The exam application period begins two months prior to the exam date. The examination period is three days and can be taken during IBBM business hours (9 AM - 5 PM CT). Candidates have three (3) hours to complete the exam.
Application Dates
March 27 – April 24, 2023
June 26 – July 24, 2023
September 25 – October 31, 2023
Exam Dates
May 17 – May 19, 2023
August 16 – August 18, 2023
November 15 – November 17, 2023
Job Skills
AmSECT and IBBM define the role of Certified ECMO Specialist – Pediatric (CES-P) to offer a certification exam recognizing minimally acceptable mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the CES job description. The ECMO Specialist is an integral member of the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) service team, working primarily in intensive care units and participating in the transport of ECMO patients between care areas.
Requirements and Prerequisites
- Anyone interested in advancing their career as a pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialist can take the exam.
- The candidate should be employed in the “ECMO Specialist” job description as confirmed by their employer, ECMO service Medical Director, or ECMO Coordinator/Manager.
- The board recommends that the candidate have two years of specialist experience.
- The candidate must provide the name of a proctor to monitor their online exam experience. Review the proctor guidelines.
- Fill out the profile application and pay the exam fee during the application period.
Application Process & Required Elements
Step 1: Submit Application
The CES-P Certification Online Application requires applicants to provide the following items:
- Personal and employer information
- ECMO Medical Director, Coordinator, or Manager information
- A non- refundable $150 Exam Fee
- Proctor Application
To preview the Proctor Guidelines, please review the form linked here: Proctor Guidelines Form.
Step 2: IBBM Verifies Information
One week before exam period opens:
- An email will be sent to the proctor with detailed exam instructions. This letter will detail the exam protocol and provide the necessary test verification form to be completed by the proctor at the end of the exam.
- The candidate will receive an email. This letter will indicate that you are eligible to sit for the exam and your proctor has been sent the necessary information for the exam.
48 Hours before exam period opens: Candidates will receive an emailed invitation to the test taking platform EasyLMS. Please note: some institutions security systems may block emails from EasyLMS. If you do not receive your access email, please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org
Step 3: Take Certification Exam
Examinees may select the specific day they would like to take their exam within the testing window and will have three (3) hours to complete the 100 question exam. Preliminary results (exam day results) are provided immediately after completing the exam. The exam day results are final when the exam window closes, and the exams are re-scored. The official exam score and results will be mailed via USPS approximately 90 days after the close of the exam.
If the applicant passes the exam, they will receive a Certified ECMO Specialist – Pediatric (CES-P)Certificate at the address provided on the application within 90 day of the close of the exam period.
If the applicant does not pass the exam, a letter will be mailed showing the areas of deficiencies. To retake the exam, applicants must submit a new application. If the applicant retakes the exam within nine (9) months, the fee is $100.00 USD. IBBM will reach out to those eligible for the discounted retake exam.
Recertification
Details on recertification can be found by visiting the Recertification page.
Verification
To verify an individual’s current certification status please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org
Frequently Asked Questions
For whom is the CES-P exam developed?
The exam is for the pediatric ECMO Specialist job description described in detail above and designed for non-perfusionists monitoring pediatric ECMO patients and circuits.
May a perfusionist sit for the exam?
AmSECT and the IBBM recognize the Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) as having validated their ECMO knowledge and skills via the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion’s certification process. However, as a valuable member of the ECMO service, the application is open to CCPs who may wish to sit for the exam.