The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) offers a certification program recognizing individuals for their knowledge and skill-set in the repair and maintenance of devices used in the delivery of healthcare. The Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) credential is awarded to individuals who prove their expertise in a wide range of electromechanical devices, computers, networks and software that are used in the delivery of healthcare.
Eligibility
To qualify to sit for the CBET credential, an individual needs to meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
- An Associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology (BMET) and two years’ full-time BMET work experience; or
- Completion of a U.S. military BMET program and two years’ full-time BMET work experience; or
- An Associate’s degree in electronics technology and three years’ full-time BMET work experience; or
- Four years’ full-time BMET work experience
You may also apply for candidate status where you will be given five years to meet the eligibility requirements.
Registration, cost, and dates
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you may register for the CBET examination. Complete the application form, attach required documentation and your payment, and mail to AAMI. The application and payment need to be submitted at least 30 days before the test window opens.
The CBET examination registration fee is $350.00 for AAMI members and $400.00 for non-members. Membership in AAMI is not a prerequisite for the examination. The registration fee includes a $100.00 non-refundable application fee. Payment is made by personal check, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
The CBET exam is offered twice a year, generally in May and November. Each test has an application deadline. Take care to apply for the exam by the deadline to avoid late registration fees. After your application is approved, information on how to register for the exam is emailed to you. Failure to register for the exam during the testing window may result in the forfeiture of all fees, and you will have to reapply.
Test design
The Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician exam is a three-hour, 165 multiple-choice question exam delivered as a computer-based test. The examination is divided into six knowledge content areas:
- Anatomy and Physiology – 12%
Content examined include systems, organs, blood, and terminology.
- Public Safety in the Healthcare Facility – 14%
Employee, patient, and visitor safety knowledge includes electrical, chemical, radiation hazards, biological, fire, and codes and standards (NFPA 99, FDA regulations, OSHA regulations, etc.).
- Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics – 10%
Your knowledge is assessed in the following areas: transducers, calculations and conversions, circuits and components, power distribution and storage systems, and terminology.
- Healthcare Technology and Function – 25%
Your knowledge and understanding of the following systems and equipment are assessed: monitoring, portable, life support, therapeutic, laboratory, diagnostic imaging, operating room, test, diagnostic, and associated terminology.
- Healthcare Technology Problem Solving – 25%
As a CBET, you are expected to understand the techniques to troubleshoot equipment used within a healthcare facility.
- Healthcare Information Technology – 10%
Topics covered in this content area include regulatory and safety regulations; foundations of hardware, software, and middleware; function and operation of hardware, integration, test equipment, and security; problem-solving; and, terminology.
You will have access to an on-screen calculator during the exam and scratch paper is provided.
Test Day
When you register for your exam, a confirmation of registration is emailed to you. On the confirmation are your test date, time, and location. Bring the confirmation with you along with two forms of identification, one of which has your photo and signature. You are required to report to the testing facility 15 minutes before your appointment; late arrivals are not allowed entrance.
Once your testing session begins, you are not permitted breaks. All supplies are provided, including scratch paper and a pencil. When you have completed your test, return any supplies to the testing center staff and leave the testing room.
Exam results and scoring
You receive one point for each correct answer, and incorrect answers are not penalized. You need 116 points (out of 165) to pass the exam and obtain your credential. Your unofficial results are displayed at the conclusion, and official notification of your status is mailed within 30 days of taking the exam.
If you did not pass, you must wait until you receive your official results before rescheduling the examination.
How Can I Prepare for the CBET Test?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!