If you need help studying for the Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) exam 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 CPSGT practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the CPSGT exam, you’ll have to meet the requirements of at least ONE of the pathways below:
- Clinical Experience: You need at least three months of polysomnography experience and must complete a STAR-designated self-study education program.
- CAAHEP/CoARC Student: You need to be a student within two months of graduating (or be a graduate from) a polysomnography tech education program.
- Focused Training: You need to complete STAR-designated focused education.
If you meet the requirements in one of the pathways, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 75 multiple-choice questions total, but only 60 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 15 unscored questions on the CPSGT exam are called “pretest” questions. These are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the test.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are pretest. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 2 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 CPSGT exam.
1. Sleep Study Preparation and Performance
45% of the exam
- Reviewing patient information and perform clinical assessment
- Technical preparation for procedure
- Following procedures and protocols
- Identifying, responding to, and documenting findings
2. Sleep Physiology Recognition and Summary
30% of the exam
- Recognizing physiologic events in adults and pediatrics
- Performing calculations and documenting observations
3. Therapeutic Treatment and Intervention
25% of the exam
- Administering CPAP and bilevel therapy
- Oxygen therapy
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on BRPT’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 $300.
CPSGT Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 200 and 500.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the CPSGT test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test one more time to try for a better score.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee when you retake the test, and you can only retake the test one time.
FAQs
How many questions are on the CPSGT exam?
The exam contains 75 questions.
What is the time limit for the CPSGT exam?
The exam is timed at 2 hours.
What is the passing score for the CPSGT exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 350 to pass.
How much does the CPSGT exam cost?
The testing fee is $300.