ARDMS, the globally recognized standard of excellence in sonography, administers examinations and awards the following credentials:
The RDMS, RDCS,and RVT certifications are obtained by applying for, being deemed eligible and passing two examinations: (1) a Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination; and (2) at least one corresponding specialty examination. Please review the ARDMS certification pathways chart for additional information.
Applying For Your Examinations
Apply for an APCA examination. The APCA sends eligible applicants an Examination Confirmation Letter within four weeks from receipt of the completed application. The letter indicates the approved examinations and the eligibility period in which to schedule the examinations.
Scheduling Your Examinations
Login to begin the process. You may also schedule your examination by calling 877-258-9220. Ineligible applicants are notified by the APCA and a reason for the decision is provided.
Scheduled and rescheduled examinations will be confirmed by email. If you do not receive an email within 24 hours of the date you scheduled/rescheduled your appointment, please contact Pearson customer service.
APCA administers examinations throughout the year in testing centers located in the US, Canada and select international sites. Take a virtual tour of a test center.
Day of Your Test
Valid Signature IDs
At the test center, you must present a non-expired, government-issued, photo ID with your signature; see the accepted list of IDs here.
- The first and last name on the application must EXACTLY MATCH the first and last name on one current, valid signature ID.
- Failure to present one acceptable ID will prevent your admission to the test center. If this happens, you will be marked absent and you will forfeit the entire examination fee and seat.
If the names do not EXACTLY MATCH, do not schedule your appointment until you have contacted APCA and updated your APCA name of record.
Preparing for Your Examination
For information on how to prepare for your examination, please visit the APCA Certification & Examination page to select the specialty of interest. Once on the specialty examination page, please click on the “Prepare” tab for more information.
