History of CABMET Study Group Started in 2004 for the May test We found it better to have expert presenters talk about areas they know best Run by the Colorado Association of BMETs. (CABMET) a small non-profit state Biomed organization 2006 we spread out to become a national group through teleconference
History of Study Group Members of our group got the highest scores in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 2008- 2013 CABMET was able to advertise the group through the AAMI Conference 2008 more than ½ of the people that passed were part of our group 2011- Over 250 members of CABMET Study Group pass certification (over ½ of the people that passed the test) 2011, 2013 - Members of CABMET group got highest score or tied for highest on all 3 tests 2012 CABMET has helped over 1000 techs get certified The goal of our CBET group is to provide education to all interested BMETs and provide it at a price that is affordable for everyone. The group has grown every year mostly by word of mouth and proven results.
Teleconference Rules 1. There will be a break for questions 2. We would like questions only asked during the break 3. Leave your phone muted until the break for questions 4. If you have a question during the class write it down and wait to ask it until the break or you can put it on the chat window. 5. Please be courteous to others on the conference call 6. If some questions are more involved and don’t pertain to the group then they will be answered at the end of the class. 7. Normal class hours are 5-7 Mountain Time, but we will answer questions past the end of class. We can also answer questions by email. Email all questions you have to cbetstudygroup@cabmet.org
Requirements FULL CERTIFICATION: Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES)*, or Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES)* : Applicants must meet ONE of the following minimum eligibility requirements: Applicants must meet ONE of the following minimum eligibility requirements: 1. Associate’s degree in biomedical academic program and two years full-time BMET work experience; OR 2. Completion of a U.S. military biomedical equipment technology program and two years full-time BMET work experience; OR 3. Associate’s degree in electronics technology and three years full-time 4. Four years full-time BMET work experience. CABMET recommends people to use the experience qualification (#4) if they fit in this category. This is the easiest and requires the least documentation.
Additional Requirements- Fully Certified Additional eligibility routes for CLES Applicants only: 5. Associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology and three years fulltime BMET work experience; OR 6. Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology and two years full-time BMET work experience. *CRES and CLES Applicants for full certification: At least 40% of work experience over the last two years or 25% over the last five years must be in the designated specialty area.
Requirements CANDIDATE STATUS: Applicants desiring Full certification, but who do not yet meet the eligibility requirements (as listed in last slide), have the opportunity to apply through candidate status. Successful candidates are given five years to meet the minimum eligibility requirements and be awarded Full certification. To test as a candidate for any of the certification, an applicant must meet ONE of the following minimum eligibility requirements: To test as a candidate for any of the certifications, an applicant must meet ONE of the following minimum eligibility requirements: 1. Associate’s degree in biomedical academic program; OR 2. Completion of a U.S. military biomedical equipment technology program; OR 3. Associate’s degree in electronics technology and one year full-time BMET work experience; OR 4. Two years of full-time BMET work experience. NOTE: A Bachelor’s degree does not replace work experience requirements.
Additional Requirements- Candidate Status Additional eligibility routes for CLES Applicants only: 5. Associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology and one year full-time BMET work experience; OR 6. Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology. IMPORTANT: If claiming eligibility based in full or in part on an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, a copy of the diploma MUST be included with the Application and fees. A copy of the diploma is required for individuals applying under the completion of a U.S. military biomedical program. Official college transcripts may be requested at the discretion of the application reviewer, but required from international applicants. NOTE: A Bachelor’s degree does not replace work experience requirements.
Application Checklist Applicants MUST include the following: Completed and signed Application (Part I, Part II) Copy of diploma (if claiming eligibility based on an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree) Copy of military diploma (if using completion of U.S. military biomedical program as eligibility route) Official college transcript (for international applicants) Required Fee(s) NOTE: Applications will be returned if not submitted with the required documentation and fees.
Mail to: Applications MUST be postmarked by the application deadline as noted on the front cover. Mailed to: ICC Examinations Professional Testing Corporation 1350 Broadway – 17th Floor New York, NY 10018 Applications postmarked after the application deadline cannot be guaranteed acceptance.
Applicant Review Process Once reviewed, applicants will be notified of the following: If eligible: Applicants will be notified by PTC within approximately two weeks confirming their registration. If ineligible: Application and fees will be returned to applicant with a notice of ineligibility.
Scheduling Exam You will be mailed an Eligibility Notice four weeks prior to the start of the testing period. A candidate not receiving an Eligibility Notice at least three weeks before the beginning of the testing period should contact: Professional Testing Corporation by telephone at (212) 356-0660. To find a testing center near you visit: http://www.ptcny.com/cbt/sites.htm or call PSI at (800) 211-2754. Note: You will not be able to schedule your examination appointment until you have received an Eligibility Notice from PTC.
Passing the Test 165 multiple choice- You must get around 70% correct to pass! You have 3 hours to take the exam
What to Bring The Eligibility Notice Photo ID- Government issued. Calculator- see requirements below.
Calculator Recommended but not required. Simple based calculators that have 10 numbers (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9), add (+), subtract (-), multiply (x), divide (/) and equals (=) functions, which have no programming options or preconfigured buttons with formulas or calculations (summations, financial computations, etc.) may be used. These calculators may have an "M“ button which is for memory. It only memorizes numbers, not calculations, formulas, etc. It is the responsibility of the applicant to clear any information and/or programs stored before the examination. The use of any calculator with unacceptable features or for retrieval of information/programs during the examination is considered an act of cheating. No cell phone or cell phone calculators! You will need it on 1-5 answers on the test. All the formulas you will need are given. On screen calculator can be used too.
Results Within 4 weeks after the test after the close of the testing period. Examination results will NOT be provided over the telephone, e-mailed, or faxed by PTC or ICC under any circumstances
Test Online Example: http://www.ptcny.com/cbt/demo.htm
Links http://www.aami.org/certification Free Magazine Subscriptions: http://www.24x7mag.com MD Publishing http://www.mdpublishing.com/subscription.aspx TechNation Magazine
Links 24X7 Magazine certification page: http://www.24x7mag.com/general-biomedical/certification-information iCBET App: http://www.icbetapp.com High Scorers 2012 Article: http://www.aami.org/publications/AAMINews/Feb2013/Certification_Top_Scorers.html
Links 2013 High Score article: http://www.aami.org/publications/AAMINews/Feb2014/High_Scorers_Share_Tips.html
AAMI Memberships AAMI Memberships: http://www.aami.org/membership/categories.htm CABMET recommends- Associate membership and test application fee. Instead of paying the non-member fee for the test.