What is a registered polysomnographic technologist (RPSGT)?
An RPSGT is a fully-trained sleep technologist who has met the rigorous requirements to become credentialed by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists. This credential represents the highest standard in the field of sleep technology. To become RPSGT credentialed, technologists must have the necessary clinical experience criteria, have BCLS certification or its equivalent, pass a rigorous examination, maintain a high level of competence and expertise in the field of polysomnography and adhere to strict rules of conduct.

What does it take to earn the RPSGT credential?
To earn the RPSGT you must pass a rigorous 4-hour, 200-question, computer-based examination and agree to abide by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. Only those deemed eligible by the BRPT may sit for the exam. To maintain their credential, RPSGTs must recertify every 5 years by earning 50 continuing education hours or retaking the exam.

How is the RPSGT exam administered?
The exam is taken on a computer in a private testing booth at a Pearson VUE testing center. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice items. Candidates are permitted four hours to complete this test. The test presents each question with four response alternatives (A, B, C, and D). One of these represents the single best response, and credit is granted only for selection of this response. The exam is administered at hundreds of test sites around the world every year during 4 testing windows. Each testing window is about 2 weeks long, allowing applicants to take the exam at a convenient time that does not interfere with work, family or religious obligations.

Who is eligible to take the RPSGT exam?
Those eligible to take the examination include professionals with 18 months of paid clinical experience in polysomnography, credentialed professionals with 6 months of paid clinical experience in polysomnography from a BRPT-accepted health-related field such as nursing, respiratory care and electroneurodiagnostics (see Candidate Handbook for complete list), or graduates of programs with special recognition in polysomnography and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). In addition, any candidate qualifying for the examination process through the 18-month on the job training Pathway #1 must meet eligibility requirements by submitting proof of completion of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s A-STEP Self-Study (online) Modules, or an equivalent educational program. Effective March 2009, A-STEP is no longer a requirement of Pathway #2 Candidates (6 month on the job, credentialed candidates). CAAHEP graduates are also not required to take A-STEP.

What is the value of earning the RPSGT credential?
Earning the RPSGT credential is one way to differentiate yourself from other sleep techs and establish immediately that you are invested in the profession, have achieved a minimal level of core competency and continue to educate yourself about polysomnographic technology. In the sleep medicine field, the RPSGT credential is the mark of a highly skilled allied health care professional who has met the high standards of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists, an internationally recognized and accredited organization.

Where can I find out more about applying for the RPSGT exam?
Visit the web site of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists and download a free copy of the RPSGT Exam Candidate Handbook.