In The News,
BRPT Testing Dates: Now On Demand see below:
January 2010
The March 2010 two-week window will be the final structured, two-week RPSGT exam testing window. Beginning in mid-June 2010 the RPSGT exam will be available to candidates "on demand." After the close of the March testing window, candidates will be able to submit an application to test anytime after June 12. When an authorization to test is issued, candidates will be able to test on a date of their choosing, anytime during the one year period for which their authorization is valid. Candidates unsuccessful on one exam attempt will be able to re-test as soon as they feel they are prepared, without the necessity of waiting for the next fixed testing window.
The move to on demand testing was made possible by an aggressive effort to build out the RPSGT exam item bank of validated items, tested for psychometric reliability. The RPSGT item bank is now deep enough -- contains a sufficient number of fully validated items -- to permit the development of exam forms on an on-demand basis. "The big win for our candidates," notes Becky Appenzeller, "is in real-time delivery of exam results. In our current model, candidates wait for about 20 business days after the close of an exam testing window for the results to be validated and available -- a "post-equating" model, in psychometric terms. In June 2010 we will be able to deliver the exam using "pre-equated" items. A candidate will complete the exam, submit it, and receive a results report immediately, before leaving the Pearson VUE testing center.
For more information, please go to www.brpt.org
September 2009 - NEW Credential
The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT) announced the new Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) credential, an entry-level certificate for those entering the sleep technology profession. The certificate is not a pre-requisite to sitting for the RPSGT exam and is only valid for three years before the certificate holder must pass the RPSGT exam or the certificate expires. Candidates for the exam require a minimum of three months of polysomnography experience, a high school diploma or equivalent, current CPR/BLS certification and verification of completion of a designated sub-set of the A-STEP Self Study Online Modules. Certificate holders will be required to earn 10 continuing education credits each year they hold the certificate.
For more information, please go to www.brpt.org
August 2009
New Pathway Added for RPSGT Candidates
The BRPT has also just announced a new pathway to RPSGT exam eligibility - Pathway #4 - developed specifically to accommodate individuals who have completed both an A-STEP Introductory Course and the A-STEP Self-Study Online Modules, (or a BRPT-designated alternative education program). Pathway #4 will be available to candidates submitting proof of completion of both an A-STEP Introductory Course and the A-Step Self-Study Online Modules (or a BRPT - designated alternate education program), a current BLS/CPR certification, and verification of nin months of paid clinical experience where at least 21 hours per week per calendar yaer of on-the-job duties performed are polysomnography direct patient recording and / or scoring. Duties must be within a 3-year period prior to the exam. The new Pathway #4 will be available to candidates beginning with the December 2009 testing window. December applications will be accepted beginning in late September.
For more information, please go to www.brpt.org
June 2007
Mary Kay Hobby was recently honored at Sleep 2007 for being this years recipient of the Sharon Keenan Excellence in Education Award.