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Earning your CET credentials will help you:
Fulfill employer requirements
87% of employers require or encourage certification for EKG technicians.
Access better career opportunities
The average EKG technician runs 13 tests a day.
Maximize earning potential
An EKG technician's salary ranges from $29,340–$93,100, according to the BLS in 2019.
Enhance knowledge
and skills
Professionalism and dependability are the most important soft skills employers are looking for, when hiring an EKG technician.
Certified EKG technicians make a difference every day
By administering EKGs — testing the electronic activity of the heart through small electrode patches attached to the body — you'll be making a life-changing difference, helping people of all ages prevent and treat heart disease. As an EKG tech, you may perform some or all of the following tasks:
- Set up and administer EKGs (electrocardiograms) and stress tests
- Prepare patients for Holter or ambulatory monitoring
- Edit and deliver final test results to physicians for analysis
- Schedule appointments
- Transcribe physicians' interpretations
NHA partners with educators and employers across the United States to educate, train and certify EKG technicians. Find an open job near you to start your journey toward this rewarding and in-demand career.
Visit our Job Board
87% of employers require or encourage certification for EKG technicians.
(Source: 2020 Industry Outlook)
CET exam eligibility
Possess a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency; or are scheduled to earn a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency in the next 12 months*
*Click here for more details on the certification pathway for high school health science students.
Completed an EKG technician training or education program within the last 5 years
Provide evidence that you have successfully performed a minimum of ten (10) EKGs on live individuals.
OR
Possess a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency
1 year of supervised work experience in a EKG technician field within the last 3 years; or 2 years of supervised work experience in a EKG technician field within the last 5 years.
Provide evidence that you have successfully performed a minimum of ten (10) EKGs on live individuals.
See Candidate Handbook for more information about Eligibility Requirements.
I chose to be NHA certified because it's a great start to an even greater career. Mercedes Osborne, CET, CPT
5 steps to EKG certification
Apply for your exam
Create a free NHA account online, anytime, and submit your Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam application through your account portal.
Set a date
Select the date and location–online or in-person–for your exam. (An exam fee payment is required during this step.)
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Time to study! We're here to support you. We have study materials available, including an interactive study guide and EKG practice test.
Take the exam
You'll take the two-hour exam either at your school, a PSI testing center near you, or through live remote proctoring at the location of your choice.
Get your results
For online exams, NHA will officially post your certification results to your account page within two days of scoring your test.
Is your school or employer sponsoring your exam?
When you create your NHA account, be sure to select your organization type, school or training center, or employer in order to:
- Access any pre-purchased materials or exams available to you
- Take advantage of possible discounts
- Share your exam results with your school or employer
Ready to get your certification?
Prepare for your NHA Certified EKG Technician (CET) Certification Exam
Access proven CET exam preparation materials that are designed to help you succeed.
*The purchase of NHA exam preparation materials is not required to sit for any NCCA-accredited certification exam and use does not guarantee a passing score on an exam. All NHA exams are NCCA-accredited.
NHA Mobile —
Empowering learner success with study-on-the-go flashcards aligned to your enrolled NHA course.
Preparing your students or healthcare team for their CET exam?
Talk to a certification specialist & see how easy it is to get started with your partners at NHA!
Renew your certification
Keeping your certification current is a small investment (just $8 per month!) that can help you achieve your healthcare career goals.
Continuing Education
- 10 Continuing Education (CE) credits are required every two years to maintain certification
- NHA's continuing education courses are free to current certification holders
- You can complete your 10 CE credits any time prior to your certification expiration and our CE library is available online 24/7
- Our CE library is continuously updated so you can learn the latest protocols and techniques
Learn More About Continuing Education ‣
Need to renew your certification?