CCDS or CEPS?
Pass rates are IBHRE's published figures for allied professionals.
| CCDS | CEPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Pacemakers, ICDs, CRT, loop recorders: implant and follow-up | EP studies, mapping and ablation |
| Format | 200 questions, 240 minutes | 200 questions (180 scored), 240 minutes |
| Next exam | August 4, 2027 | June 2, 2027 |
| Fee | US$1,090 | US$1,090 |
| Recent pass rate | 66.57% (2025) | 83.88% (2026) |
Eligibility
- CCDS: at least two years of experience or 100 cases in pacing or EP with direct patient-case exposure; or a formal comprehensive training program (at least 6 months didactic plus 6 months exposure); or CCI's RCES or RCIS plus 12 months of pacing/EP experience. Plus a letter of recommendation on letterhead.
- CEPS: at least two years of cardiac electrophysiology experience in a clinical or industry setting, or other routes such as CCI's RCES plus 12 months of EP experience. Plus a letter of recommendation.
- Requirements can change, so read IBHRE's current eligibility policy before you apply.
Step by step
- Check you meet the eligibility policy for your exam and line up your letter of recommendation.
- Apply online before IBHRE's deadline (CCDS: March 18, 2027 for the August exam; CEPS: registration November 19, 2026 to February 11, 2027 for the June exam). Late applications aren't accepted.
- Once approved, you'll get emailed instructions to book a PSI test center appointment. Book early: seats are first come, first served.
- Study with the content outline, the IBHRE reading list and plenty of exam-style tracing questions.
- Sit the 4-hour exam. Score reports arrive about 12 weeks after the testing period ends.
- Keep your certification through IBHRE-C3, IBHRE's continuous competency program, which new certificants join after four years.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free CCDS practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
What it costs
The exam fee is US$1,090 for both the August 4, 2027 CCDS and the June 2, 2027 CEPS, with no member discount and the same fee for retakes. Cancellations carry processing fees, and there's no refund within two weeks of the exam. Many employers and device companies pay for certification, so ask before you apply.
How to study
- Work through the content outline domain by domain; the largest CCDS domain is follow-up (20%), the largest CEPS domain is invasive EP (30%).
- Practise on tracings, not just text: EGMs, paced ECGs and intracardiac recordings.
- Use flashcards for normal values, timing formulas and guideline indications.
- Take at least two full timed mocks with 4 timed sections, as on exam day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take both CCDS and CEPS?
Yes. They're separate credentials with separate exams, and many specialists hold both.
How long is IBHRE certification valid?
IBHRE says new certifications are valid for four years, after which certified specialists enroll in IBHRE-C3 to maintain them.
Is there a limit on retakes?
IBHRE says there's no limit. You pay the full fee again and wait for the next yearly exam.
Do I need to be a nurse or technologist?
No. Nurses, technologists, physician assistants, engineers, clinical specialists and industry representatives can all qualify if they meet the experience rules.
Official sources
- IBHRE: Allied Professionals CCDS Exam
- IBHRE: Allied Professional CEPS Exam
- IBHRE: Certification Exams Important Information
Practice tests for these certifications
IBHRE Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) Exam
The IBHRE credential for allied professionals who implant, program and follow pacemakers, ICDs, CRT systems and loop recorders.
IBHRE Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) Exam
The IBHRE credential for allied professionals in the electrophysiology lab: EP studies, mapping, ablation and the arrhythmias behind them.
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. IBHRE rules change; confirm with IBHRE before you apply.
