Exam Dates
Applications will only be reviewed during the following Application Periods:
Spring
Exam Period May 15 - 17, 2024
Application Period
March 25 – April 26, 2024
|
Summer
Exam Period August 14 - 16, 2024
Application Period June 24 – July 26, 2024
|
Fall
Exam Period November 13 - 15, 2024
Application Period September 23 – October 25, 2024
|
Recertification
Recertification Period
December 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025
|
Spring
Exam Period
May 15 - 17, 2024
Application Period
March 25 – April 26, 2024
|
Summer
Exam Period
August 14 - 16, 2024
Application Period
June 24 – July 26, 2024
|
Fall
Exam Period
November 13 - 15, 2024
Application Period
September 23 – October 25, 2024
|
Recertification
Recertification Period
December 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025
|
Certified ECMO Specialist – Adult® (CES-A®) Certification
The American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology (AmSECT) and the International Board of Blood Management (IBBM) are proud hosts of the first Adult ECMO Specialist Certification Exam®. The certification is for RNs, RRTs, and other allied health professionals monitoring adult ECMO procedures and circuits.
Application Process
Please note: applications will only be reviewed during the Application Periods listed above
APPLY
Prerequisites
Prerequisites:
- Anyone interested in advancing their career as an adult Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialist can apply.
- The candidate should be employed in the ECMO Specialist Job Description as confirmed by their employer, ECMO service Medical Director, or ECMO Coordinator/Manager.
- The board recommends that the candidate have two years of specialist experience.
Application Requirements
In the online CES-A® Certification Application, you will be required to provide:
- Personal and employer information: Update your AmSECT profile address to ensure delivery of your certificate. Replacement certificates cost $25.
- Signed and dated letter from your supervisor, program director, or ECMO coordinator confirming your current role, place of employment, and ability to carry out the duties required of an ECMO specialist.
- Non-refundable $150 Exam Fee.
- Completed Proctor Application Form (Proctors must not be peers, relatives, or individuals you supervise. Please carefully review the criteria and guidelines on the Proctor Application Form).
Please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org if you have questions regarding the application process.
Approval and Pre-Exam Communication
One week before exam period opens
Proctors will receive an email with detailed exam instructions. It will also provide a necessary test verification form to be completed by the proctor at the end of the exam.
Candidates will receive an email. This letter will indicate that you are eligible to sit for the exam and your proctor has been sent the necessary information for the exam.
48 Hours before exam period opens
Candidates will receive an emailed invitation to the test taking platform EasyLMS. Please note: some institutions security systems may block emails from EasyLMS. If you do not receive your access email, please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org.
Exam Protocols and Results
Examinees may select the specific day they would like to take their exam within the testing window and will have three (3) hours to complete the 100 question exam. Preliminary results (exam day results) are provided immediately after completing the exam. The exam day results are final when the exam window closes, and the exams are re-scored. The official exam score and results will be mailed via USPS approximately 90 days after the close of the exam.
If the applicant passes the exam, they will receive a Certified ECMO Specialist - Adult (CES-A®) Certificate at the address provided on the application within 90 day of the close of the exam period.
If the applicant does not pass the exam, a letter will be mailed showing the areas of deficiencies. To retake the exam, applicants must submit a new application. If the applicant retakes the exam within nine (9) months, the fee is $100.00 USD. IBBM will reach out to those eligible for the discounted retake exam.
Back to top
Recertification Process
Required Every Two Years
RECERTIFY
HELP: If you receive an error message that you are not eligible to apply for this certification or your certification is missing from your AmSECT profile, please complete this form.
Application Requirements
In the online CES-A®️ Certification Application, you will be required to provide:
- Personal Information: Update your AmSECT profile address to ensure delivery of your certificate. Replacement certificates cost $25.
- Employer Information.
- Signed letter from your supervisor, program director, or ECMO coordinator confirming your current role, place of employment, and ability to carry out the duties required of an ECMO specialist.
- Documentation of ten (10) ECMO related Continuing Education Units.
- A $150 non-refundable recertification fee: a late fee will be added to any applications submitted after February (see below for details).
Please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org if you have questions regarding the recertification process.
Review Process and Certificates
If there are any issues with the application, we will contact you at the email associated with your AmSECT profile. Within approximately 30 days, approved applicants will be emailed a new digital certificate. Official certificates will be sent via USPS mail within 60 days of the end of the recertification period.
Note: Every 25th application will be audited by the IBBM board.
Every Adult Certified ECMO Specialist® (CES-A®) must complete the recertification process every two years. Recertification is intended to declare to the public that the CES-A™ continues to meet standards of current knowledge in the field through continuing education and clinical activity.
Late Recertification
A $50 late fee will be added to any applications submitted within 3 months of the application period and will increase to $100 thereafter. Failure to recertify within the year of expiration could result in revocation of the certification, which would require the candidate to re-sit for the exam.
Back to top
Review
Materials
Exam Plan
The successful examinee will exceed the cut-off criteria set by the IBBM based on item analysis and past candidate performance on specific exam items composing the candidate’s specific test form.
QUESTION CATEGORIES
AmSECT University Courses
Most AmSECT University courses are eligible for CEU credit. AmSECT members have exclusive access to additional courses. Search “ECMO” in the course catalog for additional resources.
MEMBERS ONLY CATALOG (FREE) NON-MEMBERS CATALOG ($25)
Other Resources
Back to top
FAQs
For whom is the CES-A™ exam developed?
The exam is for the adult ECMO Specialist job description described in detail above and designed for non-perfusionists monitoring adult ECMO patients and circuits.
May a perfusionist sit for the exam?
AmSECT and the IBBM recognize the Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) as having validated their ECMO knowledge and skills via the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion’s certification process. However, as a valuable member of the ECMO service, the application is open to CCPs who may wish to sit for the exam.
When can I take the CES-A™ exam?
The Certified ECMO Specialist- Adult (CES-A®) Exam is offered three times a year, typically in May, August, and November. The exam application period begins approximately two months prior to the exam date. The examination period is three days. The exam can be taken anytime during the exam period. Candidates have three (3) hours to complete the exam.
Is there a review course for the CES-A™ exam?
An ECMO Specialist Exam Review course is now available at AmSECT University.
Back to top