Electrocardiogram Certification — NPS (2025)

Electrocardiogram Technician Training

The first step to your career as a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET) is to choose a training class. Many state attributed EKG training programs that will prepare students for a Electrocardiogram Technician career. An EKG training program is generally about 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute allied with the program. The typical class will have 10-30 students.

Questions For Programs

When selecting an EKG training program, it’s important to be methodical and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each of them provide the vital training and practical experience opportunities needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs do not offer clinical hours, which are required for gaining practical experience performing EKGs in a clinical 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 crucial factors to consider when evaluating a program is its accreditation and adherence to quality benchmarks. Program accreditation is a quality assurance granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In electrocardiography, attending an approved training program ensures that you receive comprehensive education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare industry standards.

After completing an EKG training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misinterpreted. This document does not make you a certified EKG Technician. It simply proves that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with no prior experience.

To officially become 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 renewed 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 in compliance with the latest industry standards, procedures, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the amount and type of continuing education hours required, making it straightforward for professionals to maintain their credentials.

Ask the following questions:

1. Is the EKG training program approved by the state?
2. How many hours is the EKG training program?
3. Where are the clinical hours of the program completed?
4. Does the EKG training program include the certification exam?
5. What agency do students take the exam with?

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.

The general requirements to attend an EKG training class include the following:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Over The Age Of 18
• Clean Background Check (No Felonies)
• Negative Hepatitis Test
• Negative TB Test
• Immunization Records

Upon your successful completion of an EKG training course, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a enormously common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of an EKG training class and is required to take the national certification test for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.

The prerequisites to take the certification exam with most agencies include the following:

Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET).

Preparing to take the Certification Exam

Once you have registered to take the certification exam, utilize a variety of study resources to maximize your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as comprehensive study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing prep tools, look for materials that reflect the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in trouble spots, and regular use of full-length practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.

In addition, sample tests are invaluable for replicating the real test environment and spotting 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 certification exam, your credentials are rapidly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your credentials is downloadable in your account. Your digital copy, paired with your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.

Starting Your Medical Career in Electrocardiography

Now that you’re a Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET), you’re ready to begin your medical career. The field of Electrocardiography is an excellent entry point into the medical field, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified EKG Technicians are in great demand across the healthcare industry due to increased access to healthcare, a rise in senior patients, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand helps ensure a positive employment outlook, making EKG a stable and appealing career choice.

EKG Technicians typically work a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $47,500, though wages can vary depending on geography and experience. With growing opportunities and a brief training period, electrocardiography is a smart way to begin a fulfilling healthcare career.

EKG Technician job duties include:

• Perform electrocardiogram (EKG) tests to monitor heart activity
• Prepare patients for EKG procedures by explaining the process and ensuring comfort
• Attach electrodes to the patient’s chest, arms, and legs in proper positions
• Operate EKG machines and interpret the output for abnormalities
• Monitor patients during stress testing or Holter monitoring
• Maintain and calibrate EKG equipment
• Record and report test results to physicians or supervising staff
• Ensure proper documentation in patient records
• Follow strict infection control and safety protocols
• Work closely with doctors, nurses, and other medical staff

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.

Renewing Your Certification

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 credentials expires. This will permit the EKG Technician acceptable time to attend their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not need to go register to a training program 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 certification for the following two year time period 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 covering 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.

Certified Electrocardiogram Instructor

A Certified Electrocardiogram Instructor (CEI) is a highly competent EKG Technician with greater than 5 years of experience in the field. EKG Technician Instructors can instruct for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the information provided by their curriculum. Every class should tell their students with the instructors background and credentials.