If you need help studying for the Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free CBET practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the CBET, you’ll have to meet ONE of the requirements below:
- You need an associate degree (or higher) in biomedical equipment technology and at least two years of full-time BMET work experience
- You need to finish a US military biomedical equipment technology program and have at least two years of full-time BMET work experience
- You need an associate degree (or higher) in electronics technology and at least three years of full-time BMET work experience
- You need at least four years of full-time BMET work experience
If you meet one of these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
The exam contains 165 multiple-choice questions total and has a time limit of 3 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the CBET exam.
1. Anatomy and Physiology
12% of the exam
- Functions and interactions of physiological systems
- Components and function of the major organs
2. Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics
10% of the exam
- Foundational electronic theories
- The purpose and usage of various power conditioning, distribution, and storage systems
3. Healthcare Information Technology
14% of the exam
- Protective standards and regulations for protected data
- Troubleshooting PC hardware and networking components
- The interrelatedness of computer applications
- The fundamentals of network configuration
4. Healthcare Technology and Function
25% of the exam
- Physiological concepts pertaining to healthcare technology
- Normal use, function, and underlying technology of test equipment
- Normal use, function, and underlying technology of monitoring equipment
- Normal use, function, and underlying technology of lab equipment and imaging devices
- Normal use, function, and underlying technology of diagnostic equipment
- Normal use, function, and underlying technology of infusion equipment
- Normal use, function, and underlying technology of life support equipment
- Normal use, function, and underlying technology of therapeutic equipment
- Normal use, function, and underlying technology of operating room equipment
5. Healthcare Technology Problem-Solving
25% of the exam
- Resolving fault conditions of modules/subsystems that include power supplies
- Device errors vs. use errors
- Localized monitoring device issue vs. network/system-wide problem
- Identifying fault conditions for monitoring systems
- Identifying fault conditions for lab equipment
- Identifying fault conditions for diagnostic equipment
- Identifying fault conditions for infusion equipment
- Identifying fault conditions for therapeutic equipment
- Identifying fault conditions for operating room equipment
6. Public Safety in the Healthcare Facility
14% of the exam
- Applying NFPA 99 to the use of medical equipment
- Interpreting information from safety data sheets
- Applying PPE
- Identifying blood-borne pathogen hazards
- Following universal precautions
- Infection control procedures
- Expectations from accrediting organizations
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on ACI’s website. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things).
When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the testing fee, which is $425. If you’re an AHIMA member, you will only have to pay $375.
CBET Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The scoring system for the CBET is very simple: You get one point for each correct answer, for a maximum of 165 points.
To pass, you’ll need to get at least 116 points.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test after a 60-day waiting period.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay a $375 retake fee ($325 for members) every time you retake the test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the CBET exam?
The CBET contains 165 multiple-choice questions.
How hard is the CBET exam?
The CBET is considered to be a pretty difficult exam. The pass rate is currently 60%.
What is the time limit for the CBET exam?
The exam is timed at 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the CBET exam?
You’ll need to get a final score of at least 116 to pass.
How much does the CBET exam cost?
The testing fee is $425 ($375 for members).