Certification & Career
CBET, CRES, CLES, CHTM - the ICC/AAMI credentials, exam structure, and a realistic career path.
The primary US biomedical equipment certifications are administered by the ICC (International Certification Commission for Biomedical Equipment Technicians), operating under AAMI.
The credentials
- CBET - Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician, the general/foundational credential covering electronics fundamentals, safety, and general equipment knowledge.
- CRES - Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist, for imaging-focused technicians; covers radiation physics and modality-specific systems in more depth than CBET.
- CLES - Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist, for lab/diagnostic equipment.
- CHTM - Certified Healthcare Technology Manager, for those moving into equipment-program management rather than hands-on bench work.
Eligibility and exam structure
Eligibility for the core CBET exam typically requires a combination of formal education (an associate degree in biomedical equipment technology or a related field is the most common path) and hands-on experience, with the exact combination varying by pathway. The exam itself is a computer-based, multiple-choice test covering safety, anatomy/physiology fundamentals relevant to equipment function, electronics, and general equipment troubleshooting - not device-model-specific trivia.
A typical career path
Entry-level BMET → CBET → specialization (imaging, lab, or a specific modality like anesthesia/dialysis equipment) → CHTM or a clinical engineering management role. Most facilities and staffing agencies weight CBET heavily in hiring even for entry-level roles once a few years of hands-on experience are in place, and it's frequently a stated requirement (or strong preference) for senior/lead technician postings.
Continuing education
Certification isn't a one-time credential - maintaining it requires ongoing continuing-education credits, which in practice means the same discipline this whole guide advocates for equipment (staying current, not assuming yesterday's knowledge still covers today's device) applies to the technician's own skills too.