ARDMS Test

ARDMS stands for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This nonprofit credentialing organization works to guarantee professional competence in the American community of sonographers. It is made up of professional sonographers, physicians, and researchers who together determine the relevant standards for their industry. They have created a set of examinations and experiential requirements that candidates must meet in order to become credentialed. These credentials are recognized by the federal government and by state governments and are a sign of quality for consumers, the patients of these medical professionals.

The exam to attain an ARMDS credential is one of several that the ARDMS administers through a private testing company. They also have tests for cardiac sonographers and vascular technologists. The RDMS credential is actually two separate examinations. First, candidates must all pass an initial Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam. Then, each candidate must pass an exam in one of five specialties: Abdomen, Breast, Fetal Echocardiography, Neurosonology, or Obstetrics and Gynecology. With the successful completion of two separate exams, an ARDMS credential is achieved.

The SPI exam is a multiple-choice test that is administered via computer. The content covers practical knowledge that a sonographers must have when dealing with patients and also technical knowledge that applies to the science of sonography. Less than 10 percent of the test deals with patient care, safety, and other issues. The rest deals with fundamental questions from the physics of sound waves to more specific questions about the tools involved, like transducers.

The SPI and subsequent specialty tests must be taken at a testing center rather than through a home computer. Test centers are numerous and available in almost any midsize or large city. There is a five-year window within which applicants must complete both exams. Once a single credential is achieved, it is possible to add more credentials from the ARDMS.

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