Board Certification
Sleep Registry Update
AASM, APT, and BRPT (Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists)
have sponsored a committee to begin accrediting college track programs in PSG
technology.

They are also developing standardized OJT (on the job training) program for
technologists as well.  Such a program will include accredited didactic training,
ongoing programmed training modules and competency testing.
TRAINING & CERTIFICATION INFORMATION IN BEHAVIORAL SLEEP MEDICINE
Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP)


AASM presents A-STEP, the Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program, as an initiative to promote the field-
wide standardization of local sleep technologist training programs.

A-STEP is a two-step training program for sleep technologists that includes an 80-hour didactic course and an 18-
month on-the-job training and e-learning program. Sleep technologists who participate in A-STEP emerge highly
prepared for their professional positions as sleep technicians and qualified candidates for the Board of Registered
Technologists (BRPT) certification exam. A registry of technicians’ program completion credentials is maintained
electronically by AASM.

In a Local Sleep Center or Classroom…

Any sleep center or academic institution can become an accredited A-STEP Provider, given that the center’s training
program meets the standardized educational and training requirements set forth by AASM. Sleep centers and schools
that have not previously offered training programs are encouraged to apply.

A-STEP Providers are responsible for implementing STEP 1 (the 80-hour didactic course) for all its A-STEP
Participants. STEP 2, which includes on-the-job training supplemented by 12 e-learning modules, is fulfilled through the
joint efforts of each participant’s employer and AASM, respectively.
2006 Dates for RPSGT Exam

Computer-based examination to credential polysomnographic technologists during four testing periods each year at hundreds of US and
international sites. The four testing periods for 2006 will be:

March 27 - April 8
June 26 - July 8
September 18 - 29
December 4 - 19

2006 Candidate Handbook, which includes application forms and details about eligibility and procedures, is available at www.brpt.org
starting on January 3.  

Eligibility:

BRPT Institutes New Recertification Guidelines

The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists has instituted a policy that requires RPSGTs to recertify every 5 years. The
Table below is a brief outline of the requirements for RPSGTs based on the time of certification passing.  More information, including
the entire New Recertification Guidelines and Continuing Education Policy Table, is available at,
www.brpt.org/RPSGT/Recert_policies.htm
Current
RPSGT Status
 RPSGts - certified after January
1, 2006
 RPSGTs - certified before January
2006 - and who voluntarily switched
from grandfathered status or 10-year
status to 5-year recertification
 RPSGTs - certified before January
2006 - and who have not already
voluntarily switched
When does
the 5 year
recertification
period begin?
 Must recertify every 5 years
(5-year period begins on the date
of the score report for the testing
window in which the exam was
taken).
 Must recertify every 5 years (5-year
period begins on the date a written
request to switch was made to the
BRPT).
 Must recertify every five years (5-year
period begins January 1,2007)
Recertification
Requirements
 50 Continuing Education Hours
(such as CEUs, CECs, CMEs)
during the 5-year recertification
period with a minimum
requirement of 5 hours of
continuing education annually.
BRPT recommends that 10 hours
be earned each year for 5 years to
encourage ongoing education on a
continuing basis.  
  • Note: A minimum of 5 hours
    of continuing education must
    be earned each year during
    the 5 year period and
    submitted with
    documentation at the time of
    recertification application.
Alternative option: Retake (and
pass) the RPSGT exam within 90
days of the end of your 5-year
recertification period
 50 hours of continuing education during
the 5-year recertification period with a
minimum requirement of 5 hours of
continuing education annually.
BRPT recommends that 10 credits be
earned each year for 5 years to
encourage ongoing education on a
continuing basis.  
  • Note: A minimum of 5 BRPT/EAC
    approved continuing education
    hours must be earned each year
    during the 5-year period,  
    documented at the time of
    recertification application.
Alternative option: Retake (and pass)
the RPSGT exam within 90 days of the
end of your 5-year recertification period
 50 hours of continuing education during
the 5-year recertification period with a
minimum requirement of 5 hours of
continuing education annually. BRPT
recommends that 10 credits be earned
each year for 5 years to encourage
ongoing education on a continuing
basis.  
  • Note: A minimum of 5 hours of
    continuing education must be
    earned each year during the 5
    year period, documented at the
    time of recertification application.
Alternative option: Retake (and pass)
the RPSGT exam within 90 days of the
end of your 5-year recertification period
ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) started accepting
applications for fellowship training program in Sleep Medicine starting June 30,
2005.

FORMAL RECOGNITION OF SLEEP MEDICINE AS INDEPENDENT SPECIALTY

American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) has approved creation of Board
Certification examination in Sleep Medicine, to be offered conjointly by American
Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and
American Board of Pediatrics.  American Board of Otolaryngology is in process of
becoming a cosponsor as well.  First examinations will likely be offered in 2007.

Five year window during which all current physician diplomats of ABSM and any
physician with certification from one of sponsoring Boards and at least one year of
experience practicing sleep can take ABMS (American Board of Medical
Specialists) board.  After that, only pathway to take ABMS exam will be to
successfully complete an ACGME accredited fellowship in sleep medicine.

For more information contact ABIM web site.
Dedicated to help community sleep better
NWO-SEM SLEEP SOCIETY