Exam Dates

Prerequisites:

• Anyone interested in advancing their career as an adult Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialist can apply.
• 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.

In the online CES-A® Certification Application, you will be required to provide:

• Personal and employer information: Update your AmSECT profile address to ensure delivery of your certificate. Replacement certificates cost $25.
• ECMO Medical Director, Coordinator, or Manager information
• Non-refundable $150 Exam Fee
• Completed Proctor Application Form (Proctors must not be peers, relatives, or individuals you supervise. Please carefully review the criteria and guidelines on the Proctor Application Form).

Please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org if you have questions regarding the application process.

One week before exam period opens

Proctors will receive an email with detailed exam instructions. It will also provide a necessary test verification form to be completed by the proctor at the end of the exam.

Candidates 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.

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 - Adult (CES-A®) 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.

In the online CES-A®️ Certification Application, you will be required to provide:

• Personal Information: Update your AmSECT profile address to ensure delivery of your certificate. Replacement certificates cost $25.
• Employer Information.
• Signed letter from your supervisor, program director, or ECMO coordinator confirming your current role, place of employment, and ability to carry out the duties required of an ECMO specialist.
• Documentation of ten (10) ECMO related Continuing Education Credits.
• A $150 non-refundable recertification fee: a late fee will be added to any submissions after February 29th (see below for details).

Please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org if you have questions regarding the recertification process.

If there are any issues with the application, we will contact you at the email associated with your AmSECT profile. Within approximately 30 days, approved applicants will be emailed a new digital certificate. Official certificates will be sent via USPS mail within 60 days of the end of the recertification period.

Note: Every 25th application will be audited by the IBBM board.

Every Adult Certified ECMO Specialist® (CES-A®) must complete the recertification process every two years. Recertification is intended to declare to the public that the CES-A™ continues to meet standards of current knowledge in the field through continuing education and clinical activity.

A $50 late fee will be added to any applications submitted within 3 months of the application period and will increase to $100 thereafter. Failure to recertify within the year of expiration could result in revocation of the certification, which would require the candidate to re-sit for the exam.