You have questions, we have answers! We've compiled a listing of our most frequently asked questions! Click on the + symbol, to see the answer to the question.
FAQs
In order to become certified with the CBSPD, the user must meet one of the eligibility requirements for the exam of interest. Then, when the exam is offered (February, May, August or November), the appropriate application for the exam window needs to be completed, with exam payment and sent to our office for processing. Once the application registration is completed, we will send an email confirmation and directions on how to choose an exam date, time and location based on the window we have. The user will challenge the exam on the selected day. Three weeks after the exam window closes, the user will receive a result in the mail. If the person receives a passing score (70% or higher), he/she earns the credential, which is valid for five years.
The CBSPD does not offer any SPD courses, nor are we affiliated with any, due to the standards we must maintain with our NCCA accreditations. However, we do have an listing of SPD Courses, as a resource to those interested in a course. You may view the listings here: SPD Courses
The CBSPD doesn't offer a membership. Once you challenge and pass one of our certification exams, then you'll become a CBSPD certificant.
No, at this time we don't offer the application online for completion or registration. The application will need to be printed, completed as per the directions and sent to our office for processing.
We are working on adding online application registration in the future.
We upload the exam applications to our website about 30-40 days before the exam window begins. This is done to ensure that the most up-to-date information is broadcasted to our audience.
To access an exam application, go to our home page and in the menu click on "Exams." Under "Exams," to to "Certification Exams" where there is a listing of the five exams we offer. Click on the exam you'd like. The candidate bulletin with application will be at the top of the page.
Our certifications are valid in the domestic US and overseas.
Yes, we are the only certification body with three accredited certification programs: Technician, GI Scope and Management with the NCCA.
No, due to security measurements, a user is only able to take the certification exam once during the exam window. If the user doesn't pass the exam, then he/she will need to wait until the next exam window.
Some facilities may not be familiar with our organization and certification. Our certifications are recognized by AAMI, AORN, SGNA, the NCCA, NAVYCOOL, ARMYCOOL and many others.
Please reach out to our office, we have a special letter from our President that you can share with your facility that has more information about our organization and certifications.
You may view the test sites via this link, please go to the bottom of the page: Test Sites
You may view the exam dates via link this: Exam Dates
Also, they are listed on each page for the exams we offer, i.e. Technician exam, GI Scope etc.
Yes. However, please remember, you will need to complete an application form with the exam payment first. Once this step is completed and we have completed your registration, then you'll receive an email or postcard to schedule your exam date. You won't be able to schedule an exam date or time until you received confirmation from our office.
It's important to be sure that the letter from the third party vendor includes the following information: Candidate's name, department, job title, date of hire and work status as full time, part time or per diem. If any of that information is missing from the letter, then it will be flagged. If this is the case, we recommend asking your department Manager or Supervisor for the necessary documentation.
Please reach out to our office for assistance. We will work with our testing agency to see if additional seating can be opened up.
Please reach out to our office as soon as possible. We will work with you to make sure you complete the appropriate application form and paperwork for the exam needed.
We understand that taking an exam can be stressful. It's important to remember that our exams are competency based, which means, the questions are based on real world scenarios. The user needs to choose the best answer, based on his/her knowledge. The exams aren't set up for the study material to be memorized. We encourage the person to look at the diagnostic report from the exam and look at the weak areas. Study those areas in depth. Consider putting together a study group, make your own study cards or ask someone you trust to help.
In order to become certified again, the user will need to challenge the certification test all over. This includes completing an application, verification of eligibility and the exam fee.
You can always download and print a copy of the recertification packet from our website: Recertification
We want to work with our certificants' so they can maintain their certification. You have the option to request an extension. This request must be sent in writing to the Board of Trustees. We grant 30, 60 or 90 day extensions. The request can be emailed, faxed or sent regular US mail.
We maintain a listing of websites where certificants can earn free, CBSPD pre-approved and approved inservices. Here is the listing: CBSPD Approved Inservices
**Please note, there are a couple of vendors that do charge for their inservices on this list.***
Yes, we list upcoming and seminars on our site, as vendors furnish information to us about their respective program. The listing can be viewed here: Upcoming Seminars
Don't worry! We're here to help out! Once you have re-certified with us, doing it in the future will be much easier. We developed a video to explain how recertification works. You may view it here: Recertification
We have a couple of options to guide cerificants on how to maintain their credential. We have a comphrensive guide on CEUs; on how to earn and maintain points towards certification. The information can be viewed here:
Learn About CEUS
In addition, we have the information in a CEU packet, that can be downloaded as well:
CEU Packet for printing
No, at this time, we still require that recertification applications, with supporting documents and fee are sent to our office for processing.
We hope to converge to an online platform for recertification renewal in the future.
In order to award employment points for recertification, the Board needs to see your work status as full time, part time or per diem. If this information is left out of the employment verification letter, then the reviewer doesn't know how many points to award. This is why this information must be in the letter.
If you have certificates for continuing education that were provided from a vendor or site offering CBSPD approved education, then you don't need to have a Manager verify the education. However, if the education was administered to you by your Manager, such as departmental inservices, then your Manager will need to provide verification of education in the form of a certificate or on hospital letterhead. This is required for points to be awarded. Also, please be sure that the departmental inservices have CBSPD approval.
You have the option of filing an appeal. If any candidate feels their re-certification was denied unfairly, they are advised to provide their
grievance, in writing, to the CBSPD Board of Trustees, within 10 days of the notification of re-certification denial. The CBSPD Board of Trustees will review all grievances and investigate accordingly. A response will be provided, in writing,
within 10 business days of receipt of the grievance. The Office Director will refer the matter to the Board of Trustees, if indicated. The CBSPD’s decision will be final.
The original certification certificate is mailed to the certificant, when he/she passes the certification exam or successfully recertifies. A copy of a certificate can be order through our online shop: Purchase a replacement certificate
The CBSPD no longer issues ID cards. However, a certificant may order one or a replacement through our online shop: Purchase a replacement ID card
I need a letter from the CBSPD verifying my certfication is in good standing. How can I obtain this?
Our office will provide a verification of certification for the certificant or a third party who is seeking to verify a credential (for job placement, credential check etc.). This can be purchased online:
Verification of Certification
All requests are fulfilled within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).
At this time, our online shop is for US based transactions. Due to the cost of shipping internationally, please reach out to our office for a shipping quote and order processing.
Recert packets are available on the website, under the "Recertification" tab. The user can download a packet there. The directions are on the packet.