The Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) exam is used by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) to demonstrate a person’s command of the theory, principles, and procedures for safely using biomedical equipment. While it’s not a legal requirement, certification can make you a more competitive candidate for employment.

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CBET Exam Eligibility

To take the CBET exam, you must meet at least ONE of the minimum eligibility requirements:

• You must have an associate degree or higher in a biomedical equipment technology program and two years of full-time BMET work experience.
• You must have completed a US military biomedical equipment technology program and two years’ full-time BMET work experience.
• You must have an associate degree or higher in electronics technology and three years of full-time BMET work experience.
• You must have four years of full-time BMET work experience.

CBET Exam Outline

The CBET exam contains 165 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 3 hours.

The exam is split into six sections:

1. Anatomy and Physiology (12%)

In this section, you will be tested on your knowledge of the functions of the major organs and the functions and interactions of the physiological systems.

2. Public Safety in the Healthcare Facility (14%)

In this section, you will be tested on your skills and abilities in the following areas:

• Apply NFPA99 to the use of medical equipment
• Apply expectations from relevant accrediting organizations
• Interpret information from safety data sheets
• Identify blood-borne pathogen hazards
• Apply PPE
• Determine appropriate infection control procedures
• Identify standard hazard signage and symbols

3. Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics (10%)

In this section, you will be tested on your knowledge of foundational electronic theories and the purpose and usage of various power conditioning and storage systems.

4. Healthcare Technology and Function (25%)

In this section, you will be tested on your knowledge of the normal functions, uses, and underlying technologies of monitoring, diagnostic, and therapeutic equipment.

5. Healthcare Technology Problem-solving (25%)

In this section, you will be tested on your ability to identify and solve issues related to monitoring, diagnostic, and therapeutic equipment.

6. Healthcare Information Technology (14%)

In this section, you will be tested on your ability to apply protective standards and regulations for protected data and troubleshoot PC hardware and networking components. You will also be tested on your knowledge of the interrelatedness of computer applications and the fundamentals of network configuration.

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CBET Registration

To register for the CBET, you must first fill out an application on the ACI website. The completed application, registration form, and fees must be submitted at least 15 days before the exam date. The examination fee is $200 for ACI members and $250 for non-members.

After your application has been accepted, you will receive two emails with scheduling information for your exam at a testing facility.

Test Day

You should arrive at the testing location at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of the exam. Latecomers will be regarded as “no shows” and will forfeit all exam fees paid.

When you arrive, you will be asked to present two forms of valid identification, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID.

Before you enter the testing area, you will be asked to leave behind all personal items (bags, wallets, phone, hats, books, paper, etc.).

Once the check-in process is complete, you will be shown to your testing area, and the exam will begin.

How the CBET Exam is Scored

Your CBET score is simply the number of questions you answered correctly. To pass, you must answer at least 116 questions correctly out of 165.

You will receive a preliminary “pass/fail” report as soon as you finish the exam, and an official score report will be provided within 30 days.

If you fail the exam, you will be provided with an analysis of your performance to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your knowledge.

Retaking the CBET Exam

If you failed the exam and wish to retake it, you must wait at least 60 days. You will be permitted to take the exam three times in a two-year period, and if you fail on the third attempt, you must wait one year before reapplying to take the exam.

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How to Study for the CBET Exam

How to Study Effectively

Your success on CBET test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking CBET practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free CBET exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:

• The questions you got wrong
• The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
• The ones you found difficult or slow to work through

This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.

Answer Explanations

Additionally, many CBET practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.

Comprehend Each Topic

As you go along, keep in mind that the CBET practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.

Strategy for CBET Practice

When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:

• Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and CBET study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.

• Time Yourself. Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.

• Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.

• Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.