First Computer-Based RPSGT Exam A Great Success

May 30 is Deadline for June/July Exam

McLean, VA - April 27, 2006

Results are in for the first ever computer-based examination to become a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) and the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists has declared the new methodology a resounding success.

"It was a great success! The feedback from those who took the exam has been all positive," said current BRPT President Bonnie Robertson, CRT, RPSGT.
"Candidates were able to schedule the exam with greater convenience, at more locations and using state-of-the-art technology."

"Anytime you implement a new system like this it is a somewhat daunting process," explained BRPT Executive Director Bobby Stanley. "The amount of time and energy put into transitioning from a pen and paper test to a computer-based exam really paid off."

According to Stanley, a tremendous team effort between the 11-member Board, staff and BRPT's new testing partner Pearson VUE, one of the largest electronic testing services in the world, were major factors in being able to add test sites in the U.S. and internationally and smooth the transition to meet many of the improvements that were needed, based on BRPT's own assessments and the results of a survey conducted in 2004 among registered and non-registered sleep technologists.

In addition to more test sites, those improvements included increasing the number of days the exam can be taken (from two days per year to nearly 50 days, grouped into two-week testing windows offered four times a year).

Turnaround time on scoring the exam was vastly improved with candidates who had provided email contact information receiving initial notification within ten business days of the final day of the March testing window.

For the second exam in a row, BRPT also reported pass rates over 60%, considered a good standard by credentialing organizations and a positive step towards the BRPT Board's goal of improving the pass ratio without lowering the rigorous standards of the RPSGT examination.

"All systems are go for the next testing window from June 26 through July 9, with an application deadline of 5 pm on May 30, 2006," said Stanley. Details on eligibility, an online application and a free downloadable Candidate Handbook are available at www.brpt.org. In response to suggestions from previous candidates, in the past year, BRPT has also made available a Study Guide for purchase, as well as two online practice exams.

Those who took the RPSGT exam in December 2005, but did not pass, are eligible to re-take the exam in June 2006.

The RPSGT is respected worldwide as the leading credential for polysomnographic technologists. Headquartered in the Virginia/DC Metropolitan Area, the BRPT is an independent, nonprofit certification board that cultivates the highest professional and ethical standards for polysomnographic technologists. In addition to administering the RPSGT exam during four, two-week testing windows each year throughout the United States and internationally, the BRPT also maintains the RPSGT registry. For more information, call (703) 610-9020, or visit www.brpt.org.