Application Instructions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A total of 23665 individuals are Active CNMT Certificants
INTRODUCTION TO
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
This information will familiarize you with the NMTCB's
application and examination administration procedures. It is important
that you understand and follow the procedures outlined in this web
page. Read the entire application instructions carefully before
completing and submitting your application. You are responsible for
knowing its contents. Retain these instructions for reference and
contact the NMTCB office at the address on the home page if you have
any questions. The NMTCB application and instructions are revised and
printed annually to reflect changes in policies and eligibility
requirements. Please contact the NMTCB office if you would like to
receive a printed copy of the application and instructions booklet.
The NMTCB does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of
age, sex, race, religion, physical impairment, marital status, or
national origin.
The NMTCB follows current policy on eligibility requirements. For
current policy see Eligibility
Requirements.
A new era for nuclear medicine technologist certification
began September 15, 1978 with the administration of the first NMTCB
examination to 652 candidates at 24 test sites across the United
States. This examination has been updated and re-administered at least
annually since 1978. The NMTCB examination has been designed to test
the application of knowledge necessary for competent performance at
entry-level into nuclear medicine technology.
In 1977, the NMTCB was established as an independent certifying board
primarily because two important needs were not being satisfied by the
credentialing mechanisms then available to nuclear medicine
technologists. The first need was one of identity. Nuclear medicine
technology was not recognized as a distinct and separate professional
entity, partly because nuclear medicine credentials were offered by
other professional organizations mainly focused on other specialties.
It became apparent during the 1970’s that the knowledge and
skills required in nuclear medicine technology necessitated a unique
background and training. The second need was for an examination that
reflected current practice and the entire scope of practice for nuclear
medicine technology.
Charged to satisfy these two needs of our profession, the NMTCB was
founded and dedicated to the development and administration of a
certification examination. Recognizing the need for professional
psychometric expertise, the NMTCB contracted with a nationally recognized
computerized test administration service for examination development and administration
services. Based on their recommendations and other pertinent
information, the NMTCB committed itself to developing a
competency-based, criterion-referenced certification examination.
As testing theory evolved, the NMTCB became aware of the advantages of Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). Scheduling flexibility, higher quality images, faster results, and a shorter examination while maintaining a high standard of testing were the primary reasons that the NMTCB chose to implement CAT in 1996. The NMTCB examination is available year-round.
Testing theory has evolved to a high degree in recent years. Although some of the theory behind the new testing mechanisms has been in existence for a number of years, the prevalence of computers has made it possible to use these new techniques in a more global manner. A primary benefit of computerized tests is to provide a greater flexibility to the examinee in scheduling.
Since nuclear medicine is image oriented, it has always been a goal of the Board to employ more and better images as part of the testing procedure. The use of computers presents a good vehicle for accomplishing this goal. In addition, computer testing permits faster scoring and reporting results.
A newer type of testing is Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). In essence the computer adapts to the knowledge of the individual and asks a sufficient number of questions to determine how well the candidate knows the material. The computer selects the questions in a random fashion, so two individuals taking the exam at the same time will not see the same questions. Likewise, an individual taking the exam at a later date will not see the same exam. This makes it possible to have a variable schedule of examinations, and yet maintain a high standard of testing. The NMTCB employs a particular form of CAT, called Computerized Classification Testing or CCT, which aims to make a single accurate decision on the examinee’s pass/fail status.
In CCT, an individual whose performance is significantly above or below the passing score will require fewer questions for classification. On the other hand, an individual whose performance is not clearly identified will need to answer more questions to demonstrate the required knowledge to pass the exam. The classification process will not be obvious to the examinee since there will be a certain number of unscored pretest questions that will be asked to obtain statistics on new questions for future use. The time for the examination process using CAT is shorter than the standard paper-and-pencil exams but the variable length of the exam allows for a sufficient number of questions to accurately classify a candidate.
One of the benefits of the computer examination is that the examinee’s test results will be available at the test site upon completion of the exam. The official notification of results, conferral of CNMT Certification, annual certification card, and Exam certificate will be mailed to the successful examinee by the NMTCB office. Another benefit is that the Board offers the CAT certification exam year-round in order to provide the maximum scheduling flexibility and convenience for examinees. Application for the examination may be submitted at any time, but must be submitted at least two (2) months prior to the desired testing date. Once a candidate has been approved, three (3) months will be allowed in which to take the exam. When determined eligible, the applicant will receive a letter listing available test site locations and the telephone numbers to call to schedule an individual testing appointment at a convenient time and location.
At the test site, each examinee is assigned a testing station which consists of an individual carrel with a computer, keyboard, mouse, monitor with an adjustable screen and chair. The monitors are checked according to a quality control checklist. Thus, another advantage in computerized testing is the ability to provide a uniform environment.
After being checked in at the test site, the examinee will complete a short tutorial on the computer that explains the test taking process. The examinee will have as much time as is needed to go through the tutorial to be certain that the process is understood. The candidate will then have the full time allotted for the exam. Test site personnel are available to assist as needed. A complete history file of all candidates is maintained and it is possible to verify score responses upon request within a reasonable time.
EXAMINATION DATES, FEES, TIMES, AND DEADLINES
The NMTCB Examination is offered year-round. The examination processing fee is $175.00. Applications and the required fee must be received two (2) months before the desired test date. Application receipt dates are used to determine the beginning of the application cycle. Once you have been found eligible to sit for the examination, you will receive an authorization letter listing available test sites and their telephone numbers. You will then have a three (3) month window in which to schedule your examination.
Once you have been found eligible to sit for the exam, you will receive a confirmation email that you need to take with you to your test. Please print this email and bring with you to the test site. If you misplace this email, you may login to the IQT site where you registered and print another copy. If you need to change your appointment, you may login to your account and change your appointment within the existing (3) month window you were assigned. Please note that if you need to reschedule an existing appointment, you will be charged a $25.00 processing fee at the time you reschedule.
To schedule, you must follow the instructions you receive via the confirmation email. During the summer and fall heavy testing months, early appointment scheduling prior to your preferred date is strongly recommended. If a candidate fails to appear for a scheduled day and time, the candidate must reactivate his or her authorization and pay another $175.00 fee. If a candidate fails to make an appointment for the examination within the three (3) months, the candidate must re-activate his or her authorization and pay $87.50 to initiate another testing cycle.
Example dates
| Application Received | Processed | Testing Period |
| April 22 | Authorization email sent by June 22 | June 22 to September 22 |
THE APPLICATION FORM
Read all instructions in this web page carefully before submitting an application. Incomplete applications delay processing and may affect eligibility.
NMT TRAINING PROGRAM
GRADUATE APPLICANTS
NMT Program graduates must complete the "Program Graduate Section" of the
online application
or complete and mail to us the printable
application. Graduates of approved nuclear medicine
technology programs are eligible to take the NMTCB Certification
Examination. Approved programs include JRCNMT (Joint Review Committee
on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology) approved
programs and programs from a regionally accredited academic institution
which grants a certificate, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree
in nuclear medicine technology. This includes schools, colleges, or
universities accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies:
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools
and Colleges, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Schools and
Colleges. Refer to the NMTCB recognized nuclear
medicine technology program table to find your school.
Enter the name of the school and the school code in the appropriate
section on the application form. If your school is not listed in this
table, contact the NMTCB office.
If you have graduated at the time of application, you may enclose an official
transcript or a notarized copy of the
certificate or diploma awarded, and submit it with your completed
application. This will aid in the speed at which your application is
processed. If it has been five (5) years or more since the time of your
graduation, you must send official transcripts or a notarized copy of
your diploma.
If you have not graduated at the time of completing the application,
please be reminded that you will not receive your authorization letter
until we verify that you have completed all clinical and didactic
requirements for graduation. Your program director has the option to
allow students to apply under the “Early
Scheduling” rules, which allows the student to set up the
exam appointment prior to graduation (although the actual exam date
must be after graduation). Early Scheduling requires the following:
- The Program Director must send in all students applications together (one mailing) with the completed “early scheduling form” at least two months prior to their program completion date.
- The Program Director must contact NMTCB immediately if any student fails to meet the requirements for program completion.
ALTERNATE ELIGIBILITY AND NON-USA TRAINED CANDIDATES
Attention: All eligibility requirements must be completed and the application and fee must be received in the NMTCB office by December 31, 2015 in order to be considered for approval to sit for the NMTCB exam through Alternate Eligibility.
Alternate eligibility candidates must complete the "Alternate Eligibility Section" of the online application or printable application. Eligibility requirements are found below. NMTCB-approved continuing education transcripts, official school transcripts, or notarized copies of certificates, or diplomas, MUST be submitted with the completed application form. Please contact the NMTCB office if you have a question as to whether your coursework is approved. Applicants with degrees in fields other than the physical or biological sciences, or who have not received a degree, must submit an official transcript with their applications. Only clinical nuclear medicine experience is to be listed on the application. The complete name and address and other pertinent information of your current and previous nuclear medicine employers must be included.
Note: The NMTCB defines full-time clinical experience as
40 hours per week (2,000 hours per year). Overtime and call time are
excluded. Technologists who work part-time may apply for the
examination if their total experience is equivalent to the full-time
requirements as stated previously. Employment in temporary positions
may not be included. Clinical experience obtained outside the United
States will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine
equivalency to U.S. standards. The candidate must also provide
documentation of US equivalency regarding the credentials of the
supervising physician.
Personnel directors of the institutions listed on the application will
be sent a form requesting verification of employment dates and clinical
experience. This form must be returned within thirty days of the date
on the form. If the form is not returned, you will be notified.
(Official college or university transcripts must be sent by the
institution directly to the NMTCB office). All of your credentials must
be verified or you may be determined ineligible to take the examination.
Your application will be delayed if the information you provide is
incomplete. Failure to provide complete and accurate information of
your clinical experience can delay or preclude your taking the
examination.
If your alternate eligibility is based on academic coursework and/or a
degree from a foreign university, your official transcripts, grades,
and other records must first be evaluated to include both an
equivalency evaluation and subject breakdown by one of the NMTCB
approved credential evaluation services.
Two of these Evaluation Agencies are listed below:
The International Education Research Foundation
Credentials Evaluation Service
P.O. Box 3665
Culver City, CA 90231-3655
(310) 258-9451
World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113-0745
(212) 966-6311
This evaluation must be completed and submitted directly to the NMTCB by one of the approved credential evaluation services. The NMTCB does not pay fees associated with transcript evaluation.
NMTCB has compiled a List of Didactic courses to satisfy the 45 hour coursework required. You may find that list at this link: LIST OF DIDACTIC COURSES
APPLICANTS WITH A DISABILITY
The NMTCB will make every reasonable effort to accommodate applicants for the Certification Examination who have a disability as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. An applicant who wishes to request modifications in the environment because of a disability must notify the NMTCB in writing at the time of application and provide appropriate documentation about the disability and the needed modification. Upon receipt of a request for modifications in the testing environment, the NMTCB office will provide detailed guidelines concerning the required documentation to be submitted. The supporting documentation must be submitted in sufficient time to make proper arrangements to take the examination under conditions which will accurately reflect the applicant's achievement level. Requests for modifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
REACTIVATION OF APPLICATION
If you have previously taken the examination, your
application remains on file for three (3) years from the date of the
original application or for six testing attempts, whichever comes
first. If you do not pass the entry-level exam within the three-year
window, you must re-apply and meet the current eligibility
requirements. Eligible candidates may repeat the examination by
reactivating their eligibility with a written request to the NMTCB
along with the current processing fee.
The following policies apply when an examinee fails the entry-level
examination :
- After the first failure, you may apply to retake the exam as soon as two weeks following the date of the first failure.
- After a second failure, you must wait six months between examination dates.
- After a third failure, you must document satisfactory completion
of a minimum of fifteen (15) contact hours of coursework in each of
the following areas: radiopharmacy,
nuclear medicine instrumentation
and radiation safety.
Only coursework from an accredited college or
university, accredited nuclear medicine program or approved continuing
education credits recognized by NMTCB, such as VOICE/ECE, will be accepted.
See Didactic Coursework.
The examinee may then go through the three steps above again (i.e., three additional attempts to pass the exam). - After a total of six unsuccessful attempts to pass the exam, you must successfully complete an approved nuclear medicine technology training program to become eligible to retake the examination.
Applicants who were determined ineligible to take the examination, but who later meet the current eligibility requirements, may reapply, pay the current processing fee and reactivate their application.
Candidates who fail to make an appointment within the three (3) month testing cycle allowed can reactivate their eligibility by paying a reactivation fee of $87.50. Candidates who failed to appear for an appointment at a testing center may reactivate their eligibility by paying the full processing fee of $175.00. This is because the testing center charges the full fee to the NMTCB if a candidate fails to appear for the appointment or fails to change the appointment within the allowable time.
When reactivating your eligibility, your request should include your current name, the name used on your original application (if changed), NMTCB file number, address and phone number, and date of last examination in your request.
NAME, ADDRESS OR EMAIL CHANGE
If you change your name, address or email address after submitting your application, you must inform the NMTCB in writing immediately. Documentation is required for name changes. If the NMTCB is not promptly notified, you may not receive your authorization letter to take the examination, your official score report and certification card may be delayed or your certificate may be incorrectly prepared, resulting in a replacement cost. Your cooperation will ensure the most expeditious receipt of your NMTCB certificate.
REPLACEMENT OF AUTHORIZATION LETTER
If you lose your printed candidate admission email you may reprint it by logging in to your account with the username and password that is provided in your confirmation email. Please note that the username and password are case sensitive.
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
Apply online, or send your completed application with a check or money order for the examination processing fee of $175.00 to:
NMTCB
Examinations Manager
3558 Habersham at Northlake, Bldg. I
Tucker, GA 30084
Please submit your application well before your desired testing date. Applications are processed in the order received.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF APPLICATION
Once the NMTCB has received your completed application and
fees, an acknowledgement email will be sent to you. Please be certain that
we have a current email address that you will continue to maintain throughout the
examination process.
Acknowledgement does not imply eligibility to
sit for the examination. If you have not received this email within
three weeks after you submitted the application, please contact the
NMTCB office for instructions.
CREDENTIALS VERIFICATION
Once the NMTCB has received a complete application, it is processed. Verification of graduation status of NMT program applicants is determined by a letter sent to their program director. All verifications must be returned by the program director. You MUST have fulfilled all graduation requirements to sit for the certification examination and the NMTCB will not mail your authorization letter until the verification has been received. Early scheduling applicants will receive their authorization letters 3-4 weeks prior to graduation.
For alternate eligibility candidates, personnel directors of the institutions listed on the application will be sent a form requesting verification of employment dates and clinical experience. This form must be returned within thirty (30) days of the date on the form. If the form is not returned, you will be notified. (Official college or university transcripts must be sent by the institution directly to the NMTCB office). All of your credentials must be verified or you may be determined ineligible to take the examination.
DISCREPANT INFORMATION
You will be notified by letter, telephone, or facsimile of any discrepancies between the information provided on your application and the information the NMTCB is able to verify. Any unresolved discrepancies may cause you to be determined ineligible to sit for the examination and result in postponement of your examination or permanent disqualification.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
You will be mailed an authorization letter upon verification of your credentials. This letter will inform you of the current test site to contact to schedule an appointment and include additional information. Take your authorization letter and a currently valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) to the test site when reporting for your appointment. Eligible candidates will have three (3) months in which to call for and schedule an individual appointment and take the examination at one of the test sites. Test results will be available at the test site following the exam. Failure to take the exam within the three (3) months eligibility period will invalidate your eligibility and you will be required to reactivate your eligibility with an additional reactivation fee described above. If you have not received the authorization letter within two (2) months after receipt of your application acknowledgement, please contact the NMTCB office.
INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
You will be notified in writing of any item(s) necessary to complete your file. All materials must be completed and received by the NMTCB office in a timely manner or you will be determined ineligible. Ineligible applicants will be notified of the circumstances regarding the ineligibility determination. No refunds are given. It is to your advantage to submit your application prior to your desired test date in case clarification is required.
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE EXAMINATION
You are expected to make an appointment and appear for the examination within the three (3) month testing period. To change your appointment time or to cancel without penalty, follow these instructions:
You may change or cancel your appointment by contacting ISO Quality Testing at 1-866-773-1114 between the hours of M-F 8am-5pm, EST. Please note that you will be charged a fee of $25.00 every time you reschedule your appointment. In the event that you are unable to make a previously scheduled appointment, you must cancel a minimum of 5 business days (excluding holidays) prior to the scheduled examination to avoid further charges. In the event of a medical emergency, military deployment, or the death of immediate family member, documentation must be provided to ISO Quality testing to cancel the scheduled examination and must be done before the scheduled appointment. If you fail to make an appointment for your examination, you will be charged a fee of $87.50 before you will be permitted to reschedule. If you miss your scheduled appointment, you will be charged the full $175.00 to reactivate your application. It is your responsibility to cancel the appointment within the guidelines. Keep a record of the date, time and the name of the person handling the call.
NOTE: If a holiday occurs during the normal cancellation period, this schedule adjusts to define "timely cancellation" as one day earlier.
There may be delays in scheduling due to testing volume. It is to your advantage to schedule your appointment soon after receiving your authorization letter.
A request for withdrawal of an application that was received by the NMTCB office will result in total forfeiture of the exam application fee.
RETURNED CHECKS
Checks returned by the bank to the NMTCB office for any
reason are subject to a $40.00 returned check fee. The returned check
fee and the replacement fee must be submitted in certified funds only
(money order, cashier’s check, etc.). A personal check cannot
be accepted as replacement. All NMTCB financial obligations must be met
before the authorization letter is sent.
NMTCB ELIGIBILITY
REQUIREMENTS
Effective January 1, 2007, all eligibility standards required to sit for the entry-level examination must be completed within the 5 year period immediately prior to the candidate’s application. A candidate must show documented evidence of having completed ONE of the following in the previous five years:
- Completion of a NMTCB recognized nuclear medicine technology program
- Completion of a certificate, associate degree or baccalaureate degree in nuclear medicine technology program from a regionally accredited academic institution.* Regionally accredited college and university programs must have structured clinical training sufficient to provide clinical competency in radiation safety, instrumentation, clinical procedures, and radiopharmacy. This should require approximately 1000 hours of clinical training supervised by program faculty.
- Alternate Eligibility and Non-USA trained candidates (Must
meet requirements listed under section A, B, and C below). Attention:
All eligibility requirements must be completed and the
application and fee must be received in the NMTCB office by December
31, 2015 in order to be considered for approval to sit for the NMTCB
exam through Alternate Eligibility.
- Education Requirement (Completion of one of the
following)
- A baccalaureate or associate degree in one of the physical or biological sciences
- A baccalaureate or associate degree in other disciplines with successful completion of courses in the following areas: college algebra, physics, chemistry, human anatomy, and physiology
- Active national certification as a registered medical technologist (MT)
- Active national certification as a registered radiographer (RT)
- Active license as a registered nurse (RN)
- Active national certification as a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS)
- Active national certification as a radiation therapist (RTT)
- Active certification as a CAMRT nuclear medicine technologist
- Clinical Experience
Within the 5 year period immediately prior to the candidate's application, four years full-time (or 8000 hours) of clinical experience in nuclear medicine technology under the supervision of a physician (MD/DO) board certified in nuclear radiology (ABR) or nuclear medicine (ABNM) or isotopic pathology (ABP) or an authorized physician user of radioactive materials with special competency in nuclear medicine.
- Didactic Coursework Requirement
Within the 5 year period immediately prior to the candidate's application, satisfactory completion of a minimum of fifteen (15) contact hours of coursework in each of the following areas: radiopharmacy, nuclear medicine instrumentation and radiation safety. Only coursework from an accredited college or university, accredited nuclear medicine program or approved continuing education credits recognized by NMTCB, such as SNMTS VOICE Credits or ASRT Evidence of Continuing Education (ECE), will be accepted. See Didactic Coursework
- Education Requirement (Completion of one of the
following)
- Graduation from a nuclear medicine technology or related program in another country. These individuals should contact the NMTCB office for eligibility requirements. Required documentation will include but not be limited to a complete program description with course descriptions, contact hours, and documentation of clinical experience. Proof of graduation must also be a part of the documentation.
- CNMTs requesting reexamination for competency.
NOTE: Candidates who believe they have equivalent qualifications may petition the Credentials Committee for consideration. Documentation is required.
*Schools, colleges, or universities accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies:
- Middle States Association of Colleges
and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
If your alternate eligibility is based on academic coursework and/or a degree from a foreign university, your official transcripts, grades, and other records must first be evaluated to include both an equivalency evaluation and subject breakdown by one of the NMTCB approved credential evaluation services.
Two of these Evaluation Agencies are listed below:
The International Education Research Foundation
Credentials Evaluation Service
P.O. Box 3665
Culver City, CA 90231-3655
(310) 258-9451
World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113-0745
(212) 966-6311
This evaluation must be completed and submitted directly to the NMTCB by one of the approved credential evaluation services. The NMTCB does not pay fees associated with transcript evaluation.
EXAMINATION CONTENT
To ensure the relevancy of the examination to career-entry practice, the NMTCB has developed and maintains a comprehensive task analysis that defines those tasks which are expected to be performed during the first year of practice. The comprehensive list of tasks generated through task analysis is divided into four groups. Each group is assigned a percentage by the expert opinion of the Board of Directors. The four groups and the percentages are as follows: I. Radiation Safety (15%), II. Instrumentation (20%), III. Clinical Procedures (45%), and IV. Radiopharmacy (20%). The number of items on each test is based on the percentages listed above. For example, a one hundred item test would have15 radiation safety-related items, 20 on instrumentation, 45 on clinical procedures, and 20 based on Radiopharmacy-related content. This task analysis is an ongoing activity and is validated to determine current practice. Based on the results of the validation study, tasks may be added or deleted from the entry-level domain, and the examination matrix (blueprint) and item bank are revised and updated accordingly.
EXAMINATION FORMAT
The NMTCB certification examination consists exclusively of 5-option multiple choice items. Each item includes a keyed (correct) response and 4 distractors (incorrect responses). A large percentage of the items are written by the Board of Directors. The remainder are written by NMTCB Certificants who voluntarily submit items. Once items are submitted to the Board, each item undergoes a series of quality control measures. Board of Directors thoroughly review newly written items for appropriateness and accuracy of the content, potential candidate bias, the quality of any images used, and other psychometric issues related to the language/grammar and test-wiseness. Sample questions can be viewed on the NMTCB web site Sample Questions
The test is offered on computers at IQT Testing Centers located throughout the country as well as many other parts of the world. When taking the test, examinees see items in a random content order. Candidates may not skip a test question, and are not permitted to return to an item. Candidates are permitted to change their answers before the moving on, at which time the item is scored by the computer.
PREPARATION
Applicants frequently ask for assistance in preparing for the NMTCB examination. While it is not possible for the NMTCB to recommend specific study materials, the following information may help in your preparation.
The NMTCB examination is task-oriented. This means that the examination does not test the recall of basic knowledge but tests the application of such knowledge to nuclear medicine technology practice. For example, the mode of radioactive decay and interactions of radiation and matter are not tested. Knowledge of these two areas, however, can be applied in choosing appropriate shielding for radioactive materials or selecting the optimum collimator for imaging. The job-related tasks included on the NMTCB examination are outlined in the NMTCB Task Analysis of Nuclear Medicine Technology , they are: Task List, Procedures List, Equipment List, Pharmaceuticals List, and the Components of Preparedness (COP) Statements.
Copies of these documents are provided to program directors and are available from the NMTCB office upon request. Applicants should review these documents carefully.
Applicants can best prepare for the NMTCB examination by:
- Reviewing their practical experience and comparing it to those tasks outlined in the Task Analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Reviewing a current textbook of nuclear medicine technology and issues of recent nuclear medicine technology journals. [While the NMTCB does not address research topics, teaching editorials and continuing education articles appearing in a recent journal may provide a useful review of current clinical practice.]
- Reviewing all tasks that make up the NMTCB Examination Matrix.
- Reviewing the Components of Preparedness (COP) statements that relate to each task.
EXAMINATION
ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES
TEST SITES
The NMTCB certification examination is offered through IQT Testing Centers. These centers are managed by Iso-Quality Testing (IQT). A list of the testing centers and their locations is available to NMTCB candidates on the IQT website www.isoqualitytesting.com/locations.aspx.
ADMISSION TO THE TEST SITE
Procedures have been established to ensure that examination integrity and security are maintained:
- You must show your candidate admission letter to the examination supervisor and have your signature verified by the examination supervisor;
- You must provide current, valid photo identification bearing your signature. Examples are a valid driver's license, government (including state) issued identification card or passport;
- Your name and social security number will be verified against the examinee roster and the examination supervisor will assign you a computer carrel.
- All computer carrels are clearly visible by test site personnel. You will be monitored as you take the examination. If you have questions during the tutorial, test site personnel can assist you. Once the examination has started, test site personnel cannot answer any questions.
- Computer experience is NOT necessary for an individual to be able to complete the examination. A practice tutorial will guide the candidate in answering sample questions. The candidate will be able to use the keyboard or a mouse to signify an answer.
- You cannot skip an answer to a question. You may change your answer but once you choose to move on, you may not return to the question.
EXAMINATION SECURITY
The NMTCB Examination is copyrighted and owned by the NMTCB. Any attempt to reproduce any portion of the examination is prohibited by law and violators will be vigorously prosecuted.
USE OF CALCULATORS
Calculators are allowed only if they are noiseless and battery or solar-powered. No provisions or time will be allowed or given to repair or replace broken calculators. You may not share calculators. Calculators capable of storing text (i.e., a key for every letter in the alphabet) will not be allowed by test site personnel. You will be observed at all times while taking the examination. This will include direct observation by test site personnel.
EXAMINEE COMMENTS
The NMTCB values and welcomes your opinions and comments on the examination facilities, examination application and administration procedures, and the examination itself. Following the examination, you will be given an opportunity to make comments. All comments are later summarized and presented to the Board of Directors. In addition, you may send a letter of concern by writing the NMTCB office directly and referring to the examination date, examination site, and specific issue(s) of concern. If you have comments about particular examination questions, please try to restate the question as accurately as possible in the letter to the NMTCB office. The Board of Directors will review all comments and send a reply, if possible.
GUESSING
Results on the NMTCB Examination are based on the number of
questions answered correctly. No points are subtracted for incorrect
responses; there is no penalty for guessing. You must answer every
question even if you are not sure of the answer. The computer will not
allow you to continue to the next question without answering the
question on the screen. If you are not sure of the correct answer, make
your best guess and move on to the next question.
THE PASSING STANDARD
The NMTCB uses a criterion-reference standard to ensure a consistent standard of competency. A criterion-reference standard means that passing or failing depends solely upon a candidate’s level of performance on the particular questions that are presented by the design of the test. The test design includes the coverage of specific content. Because of the test design, the computer does not always select a harder question when you answer a question correctly and an easier one when you miss it. The number of questions on the exam from each group is based on the percentage of tasks each of the four groups is of the total number of tasks. Once the minimum number of questions has been answered, testing stops when: (1) a candidate’s performance is determined as being either above or below the passing standard with a predetermined level of certainty: (2) the maximum number of questions have been asked; or, (3) the time limit has been reached. Pre-test questions are seamlessly incorporated into the examination. It is important to understand that each candidate has ample opportunity to demonstrate true competence and is given an examination that conforms to the NMTCB test plan. Your official test results letter will include a scaled score along with other performance measures.
RESCORING
Strict quality control procedures are performed to ensure the accuracy of the examination results reported. You may have your examination manually rescored for a fee. Any requests for rescoring must be made in writing within two (2) months of receipt of the original official score report and must include the rescoring fee of $50.00 (made payable to the NMTCB). Rescoring very seldom changes reported score results.
CONFIDENTIALITY/RELEASE OF INFORMATION
Candidate application status and examination results are held confidential. Without the prior approval of candidates, no score results or examination status is released to the public. However, to assist program directors and medical directors to better evaluate the effectiveness of nuclear medicine technology programs, examination results will be sent to program officials. These results assist in further strengthening curriculum and clinical experiences provided. The NMTCB will verify, upon request from employer and state licensing agencies, whether or not an individual has an active certificate.
- To schedule, the candidate must login online with the username and password that is provided to you by email. Scheduling your appointment well in advance of your desired date is strongly recommended during the summer and fall heavy testing periods. Take your authorization letter with you. Bring at least one current (not expired) piece of photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. No examination candidate will be admitted to the examination site without proper identification.
- Report to your examination test site approximately fifteen (15) minutes before your appointment. If an unexpected event delays or prevents you from reporting at your appointed time, contact the test center immediately. Candidates who arrive late will not be allowed to take the examination. Visitors are not allowed in the immediate area of the examination site.
- You will have one hour and fifty-five minutes to complete a total of 90 questions. Plan your time carefully. You are encouraged to bring a wristwatch. You will be notified 15 minutes before the end of your time. The examination includes a number of non-scored pre-test questions which are seamlessly incorporated into the exam. You cannot skip a question. You can change an answer but once you move on, you cannot return to a question. Testing stops when 90 questions have been asked, or the time limit is reached.
- Scratch paper will be provided at the test center for the use of making notes during the exam. Do not bring notes, books, or papers of any kind.
- Calculators are permitted only if they are noiseless and battery or solar-powered. No provisions or time will be allowed or given to repair or replace broken calculators. You may not share calculators. Calculators capable of storing text (i.e., a key for each letter of the alphabet) will not be permitted by test site personnel.
- You must contact the testing company no later than noon of five business days prior to your appointment to be able to change your appointment. You may reschedule by logging into your account and pay the $25 rescheduling fee at that time. If you wait longer than five business days, additional fees will apply. If you do not schedule an appointment within the three (3) month eligibility period, you will have to reactivate your authorization, apply and pay an additional examination fee.
- A comment section is provided at the end of the examination. After you have finished, we encourage you to comment on the examination, examination site, test site personnel, or any aspect of our credentialing program.
- If you need to leave the room during the examination, all examination materials must be surrendered to the test site supervisor until your return. You may not make up lost time. Only one examinee at a time may leave the room.
- Notify the test site supervisor in case of sudden illness. If you withdraw from the examination due to illness, your examination will be scored.
- At the end of the examination, you will have the option of viewing your preliminary results on the screen. If you finish the examination early, you may leave early. Written preliminary examination results will be given to you before you leave the test site.
- If your examination attempt is successful, a certificate packet will be mailed to you after the NMTCB receives your examination results. Included in the packet will be a pocket card that is good for three months after your examination date. You will also receive a renewal in your certification packet. Once you complete the renewal and return it to the NMTCB, your certification will be good through your next birth month.
- If your examination attempt is unsuccessful, a score report and a ranking of your relative performance by content area will be mailed to you after the NMTCB receives your e xamination results. If you are eligible for another attempt to retake the examination, a Reactivation Form will be mailed to you along with the score report at that time.
- No examination results will be given over the telephone under any circumstances. If you move after taking the examination, notify the NMTCB office promptly to ensure timely receipt of o fficial notification of results, conferral of CNMT Certification, annual certification card, and certificate. Be sure to file a forwarding order with the post office.
PRIVILEGES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
PRIVILEGES OF CERTIFICATION
Passing the NMTCB Certification Examination entitles you to certain privileges and obligates you to fulfill certain responsibilities. These are summarized below:
CERTIFICATE: The most immediate
benefit of certification is your certificate which will be mailed to
you in approximately two (2) weeks after successful completion of the
examination.
CREDENTIALS: Upon certification, you will
also be granted the right to use the title, Certified Nuclear Medicine
Technologist and the credential CNMT after your name.
ANNUAL CARD AND YEAR SEAL: A personalized
pocket-size annual identification card and year seal will be mailed to
you after you receive your examination results. Most certificants
attach the year seal to their certificate and carry the pocket
identification card with them. The pocket identification card is a
convenient method to provide your employer, governmental agencies and
others with documentation that you are certified and registered in
nuclear medicine. An updated pocket identification card and year seal
will be mailed to you annually upon payment of the annual registration
fees.
DIRECTORY LISTING: The names of all
currently registered certificants are listed in the "NMTCB Directory of
Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologists", on the NMTCB website. The
directory is made available only to other NMTCB certificants.
NMTCB NEWSLETTER: The NMTCB NEWS,
published semi-annually, is provided to all certificants. NMTCB NEWS
covers topics of concern to certified technologists, trends in NMT
education, developments in health care, nationwide salary comparisons,
and other professional information.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CERTIFICATION
ANNUAL REGISTRATION: Perhaps the greatest responsibility of certification is annual registration. Once you are certified by the NMTCB, you remain certified and certification cannot be revoked without due process. It is necessary for you to register your certification annually with the NMTCB. Your annual registration fee pays for the privileges you enjoy as an NMTCB Certificant. More importantly, your annual registration fee supports the certification process for nuclear medicine professionals, thereby enhancing the profession of nuclear medicine technology.
The following NMTCB policies are available in their entirety online.
The NMTCB entry-level examination is a test of knowledge. The knowledge base for nuclear medicine technology continues to change. Therefore, persons certified by the NMTCB must demonstrate a continued accumulation of knowledge about the field. These are fully described in our Continuing Education Policy
In summary, NMTCB certificants will be required to demonstrate involvement in educational activities by obtaining a minimum of one (1) hour of continuing education or equivalent for each month of the CE Cycle.
Sources of CE Equivalency: The NMTCB also recognizes certain activities as being the equivalent to a specific number of CE hours, even though these are not approved by one of the recognized organizations listed above.
- Specialty examination: successful completion of any specialty examination offered by the NMTCB, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), or American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA). Successful completion of a specialty exam will recognized as the equivalent of 24 hours of CE.Note: The entry level examinations for the NMTCB and the ARRT (Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy, Sonography or Primary Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are not considered the equivalent to CE hours.
- Certain college level courses: Official grade transcripts from an accredited post-secondary school must be submitted as proof of successful completion (grade of C or better) of college courses related to the Radiological Health Sciences, Patient Care, Business/ Management, Technology and/or Education. The equivalent of sixteen CE hours will be recognized for successful completion of one semester college credit or 12 CE hours per quarter college credit.
- Successful completion of ACLS will be recognized as the equivalent of 6 CE hours per 2-year cycle. A signed and dated copy of the ACLS certification card must be submitted for the credits to be recognized. Successful completion of Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR training is NOT recognized as meeting the continuing education requirements of the NMTCB.
The NMTCB is dedicated to the promotion of safe, competent medical care for any and all individuals. To that end, the NMTCB processes and evaluates applications for NMTCB certification, and monitors adherence to legal and ethical standards, including but not limited to the Code of Ethics of the Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section. The NMTCB therefore requires those participating in these credentialing processes to ascribe to the following standards.
The certificant or applicant shall comply with all existing and future rules, regulations and ethical standards established by the NMTCB and the nuclear medicine community and will bear responsibility for demonstrating compliance with these standards of behavior. Failure to do so may lead to administrative action by the NMTCB against the certificant, including but not limited to the denial of an application, non-renewal of a certificate, revocation, probation, or suspension of any and all NMTCB credentials or applications. The full details of these expectations may be read in our DISCIPLINARY POLICY
The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) is committed to respecting your privacy, and recognizes your need for appropriate protection and management of the personally identifiable information that you share with us. Our Privacy Policy summarizes our current practices related to information gathering and dissemination.
Every effort is made to ensure that the NMTCB examination procedures are reasonable and that fair and equitable treatment is accorded to all applicants. To ensure fairness and a right of redress in the evaluation and processing of applications, examination procedures, and certification activities, the Directors of the NMTCB have established a formal appeals procedure which you must follow for appeal of any NMTCB policy, requirement, or decision.