(McLean, VA – April 24, 2009) — The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) has announced the elimination of the A-STEP Self-Study (online) Modules requirement for candidates applying for the RPSGT exam through Pathway #2. Candidates qualifying through Pathway #2 hold another current allied health credential and have six months experience in polysomnography. The change in eligibility is effective immediately.
The A-STEP Self-Study Modules have been required for all RPSGT exam candidates except graduates of CAAHEP-accredited programs since July 1, 2008. The decision to eliminate the requirement for Pathway #2 candidates was made at the most recent Board meeting of the BRPT Board of Directors.
When announcing the decision, BRPT President Becky Appenzeller, RPSGT, R. EEG T., CNIM stated, “In reviewing exam statistics from the past several testing windows, we determined that the performance of Pathway #2 candidates – credentialed allied health professionals – was significantly stronger than the performance of 18-month candidates, and that the performance and pass rate had not been enhanced by the increased requirement. Based on these statistics, continuing to require the modules for Pathway #2 candidates is difficult to justify; we felt eliminating it immediately was appropriate.”
Appenzeller added, “The A-STEP module requirement remains in place for Pathway #1 – 18-month experiential candidates. We continue to share the commitment of the Allied Professional Sleep Societies to strengthening the educational opportunities leading to the RPSGT credential.”
Pathway #2 candidates are also no longer required to submit proof of completion of secondary education with their application to sit for the RPSGT exam. However, that requirement remains in place for 18-month experiential candidates.
For a detailed summary of current RPSGT exam eligibility requirements, go to the BRPT website at www.brpt.org and click on Exam Information/Eligibility.
RPSGT is respected worldwide as the leading credential for polysomnographic technologists. BRPT is an independent, non-profit certification board that cultivates the highest professional and ethical standards for polysomnographic technologists. In addition to administering the RPSGT exam during four, two-week testing windows each year throughout the United States and internationally, the BRPT also maintains the RPSGT registry. For more information, call (703) 610-9020, or visit www.brpt.org.