ARDMS Credentials
How to Apply Guide
ARDMS.org
1-800-541-9754
Introduction and ARDMS Credentials
About ARDMS
ARDMS is an independent, nonprofit organization that
administers examinations and awards the following credentials:
About this Guide
This guide provides quick-reference application information for the
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
examinations for the RDMS, RDCS and RVT credentials.
Application information for the RPVI and RMSK credentialing
examinations may be found in the respective brochures.
For comprehensive application information for all ARDMS
examinations, please visit ARDMS.org.
RDMS®
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer ®
RDCS®
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer ®
RVT®
Registered Vascular Technologist ®
RPVI®
Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation®*
RMSK™
Registered in Musculoskeletal™ sonography*
*This guide does not provide application information for the RPVI or RMSK credentialing
examinations. Please visit ARDMS.org for application information for all ARDMS credentialing
examinations.
Apply Online!
ARDMS.org/apply
Applying online is simple, safe, fast and secure!
The ARDMS online application allows you to
download a personalized list of documents
required for submission, easily pick up where
you left off, correct mistakes and submit payment
via online or in the mail!
ARDMS Credential Pathways
Examination
+
Corresponding
Specialty Examination
Credential Earned
Abdomen (AB)
Breast (BR)
RDMS
®
Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
ARDMS Five Year Rule
Candidates are required to complete both a
physics and instrumentation examination and
a corresponding specialty examination within
five years.
SPI
Sonography
Principles &
Instrumentation
Examination
Visit ARDMS.org/fiveyearrule to learn more.
Neurosonology (NE)
Registered Diagnostic
Medical Sonographer
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
Adult Echocardiography (AE)
Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)
RDCS
®
Registered Diagnostic
Cardiac Sonographer
RVT
®
Vascular Technology (VT)
Registered Vascular
Technologist
MSK
RMSK
Musculoskeletal Sonography Exam
Registered in
Musculoskeletal
PVI
RPVI
Physicians’
Vascular
Interpretation
Examination
™
®
Registered Physician in
Vascular Interpretation
*Note: Applicants may pursue the Fetal Echocardiography (FE) specialty under either the RDMS
or RDCS credential. Once the designated credential is earned, it cannot be switched.
*This guide does not provide application information for the RPVI or RMSK credentialing examinations.
Please visit ARDMS.org for application information for all ARDMS credentialing examinations.
.
Introduction and ARDMS Credentials
The only means of earning an ARDMS credential is by examination. For the
RDMS, RDCS and RVT credentials, applicants must pass two comprehensive
examinations: (1) the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI)
examination; and (2) at least one corresponding specialty examination. The
examinations may be taken in any order. Additional credential(s)/specialties
can be earned without re-taking the SPI examination.
The Application Process
Applying online is fast,
easy and secure.
Visit ARDMS.org
1.
First time applicants must choose a prerequisite/requirement.
The ARDMS Prerequisite and Requirement Eligibility Program
(PREP) is an online tool to help you choose the prerequisite or
requirement that is right for you.
Highlights of the Easy and Secure
ARDMS Online Application
• You can return to the application anytime to finish it.
• Correct mistakes and make changes.
• You will be alerted if any of the required fields were
not filled out or overlooked.
• Secure, safe, and instant online payment.
•
A personalized application summary, which details
documentation or other materials you will need to
submit to complete the application process, is provided
at the conclusion of the online application process.
Visit ARDMS.org/apply.
Visit: ARDMS.org/PREP
2.
3.
Fill out, pay for and submit your application online. Print out
your online application summary which will include a list of the
“Required Documents and Payment Information” and the
submission deadline date.
ARDMS e-mails eligible applicants an Examination-Confirmation
Letter approximately two weeks from receipt of the application
and all required supporting documentation in the ARDMS office.
Examination Confirmation letters may also be found on the MY
ARDMS section of the ARDMS website. The letter lists the approved
examination(s) and the 90-day eligibility period in which to
schedule and take your examination(s). A website address and
toll free number are provided so the candidate can schedule an
appointment. Testing sites are located in the U.S., Canada and select
international locations.
Ineligible applicants are notified of their ineligibility and reasons for
that decision. ARDMS retains a $100 USD processing fee for each
examination.
7.
Review the Content Outlines for each examination at ARDMS.org/outlines.
ID Requirements
Visit ARDMS.org/practiceexam for a list of practice examinations available
for a nominal fee.
• At the test center, you must present two
current, valid signature IDs, one of which
must be a non-expired government-issued
photo ID with your signature.
On examination day – All examinations are in English and administered on a
computer in a testing center. Please see the important ID requirements noted
in the box to the right. Your examination score will appear immediately upon
completion of the examination and is automatically sent to ARDMS for final review
and acceptance.
After a credential is earned, the Registrant will receive a credentialing packet
containing a temporary ARDMS Identification (ID) card and a certificate* within six
weeks. Registrants are listed in the ARDMS online directory at ARDMS.org.
• The name on your application and
examination confirmation letter must
exactly match the name on both current,
valid signature IDs.
• Failure to present two acceptable IDs will
prevent your admission to the test center.
If this happens, you will be marked absent
and you will forfeit the entire examination,
fee and seat.
Visit: ARDMS.org/Apply
for additional details.
Special Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ARDMS will provide
reasonable testing accommodations for candidates with professionally diagnosed disabilities as defined by the ADA.
Log on to ARDMS.org/ADA for complete instructions.
Compliance with ARDMS Discipline Policies
During the online application process, applicants are required to attest to their compliance
with all ARDMS Discipline Policies. Applicants who have legal or disciplinary matters in their past
must be prepared to disclose the matters to ARDMS at the time of application and submit the
required initial review fee of $150 USD. Please review the ARDMS Discipline Policies
(ARDMS.org/Discipline) to learn how the policies apply to you.
Discipline Pre-Application Review
ARDMS conducts a “pre-application review,” for a $125 USD non-refundable fee, for individuals
who wish to determine the impact of a previous violation of ARDMS Discipline Policies
(ARDMS.org/Discipline) on their eligibility to apply for ARDMS certification. You may obtain
additional information regarding the pre-application process along with the appropriate forms by
visiting ARDMS.org/preapplication.
ARDMS.org
*Certificates can only be displayed by
Registrants who hold active status.
The Application Process
4.
5.
6.
About the SPI Examination & SPI Requirement
Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI)
Examination Requirement:
The Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Examination Requirement allows students to apply for and take the SPI
examination prior to graduation. The SPI Examination Requirement can be found in the Prerequisite Chart section of this guide.
The SPI Examination Requirement cannot be used when applying for a specialty examination (eg. AB, BR, OB/GYN, NE, FE, AE, PE, VT).
Applicants previously approved for the SPI examination under the SPI Examination Requirement must choose a prerequisite in order to
apply for a specialty examination.
New Semi-Interactive Console Questions on the
Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI)
Examination
In the middle to late part of 2012, the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination
will introduce select items (questions) featuring a new patent-pending semi-interactive ultrasound
machine console. The new items will display a partially completed ultrasound image and a question
that indicates a problem with the image. Examinees will use a mouse to select the control on the
simulated console that will correct the problem. These new types of questions will measure the
examinees knowledge, skills and abilities in a format that closely relates to clinical practice.
To earn an ARDMS credential, applicants must choose and meet the requirements of a
prerequisite. The ARDMS Prerequisite and Requirement Eligibility Program (PREP),
available online at ARDMS.org/PREP, is an online tool to help you choose the prerequisite
that is right for you.
If you choose not to use the online ARDMS PREP program, please follow the steps below.
1.Review the Prerequisite Chart section of this guide.
2.Find your education level in the section labeled “Education.”
3.Ensure you have met the clinical experience requirement within that prerequisite.
4.Assemble the required documentation under “Documentation Required with
Application” and submit with the online application form and appropriate fees.
5.When you see a numbered term, please refer to “Notes About the Prerequisites”
section of this guide.
Eligibility will not be determined by telephone, fax or e-mail. For a complete prerequisite
chart, log on to ARDMS.org/prereqchart.
Applicants must apply online, pay all fees, and submit all
of the required supporting documentation by the deadline
provided in order for ARDMS to determine if they are eligible
to sit for ARDMS examinations.
SPI Examination Information & General Prerequisites
Choosing a Prerequisite
SPI Requirement & General Prerequisites
Sonography Principles and
Instrumentation (SPI)
Examination Requirement
Prerequisite 1
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes
About the SPI Requirement for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
A single two-year allied health education program that is patientcare related.1
Education
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes
About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
Education
Successful completion of a general, medical or sonographic physics
class/seminar/course.
Allied health occupations include, but are not limited to, diagnostic
medical sonographer, radiologic technologist, respiratory therapist,
occupational therapist, physical therapist and registered nurse.
Documentation Required with Application
Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience
1) A transcript (see transcript requirements below) reflecting
successful completion of a graded general, medical or sonographic
college, post secondary or higher education physics class (with a
grade of C or above);
12 months of full-time2 clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.3
OR
A CME certificate denoting successful completion of a general,
medical or sonographic physics seminar, physics review course, or
physics correspondence course, denoting a minimum award of 12
ARDMS-accepted CME credits. The certificate must meet ARDMS CME
documentation requirements (visit ARDMS.org/CME to view ARDMSaccepted CMEs). The CME credits must be earned within two (2) years
prior to application submission.
2) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo
identification with signature; the name on the identification must
exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS
examination.
Transcript Requirements
• Name of applicant and school must be printed on the transcript;
handwritten information will not be accepted.
• The class or course name must specifically indicate “Physics,”
“Physical Principles” and/or “Instrumentation” in the title and be
printed on the transcript. Supplementary information will not be
accepted.
• Transcript can be unofficial or official.
• If submitting a foreign transcript or degree, an original course by
course foreign transcript evaluation must accompany the application
summary and indicate the aforementioned requirements.
• Transcripts only indicating a number grade must include a “grade
key” printed on the transcript showing what letter grade the number
grade is equivalent to. Supplementary information will not be
accepted.
• A grade report will not be accepted in lieu of the transcript
(unofficial or official).
Note: If you are using your DMS/CVT program for the educational
requirement, you still have to document an additional 12 months of
full-time clinical ultrasound/vascular experience earned outside the
two-year program.
Documentation Required with Application
1) Official transcript from two-year allied health education program
as noted in the “Education” requirement of this prerequisite. Must
state specific number of credits and indicate quarter or semester
based system.
2) Copy of education program certificate, credential or license.
3) Original letter from supervising physician, sonographer/
technologist or educational program director indicating a minimum
of 12 months of full-time clinical/vascular experience including exact
dates of ultrasound experience/ successful completion of sonography
program. For sample letters, visit ARDMS.org/sampleletters.
4) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for
each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms are available at
ARDMS.org/cv.
5) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo
identification with signature; the name on the identification must
exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS
examination.
Prerequisite 2
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes
About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
Education
Graduate of a program accredited by an agency recognized by the
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), United States
Department of Education (USDOE) or Canadian Medical Association
(CMA), that specifically conducts programmatic accreditation for
diagnostic medical sonography/diagnostic cardiac sonography/
vascular technology. Currently the only organizations that offer
programmatic accreditation under the aforementioned associations
are the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education
Programs (CAAHEP) and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).
Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience
No additional experience is required.
Documentation Required with Application
1) Copy of diploma from ultrasound/vascular program or an official
transcript indicating the date the degree was conferred.
2) Original letter signed by program director and/or medical director
indicating date of graduation or successful completion of the
program4. Program directors must use the mandatory formatted
sample letter, available on ARDMS.org /sampleletters.
3) The CV form is not required if the application is submitted and
received in the ARDMS office within one year after successful
completion of the program. Otherwise an original signed and
completed CV form for each appropriate specialty area(s) must be
submitted. CV forms are available at ARDMS.org/cv.
4) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo
identification with signature; the name on the identification must
exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS
examination.
Prerequisite 3A
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes
About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
Education
Bachelor’s degree (any major) or foreign degree equivalent to a
Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. or Canada.
Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience
12 months of full-time2 clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.3
Documentation Required with Application
1) Copy of Bachelor’s degree or an official transcript earned in the
U.S. or Canada or an original foreign transcript evaluation indicating
that the degree is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. or
Canada.
2) Original letter from supervising physician, sonographer/
technologist or educational program director indicating a minimum
of 12 months of full-time clinical/vascular experience including exact
dates of ultrasound experience/ successful completion of sonography
program. For sample letters, visit ARDMS.org/sampleletters.
3) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for
each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms are available at
ARDMS.org/cv.
4) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo
identification with signature; the name on the identification must
exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS
examination.
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes
About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
Education
Bachelor’s degree in sonography or vascular technology or foreign
degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in sonography or vascular
technology in the U.S. or Canada.
Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience
No additional experience is required.
Note: Sonography or vascular technology Bachelor’s degree applicants
may take the examination one year prior to the completion of
degree, provided they have completed 12 months of full-time2 clinical
experience3 within the program.
Documentation Required with Application
1) Copy of Bachelor’s degree or an official transcript earned in the
U.S. or Canada or an original foreign transcript evaluation indicating
that the degree is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. or
Canada.
2) Original letter signed by education program director verifying
length of ultrasound or vascular experience. If program is not
completed at the time of application, a letter signed by the program
director stating graduation date and completion of appropriate
clinical ultrasound experience3 is needed5. Program directors must
use the mandatory formatted sample letters, available on
ARDMS.org/sampleletters.
Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience
The applicant must be able to document clinical experience with a
minimum of 800 studies in the area in which he/she is applying for.
Education
1) Copy of medical school diploma.
General - Outside U.S., and Canada — MD or DO degrees equivalent
to those of the U.S. or Canada.
2) Original letter from residency/fellowship program director verifying
dates of attendance and completion of a minimum of 800 studies in
the area in which you are applying.
3) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form
for each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms may be found at:
ARDMS.org/CV.
4) Applicants should maintain a patient log or other record of the 800
studies. This log does not need to be submitted with the application
but may be requested as part of a random audit. This documentation
should be maintained by the application for at least three (3) years
following the date of application for examination.
5) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo
identification with signature; the name on the identification must
exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS
examination.
Prerequisite 4A2
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes
About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
Education
3) The clinical verification (CV) form is not required if the application
is submitted and received in the ARDMS office within one year prior
to successful completion of the program, provided that the applicant
has completed 12 months of full-time clinical experience within the
program at the time that the application is submitted. Otherwise, an
original signed and completed CV form for each appropriate specialty
area(s) must be submitted. CV forms are available at ARDMS.org/cv.
4) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo
identification with signature; the name on the identification must
exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS
examination.
1) Copy of medical school diploma.
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes
About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
Education
General, U.S., and Canada — MD or DO degree earned in the U.S. or
Canada.
Formal Training — Attendance of an Accreditation Council for
Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or Royal College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) accredited residency or fellowship
that includes didactic and clinical ultrasound/vascular experience as an
integral part of the program.
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes
About the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
Documentation Required with Application
General, U.S., and Canada — MD or DO degree earned in the U.S. or
Canada.
Prerequisite 4A1
Prerequisite 4B1
Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience
12 months of full-time2 clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.3
Documentation Required with Application
2) Original letter from supervising physician, sonographer/
technologist or educational program director indicating a minimum
of 12 months of full-time clinical/vascular experience including exact
dates of ultrasound experience/successful completion of sonography
program (visit ARDMS.org/sampleletters for examples). If you are the
supervising physician, you may write your own letter.
3) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form
for each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms may be found at:
ARDMS.org/CV.
4) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo
identification with signature; the name on the identification must
exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS
examination.
Formal Training — Attendance of an accredited residency or
fellowship that includes didactic and clinical ultrasound/vascular
experience as an integral part of the program.
Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience
The applicant must be able to document clinical experience with a
minimum of 800 studies in the area in which he/she is applying for.
Documentation Required with Application
1) Original credential report or official notarized copy of the
evaluation converting the foreign medical degree must indicate
that this medical degree is equivalent to a doctor of medicine
degree in the U.S. or Canada. A listing of organizations that produce
individualized, written reports describing each certificate, diploma or
degree earned, and specifying its U.S. or Canadian equivalent can be
found at ARDMS.org/ForeignTranscripts. If the applicant has taken
and passed all three parts of and earned the Educational Commission
for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®) certification, a copy of the
ECFMG® certificate may be submitted with a copy of a current, valid
MD or DO license from the U.S. or Canada in lieu of the evaluation.
2) Original letter from residency/fellowship program director
verifying dates of attendance and completion of a minimum of 800
studies in the area in which you are applying.
3) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form
for each appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms may be found at:
ARDMS.org/CV.
4) Applicants should maintain a patient log or other record of the 800
studies. This log does not need to be submitted with the application
but may be requested as part of a random audit. This documentation
should be maintained by the application for at least three (3) years
following the date of application for examination.
5) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo
identification with signature; the name on the identification must
exactly match the name under which you are applying for ARDMS
examination.
SPI Requirement & General Prerequisites
Prerequisite 3B
General Prerequisites Continued
Prerequisite 4B2
Prerequisite 5
Prerequisite 7
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About
the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About
the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About
the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
Education
Education
Education:
General - Outside U.S., and Canada — MD or DO degrees equivalent to
those of the U.S. or Canada.
General—Must hold one of the following Active certifications:
High school graduate or U.S. or Canadian equivalent of foreign high
school graduate.
Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience
12 months of full-time2 clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.3
Documentation Required with Application
1) Original credential report or official notarized copy of the evaluation
converting the foreign medical degree must indicate that this medical
degree is equivalent to a doctor of medicine degree in the U.S. or
Canada. A listing of organizations that produce individualized, written
reports describing each certificate, diploma or degree earned, and
specifying its U.S. or Canadian equivalent can be found at ARDMS.
org/ForeignTranscripts. If the applicant has taken and passed all three
parts of and earned the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical
Graduates (ECFMG®) certification, a copy of the ECFMG® certificate may
be submitted with a copy of a current, valid MD or DO license from the
U.S. or Canada in lieu of the evaluation.
2) Original letter from supervising physician, sonographer/technologist
or educational program director indicating a minimum of 12 months of
full-time clinical/vascular experience including exact dates of ultrasound
experience/successful completion of sonography program (visit ARDMS.
org/sampleletters for examples). If you are the supervising physician, you
may write your own letter.
3) Original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each
appropriate specialty area(s).
4) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification
with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the
name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.
ONLY RCS or RVS through Cardiovascular Credentialing International
(CCI), or
Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience
ONLY Sonography, Vascular Sonography or Breast Sonography
through American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT), or
Minimum of 48 months full-time2 clinical ultrasound/vascular experience3
and a minimum of 3,200 cases in each applied for specialty area.
DMU through Australian Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM).
Documentation Required with Application
Required Clinical Ultrasound/Vascular Experience
1) Copy of high school diploma or U.S. or Canadian equivalent of
foreign high school graduate. (For individuals whose high school
diploma/equivalent was earned outside of the U.S. or Canada, an
original credential report or official notarized copy of the evaluation is
required. A listing of organizations that produce individualized, written
reports describing each certificate, diploma or degree earned, and
specifying its U.S. or Canadian equivalent, can be found at ARDMS.org/
ForeignTranscripts.)
Previously met by achievement of other organization’s credential.
Documentation Required with Application
1) Copy of Active certification identification card or copy of license.
2) Original signed and completed CV form for each appropriate
specialty area(s). CV forms are available at ARDMS.org/cv.
3) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification
with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the
name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.
Prerequisite 6
(Note: All listed items must be met and completed prior to submission. See the Notes About
the Prerequisites for footnotes, definitions and complete details.)
Education
MD or DO with RPVI (Active Status)
Physicians who currently hold the RPVI credential with active status may
apply directly for the RDMS, RDCS and RVT credential examinations.
Documentation Required with Application
2) Original Physician’s Statement Experience letter(s) from reporting
physician(s) indicating a minimum of 48 months of full-time clinical/
vascular experience and including exact dates of ultrasound experience
in each applied for specialty area. The Physician’s Statement Experience
letter(s) may be found on ARDMS.org /sampleletters.
3) Original Sonographer’s Statement letter from an ARDMS Registered
Sonographer verifying the applicant has performed independently and
effectively under their supervision a minimum of 3,200 cases in each
applied for specialty area. The Sonographer’s Statement letter may be
found on ARDMS.org /sampleletters.
4) Original signed and completed Clinical Verification (CV) form for each
appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms may be found at ARDMS.org/CV.
5) Thirty ARDMS accepted CMEs that are ultrasound related in the specific
applied for specialty area.
2) Original signed and completed Clinical Verification (CV) form for each
appropriate specialty area(s). CV forms are available at
ARDMS.org/cv.
6) Applicants should maintain a patient log or other record of the 3,200
cases for each applied for specialty area. This log does not need to be
submitted with the application but may be requested as part of a random
audit. This documentation should be maintained by the applicant for at
least three (3) years following the date of examination.
3) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification
with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the
name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.
7) Photocopy of a non-expired government issued photo identification
with signature; the name on the identification must exactly match the
name under which you are applying for ARDMS examination.
1) Copy of current, valid medical license.
Note: Prerequisite requirements are subject to change at any time and from time to time.
Applicants must meet current prerequisite requirements in effect at the time of application.
Notes About the Prerequisites
• The SPI Examination Requirement applies to the SPI examination only.
1
A two-year allied health education program that is patient-care related is defined as (1) 24 full-time
consecutive calendar months or (2) 60 semester credits or (3) 84 quarter credits (4) and requiring a
clinical internship/externship to complete the program. Credit hours are based on U.S. equivalency in
a post secondary institution. The program or school must be authorized by an accrediting agency to
award semester or quarter credits and the type of credits granted must be reflected on the transcript.
Transcripts reflecting clock hours must be converted to credit hours. If submitting a foreign degree, an
original course by course foreign transcript evaluation must accompany the application summary and
indicate the aforementioned requirements.
• SPI Applicants who can fully meet an existing ARDMS prerequisite (1 through 7) are strongly
encouraged to apply under that prerequisite, as future application processing will be
faster and easier.
•
Applicants who have applied for and been approved to take a former Principles and Instrumentation
examination (UPI, CPI, VPI) or any ARDMS specialty examination(s) (e.g. AB, BR, OB/GYN, NE, FE, AE,
PE, VT) should not apply under the SPI Examination Requirement but rather as a re-applicant
(visit ARDMS.org/reapplicant for details).
• A clinical verification (CV) form is not required when applying under the SPI Examination Requirement.
• To apply for an ARDMS specialty examination (e.g. AB, BR, OB/GYN, NE, FE, AE, PE, VT), an existing ARDMS
prerequisite (1 through 7) must be met.
Full-time is defined as 35 hours per week, at least 48 weeks per year. If working part time, the
requirements are prorated. Twenty hours per week would take approximately two years. The full-time
definition applies to both paid clinical ultrasound/vascular experience and experience earned through
completion of a formal ultrasound/vascular program.
2
Clinical ultrasound/vascular experience may be obtained one of two ways: (1) being employed as
an ultrasound/vascular sonographer in a clinical setting for a minimum of 12 months and a minimum
of 1680 hours, or (2) successfully completing a formal, full-time ultrasound/vascular program that is
a minimum of 12 months in length, a minimum of 1680 total program hours, including appropriate
clinical and didactic hours, and requires a clinical internship/externship to complete the program . If the
total length of the program exceeds 12 months, the applicant must successfully complete the program
in its entirety prior to using the program as documentation of the required clinical ultrasound/vascular
experience. It is recommended that an applicant be directly involved in a minimum of 800 diagnostic
cases during his/her clinical experience in each specialty area for which he/she is applying. Clinical
diagnostic settings include hospitals, clinics and private practices. ARDMS does not accept volunteer,
instructorship, unpaid, barter or veterinarian experience. The time frames in which the education and
clinical requirements are met cannot overlap. Clinical experience earned to document the education
requirement cannot also be used to support the clinical requirement.
3
The mandatory Prerequisite 2 Application letter (found on ARDMS.org /sampleletters) is valid for
one year from the date of graduation. If the application and appropriate supporting documentation
are not received after one year of successful completion of the program, the applicant will need new
documentation verifying successful program completion, and a current, completed, original signed CV
form for each applied-for specialty area will be required. An original letter per student is required.
First-time applicants applying under Prerequisite 2 must apply for either the Sonography Principles
and Instrumentation (SPI) examination or a specialty area that is included within the programmatically
accredited curriculum.
4
The mandatory Student Prerequisite 3B Application Letter (found on ARDMS.org/sampleletters), is
valid through the expected graduation date. If the student chooses to apply after graduation, then
the Graduate Prerequisite 3B Application letter (found on ARDMS.org /sampleletters) and a current,
completed, original CV form for each applied-for specialty area will be required. An original letter per
student is required.
5
Note: If the Bachelor’s Degree sonography/ vascular technology program is also programmatically
accredited through one of the following: Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), United
States Department of Education (USDOE), or Canadian Medical Association (CMA), and the students have
graduated, then the prerequisite 3B students should apply under prerequisite 2.
ARDMS.org
Call Toll Free 1-800-541-9754
General Prerequisites Continued & Important Notes
Notes About the SPI Examination Requirement
Administrative Information
Online Application Payment is Fast and Secure! Log on to ARDMS.org/apply today
to find all the necessary information for submitting documentation and payments.
Examination Application Fees
Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI)
$200
Abdomen (AB)
$250
Breast (BR)
$250
Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
$250
Neurosonology (NE)
$250
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
$250
Adult Echocardiography (AE)
$250
Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)
$250
Vascular Technology (VT)
$250
Other ARDMS Examinations:
Physicians’ Vascular Interpretation (PVI)
$600
Application information may be found in the
RPVI How to Apply Guide or on ARDMS.org.
Musculoskeletal (MSK)
Application information may be found in the
RMSK How to Apply Guide or on ARDMS.org.
$450 (non physicians)
$600 (physicians – MD/DO)
All fees include a $100 USD non-refundable processing fee.
A $100 USD fee will be assessed to individuals taking ARDMS examinations at international
testing centers (outside the US and Canada). The fee will be charged at the time the
examination is scheduled and is subject to change without notice.
Additional Resources on ARDMS.org
• Apply for an Examination
ARDMS.org/Apply
• Prepare for an Examination
ARDMS.org/Prepare
• Schedule an Examination
ARDMS.org/Schedule
• Content Outlines
ARDMS.org/Outlines
• PREP
ARDMS.org/PREP
• Application Resources
ARDMS.org/Appresources
• ARDMS Rules and Policies
ARDMS.org/Policies
• Clinical Verification (CV) Forms
ARDMS.org/CV • Prerequisite Chart
ARDMS.org/Prereqchart
• Discipline and Legal Information
ARDMS.org/Discipline
2012-1
All referenced trademarks and certification marks are
owned by ARDMS.
Information in this How to Apply Guide supersedes
the information in any prior edition. Earlier versions
of this publication may contain outdated information.
Call Toll Free
1-800-541-9754
51 Monroe Street, Plaza East One
Rockville, MD 20850-2400
ARDMS.org