CCDS vs CEPS: CCDS or CEPS: which fits your work?
CCDS is the device credential: pacemakers, ICDs, CRT and loop recorders, from implant through years of follow-up, with follow-up management the largest domain (20%). CEPS is the EP lab credential: EP studies, mapping and ablation, with invasive electrophysiology at 30%. Both are 200 questions in 4 hours at PSI centers and cost US$1,090. Pick the one that matches your daily work; many specialists later add the other.
CCDS vs CEPS at a glance
| CCDS | CEPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | IBHRE Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) Exam | IBHRE Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) Exam |
| Questions | 200 multiple-choice questions in 4 timed sections | 200 multiple-choice questions (180 scored) in 4 timed sections |
| Time | 4 hours (240 minutes), with 6-minute breaks between sections; you can't return to a finished section | 4 hours (240 minutes), with 6-minute breaks between sections; you can't return to a finished section |
| Passing score | Not published. IBHRE sets a criterion-referenced cut score and reports a scaled score; practise to 75% or higher | Not published. IBHRE sets a criterion-referenced cut score and reports a scaled score; practise to 75% or higher |
| Format | Closed book, computer-based (on-screen calculator and calipers provided) | Closed book, computer-based (on-screen calculator and calipers provided) |
| Cost | US$1,090 for the August 4, 2027 exam (same for HRS members, non-members and retakes); the August 5, 2026 exam was US$990 | US$1,090 for the June 2, 2027 exam (same for HRS members, non-members and retakes) |
| Languages | English | English |
| Where | PSI test centers in North America and internationally (no remote option listed by IBHRE) | PSI test centers in North America and internationally (no remote option listed by IBHRE) |
| Level | IBHRE allied professional | IBHRE allied professional |
What each exam covers
CCDS
- Electrophysiology and Engineering Fundamentals
- Sensing, Stimulation and Timing Cycles
- Device Functions and Algorithms
- ECG, Paced Rhythms and Radiology
- Clinical Assessment and Implant Practice
- Safety: EMI, MRI and Advisories
- Follow-Up and Troubleshooting
CEPS
- Physics, Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Electrophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Assessment and ECG
- Laboratory Considerations and Safety
- Invasive EP Study and Ablation
- Devices, Imaging and Research
Which should you take?
CCDS is the device credential: pacemakers, ICDs, CRT and loop recorders, from implant through years of follow-up, with follow-up management the largest domain (20%). CEPS is the EP lab credential: EP studies, mapping and ablation, with invasive electrophysiology at 30%. Both are 200 questions in 4 hours at PSI centers and cost US$1,090. Pick the one that matches your daily work; many specialists later add the other.
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FAQ
What is the difference between CCDS and CEPS?
CCDS is the device credential: pacemakers, ICDs, CRT and loop recorders, from implant through years of follow-up, with follow-up management the largest domain (20%). CEPS is the EP lab credential: EP studies, mapping and ablation, with invasive electrophysiology at 30%. Both are 200 questions in 4 hours at PSI centers and cost US$1,090. Pick the one that matches your daily work; many specialists later add the other.
Which is harder, CCDS or CEPS?
CCDS: 200 multiple-choice questions in 4 timed sections in 4 hours (240 minutes), with 6-minute breaks between sections; you can't return to a finished section. CEPS: 200 multiple-choice questions (180 scored) in 4 timed sections in 4 hours (240 minutes), with 6-minute breaks between sections; you can't return to a finished section. The longer exam covers more ground, but the harder one is the one further from your daily work. Take both free practice tests to see where you stand.
Can I hold both CCDS and CEPS?
Yes. CCDS and CEPS are separate credentials with separate exams, and many specialists hold both. Each exam runs once a year, CEPS in June and CCDS in August, so you can sit both in the same year.
How do I prepare for CCDS and CEPS?
Start with the free practice test for each, then study by topic. Premium is per exam ($147 a month each), so most people start with the exam they'll sit first and add the second when they're ready.
More comparisons
Exam details are summarized from IBHRE's published information as of November 2026. Confirm with IBHRE before you book. CCDSExamPrep is not affiliated with IBHRE, the Heart Rhythm Society or PSI.