, increased responsibility and direct involvement in staff education training activities. Physicians reveal the greatest benefit of IBHRE Certification is credibility, personal satisfaction, colleague recognition and implanting privileges for requiring hospitals. Allied professionals convey that they benefit from IBHRE Certification through some form of employer recognition (pay increase, promotion, increased respect and credibility). The Heart Rhythm Society has documented the IBHRE Certification as a recommended training requirement for electrophysiology, cardiac pacing and arrhythmia management for physicians who wish to incorporate CIED implantation and follow-up into their clinical practice. The Society further identifies the IBHRE Certification as a key eligibility requirement for their fellows program.

Click here to learn how IBHRE Certification is being recognized across the profession!

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Certification CREDENTIALS

The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) certifies physicians and allied professionals who successfully complete an IBHRE examination, including those who have already received competency recognition.

IBHRE certification designations include:

  • Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS)– Physician
    Designated to physicians who meet the eligibility requirements, successfully pass the IBHRE Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy for the Physician and continue to maintain their certification by meeting IBHRE recertification requirements.

  • Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS)– Allied Professional
    Designated to allied professionals who meet the eligibility requirements and successfully pass the IBHRE Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy for the Allied Professional and continue to maintain their certification by meeting IBHRE recertification requirements.

  • Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) – Allied Professional
    Designated to allied professionals who meet the eligibility requirements, successfully pass the IBHRE Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology for the Allied Professional and continue to maintain their certification by meeting IBHRE recertification requirements.

  • Coming Soon! Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) – Physician
    Designated to physicians who meet the eligibility requirements, successfully pass the IBHRE Certification Examination for Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology for the Physician and continue to maintain their certification by meeting IBHRE recertification requirements.

Upon achieving IBHRE Certification, heart rhythm professionals may clearly mark their accomplishment using the designations listed above or by using specially designed logos and lapel pins. Each certification logo has been sized for placement on business cards and letterhead to identify certificants as highly qualified professionals. The elegant lapel pins bring further distinction, signaling a commendable achievement to patients, colleagues and other professionals.

The elegant lapel pins bring further distinction, signaling a commendable achievement to patients, colleagues and other professionals. Replacement pins may be issued for a $5 fee.

All professionals who achieve IBHRE Certification receive a certification pin, and can download the appropriate certification mark for use on their professional stationery. Certificants should review the IBHRE Use of Marks Guidelines prior to utilizing any of the IBHRE marks or logos. Certificants are encouraged to contact us at IBHRE@HRSonline.org to address any questions they may have about appropriate usage.

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Certification LOGOS

IBHRE logos are provided below in JPG format for use by all current IBHRE certificants. Higher resolution formats are available upon request.

NOTE: The IBHRE logos are intended for the exclusive use of current IBHRE certificants. Misuse of the IBHRE credential will result in sanctions as described in the IBHRE Code of Ethics.

If you have any questions about the certification program or appropriate use of certification marks, please contact IBHRE@HRSonline.org or 202-464-3400.

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Certification PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

To further promotes the value and prestige of IBHRE certification, IBHRE certified professionals are presented with opportunities throughout the year to wear their CCDS or CEPS designation with pride. Working with Specialties Inc., certificants may order products for sale to promote their certification to patients and colleagues. Certificants will have specific periods during the year to order featured items. Click here to learn more.

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REPORTING GRIEVANCES

The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners takes reports of the misconduct its certificants very seriously. The IBHRE Grievance Policy defines our procedure for addressing reports of misconduct and violations of the IBHRE Code of Ethics.

To report a grievance regarding an IBHRE certificant, please submit a formal letter to:

International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners
Attention: Board of Directors
1400 K St NW Ste 500
Washington DC 20005

Or

Send an e-mail to IBHRE@HRSonline.org.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Exam Coordinator via email at IBHRE@HRSonline.org or phone 202-464-3414.

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ACCREDITATION

The International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 (General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification Systems of Persons) for all three of its certification examinations (ANSI accredited Certifier- #0787). ANSI is a global leader in operating standards and conformity assessment systems. Due to its rigorous assessment process, ANSI represents the highest standard in personnel certification accreditation. Achieving and maintaining accreditation is part of an ongoing commitment to add value to the exam body and signify to our certificants, exam candidates and the medical community that the IBHRE certification programs adhere to the highest standards in credentialing.

Accredited certification examinations include:

  • Competency in Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy for the Physician

  • Competency in Cardiac Rhythm Device Therapy for the Allied Professional

  • Competency in Cardiac Electrophysiology for the Allied Professional

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      IBHRE • 1400 K STREET NW, SUITE 500 • WASHINGTON, D.C., 20005
P) (202) 464-3400 • F) (202) 464-3401 • IBHRE@HRSONLINE.ORG

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