Electrocardiogram Technicians prepare patients, attach and adjust EKG electrodes, record and interpret cardiac rhythms, and maintain accurate ECG logs — ensuring reliable heart monitoring and patient safety. Follow this NPS guide to earn your Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET) credential.
The first step to your career as a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET) is to choose a training program. Sod, West Virginia is home to many state endorsed EKG training programs that will prepare students for a Electrocardiogram Technician career. An EKG training program is generally compiled of 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute associated with the program. In Sod, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When choosing an EKG training course, it’s important to be thorough and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the essential training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are vital for gaining real-world experience performing EKGs in a professional lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the required requirements for national certification — even if you complete the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when evaluating a program is its accreditation and adherence to professional standards. Program accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of instruction, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In electrocardiography, attending an approved training program ensures that you receive proper education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After graduating from an EKG training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often confused. This document does not make you nationally certified. It simply confirms that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with zero experience.
To get certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps define national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be updated every two years, and completing continuing education is a mandatory requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that certified EKG Technician remain current with the latest industry standards, procedures, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the amount and type of continuing education hours required, making it straightforward for professionals to maintain their credentials.
If you are planning to attend an EKG training program and would like an NPS adviser to double check that the program is legit, contact us today.
Upon successful completion of an EKG training program, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a entirely common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your successful completion of an EKG training course and is required to attempt the national certification exam for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To officially get certified, an EKG Technician must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, an EKG Technician must update their certification each two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can be completed in several ways, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often cover the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in electrocardiography. Many professional associations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help EKG Technician maintain and refine their skills.
There are a variety of certification agencies that EKG Technician can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can positively influence your career.
Earning EKG certification not only proves your expertise and commitment to professional excellence, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, EKG Technicians can strengthen their knowledge, expand their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an essential step toward becoming a strong applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a comprehensive study guide, endless practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed fully online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare on your schedule and from the convenience of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are separate charges for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET).
Once you have registered to sit for the credentialing exam, take advantage of a wide range of prep tools to boost your readiness. Many certification agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both core concepts and practical skills.
Consider following a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of complete practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are invaluable for simulating the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others require payment for practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are rapidly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your certification is made available in your account. Your digital copy, along with your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
Now that you’re a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET), you’re ready to begin your medical career in Sod, West Virginia. Electrocardiography is a solid entry point into the medical field, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified EKG Technicians are in high demand across the healthcare industry due to the growth of healthcare services, a rise in senior patients, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand contributes to a strong job outlook, making EKG a reliable and attractive career choice.
EKG Technicians typically work a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $47,500, though wages can differ depending on region and experience. With increasing prospects and a relatively short training period, electrocardiography is a smart way to begin a rewarding healthcare career.
NPS works with multiple staffing agencies to help our members find a career in the EKG field. Click here for more information on EKG job placement assistance by NPS.
Certified Electrocardiogram Technicians will be required to renew their CET Certification every two years. An EKG Technician should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will permit the EKG Technician sufficient time to review their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not have to go back to a school or attend a class to renew your certification.
The renewal process can be completed from start to finish online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your credentials for the new two year is $200.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the electrocardiography field.
If your certification expires, many certifying agencies offer a path to reinstatement. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific procedures and timeframes to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CET Certification.
A Certified Electrocardiogram Instructor (CEI) is a highly gifted EKG Technician with more than 5 years of experience in the field. EKG Technician Instructors can teach for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Sod, West Virginia should provide students with the instructors background and credentials.
If an EKG Technician Instructors meets the requirements and wishes to become a Certified Electrocardiogram Instructor (CEI) they can undergo the entire process online. If you would like to request to talk with someone about the process, contact us today.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Electrocardiogram Instructor (CEI).
National Performance Specialists is also partnered with the American Red Cross to provide job placement assistance to NPS Members and to assist the American Red Cross in recruiting quality candidates across the United States.
All NPS certification programs are proudly listed within the Certification Finder by CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and is a proud partner of the AmericanJobCenter network.
