HTM Certifications Guide

Issued by AAMI Credentials Institute (ACI)

The CABT is AAMI's entry-level HTM credential, aimed at people just starting or looking to break into the healthcare technology management field. It certifies foundational competence in scheduled maintenance, equipment inspection, and basic troubleshooting.

Eligibility

Open to anyone who is at least a high-school junior; a copy of a high school diploma, GED, or transcript showing junior standing or higher must be submitted with the application. No prior work experience is required.

Exam format

100 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours, closed book. Delivered as an online proctored exam (webcam required) and available year-round. A simple calculator is allowed; passing score is 75 correct out of 100.

Cost

AAMI member: $210. Non-member: $260. (Retake fee: $185 member / $235 non-member.)

Renewal

Non-renewable. The CABT is valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed with CEUs; to keep the designation past 5 years the holder must retake and pass the exam. (By year five, holders typically qualify to sit for the CBET or CRES.)

Issued by AAMI Credentials Institute (ACI)

The CBET is the flagship HTM certification for biomedical equipment technicians and the field's most widely recognized credential. It validates the ability to safely install, inspect, maintain, and repair a broad range of medical equipment.

Eligibility

Meet ONE of: (1) an associate degree or higher in an electronics, technology, or science program plus 2 years' full-time BMET experience; (2) completion of a U.S. military biomedical equipment technology program plus 2 years' experience; or (3) 4 years' full-time BMET experience. Applicants who do not yet qualify may test under "candidate status" and have 5 years to meet full requirements.

Exam format

165 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, closed book. Computer-based testing at test centers worldwide during two annual windows (May 1-15 and November 1-15). A simple five-function calculator is allowed; passing score is 116 correct out of 165.

Cost

AAMI member: $395 (of which $100 is a non-refundable application fee). Non-member: $445. (Retake fee: $345 member / $395 non-member.)

Renewal

Renew every 3 years by earning 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in the HTM field, submitting a continuing practice journal, and paying the renewal fee (approximately $100 member / $150 non-member). At least 15 CEUs must come from professional development activities.

Issued by AAMI Credentials Institute (ACI)

The CHTM is AAMI's management-level credential for HTM leaders who run biomedical and clinical engineering departments. It recognizes competence in leadership, operations, finance, and regulatory compliance beyond hands-on technical work.

Eligibility

Meet ONE of five paths, for example: (1) hold a current CCE, CBET, CRES, or CLES plus 3 years as an HTM supervisor/manager in the last 5 years; or (4) hold a bachelor's degree or higher in biomedical technology, engineering, a related healthcare discipline, IT, or business plus 2 years as an HTM manager in the last 5 years. Other paths cover DoD BMET training, associate degrees, and long-tenured experience. Applicants without a manager title may attest to performing management duties.

Exam format

100 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours, closed book (no calculator). Computer-based testing during the two annual windows (May 1-15 and November 1-15).

Cost

AAMI member: $475 (of which $100 is a non-refundable application fee). Non-member: $550. (Retake fee: $420 member / $500 non-member.)

Renewal

Renew every 3 years by earning 30 CEUs in the HTM field, submitting a continuing practice journal, and paying the renewal fee (approximately $100 member / $150 non-member).

Issued by AAMI Credentials Institute (ACI)

The CISS certifies professionals who operate and validate industrial sterilization processes for medical devices. It is a two-part credential combining a core exam with a chosen process specialty.

Eligibility

Meet ONE of: (1) a bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in a science or engineering field plus 3 years' full-time post-baccalaureate experience in the specialty area within the past 5 years; (2) a bachelor's degree with 20 semester hours (or 30 quarter hours) in microbiology or a related field plus 3 years' experience; or (3) a high school graduate with 20 academic credits from AAMI-sponsored sterilization workshops plus 7 years' experience within the past 10 years.

Exam format

Two-part exam: a 75-question sterilization core exam plus one 50-question specialty exam - Ethylene Oxide (CISS-EO), Moist Heat (CISS-MH), or Radiation (CISS-RAD). Both may be taken in the same testing window (May 1-15 or November 1-15). A scientific calculator is allowed. The core plus at least one specialty must be passed to earn the credential.

Cost

AAMI member: $315 per exam (core and each specialty; $100 of the core fee is non-refundable). Non-member: $365 per exam. (Retake fee: $265 member / $315 non-member per exam.)

Renewal

Renew every 3 years by earning 30 CEUs in the sterilization/HTM field, submitting a continuing practice journal, and paying the renewal fee (approximately $100 member / $150 non-member).

Issued by AAMI Credentials Institute (ACI)

The CLES certifies technicians who specialize in clinical and laboratory equipment. Note: this is a legacy designation - AAMI no longer offers the CLES as a new exam, though existing holders may keep it active through renewal.

Eligibility

Legacy program - new applications are no longer accepted. Historically, eligibility followed the CBET paths plus two CLES-only routes: an associate degree in medical laboratory technology plus 3 years' experience, or a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology plus 2 years' experience.

Exam format

Historically a closed-book multiple-choice exam delivered during the standard testing windows. No longer administered to new candidates; exact current specifications are unknown.

Cost

unknown (exam no longer offered to new candidates)

Renewal

Existing holders renew every 3 years by earning 30 CEUs, submitting a continuing practice journal, and paying the renewal fee (approximately $100 member / $150 non-member).

Issued by AAMI Credentials Institute (ACI)

The CQSM recognized experienced quality-system managers who oversee quality assurance and regulatory compliance for medical products. Note: this is a legacy designation - AAMI no longer offers the CQSM as a new exam, though existing holders may keep it active through renewal.

Eligibility

Legacy program - new applications are no longer accepted. Historically, eligibility followed one of two paths: (1) 5 years managing quality-system programs plus 5 years of management experience prior to application; or (2) a bachelor's degree in engineering or science plus 3 years as a quality-systems manager.

Exam format

Historically a closed-book multiple-choice exam delivered during the standard testing windows. No longer administered to new candidates; exact current specifications are unknown.

Cost

unknown (exam no longer offered to new candidates)

Renewal

Existing holders renew every 3 years by earning 30 CEUs, submitting a continuing practice journal, and paying the renewal fee (approximately $100 member / $150 non-member).

Issued by AAMI Credentials Institute (ACI)

The CRES certifies technicians who specialize in diagnostic imaging and radiology equipment such as X-ray, CT, and fluoroscopy systems. It is the imaging-focused counterpart to the CBET.

Eligibility

Same core paths as the CBET (associate degree plus 2 years, U.S. military biomedical program plus 2 years, or 4 years' full-time BMET experience), with an added requirement: at least 40% of work experience over the last 2 years, or 25% over the last 5 years, must be in the radiology/imaging specialty area. Candidate status is available for those not yet fully eligible.

Exam format

165 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours, closed book. Computer-based testing during the two annual windows (May 1-15 and November 1-15). A simple five-function calculator is allowed.

Cost

AAMI member: $395 (of which $100 is a non-refundable application fee). Non-member: $445. (Retake fee: $345 member / $395 non-member.)

Renewal

Renew every 3 years by earning 30 CEUs in the HTM field, submitting a continuing practice journal, and paying the renewal fee (approximately $100 member / $150 non-member).