Top 10 Sleep Technician Certifications

Certifications are an important indicator of a sleep technician’s qualifications and expertise. They provide employers with assurance that the technician has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job. Additionally, certifications can open up more job opportunities for technicians as many employers prefer to hire those who have obtained certification from a reputable organization. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and continuing education in the field, which can be attractive to employers.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Sleep Technicians and explains how they can help advance a sleep technician's career.

What are Sleep Technician Certifications?

Sleep technician certification is a professional certification that indicates an individual has achieved a certain level of expertise in the field of sleep medicine. The certification is offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT), and requires individuals to complete a rigorous training program and pass an exam.

Sleep technician certification can be beneficial for many reasons. It can help individuals demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to employers and potential employers. By achieving the certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality patient care in the field of sleep medicine. Additionally, obtaining this certification may open up more opportunities for career advancement or job security. Furthermore, having this certification may qualify individuals for higher salaries due to the increased level of expertise it represents. Finally, earning this certification often provides additional recognition within the medical community as well as among patients who may be seeking out someone with specific qualifications in order to receive proper care.

Pro Tip: When considering a sleep technician certification, make sure to research the credentials of the provider and their accreditation, as well as any specializations or additional training they offer. This will help ensure that you get the best possible certification for your needs.

Related: What does a Sleep Technician do?

Top 10 Sleep Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Sleep Technicians today.

1. Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) Certification

Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) Certification is a credential that is earned by individuals who have completed a comprehensive program of study and training in the field of sleep technology. This certification recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform polysomnography, which includes administering and scoring sleep studies. RPSGT certification requires successful completion of an accredited program, passing a board exam, and maintaining continuing education requirements.

It typically takes two years to complete the necessary coursework for RPSGT certification. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology; sleep disorders; medical terminology; electroencephalography (EEG); polysomnography; respiratory physiology; pharmacology; patient care; data analysis; report writing; and ethical considerations. Many programs also include clinical practicums in which students gain hands-on experience working with patients undergoing sleep studies.

To become certified as an RPSGT, candidates must first pass the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) examination. The BRPT offers several different types of exams: the Core Exam, Specialty Exams, and Recertification Exams. Candidates must successfully complete all components of the exam before they can be awarded their certification.

The cost of obtaining RPSGT certification varies depending on the type of exam taken and whether or not additional materials are purchased for study purposes. For example, taking the Core Exam costs $400 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees while taking a Specialty Exam costs $200 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additionally, some programs may require additional fees for textbooks or other materials used during the coursework portion of the program.

2. Certified Sleep Technologist (CST) Certification

Certified Sleep Technologist (CST) Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a sleep technologist’s knowledge and skills in the field of sleep medicine. This certification is offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of competency in the field, and it serves as an indication of their commitment to continuing education and professional development.

The CST exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as sleep physiology, polysomnography, scoring, data analysis, patient care, professional practice, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have completed at least one year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience as a registered polysomnographic technologist within the past five years.

In order to apply for the CST exam, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of experience and payment for the exam fee. The cost for the exam is $250 USD. Once approved, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and take it at a testing center near them.

Once certified, CSTs must renew their certification every two years by completing 30 hours of continuing education credits related to sleep technology or sleep medicine. In addition to this requirement, CSTs are also expected to adhere to BRPT’s Code of Professional Conduct which outlines ethical standards for practicing sleep technologists.

3. Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) Exam

The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) Exam is a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and skills of individuals who are interested in becoming certified polysomnographic technologists. This exam is designed to evaluate an individual’s ability to accurately perform and interpret sleep studies, as well as their understanding of sleep disorders and treatments. The BRPT Exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam.

The written portion of the BRPT Exam includes multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, sleep physiology, clinical applications, instrumentation, safety, medical terminology, and professional standards. The practical portion of the exam consists of hands-on tasks related to polysomnography technology such as setting up equipment, calibrating monitors, troubleshooting problems with equipment or software, performing basic patient care activities, interpreting data from sleep studies, and recognizing abnormal findings.

The BRPT Exam typically takes about 4 hours to complete. It is offered at various locations throughout the United States on a regular basis. To take the exam you must first submit an application to the BRPT along with any required fees or documentation. Once your application has been approved you will be able to register for the exam date that best suits your schedule.

The cost for taking the BRPT Exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. This fee covers both parts of the exam (written and practical).

4. American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Exam

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Exam is an exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills necessary for a professional to practice sleep medicine. The exam consists of two parts: a written component and a clinical skills component. The written component is composed of multiple-choice questions that test the candidate's knowledge in areas such as sleep physiology, sleep disorders, pharmacology, and clinical management. The clinical skills component requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to perform common tasks related to sleep medicine such as patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care.

The AASM Exam takes approximately five hours to complete. Candidates must register with the AASM prior to taking the exam and pay an application fee of $400. The fee covers both the written and clinical components of the exam. After registering for the exam, candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online testing portal where they can begin preparing for the exam by reviewing study materials provided by the AASM.

Once candidates have completed all components of the exam, they will receive their results within four weeks via email from the AASM. If successful in passing both components of the exam, candidates will be granted certification as a Diplomate of Sleep Medicine (DSM). This certification is valid for three years after which time recertification is required in order to maintain credentials as a DSM.

In summary, obtaining certification through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Exam involves registering with AASM prior to taking the exam ($400 fee), completing both components (written and clinical) within five hours, waiting four weeks for results via email from AASM upon completion, and being granted certification as a Diplomate of Sleep Medicine if successful in passing both components.

5. National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) Accreditation

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is an independent accreditation body that sets standards for certifying organizations. It was established in 1987 to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of certification programs that assess the competency of individuals in a wide range of occupations. The NCCA accreditation process ensures that certification programs meet rigorous standards and are based on sound psychometric principles.

To be accredited by the NCCA, a certification program must demonstrate that its processes are valid, reliable, and legally defensible. This includes demonstrating that its exams are validly constructed and administered, its policies and procedures are fair and equitable, and its overall operations comply with applicable laws.

The NCCA accreditation process typically takes between 12-18 months to complete. The first step is to submit an application package which includes a detailed description of the certification program’s structure, content, policies, procedures, and other related documents. Once this is submitted, it will be reviewed by an NCCA committee who will then make a recommendation as to whether or not the program should be accredited. If approved, the program will receive official accreditation from NCCA for five years at which point it must reapply for reaccreditation.

The cost of obtaining NCCA accreditation varies depending on the size and complexity of the organization’s certification program; however most organizations can expect to pay anywhere from $5k-$10k in fees associated with submitting an application package and undergoing review by an NCCA committee.

6. American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) Exam

The American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) Exam is a certification exam for sleep technologists. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of those who work in the field of sleep technology. The exam covers topics such as patient evaluation, sleep disorders, sleep monitoring, and data analysis.

The AAST Exam takes approximately four hours to complete. It consists of multiple-choice questions and an essay section. The exam fee is $400 for members of the AAST and $500 for non-members.

To take the AAST Exam, applicants must first register with the AAST and pay the registration fee. Once registered, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online application form and submit payment for the exam fee. After submitting payment, applicants will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to schedule their exam date.

Once scheduled, applicants must show up at the designated testing center on their assigned date and time with two forms of ID (one must be a government-issued photo ID). Applicants are allowed to bring basic calculators into the testing center but no other items are permitted inside the testing room.

The AAST Exam is offered twice a year at various locations throughout North America.

7. National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Exam

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Exam is a comprehensive assessment of sleep health. It covers topics such as sleep habits, sleep patterns, and overall quality of life. The exam consists of a series of questions that assess the individual’s sleeping habits and lifestyle. It also includes an evaluation of any medical conditions or medications that may be affecting their sleep.

The NSF Exam typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. It can be taken in person at a doctor’s office or online through the NSF website. The cost for the exam varies depending on the provider, but it usually ranges from $50-$100.

The NSF Exam is designed to help individuals understand their own sleep health and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed in order to improve their overall quality of life. By taking this exam, individuals can gain insight into their own sleeping habits and make changes if necessary in order to get better restful nights of sleep.

8. American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) Exam

The American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) Exam is a comprehensive exam that tests the knowledge and skills of those who wish to become board-certified in sleep medicine. The exam consists of two parts: the written portion and the oral examination. The written portion is a multiple-choice test covering topics such as sleep physiology, clinical assessment and management, research, pharmacology, and other related topics. It typically takes 3 hours to complete.

The oral examination is conducted by a panel of experts in the field of sleep medicine. During this part of the exam, applicants are asked questions about their knowledge and experience with treating patients with sleep disorders. This portion typically takes 2 hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the ABSM Exam, applicants must have completed an accredited fellowship program in sleep medicine or have at least three years of clinical experience in sleep medicine. Applicants must also submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts from medical school and letters of recommendation from colleagues and supervisors.

The cost for taking the ABSM Exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it generally costs between $1,000-$2,000 USD per attempt.

9. The Joint Commission Advanced Certification in Sleep Disorders Testing and Treatment

The Joint Commission Advanced Certification in Sleep Disorders Testing and Treatment is a voluntary certification program that recognizes hospitals, critical access hospitals, and ambulatory care centers for their commitment to providing high-quality patient care in the area of sleep disorders testing and treatment. The program encourages organizations to develop an environment of excellence that supports quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

To receive this certification, organizations must demonstrate compliance with the Joint Commission's standards for sleep disorders testing and treatment. Organizations must also meet performance measures related to the quality of care provided for patients with sleep disorders. In addition, organizations must provide evidence of a comprehensive quality management system that includes data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.

It typically takes 6-9 months to receive this certification after submitting an application. To get started on the application process, organizations should contact the Joint Commission directly or visit their website for more information about the requirements for certification.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the organization’s operations; however, it is estimated to cost between $10,000 - $20,000 USD.

10. National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Exam

The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Exam is a certification exam offered by the NBRC to respiratory therapists and other healthcare professionals. This exam assesses the knowledge and skills of those who wish to become certified in the field of respiratory care. The NBRC offers two levels of certification: Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

The NBRC Exam takes approximately three hours to complete, depending on which level of certification you are seeking. The CRT exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, while the RRT exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions.

In order to take the NBRC Exam, you must first apply for it through the NBRC website. You will need to provide your contact information, educational background, and other relevant information in order to complete the application process. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to register for an upcoming exam date at one of their testing centers.

The cost of taking the NBRC Exam varies depending on which level you are seeking certification for. For CRT certification, the cost is $200; for RRT certification, it is $300. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for an exam date or rescheduling an appointment.

Do You Really Need a Sleep Technician Certificate?

Sleep technicians play a crucial role in helping people get the rest they need to stay healthy. They are trained to monitor and evaluate sleep patterns, diagnose sleep disorders, and implement treatment plans. A Sleep Technician Certificate is an important credential that can help you become an effective sleep technician and advance your career.

The certificate program covers topics such as sleep physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, psychology, data collection and analysis, diagnostic techniques, sleep therapy strategies, patient care techniques, and medical terminology. The coursework also includes hands-on experience in the form of clinical rotations in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Having a Sleep Technician Certificate demonstrates that you have taken the time to learn the specialized knowledge needed to become an effective sleep technician. This credential can help you stand out from other job applicants when looking for employment in this field. In addition to having a competitive edge over those without a certificate or degree in this field, it will also provide you with increased credibility as someone who is qualified to work as a sleep technician.

Furthermore, having a Sleep Technician Certificate can open doors for further education opportunities such as continuing education courses or advanced degrees in related fields such as nursing or respiratory therapy. Having this certification may also lead to better pay and more job opportunities because employers know that those with certified credentials have the necessary skillset to handle complex tasks associated with the job.

In conclusion, obtaining a Sleep Technician Certificate is an important step towards becoming an effective sleep technician and advancing your career prospects within this field. It provides evidence that you have acquired the knowledge needed for success in this profession and gives you an edge over other job applicants when applying for positions at healthcare facilities or private practices. Additionally, it can provide access to higher-level positions and better pay due to its recognition by employers as being indicative of expertise in the field of sleep technology.

Related: Sleep Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Sleep Technician Certifications

1. What is a Sleep Technician Certification?

Answer: A Sleep Technician Certification is a credential that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of sleep medicine. It recognizes individuals who have successfully completed a program of study in sleep medicine, including courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, sleep disorders, diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions.

2. How do I become a Certified Sleep Technician?

Answer: To become certified as a Sleep Technician, you must first complete an accredited training program in sleep technology or related field. After completing the program, you must then pass the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) Certification Exam administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).

3. What is included in the RPSGT Certification Exam?

Answer: The RPSGT Certification Exam includes multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment and management, sleep physiology and psychology, instrumentation and data analysis, scoring systems, clinical protocols, safety measures, legal issues and professional practice.

4. How long does it take to get my Sleep Technician Certification?

Answer: It typically takes 4-6 months to complete all of the requirements for certification as a Sleep Technician. This includes completing an accredited training program in sleep technology or related field and passing the RPSGT Certification Exam administered by the BRPT.

5. Is there any ongoing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, ongoing continuing education is required to maintain your certification as a Sleep Technician. You must obtain 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within three years from either approved workshops/seminars or independent studies/reading activities to remain certified with BRPT.