The Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) is the highest certification available for health professionals who evaluate patients with sleep disorders.
This internationally recognized certification is developed and administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT). The RPSGT adheres to the “Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing,” as well as the “Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures.”
What are the requirements to take the RPSGT examination?
In order for applicants to take the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) examination, they must have a Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification (international students may have the equivalent) and follow the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) Standards of Conduct. The RPSGT offers 5 different eligibility pathways, with different requirements, which are listed below.
- RPSGT Pathway 1: Clinical Experience. The requirements for this pathway include 1,638 hours of clinical experience, as well as completion of a STAR-designated self-study education program.
- RPSGT Pathway 2: Healthcare Credential. This pathway is ideal for soon-to-be-graduates and candidates who have another healthcare credential. The candidate must have at least 546 hours of clinical experience.
- RPSGT Pathway 3: CAAHEP/CoARC Student. This pathway is ideal for candidates who are graduates of a CAAHEP or CoARC-accredited polysomnography education program.
- RPSGT Pathway 4: Focused Training. The requirements for this pathway include 819 hours of clinical experience and completion of STAR-designated Focused education or a combination of Self-Study and Focused 2 education.
- RPSGT Pathway 5: International Option. This pathway is ideal for international candidates performing polysomnography. The candidate must have completed post-secondary education in a medicine or science related discipline required for practice in their country.
How to apply for the RPSGT examination?
Health care professionals interested in applying for the RPSGT examination can submit an application to the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT). This application can be printed out and mailed to the corporate office, or it can be completed online through the BRPT Self Service Portal.
If you choose to mail the application, it must be completed in original ink. Please note that your eligibility window begins after you process the payment, so avoid delay in mailing the application.
The BRPT encourages applicants to submit their applications and payments as soon as possible. After acceptance and verification of the application, candidates will receive an approval email with instructions on scheduling their exam, the nearest testing facility, the test date window, and their Candidate ID.
How much is the RPSGT examination?
The Registered Polysomnography Technologist (RPSGT) examination is $450 (USD). There are other possible associated fees listed below.
Resubmission Fee. If the application is incomplete and returned to the candidate, there will be a $50 resubmission fee.
Refund Fee. If an applicant cancels their examination before their exam window expires, they will receive the original application fee minus a $50 administration fee. If the exam window expires, the applicant forfeits their application fee.
“No Show” fee. The Pearson Vue testing facility requires at least 24 hours notice for cancellation. Failure to give a 24-hr notice will result in a forfeit of the application fee. To reschedule the test, applicants must pay a $100 “No Show” fee.
What is covered on the RPSGT examination?
The Registered Polysomnography Technologist (RPSGT) examination has 175 multiple-choice questions. 25 of these questions are pretest items that don’t count towards the final score.
The examination includes the following sections.
- Domain 1: Study Performance/Instrumentation (40%). This section includes topics like medications and patient accommodations.
- Domain 2: Scoring and Data Processing (20%). This section includes topics like cardiac and respiratory events.
- Domain 3: Perform Therapeutic Treatment and Intervention (30%). This section includes topics like pressure intolerance and patient acclimation.
- Domain 4: Therapy Adherence and Management (10%). This section includes topics like compliance.
What to expect on test day
On the day of the examination, candidates are required to bring two forms of unexpired identification that include the candidate’s signature. The first and last name must match the first and last name on the application. Candidates are not allowed to bring study materials, notes, electronics, food/drink, or excessive clothing. Personal lockers will be provided if needed, and a calculator will be provided in the computer program.
The examination is 4 hours long.
How to prepare for the RPSGT examination
The RPSGT examination covers 175 questions, 4 sections, and over 50 comprehensive topics – but don’t panic! The Mometrix RPSGT Study Guide walks you through the different test sections and topics, exploring the need-to-know concepts. This comprehensive study guide also includes well-researched test-taking strategies that are sure to help you on test day.
The Mometrix RPSGT Flash Cards use the method of repetition to help test-takers remember the important concepts on test day. These durable cards are excellent for studying on the go!
We wish you the best of luck on your journey to becoming a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist.